HOW TO SHOP WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK

Here Are 6 Ways to Save Money While Shopping

Shopping can be a frustrating experience. Some days, it’s impossible to find what you’re looking for. Other days, nothing fits. And then there are those days where the price tags just seem way too ridiculous for a piece of cotton (or wool, or denim, etc.). If that’s been your experience, you are not alone.

But when it comes to shopping and building a wardrobe, there are several strategies and tricks you can try out to save at the register. Before your next shopping trip, give these a shot and let me know how it goes!

1) Plan ahead and budget

"Decide what your non-negotiables are for this shopping trip. What pieces do you NEED in your closet right now? That will keep your focus on those pieces, rather than picking up every print that catches your eye or every item on sale."

If you decide ahead of time what you can spend on your trip, then you will keep this in mind the entire time you are shopping.

2) Browse online in advance to compare prices

Check out a few of your favorite stores’ websites. You don’t have to buy, but this will give you an idea of prices and which stores have what you are looking for and which do not.

If you haven’t already, check out my favorite website -- shopstyle.com (@shopstyle). It is a gold mine! Here’s how it works: you type in the search box what you’re looking for. It returns results of everything on the Internet (repeat: EVERYTHING) that fits that description. You can filter the price, size, color, brand, etc. This website will be a game changer for you!

Shoptiques.com is a great option if you are looking for a unique piece. This website is a on-line market for boutiques around the world to sell their inventory to people outside of their local communities.

Also, don't forget the ubiquitous Amazon.com, too (@amazonfashion). They sell clothes from thousands of brands, some you may never have heard of. I find their selection and prices are really expansive. For instance, you can find a white t-shirt for $8 or $88 on Amazon. There’s something for everyone.

3) Save items in your online shopping carts

I rarely buy something the moment I find it on-line. I send it to my shopping cart, and then, I wait. I think about it. I let the possible purchase sit with me. This allows me to decide if I really want it or really need it. I may even consult my closet to see if the new possible purchase fits with my current pieces. This is all just to make sure I’m not impulsively buying something I won’t wear.

The bonus is some websites will even send you a 10% coupon to clear your shopping cart.

4) Play the sales game

I often keep items in my shopping cart for weeks and wait to see if a sale notice comes through my e-mail. Once that item is 40-60% off, I find myself more willing to buy it.

Stores are always sending e-mails about sales. Subscribe for e-mails to your favorite stores. You’ll find yourself “in the know” about the best deals!

A word to the wise:

• Depending on the store, 60% is about as much as a discount as you’ll get, so strike while the iron is hot!

• Be wary of “final sale” - no doubt it’s a good deal, but that may mean no returns or exchanges.

5) Seek out coupons and discount apps

There are tons out there, so feel free to do some research and see which one is best for you. Here are some options:

• Swagbucks -- https://www.swagbucks.com/ This is a plug-in you download to your web browser. It offers you cash back, in gift card form, for shopping at certain online retailers. It keeps a “piggie bank” of your savings and cues you when you arrive at the site to activate your rebate possibilities.

• Honey -- https://www.joinhoney.com/ This is a plug-in you download to your web browser. It pops up anytime you are about to purchase something, and then it searches the internet for coupon codes. I have saved up to $15 off purchases using this.

• RetailMeNot -- https://www.retailmenot.com/ This is an app on your phone. Download it to get location-based sale notices. When you’re walking through a mall, it will tell you all of the sales happening in the mall today. I saved $50 at Bed Bath and Beyond once, using this gem!

• SnipSnap -- http://www.snipsnap.it/ This is an app that lets you snap coupons that you’ve found. I haven’t used it yet, but if you have, let me know how you like it!

6) Embrace the hunt

I love a good retail dig - it's like a treasure hunt! A Nordstrom Rack, Marshall’s or TJ Maxx bargain bin is my happy place. If you are looking for something that is not brand specific, then chances are you’ll find it at a discount store like those mentioned above. I have found designer pieces under $50. I have discovered new brands that now I can’t live without.

And most importantly, I always feel like I am the master of my universe when I leave those places: like Julius Caesar said: “I came, I saw, I conquered.”