Do you find it difficult to put a limit on your spending, especially when it comes to shopping? With the holiday season upon us, it may also not be in your budget. There are many ways, however, to save while making your purchases without being a professional shopper. Here are some quick tips on how to shop without breaking the bank!

Before the Store

If there is something you need, you may be able to get it at a discounted rate or even free with a little planning. How can you do this? Well, sites like Craigslist.com allow you to search for people in your area that are getting rid of the item you're looking for. Many times, people put ads on there to get rid of the item for free or at a seriously discounted price. This is a great way to save money on an item you need without having to purchase it new at full price.

Borrowing

Do you need something for a one-time use? It seems senseless to make a large purchase if you know you'll only use something once. For example, if you are going to a wedding and need a gown/suit, ask friends and family that are about your size if they have any you can borrow. It makes much more sense to borrow something and give it back than it does to spend hundreds of dollars on something that you know you will only wear or use one to two times.

Negotiate

Many times, while shopping you have the option to negotiate a lower price. This is even possible at a retail store when an item has a set price. But when is it appropriate to negotiate? If an item is broken but still usable, you can always ask what the discounted rate for the item is due to the damage. You can also do this when purchasing a new phone or computer. Talk to the salesperson and explain your budget needs. There's no harm in trying to lower a price to a more affordable range.

Ask for a Price Match

If you are at a store and about to make a purchase, go onto the internet and see what the product is typically sold for. Many stores honor price matching. This means that if you find the item somewhere else at a lower price, they will honor that price. This is good if you have a credit card with a certain store, but items there are typically higher than that of others. Once again, there's no harm in asking.

If there is a purchase you have to make right away, but just cannot seem to afford, you may want to do a quick web search for "title loan near me". This type of loan provides you with the value of your vehicle. You can even keep driving your vehicle while you pay it back. It could provide you with quick cash that you know you have coming in, prevent you from incurring extra debt.

Happy savings!

Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.