New clothes, gadgets, and toys - oh my!
New clothes, gadgets, and toys—oh my!
August 27, 2012
One day, I went to a store and saw this amazing light grey sports coat on sale (40% off). I thought to myself: “$75 for a jacket this nice? How can I not buy it?” It may surprise you, but it’s still hanging in my closet months later, wrinkled from being crammed up against the rest of the stuff in my closet I never wear. I didn’t really need it.
You can probably all relate to an experience like this. It’s important to keep track of your money, especially if you’re saving for tuition, rent, bills, or other fixed expenses. I’m not going to suggest you fight the urge to shop, because that would make me a hypocrite. Instead, I’m going to give you some tips on how to be a better shopper.
- Never count on being able to return something you buy. Test the gadget, or try clothes on first. Every seller has a different return policy, so read the fine print and ask questions before you pay.
- Keep your receipts for large purchases, such as laptops, MP3 players, or TVs. Some products come with one-year warranties, but only if you provide the receipt. Ask for all warranty details before you buy!
- If you’re unsatisfied with a product or a service, make sure you speak to the right people and file a complaint. Be polite and courteous, but be firm when you negotiate with them. If you’re complaining after you’ve already bought something, make sure to bring the receipt!
Believe me—it’s easy to be wooed by deals at stores. Like I did with my grey sports coat, sometimes you can even manage to convince yourself you need something when you really don’t. Knowing that, it’s important to have a budget and to maintain wise spending habits. Shopping tips, like deciding how much money you will spend before you leave the house, never shopping for groceries on an empty stomach, or comparing prices, can help you save money and meet your financial goals. Ask yourself if that new pair of jeans will really—and I mean really—make you happy.
Happy shopping!