Money and Shopping Plan: Money and Shopping Do you enjoy shopping

Money and Shopping
Plan:
1. Money and Shopping
2. Do you enjoy shopping
3.Give some examples.


Money and Shopping

Have you already squeezed every last penny out of your budget? Maybe not. Thanks to free-market capitalism, consumers can choose from a wide variety of products at a wide range of prices pretty much any time they want to buy something. Unlike investing, saving money on purchases doesn't require any specialized training and is an easy way for anyone to stretch their budget a little further.

No matter your income level, you can give yourself more breathing room by becoming a savvy shopper. Here are five tips to help you get started.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
End-of-season sales and special sale dates, like Black Friday, offer big savings to consumers.
It may be worth buying in bulk to save money, but don't overlook the risks of owning too many of one item, especially perishables, that can expire. 
Bartering for goods and services may be unusual for many consumers, but it doesn't hurt to ask. 
Buying used items and fixing them up on your own is often significantly cheaper than buying brand-new products.
Saving money on consumer goods takes time and effort, but it's possible to save hundreds of dollars per year with planning and research.
Tip 1: Make the Store Your Last Choice
Most people's default response is to go to a store anytime they need something, but that's not the only way to obtain a needed item. Ask yourself the questions below about the desired item.
Can I Find the Item for Free?
If you don't need something right away, and you usually don't, it's worth searching on community ad sites like Craigslist or Kijiji. Another idea? Sign up some local Freecycle groups, and ask around to see if anyone you know is getting rid of whatever you want.
Can I Borrow It?
Many home improvement stores even have tools you can rent. Likewise, instead of spending money on the latest bestseller novel that you will probably only read once, head down to your local library and see if you can borrow the book.
This tactic can be a great money-saver for any item that you use infrequently or will only need to use once. For example, if you only need to use a drill once a year when you change apartments and have to reinstall your curtain rods, you can simply borrow a drill from someone else.
Tip 2: Negotiate Price When Possible
Ask About Discounts
Some prices are set in stone, and it's a waste of time trying to negotiate with someone who won't budge. However, when you think there's some wiggle room, consider the strategies below.
While you probably can't negotiate the price on many items, there are plenty of situations where you can negotiate, even in a retail store. For example, if an item is cosmetically damaged, a store may be willing to offer a small discount because that blemished item tends to be more challenging to sell.
If a salesperson wants you to buy a bunch of extras with a new computer or phone plan, ask for a discount.
If you're buying an item from a private party that is used, you can always negotiate. This is because negotiation is standard practice on these types of purchases, and the sticker price is generally higher than the amount the seller will accept.
Barter for It
Bartering can be complicated because many people are not accustomed to doing it, and it may be hard to find someone who wants the service or goods you have to offer in exchange for what another person is selling.
If you have some valuable products or services to offer, however, and you're purchasing from a private party, it's worth asking. Even if the other party isn't willing to barter for the entire item, they may be agreeable to at least reducing the price in exchange for an hour of your expertise.
Tip 3: Time Your Purchase
If you wait to purchase something until you need it, you're likely to pay the sticker price, but with a little advanced planning, you can save big bucks. For example, ask yourself the questions below.
Will This Item Go on Sale?
If you want a new electronic device, like an iPhone, you may have to wait for a lower price. Usually, once a newer model comes out, the regular price will usually drop as supply increases and demand drops.
As new items become more popular, even if they don't officially go on sale, you may be able to get a good deal on Amazon or eBay. Black Friday sales are usually a good time to score expensive or popular items, as well.
Certain everyday items, like groceries, toiletries, and cosmetics, will always go on sale sooner or later, providing an opportunity for you to stock up when your favorite brands are priced at a discount.
For anyone who doesn't carefully follow the latest fashion trends, clothes are best purchased during end-of-season sales, even if it means you don't get much use out of them until the following year.
Is There a Coupon?
Combine sales with coupons, and you'll save even more. eBay can be a great source of coupons, such as ten buy-one-get-one-free coupons of your favorite deodorant. The coupons might cost you $2.50 total, including postage, but if you use all 10 of them, your net savings on a $3 stick of deodorant will be at least $27.50 plus tax.
If you have time to look through a few pages of content, then sites that offer free printable coupons, like Coupons.com, could be a good option for you too. 
When shopping online, search for the store's name plus "coupon code" before making a purchase. Many sites will advertise coupon codes to help give consumers a break.
Sometimes you'll enter coupon codes to no avail, but sometimes you'll get lucky and get some savings like $5 off shipping fees or 20% off your entire purchase. It's always worth taking a few minutes to look.
Finally, apps like Rakuten and Ibotta offer cashback on items ranging from groceries to clothing to hotels and much more.12
Can I Find It Cheaper Somewhere Else?
It's usually a bad idea to buy an item in the first place you see it because it's very likely it is cheaper somewhere else. For expensive purchases where you have a lot to gain by comparing prices, and for situations, like online shopping, where it's straightforward to compare prices, the savings you'll achieve are worth the extra time and effort.
However, don't bother if you won't save much or are likely to waste a lot of time, gas, and money by shopping around. If you're pressed for time, you can avoid shopping around altogether by making a habit of doing all of your shopping at stores that regularly offer bargain prices, and you'll be confident that you're already getting a good deal.
Tip 4: Find a Substitute
If the item you want to buy doesn't quite fit into your budget, think about similar but less expensive alternatives. Figuring out the real reason behind a pending purchase can help you brainstorm ways to achieve the same result more affordably.