When Shopping Online
Sign up for Swagbucks, Ebates, Honey, or other rewards and loyalty programs. If you are relying on credit cards to get you through this time utilize available money-back and/or points programs. Find free online budget tools to help you prioritize needs versus wants. Look for shopping rebates and apply for them in a reasonable amount of time. You do not worry about social distancing if you apply for them online from the comfort of your home.
When Shopping in Person
Before going shopping make a list and stick to it. Avoid purchasing unnecessary items, your current choices should reflect need not want. Clip coupons from the mailers left in your yard or mailboxes…the savings are amazing!
When Shopping for Entertainment
If you have not already done so, now is the perfect time to become a patron of your local library. Instead of purchasing books and paying for streaming services use your library card to feed your entertainment appetite.
A Pragmatic Approach to Saving While Shopping
- Do not be an impulse buyer
- Price check multiple sources before buying big-ticket items
- Save your change
- Buy Christmas gifts out of season