stephmodo: Better Shopping

Better Shopping

• 24 April 2008

Although I only end up purchasing about 5% {or less} of the things I spotlight on this blog, it's fun for me to dream a little...like any girl! As I've become more financially savvy over the years, I've learned a few things about the shopping experience as a whole. I thought I'd pass them along to you here. Be sure to share any thoughts or advice you might have in the comments section at the end of the post!


1. If you have children, don't bring them if you can swing it. If you're like me, you'll just end up making bad decisions on what to buy or not buy.

2. If you are even a little unsure about whether or not to purchase an item, don't. Put it on hold and think about it for a day or two. You'll either decide you can or can't live without it and likely save yourself the return/exchange hassle.

3. Set a monthly budget for "fun" purchases

4. When considering purchases, ask yourself, "Do I LOVE it?" and "Will I USE it?". Only fill your life with things you genuinely love or use.

5. Don't make shopping a weekly "recreational sport". Meaning, avoid going shopping every Saturday just for the sake of going shopping. You'll save a lot of money over time!

6. Fill your life and time with activities that don't cost money. For example, head to the gym, take the kids to the park, organize a closet, enjoy a free exhibit, do something nice for someone else or try a new recipe. These activities are fun, productive, and are the kind of thing that will bring real value to your life--quality time, a clean space to live, added cultural knowledge, etc.

So there ya have it...my two cents :) Does anyone else have any tips to share?

10 comments:

  1. Thank you Thank you! I seem to do all of those things wrong, and end up with returns and clutter, 2 things I dont need! I would just add my Dad's favorite quote, "dont go broke on good deals!" Sometimes "on sale" just sounds good no matter what it is...

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  2. Another splurge is to shop with a mom, sister, or a friend. I never make returns when I shop with someone else!

    I would say husband as well - but every time we shop together it is for D!

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  3. I love Chers shopping motto, " Is it ($ amount) cute?
    Is it $10 cute?

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  4. I love that motto too Lee Lee.

    One other thing, if you have to ask someone if it looks cute, then it probably isn't. When something fits, it fits. If you have doubts, you'll never wear it!

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  5. Thanks you for this post! I am such a shopper lateley. If I'm bored with my little ladies and need to bust out of the house we end up shopping. Warm weather where are you?

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  6. Loved this and agree to all suggestions listed! Seriously I dig your blog!

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  7. I really like these tips, especially in this financial crunch!

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  8. Ask each store you visit on a regular basis what their markdown day of the week is. Gap is Wednesday. Shop early-mid morning after everything has been marked down for sweet deals.

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  9. Hi Steph, this is the kind of thing I'm trying to post about on my new blog, but it doesn't get updated too often as I'm mom to a 4 month old! One of the things I've been thinking about lately is how in high school and college I would shop only at thrift/second hand shops and then splurge on nice bras and underpants every now and then. It can be whatever you want but treating yourself to something new when your budget allows for mostly second hand is a great way to go!

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  10. Don't just ask "Will I use it?" Ask yourself, "Can I use it as SOON as I get home?" Otherwise, something might just sit in a closet taking up space.

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Thanks so much for taking the time to drop a line. I really appreciate it!

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