Being a busy parent barely leaves you enough time to do all the things you need to do. Shopping being one of those essential chores, you need all the help you can get to save time and your expenditure. Below are some shopping tips to help you do just that. Save!
1. Shop with a List
A shopping list is one of the best ways to keep a lid on your spending. Often, shopping without a list will see you buying unnecessary items. While you might not realize it at first, impulse buying is real. Without a shopping list, you are a potential impulse buyer. Having a list of items to purchase will save you both time and money.
Buy things like meat and vegetables on a weekly basis. That way, you save up on time you would otherwise waste on urgent buys. Additionally, if there are upcoming events or holidays, shop in advance to avoid the rush and the higher prices.
2. Avoid overbuying
Overbuying will not only distort your budget, it makes you end up with things you have no immediate use for. Cashless transactions take the blame as far as overbuying is concerned. Having a credit or debit card with you when shopping means, you have a surplus amount to spend. Provided there is still cash available on your credit card or bank account. If you find it hard to control your spending, avoid going shopping with your card. Instead, have a budget in place, then carry an equivalent of what you intend to use on shopping. A little extra is okay in case things cost a bit more, but do not have a huge amount.
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3. Compare Prices
Running a comparison of different stores will likely get you a bargain at one. With most stores having a website, you can compare the prices online before you hit the road. Peruse through products in multiple stores and decide which best price wise is. If opening a barrage of browser tabs on your phone or computer is not your thing, try price comparison sites.
Remember to specify your region for the best results. This is an easy way to save both time and money. You will not need to go from one store to the other looking for a bargain.
4. Know when to Shop
As a busy parent, you might find it easier and convenient to shop on weekends. Surprisingly, this is rarely the best time. Because weekdays are generally slower, some stores and shopping centres offer deals and discounts in the middle of the week. This is meant to bring in more traffic. If you want to save up on time and money, midweek is often the best time to shop.
The discounts save you cash, whereas time is saved given that there are less shoppers. Less time for you at the counter queues and more time to spend with family over the weekend.
5. Buy in Bulk
Nothing beats shopping savings like bulk buying. Although this might not be true across the board, generally, bulk price is lower than the sale price at any store. However, as you bulk buy, make sure to inquire about the pricing. Things like grains and cereals, flour, and other household supplies that are non-perishable should be bought in bulk. Not only will you save cash, you also will not be running at night to buy something that ran out suddenly.
6. Shop Online
Technology is here and with it cutthroat competition for all retailers. That said, you have the best chance of stress-free, cost-friendly, and time-saving shopping sprees at the click of a button. Shopping online allows you to tend to the kids even as you cart away necessities online. Additionally, you save on the time you would otherwise spend visiting a brick and mortar store.
Moreover, as a bonus, you have your shopping delivered to you right at your doorstep. No isles to negotiate or parking to pay either. Money, time, and energy saved! What’s not to love?
7. Take Advantage of Coupons
While you shop online, check out coupons. There are different websites that offer coupons online and these are great for thrift shopping. Whether you are shopping from the comfort of your home or office, this will not only save you time, it significantly cuts your budget so you can buy other essentials, or save for another day. Click here for overstock coupons and promo codes.
8. Track your Spending
Lastly, the only way to feel better about your spending and save up is to track your spending. If you do not know how much you are spending, you end up wasting money you would have set aside for a rainy day. By following the above steps like budgeting, having a list and using coupons, you have a paper trail that eases tracking.
Shopping should be fun and it does not have to eat into your time or burn through your hard-earned cash. Follow the tips above and have more time to do other meaningful things with your family.
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