Step Away From The Bargain!

There’s nothing like a big, luminous 50% OFF! banner to turn even the most sensible shopper into a raging bargain hunter. Life coach Lynette Allen explains how to bag the real bargains without going completely overboard on your overdraft.

SALE STRATEGY #1
Planning is everything
Sales only really save you money if you were going to buy the items anyway. ‘So stock up on birthday presents or things you’ve been hankering after recently, but couldn’t afford. That way you’ll save a fortune over 2010,’ says Allen. To remain focused, make a list of friends’ birthdays and what you’d like to give them. OK, so it sounds a bit tragic, but the money you save can be spent on treats for you or (if you’re feeling generous) a bottle of wine for them.

SALE STRATEGY #2
Admit it – you can’t help yourself
The first step towards dealing with addiction is acknowledging you have a problem. ‘If you know you couldn't walk past a bargain bin without dipping in if your life depended on it – firstly, admit it; and secondly, plan for it by taking out the cash that you can afford to blow,’ advises Allen. Leave your credit and debit cards at home, so that even if you have an ‘I can’t believe it’s that cheap!’ moment, there’s no way you can buy it on the spot.

SALE STRATEGY #3
Pick your shopping buddy carefully
‘It helps to take a sensible friend on a shopping trip – someone who will keep you in check, rather than one of those people who can be relied on to encourage you to spend,’ says Allen. ‘Alternatively, decide how long you’re going to shop for, and set your cellphone alarm to remind you when it’s time to go home.’ If your friends are even worse than you are, drastic action must be taken. ‘Wear really high heels!’ says Allen. ‘There’s nothing like tottering around the sales for hours on end in killer heels to make you want to go home early. Believe me, this works.’

Author: Katy Massey