Become a Super Smart Shopper

Imagine all the things you wish you had right now: a new video game, an mp3 player, a new bike. These things may be cool, but it takes money to buy them. Next time you want to buy something, consider these hints to help you save your money:

1. Don’t buy something just because it’s on sale!
Sales are great if you really need the item on sale. You should never jump on sales if it’s something you don’t need, however. It doesn’t matter how much money you think you’re saving, if you don’t think you’ll use the thing you buy, you’ll be throwing your money away.

2. Check out the quality
Sometimes spending a little more money for an item is a good idea if you think it will last longer. For example, if you play soccer, you may want to spend a few extra dollars to buy a soccer ball that will last many years.

3. Comparison shop
Why pay more money than you have to? Compare the prices at different stores before you buy something. Look for coupons, sales, discounts and other ways to save money. You may find a lower price for the exact same thing at a different store.


4. Think Before You Buy
Have you ever bought something without really thinking about it? That’s called an impulse buy, and it’s an easy way to spend money on things you do not need. Next time you want to do that, put down the item and ask yourself if you really need it, or if it is just an unexplainable urge to spend money.

Keep these tips in mind next time you go shopping. They’ll help you keep your spending under control and will make sure that you don’t waste your money.