Considering shopping when you’re having troubles with your finances seems like something you shouldn’t even think of. It’s simply one of those few things you need to compromise on when your budget is tight.  However, contrary to what most people think, you don’t have to avoid shopping entirely and close up your wallet indefinitely. In fact, if you really enjoy shopping, you’ll find a way to do it still and enjoy it while you can. 

Shopping isn’t just about getting something new; it’s a hobby that leads to an adrenaline rush whenever you purchase something. If you’re one of those people who simply love the feeling, then there are countless ways you can continue to shop when you’re facing difficulties with your payments. Here are 6 shopping tips to ensure you don’t burn a hole through your wallet. 

Explore credit catalogues

Credit catalogues are extremely useful in your everyday life and provide access to a wide range of products that you wouldn’t have been able to purchase otherwise. They give you various payment options at zero to low interest rates, making them an excellent method to even improve your credit score.

For starters, you can opt for pay later clothing catalogues that allow you to purchase something and pay for it in weekly or monthly instalments. This way, you can break down a lump into small amounts, making it extremely manageable and easy on your pocket. 

Wait For The Sales

When you see something super trendy and stunning in the store, it’s hard to resist buying it on the spot. However, let’s be real, that item’s going to end up on sale sometime. An excellent way to ensure you’re not missing out on fabulous sales is to sign up for different brands’ newsletters. This way, you’ll always know when a sale starts and access the most extensive collection. Apart from this, many brands also include a coupon in these announcement emails that end up saving you even more money on top of the sale price you were getting. 

Purchase Accessories Instead

When the urge to shop hits you, it can be incredibly hard to resist. To fulfill the desire, you can choose to update your accessories instead of updating your entire wardrobe. Accessories are also versatile enough to amp up multiple outfits at the same time. A style statement in the form of a chic bag or trendy shoes goes a long way and won’t even cost you as much as a new piece of clothing. 

Perhaps the best part about accessories is how there are so many options to choose from. Your options are limitless, from bags, shoes, and scarves to jewellery such as necklaces and bracelets. By purchasing accessories, you can update your wardrobe and keep your budget in check at the same time, resulting in less regret later on. 

Shop Less, But More Expensive Pieces

An excellent way to treat yourself when your budget is tight is to put a cap on the number of times you hit the stores. While this may be difficult, it’s going to be worth it. Suppose you’ve managed to cut down on the number of times you shop. In that case, you’re allowed to reward yourself and buy high-quality items whenever you do hit the store. This way, it’s a win-win situation, and you’re not going to end up blowing your money on low-quality items. 

Sometimes, when you stop yourself from shopping for a considerably long period, you may end up breaking and purchasing lots of things in one single session. To prevent yourself from doing that, it’s essential to set some rules. You should tell yourself that you’re only allowed to buy a couple of extravagant pieces every season, and you can spend the next few months looking for those. This way, you’re spending most of your time window shopping, but have the chance of buying something great if you come across it. 

Go To Thrift Stores

If you’re one of those who don’t get the rush of shopping unless you have lots of bags, you should avoid going to the mall or online shopping and take a trip to thrift stores instead. This way, you won’t be spending too much, leading to less guilt later on. 

Apart from that, you may also find some pretty great pieces at these stores. Such items wouldn’t be available in other shops, especially at such prices. Thrift stores also have days where the already discounted pieces are on sale. Items there can easily vary from basics to stunning designer pieces. 

Hunt For Good Deals

While you may find it funny purchasing a maxi dress in the fall, you’re going to find it completely worth it next summer. Last season’s collection will be up at throwaway prices, ensuring you can get some pretty good items dirt cheap. So, it’s always a good idea to check out last season’s collection while you’re scrolling through the online editorials. 

Sometimes, it’s challenging to wait for mid-season, and you just need to pop in the store. However, just because the store’s not on sale doesn’t mean you still won’t manage to grab some good deals. You should keep an eye out for clearance racks, usually at the end of the store. Remember, they are designed in a way that is going to make you spend the most money. You should sift through the store and see everything they have to offer to get a chance at grabbing some pretty good deals.  

Final thoughts 

The key to shopping when you’re broke is to have some excellent self control in place. It’s important to invest your effort into the right areas and keep track of how much you’re spending and how much you’re saving. This way, shopping won’t burn a hole through your pocket, and you’ll still grab new pieces!