Be A Smart Shopper!

Last weekend I went Christmas shopping with a friend of mine. (Yes, I know it's early for that, but I prefer to get all of my shopping done before Thanksgiving.) As we were shopping, she found a pair of jeans that she liked that were a pretty good deal. Once we got to the register, the salesperson mentions that if my friend bought another item it would be 1/2 off, which sends my friend into a frenzy searching for something else she might want. In the end, she just bought the jeans because whether or not the extra item is 50% off, its still 50% that you are spending that you hadn't planned on before.
So the purpose of this story is to prepare everyone for the temptations of holiday shopping. There are a huge amount of sales right now with more popping up every day. Here is a list of shopping tips to help you avoid going overboard:

1. Make a list of things you need to buy before you go.
2. Stick to the list.
3. If you are about to buy something that is a "really good deal" ask yourself if you really need this right now.
4. Compare prices. There are great deals out there, make sure you get them!
5. Keep track of your expenses, what you think you "need" might not be so necessary once you realize how much you've already spent.
6. Don't be pressured by salespeople! If you need to be talked into it, you probably don't need it.
7. Keep your receipts, just in case you change your mind later.

The last thing you need is a smoothie maker with the awesome automatic pour spout that you bought on sale that still has the tags on it that could have been more money saved up for your much more awesome ski trip to Colorado. (See, I speak from experience.)

Happy (Smart) Shopping!