Knowing how to save money on shopping so that you have enough for a month is important. Especially for those who are already married, there are separate demands, especially for mothers to be able to manage expenses so that their main life needs are met, and there is still money left to save.
In fact, managing money is tricky. Don’t be happy at the beginning of the month (after payday) but it’s only been two weeks, you’re already dizzy because your monthly money is almost gone.
Therefore, special methods such as ‘Smart Shopping‘ are needed. That is, shopping for necessities in the most efficient way so that we can get everything we need without having to spend a lot of money.
This smart shopping trick is very important to do. Because, if you can manage your shopping money well, you can save, of course you can allocate the money you have for other needs, such as saving for emergency funds, investing for the future and so on.
Here’s how to save money on shopping to avoid unnecessary shopping.
1. Always Make a Shopping List
The first thing to do before you go shopping is make a shopping list. Write down what you need to buy. Remember, prioritize needs, not wants.
Before going to the market or shopping online, first make a list of all incoming items for life’s needs and wants. The goal is clear, by making the list, you are expected to avoid buying unnecessary items and even forget not to buy the things you need.
Try to take notes starting with the most important items first, then move on to items that are not needed or you can buy them later.
Example of a Shopping List or note:
Make a grocery shopping list (such as rice, cooking oil, etc.) for a month’s allowance. Then gas, toiletries, cleaning and laundry equipment, and so on.
Then make a weekly shopping list. Buy essential staples that last a week, such as eggs, gallons of drinking water, meat, spices, instant food, and other processed ingredients.
Then then the daily shopping list (could be per 2-3 days). This list is specifically for grocery shopping that can’t last long. For example, fruit, vegetables, bread, and so on.
Next, a shopping list that does not include basic needs but is important to buy. For example, vitamins to increase body immunity, masks and hand sanitizers.
Finally, make a shopping list that includes a note of the items you want to buy but are not emergency. For example, skincare, clothes, bags, shoes and so on.
2. Determine the Shopping Budget
Train yourself before shopping, to always determine the shopping budget first. How much money do you budget for monthly basic needs, food shopping, snacks to the budget for self-reward.
This method is more effective than avoiding carrying too much money in your wallet, but you can pay using a debit card, credit card, or paylater.
The purpose of getting used to determining a budget / financial budget is so that you can focus and be more efficient when shopping. Then it is not easy to be tempted to buy other things because they are more expensive.
In addition, train yourself not to be easily tempted online shopping. Get used to looking for other activities that are more effective than checking e-commerce, checking online stores to just look at items that are not a necessity.
3. Wisely Use Credit Cards and Paylater
Be wise when shopping using a credit card and paylater is important. Understand that if you use credit cards wisely, good benefits will also be felt. Spending can be more efficient because there are many benefits that credit cards offer.
For example, shopping becomes cheaper because there are discounts/rebates, cashback, 0% installments to point rewards that can be exchanged for shopping again.
In addition, understand the benefits and risks of paylater before using it so that you can use it according to your needs. Paylater is a payment tool that can help your finances as long as it is used properly.
4. Learn to Prioritize Needs Not Wants
Saving money when shopping is easy, as long as you know how to differentiate between wants and needs. Smartly determine what goes into your needs and wants will bring many benefits to your finances.
This is not easy, but it can be practiced. Here’s an easy way to train it:
Start by getting used to shopping according to the shopping list that has been made.
If you want to buy something but it doesn’t include necessities. Don’t buy it right away, think carefully for 1-2 days.
Before buying an item, ask yourself, what are the benefits of the item, and why do you need to buy it?
If you feel wasteful because you like ordering food online. Ask why do you want to eat or order expensive food online? Then, slowly, try to make your own coffee instead of buying it all the time and learning how to cook to save money.
5. Do Comparison and Record Expenses
To save money when shopping, make it a habit to compare shopping places to get the best prices. Be diligent to check the price of goods online and offline. Don’t forget to take advantage of promotions, discounts and free shipping to save even more.
Then, another important thing is to make notes for each expense. The goal is clear, so you can know very well how much you spend, whether all needs have been met or vice versa. With financial records, you can evaluate for the following month.
Control Yourself, Prioritize Your Needs
So, do you know how to save money? Let’s immediately practice so that your expenses this month can be more efficient. Managing money is the key in yourself. So, you have to start training yourself to get used to putting your needs first.