Ever want to successfully hold your own in the budget end of things? Here's how.
1- Establish your wants. Are you trying to buy clothes? Perhaps hunting supplies, or ribbon? For me, it's camera supplies.
2-Know your limits. What are you specifically looking for or need, and also, what are you most comfortable spending? If need be, take a look at common prices for your targeted item(s).
3- Set it at a good price. Whatever you are comfortable with, but look at how many you think you'll need (maximum) and how much (maximum) they could cost. Always go maximum- by maximum, I don't mean 30% extra, just 10%-20%. Don't go crazy! Realize your goal is to stay under your budget limit, not have extra to spend on silly things. Don't forget deals, though! When I say maximum, I don't mean spend on the most costly thing, but instead set yourself up to stay under budget limit.
4- Set a payment method. If you are paying with credit card, maybe a three-month budget is better for your needs. If it's cash, I always suggest a monthly budget. Whenever you don't spend anything for a while, take 50-75% of your monthly budget, multiply with your missed month/time space, and add that to your current monthly budget.
5-Extras. Money, money, money. If you have extra, what to spend it on? I always say two things; naught or few. Don't ever spend all your extra money, because this can result in an all-too common phenomenon- shopaholics, the shopping addiction. Sure, use a bit! But save some. This helps a lot, in the long run.
6- Remember this- the goal in shopping is to not use up all your budget because you can, but to stay below budget limit. Not only that, I love challenging myself to spending as little as possible on quality as much as possible!
7- Know the possibilities. Sometimes ordering online is cheaper than at your local Target or Walmart, often it's vice versa. Whenever you have found a cheaper option, take it into consideration. Remember though, don't buy for cheapness... buy for a good deal on a quality (or much needed) item.
8- Know your debts. If you don't keep track, you could end up worse off. Even a rough estimation is a good help!
Especially when shopping for camera supplies, which has a huge market, I love to look at multiple sellers. Amazon, brand name websites, Kijiji, and once in a while eBay, all provide insightful information (Kijiji and eBay depends on the seller, but if there's variety you get quick access to multiple sellers at once). Amazon has a tab with different sellers, plus shipping, and brand name websites have advantages like clearance. Not only is it involving and at times fun, deal hunting is a great way to save money! With, what, 7 billion people in the world, there's so many deals out there. Saving money may not be easy, but at least there's lots of choice!
I used to be a shopaholic, and if I ever get the urge, outside I go! It reminds me not to spend all of my money, because I could lose the neighbouring woods- which I love.
What stops you from becoming a shopaholic, or how did you overcome it? Perhaps you weren't a shopaholic, and you shop because you have to. Then, what's your favorite part of shopping?