Bargain hunt
Do you find it difficult to resist a bargain when you’re out shopping?
If you’re an impulsive shopper, it can be easy to get into the habit of spending money without really thinking about it. A few pounds here on a half price T-shirt, a few pounds there on 3 for 2 DVDs and suddenly your bank balance isn’t looking quite as good as it once was.
The next time you’re tempted by a bargain, ask yourself these questions before you reach for your wallet:
• Do I really need this item? Will owning this item will make any difference to your life? Is it something that you were looking to buy, or did it just catch your eye? Try imagining how you will use the item if you do buy it, or whether you already have something similar at home that will do the job just as well.
• Can I buy an article of the same, or similar, quality more cheaply elsewhere? Shop around; see what you can get from different shops and compare prices before you make a final decision. Try looking on the internet to see if you can save money by shopping on-line.
• How important is quality? The item may look like a bargain, but if it’s of poor quality it could fall apart within two weeks. Sometimes buying a better quality item to begin with will turn out to be cheaper in the long run.
• Will I receive a guarantee with this product? If you are buying an expensive or electrical item, be sure to ask about the guarantee that comes with the product to cover yourself if anything goes wrong. Don’t be talked into buying an ‘extended warranty’ as these can add quite a few extra pounds and aren’t always worth the additional cost.
• And finally… To be certain that you really want to buy something, why not try waiting a week to see if you still want it. Sometimes walking away and giving yourself time to think about an item will help you to determine how much you really want something and help you to assess your needs versus wants.
Find out how you can save money on your food shopping here.
For more advice on finances, why not check out the Credit Actionwebsite?
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