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5 Smart Shopping Strategies During Payday Sales
For most people, budgeting is a challenge that has yet to be mastered. With payday sales and same-digit monthly sales (1.1, 2.2, 3.3, you know the drill) on all your e-commerce platforms, managing personal expenses can be even trickier. Here are some tips to help you shop wisely without missing out on a good deal.
1. Pay Bills Immediately
When you get paid, settle your fixed expenses right away, so you can set aside savings (or a shopping budget).
When the 15th or 30th comes around, instead of opening your favorite shopping app, sort your salary instead. Many budgeting tools, like GoodBudget and JamJars, help you manage your money by automatically sorting it into "envelopes” or “pots” as soon as you receive your paycheck. You can also just settle your bills and set your savings aside first. This gives you a better idea of how much money you have left over for payday sales.
2. Plan Your Monthly Spending
Shop wisely by making a list of what you really need. It’s easy to jump at the impulse to add to cart when the cute bag you’ve been eyeing is half off. One of the best tipid tips for online shopping is to start a wish list. This keeps you organized and gives you time to decide if you really need the item or if it’s just an impulse buy. Remember, missing out on payday sales isn’t the end of the world. You can still buy your desired item on markdown next month.
3. Buy Out of Necessity
When shopping for clothes, choose classic designs to flaunt a timeless, well-spent style!
While there’s nothing wrong with wanting the latest trends, buying clothes or gadgets you don't necessarily need (but want) might just end up burning a hole in your pocket.
Instead, focus on the essentials. Then, do your research for major purchases. If you need to upgrade to the latest version of your device, find out if the added specs will meet your needs and prove a worthy investment.
4. Consider Thrifting
Besides buying only what you need, consider buying second-hand items. Explore buy-and-sell sites like Carousell or Facebook Marketplace to find pre-loved items for lower prices. If you’d rather shop in-store, discover the joy of ukay-ukay! You’ll never know what designer piece you might unearth in the treasure trove of thrift shops. Pro tip: many secondhand stores or resellers have social media accounts (think Carla Abellana’s closet), so you can stay updated with any payday sales they might have.
5. Go Mobile
Payment apps make shopping more convenient and may even come with exclusive perks, like added discounts!
Smart shopping also starts with downloading your favorite brand’s app. You get first dibs on payday sales and other promotions and enjoy a more convenient shopping experience. You’ll also have the option to pick up your items at a branch near you, in case you’d rather try them on before buying.
In some cases, a store’s app offers rewards or rebates for every purchase. Some brands even have partnerships with mobile payment apps where you can get additional discounts on the final price! Make sure you have an all-day mobile plan to stay connected wherever you shop.
6. Score the Best Deals
Being a smart shopper isn't just for online deals. Brick-and-mortar stores have their own perks too! Before heading out, check store circulars and apps for coupons and discounts, and consider joining loyalty programs for exclusive perks. Research a product online to read reviews and compare prices from different retailers. You can also scope out cashback platforms like ShopBack, maximizing your savings even further.
Once in the store, don’t hesitate to ask sales associates for help. They can often provide valuable information about product features, additional discounts, or other upcoming sales.
With prices of goods slashed to as low as half off, what’s not to love about payday sales? But buying bargain finds can still leave your bank balance low. Budgeting and planning your purchases take practice, but it’s easier with digital tools like GCash. The app not only offers convenient cashless transactions, but also empowers you with options for saving and investing. This makes it easier for you to plan ahead and stick to your budget. Plus, you can score even more savings by using shopping discount vouchers from Go+ promos. In no time, you’ll be a pro smart shopper, sale season or not.