She Strengthens

The Savvy Shopper’s Guide to Saving Hundreds

As a self-proclaimed shopaholic, I’ve learned a thing or two about balancing my love for “stuff” with my responsibility to manage my finances wisely. As an accountant and blogger, I’ve developed strategies to indulge in my favorite hobbies while keeping my wallet happy.

The One-Week Rule: Avoid Impulse Buys

We’ve all been there – caught up in the excitement of shopping, only to realize later that our purchases weren’t entirely necessary. To combat this, I’ve implemented the one-week rule. Whenever I buy something new, I keep it in the bag for a full week before deciding whether to keep it or return it. This simple trick has saved me from countless impulse buys and ensures that I only spend money on items I truly love.

Gym Sessions and Shopping Spree

This might sound unconventional, but trust me, it works! Shopping after a grueling gym session can be a game-changer. Without the distraction of looking perfect, I can focus on whether the outfit truly flatters me. If it looks good on me when I’m feeling less than glamorous, it’ll look amazing when I’m all dolled up.

Crunching Numbers: The Cost-Per-Use Method

Before making a purchase, I calculate the cost per use of the item. For example, a $100 dress that I’ll only wear twice has a cost per use of $50. On the other hand, a $100 pair of gym shoes that I’ll use 144 times has a cost per use of just $0.70. This simple math helps me prioritize my spending and justify investing in quality items that I’ll use frequently.

Ebates: The Ultimate Cashback Hack

I’m a huge fan of getting the best deal possible, which is where Ebates comes in. By referring customers to participating online stores, Ebates earns a percentage of the sale and shares a portion of it with me. It’s a win-win situation! I simply check Ebates before making an online purchase to see if they’re offering any cashback deals. It may not seem like much, but those little savings add up over time.

Honey App: The Ultimate Coupon Finder

Thanks to my friend Holly, I discovered the Honey app, which has revolutionized my online shopping experience. This genius tool scours the web for coupon codes and promo deals, saving me time and money. All I have to do is download the browser extension, and Honey does the rest. It’s like having my own personal shopping assistant!