How to shop smart
Evaluate Purchases by Cost Per Use
It may seem more financially responsible to buy a trendy $5 shirt than a basic $30 shirt—but only if you ignore the quality factor! When deciding if the latest tech toy, kitchen gadget, or apparel item is worth it, factor in how many times you’ll use it or wear it. For that matter, you can even consider cost per hour for experiences!
Spend on Experiences, Not Things
Putting your money toward purchases like a concert or a picnic in the park—instead of spending it on pricey material objects—gives you more happiness for your buck. The research says so.
Shop Solo
Ever have a friend declare, “That’s so cute on you! You have to get it!” for everything you try on? Save your socializing for a walk in the park, instead of a stroll through the mall, and treat shopping with serious attention.
Spend on the Real You—Not the Imaginary You
It’s easy to fall into the trap of buying for the person you want to be : chef, professional stylist, triathlete.
Ditch the Overdraft Protection
It sounds nice, but it’s actually a way for banks to tempt you to overspend, and then charge a fee for the privilege. Find out more about overdraft protection overdraft protection and other banking mistakes to aviod.
