With so many adverts and offers around at the moment for ‘Black Friday’ and ‘Cyber Monday’, it can be tricky to stick to your budget and stay frugal – especially with Christmas not far off as well. To keep your spending savvy, here are our three top tips for not breaking the bank, and helping to make ensure the big retailers work to your advantage!
1. Resist attractive but unnecessary special offers
BOGOFs, multi-buys and special offers in supermarkets encourage UK shoppers to spend 21% more than they intended to, according to MoneyAdviceService, which can make a huge difference to your budget. And importantly, it’s likely to be spending on items that you don’t really need anyway. With an average of 15 million tonnes of food waste a year, think carefully before you buy and steer clear of those kinds of deals that lure you into purchasing three of something you really only need one of. Instead, think about what exactly you actually need, what you can afford – then perhaps go for quality over quantity, and pick a deal that gives you a discount on a special or necessary single item.
2. Get Showrooming
Showrooming is where shoppers go into a store and have a look at items before hunting down the best deal elsewhere, be it in a competitor’s store or online. This gives you the security that you are buying the correct clothing size or the best sounding speakers, whilst not being locked in to one retailer. Websites like HotUKDeals and VoucherCodes are handy at rounding up the best deals in one place, once you’ve worked out what you want to buy. If you still prefer to buy in-store, many retailers like Currys, Blacks and Evans Cycles offer price promises, which match online prices.
3. Don’t feel under pressure to buy now
Black Friday and Cyber Monday can offer some great deals – but it’s not the only time of year when you can grab a bargain. With lots of retailers seemingly having a year-round sale, it’s easy to see why three quarters of shoppers feel like there is always a deal on! Christmas and January sales will soon be upon us, flouting ever more eye-watering discounts our way. So, whatever deals you can find this Black Friday and Cyber Monday, make sure you don’t spend on impulse.
For tips on how to find a little bit of extra cash in the run up to Christmas, take a look at our blog: Five ways to make money while having a clear out
Do you have any more tips for buying sensibly? Have your say in the comments!
