We’ve all been there – you’re scrolling through your favourite online store when you spot the perfect dress/top/shoes. You add it to your basket and then, before you know it, you’ve spent $200 on clothes you didn’t even know you needed. Sound familiar?
If you find yourself overspending when shopping online, here are a few tips to help you avoid it:
1. Make a list
Before you even start shopping, make a list of the items you need. This could be a mental list or a physical one that you write down. Having a list will help you stay focused on what you need and stop you from buying things you don’t.
2. Set a budget
Once you have your list, set a budget for each item. This will help you stay within your overall spending limit and stop you from overspending on any one item.
3. Take your time
If you see something you like, don’t add it to your basket straight away. Take a few minutes to think about it – do you really need it? Is it worth the money? If you can’t decide, add it to your wishlist and come back to it later.
4. Avoid sale temptation
Just because something is on sale doesn’t mean you need to buy it. Sales are designed to tempt you in to spending money, so be mindful of this and only buy something if you really need it and it’s a good deal.
5. Use cashback sites
If you do need to buy something, see if you can get cashback on it. There are a number of websites and apps that offer cashback on online purchases, so it’s worth checking before you buy.
6. Check for discount codes
Before you checkout, do a quick search for discount codes. You might be surprised at how many there are and how much money you can save.
7. Wait 24 hours
If you’re still undecided about an item, wait 24 hours before buying it. This will give you time to think about it and see if you really need it. If you still want it after 24 hours, then go ahead and buy it.
8. Track your spending
If you find it difficult to stick to a budget, track your spending using a budgeting app or spreadsheet. This will help you see where your money is going and where you can cut back.
9. Shop with cash
If you really want to avoid overspending, shop with cash instead of card. This way you can only spend what you have and you’ll be less tempted to buy things you don’t need.
10. Ask yourself why you’re shopping
If you find yourself shopping more than you’d like, ask yourself why. Are you bored? Lonely? Anxious? Shopping can be a way of coping with negative emotions, so if this is the case, try to find another way to cope that doesn’t involve spending money.
following these tips should help you avoid overspending when shopping online. Just remember to take your time, think about what you’re buying and stick to your budget.
