WISE SPENDING HABITS

You work so hard for your money that you should be careful how you spend it. Reading the following tips could help you save more than a few pennies!

THE BASICS:

• Decide how much you’re going to spend before you go shopping and stick to your budget.

• Use coupons! At the end of the year you will be surprised at how much you will have saved and how easy it was.
• Shop alone and do it quickly. Spending too much time in a shopping mall will only make you buy more unnecessary stuff.

• Always compare prices and don’t assume that if it’s on sale it’s cheaper. Be aware of marketing strategies that try to get you to buy more.

• Buy wise: When nonperishable items are on sale buy in bulk and use later. Buy winter clothing in summer and summer clothing in winter when shops are clearing for seasonal stock.

• Prepare a shopping list and stick to it when you do your groceries.

• Don’t shop when you are hungry… Junk food is more expensive than home cooked meals. It can really make a difference!
• When shopping online, be aware of hidden fees. Items such as shipping, taxes, and customs can increase the total significantly.

• Before buying something, ask yourself: Is this essential for me to have? Is it a need or a want?
Will I really regret it tomorrow if I don’t buy it now? This will help you screen out things that are not worth spending your money on.

SCORE CARD

Use this score card to see if you are a wise spender:

More than 6 A’s (Always) – you are above the average Between 5 -3 S’s (Sometimes) – you need to improve More than 6 N’s (Not at all) – you are in danger

I only buy when items are on sale
1 Always

Sometimes Not at all

I don’t buy junk food when I am doing 2 shopping

Always

Sometimes Not at all

I stick to my shopping list
3 Always

Sometimes

Not at all

I use coupons
4 Always

Sometimes

Not at all

I buy online
5 Always

Sometimes

Not at all

I never regret buying items
6 Always
Sometimes Not at all

I compare prices
7 Always

Sometimes

Not at all

8 I don’t decide how much to spend
Always

Sometimes Not at all

I buy in bulk when items are on sale
9 Always

Sometimes Not at all

10 IAlwaysenjoy shopping alone

Sometimes Not at all