All Topics, Lifestyle

Online Shopping | Being Financially Smart With Your Spending

‘Tis the season of online shopping and non-stop adverts promoting every ‘bargain’ going. This year I’ve been super strict with myself in only taking advantage of the offers I’ll actually benefit from. If you didn’t want something before it was reduced in price, do you really want it now because it’s a little cheaper? If you’re honest with yourself then the answer is probably no.

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Don’t get me wrong, I’m an avid fan of online shopping and spending money. My numerous gift guides and hauls can testify to that. You’re telling me I can shop at any store that ships to the UK whilst on my coach, in my pyjama’s with a coffee and a cookie? I don’t have to queue and I can easily compare prices and look at reviews. The best part? I don’t have to try and maintain a polite and cool exterior to interrupt oblivious people who are catching up on the last 4 years of each others lives right in front of the very item I’m trying to grab from the shelf. I buy everything from handbags to holidays online, so I have enough practise to share some tips on how to be savvy about it.

COMPARE ONLINE SHOPPING PRICES

I only every used to compare prices when it came to the big things like car insurance. Until I happened across a considerably better price on a regular purchase, I thought it was a complete waste of time. Now, I always have a quick scan over the top Google searches to find out if anywhere is running a deal or better price.

IF THE PURCHASE ISN’T NECESSARY, WAIT ON IT   

The shopping habits of a lifetime can be hard to break. Sometimes we just need the boost that online shopping allows, but if you can wait until you need a larger order to take advantage of free shipping or other discounts, then it’s much better for your pocket. We all add things we don’t need to our basket to qualify for the free delivery. If you actually need everything in your cart, it’s rewarding in a different way (I’m a saver and a spender, a walking contradiction).

A lot of people also recommend the 48 hour rule, if it’s an ‘impulse purchase’, wait on it. If you still want it after 48 hours then buy it, if not then it was never about the item but about the shopping experience.

START THRIFTING

I used to be a real charity shop snob and couldn’t understand why anyone would want clothes with a history. My Mum has been an eBay addict and charity shop thrifter for a while and my husband has recently started buying from Vinted. After seeing some of the absolute steals they both pretty regularly find, I’m starting to convert. We’ve recently used a lot of Facebook marketplace bargains in our home projects and my Mum found the perfect Stag coat hooks for our boot room on eBay.

As long as you make sure you’re using a reputable site and staying alert to potential scams like Facebook marketplace or eBay scams, I think online thrifting is a pretty great idea. My Mum has bought so many bargain designer pieces, particularly from the British Heart Foundation on eBay. The plus side? You don’t have to feel at all guilty about spending money when it’s supporting a charity. 

UTILISE KLARNA WHEN YOU WANT ONLINE SHOPPING ‘OPTIONS’

Klarna is a controversial recommendation, particularly in the context of being savvy. For obvious reasons, Klarna isn’t the best app to use if you struggle to manage your money. Please do not use it to justify funding a shopping habit that you can’t really afford. It is, however, great for the situations that require a few options. Say you’re going to a wedding and want to try on a couple of dresses. Maybe you’re an awkward shoe size and have to try on a couple of sizes to find the right fit.

I use Klarna a lot when I know that I’m for sure going to be returning part of the order. I pay as soon as the bill reflects any returns. Its a great way of not being out of pocket during the refund period.

In summary, I support you spending your hard earned money on whatever you choose, but savings can considerably add up. Hopefully these tips help you get the best of both worlds.