January is the month in which we promise to improve our lives. Last year, 37 percent of Americans vowed to stay fit and healthy; 32 percent pledged to lose weight; and 28 percent resolved to “enjoy life to the fullest,” according to Nielsen, a management firm that studies consumer behavior.
Although these are all noble and lofty resolutions, I’ve got an idea for another: Vow to shop smarter. It’s more fun than eating kale, easier than going to the gym every morning and more measurable than just “enjoying life more.” In fact, if you keep in mind the five tips below every time you shop, you’ll save time, reduce stress, eliminate regrets and see immediate results in your wallet. In other words, this resolution is too easy not to make.
Never pay full price: Whether you’re buying online or in-store, take 10 seconds to first search for a coupon code. You can start with Google and also turn to searchable coupon sites. You don’t have to print out the deals either. Just enter the promo code online, or flash the offer on your phone to the sales clerk at checkout. For a miniscule amount of effort, you’ll get a huge payoff.
Sign up for retailer newsletters: Signing up for a brand’s or store’s mailing list is a great way to save cash. Oftentimes, just entering your email address will get you up to 20 percent off your first purchase, plus stores also send you exclusive coupons and sales every month, week or even day to lure you back. Being on the list is incredibly handy when you’re ready to shop, but all those emails can really pile up.
Educate yourself: These days, most consumers research a product online before buying it, according to a recent study by PricewaterhouseCoopers, a professional services firm. For instance, 96 percent of you will look into electronics before spending your money on them, and yet a full 25 percent of you skip that vital step when buying sporting equipment. Also, about one in eight shoppers do absolutely no research before buying furniture or home improvement products, both of which, if you think about it, often cost more than electronics. This year, before you make a major purchase, do a quick scan of product reviews, either at Amazon or on review sites like Epinions. Even if it doesn’t help you decide which product to purchase, hearing others’ thoughts will help you know what questions to ask when you’re ready.
But don’t overdo it: Although it’s helpful to be an informed consumer, it’ll drive you absolutely crazy if you try to compare every single product on the market every single time you shop. In fact, research shows that trying to choose the best option among zillions can lead to dissatisfaction and eventually even clinical depression.
It makes sense, too, if you think about it. Let’s say you’re looking for a new warm winter jacket. If you were choosing between every coat available on the Internet, you’d probably become paralyzed by indecision. Even if you were able to finally choose one, you’d always doubt your choice. And if the zipper, the down, the cut or the whatever didn’t live up to your expectation of perfection, you’d be forever disappointed with it and yourself. So here’s the key: After you do a bit of looking around, zoom in on your top three choices, pretend no other options exist, decide between them and never look back. I guarantee you that you will walk away more satisfied with your purchase and happier with your life.
Check yourself: Before you spend your hard-earned cash on anything this year, ask yourself these three simple questions. Do you need it? Can you afford it? And the real kicker: Will owning it still make you happy tomorrow? If you answer a resounding yes to all three questions, pull out your wallet and make the purchase. No stress, no self-doubt, just happiness. That’s the secret to smart shopping, and probably a whole lot more, too.
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The Greatest Frugal Resolution You Can Make originally appeared on usnews.com
