I know that sounds like an oxymoron, however, there is a way to cope with your shopping addiction. I’m teaching you how to become a professional shopping addict: the key to shopping smart and saving money. And I’m probably the best person to give you this advice because my entire life has been about saving money (college, ya know?), but I love to shop. My content revolves around consumerism and it’s my version of self-care. Fashion is my love language and practically has been since I owned my first Bratz doll. And while being in this pandemic, I’m in need of online shopping more than ever now. And honestly, you should be able to buy the things you want – you only live once – while also achieving your financial goals and freedom. Because I’m trying to hit Miranda Priestly-level wealth, while also looking that good.
Everyone who knows me knows I never spend money. However, just like any normal person, I need to shop. My serotonin levels practically skyrocket when placing an order online and seeing that Princess Polly package show up at my door. So how do I do it? Well that’s a secret I am willing to tell (@GossipGirl). I’m sharing all of the tips I live by that enable me to save money as a college student, while also allowing me to shop.
1. Use Chrome Extensions
Chrome extensions are a way to customize your browsing experience while you’re Googling or slacking your work wife. (Therefore, you need a laptop or computer in order to use this tip.) I’ve been using chrome extensions on my laptop to save money for years, so I’m extremely surprised by the amount of people not using them. You’re basically giving away free money by not using them. The two chrome extensions I use are Honey and RetailMeNot. They’re both free to download and they take two seconds to install (literally two seconds). How they work: every time you’re checking out, before you place your order, Honey and/or RetailMeNot will pop up and search the internet for coupons and discount codes to apply to your order. These extensions have saved me hundreds of dollars it’s insane, I could not recommend them more! Every time I check out online, they always find me a discount code to use. You’ll also get cash back when using them which is an extra perk! (For example, I use Honey so often that I earn enough points through the chrome extension to redeem for gift cards.)
2. Don’t Ever Pay Full Price
I know you’re just dying to place that huge Zara order or are in need of Target trip. But if you know you shouldn’t be spending money, then don’t do it…unless you have a coupon. I truly believe that you should never pay full price when shopping, with the exception of buying Christmas/birthday gifts and shopping at small businesses, of course. But I’m pretty sure Target will live if you save $5 on all those decorative pillows you don’t need. Therefore, if you know you don’t need it, and you don’t have a discount, a coupon, or it’s not on sale, don’t get it. If I’m shopping at H&M and everything’s full price, there’s no way I’m getting it. Because the reality is, those items will most likely be on sale in a week. If you have the money, and it’s something you really want and have been saving up for, then go for it of course! But whenever you’re shopping or looking to place a large order, have a coupon on hand. Honey and RetailMeNot are two ways to get those coupons, we’ll get into more ways ahead.
3. Create a Monthly Budget
If your shopping addiction is truly an addiction and is becoming a problem for your checking account, try creating a monthly budget. By budgeting every month, you can plan ahead how much money you should and shouldn’t be spending. Use the 50/30/20 rule: 50% of your income should go towards necessities, 20% (minimum) towards savings, and 30% for wants. If you’re worried about expenses, then decrease the 30% for wants and put it towards your savings. It’s good to have a plan on hand if you struggle with saving and spending money.
4. Sign Up for Newsletters
If you’re a regular shopper like me, always scrolling through your favorite websites, then it’s time to sign up for some newsletters. Signing up for newsletters will keep you updated on your sales at your favorite stores. So you’ll find out first when that bag you’ve had your eye on finally goes on sale.
5. Check for Discounts
Did you know Nike and American Eagle offer student discounts? (I have an old post on student discounts I always use here.) Or that Lululemon offers 25% off to first responders and healthcare workers? Or 30% off at Athleta if you’re an athletic professional or fitness instructor? Before you go out shopping, find out if the store you’re shopping at offers any specialty discounts, because there’s a good chance they’ll have one that applies to you. Almost every store I shop at offers 20-25% off for college students. (I highly recommend the Unidays app if you’re a college student.)
6. Save Your Shopping Bag
My shopping addiction really kicks in when I see an outfit on Pinterest and convince myself that I need it – because I do need it, obviously. Then I do some investigation, find out where it’s from, and add it to cart. And then reality kicks in that I don’t really need it and probably shouldn’t buy it. This process takes place at least three times a week. The key to ending this cycle and actually buying the things you want (affordably) is by leaving them in your cart. Hear me out: by keeping the things you want in your shopping bag/cart (or favoriting them), you’re saving them for later. This way, when a sale or discount come around or when you have the money saved, those items are there waiting for you. It also keeps you from impulsively buying anything because you may realize you don’t actually need that tennis skirt now. And it’s highly likely that those items will go on sale in a week too.
That’s all of them! You officially know all of the tips that have turned me into a professional shopping addict. I hope this advice can help you save money like it has for me. (But I also hope it helps you learn how to treat yourself!)
Living life, and writing about it as I go.
Awesome column