Black Friday. Christmas. Summer sales. There are certain times of year when it can be hard to resist splashing out. Here are six top tips for staying on top of your spending – even when temptations seem to lurk around every corner.
Brace your bank balance for impact by increasing your savings contributions in the run-up to the shopping calendar’s big moments. More to spend, less risk of debt.
Draw up a clear game plan in advance for what you want to buy. You’re less likely to get sucked into impulse purchases.
Set a limit for how much you’ll spend then ringfence the money in a payment app or separate bank account. You’ve got far more chance of sticking to it.
We all love a ‘50% off’ label. But remember, a sale item is only a bargain if you actually planned to buy it in the first place. And if you can afford it of course.
Think carefully before topping up your cart to get that enticing free shipping offer. Unless you meant to get the other item anyway, it’s best to just pay the postage.
Whether it’s gifts for loved ones or treats for you, keep tabs on how much you’ve paid and for what. Seeing the numbers on screen makes it real and cuts your risk of overspending.
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