Have a plan and stick to it. Do not deviate from that plan, or be sidetracked in any way. Go out with a certain amount of money, and make that your limit. Even then, try to to become sidetracked in the melee of sales pitches for things you do not really want – for this will see you waste your money. Along the way there will be many sales – temptations, if you will – all urging you to purchase this, or purchase that. However, you must not be swayed. You must be strict with yourself if you want to stick within your budget without going over.
If you are the kind that shops around looking for bargains to be had, then you will already be experienced in saving money, and what to look out for. Indeed, there are many shoppers out there, who simply do not haggle. Just because something you need is a certain amount of money on the shelves, it does not mean that you cannot haggle over the price – as you would do in a market or souk abroad.
Haggling is part and parcel of buying and selling, and you can nearly always get the price down to what you think is an acceptable level – especially if you are paying cash. This is one sure-fire way of sticking to your budget. Another way, is having a set amount in your mind that you wish to spend – and what you wish to spend it on.
It is no good having money burning a hole in your pocket, if you are just going to waste it. Every purchase you make is carefully planned to stay within your limits, and again, this takes practice, and a keen eye to watch out for those sales and bargains that could be had.
Spending money for spending sake, is one way that will see your money go down the drain very quickly indeed. But, as explained above, bargains can be had if you shop around. Be aware of what is for sale, and whether or not you need that item. There are too many items in which people purchase, because they ‘want’ it, not because they ‘need’ it.
Substitute the word, ‘want’ for ‘need’, and you will soon be saving money, rather than wasting it. Have a plan set out in your mind, of what it is you need, and stick to that plan – without deviation, Be prepared to sacrifice your natural wants for the things you really need, Once you have that plan in mind, then there is no stopping you.
Stores that offer ‘two for the price of one’ you should watch out for. Are they really offering you a bargain? Or are they using a tried and tested sales pitch to lure in unsuspecting and needy customers? That will have to be your choice to decide, once again, whether you need those items, or want them.
There can be no greater satisfaction than saving money after a shopping trip. You have spotted the bargains, and purchased only the things you needed, NOT wanted, This is because you have only taken out a certain amount of money in your walllet or purse. It is this philosophy – when out shopping – that will stand you in good stead to save even more in the future. This is the only sure-fire way of making sure you stick to your personal budget.