Do shopping trips drain you physically?  It must be a good time to set into motion good shopping habits, if you haven't acquired it yet.  Shopping-wise people share some shop wise strategies to help transform you into one smart shopper!

1)  Make a shopping list.  Put corresponding budget for each item.

2)  Do not go to mall or store unless you know exactly what you need.  The temptation to make a purchase upon seeing something in store window may be too irresistible unless this is your intention in the first place.

3)  Try to shop on weekdays, so you can avoid the weekend crowd, the rush and the traffic.

4)  Make shopping an adventure and go to unusual shopping places where items may be cheaper.  It can be an exciting activity in itself, looking over articles and the things that are normally found in regular stores.

5)  Bring only the amount of money needed for your purchases.  This will not only prevent you from overspending but can even save you from pickpockets.

6)  It is always best to pay in cash.  The convenience of using credit cards can come at a steep price because of the high interest rates and credit terms, which can tie you to huge monthly bills.

7)  Make sure to compute the monthly dues plus interest so you can determine if your budget can absorb these if you choose to use credit cards.

8)  Think about how much you'd have to work in order to pay for the covered item if caught off guard with your credit cards in hand.  Ask yourself if the item is really worth the hours you'd work to pay for it.

9) Check your shopping cart before you reach the check out line and pull out all the items you got on impulse.  Be careful of sales people that push you to buy something not on your shopping list.

10) If you're the type that can't avoid buying, avoid malls if possible.  Go only to stores that sell items of your choice or you need says a shopping-wise mom.                                            

11) Do not go shopping when you are depressed.  Feelings can affect your shopping habits, depending on your personality.  Studies show that advertisers and sales people know how to tap on weaknesses and appeal to the emotions.  Be familiar with their strategy.  If certain moods cause you to buy on impulse, then avoid going out to stores or mall when you're in these moods.

12) Never shop in a hurry.  Be prepared and set enough time so you can scan the goods well and compare prices.

13) Consider generic brands.  They can be less expensive than name brands.

14) Do your shopping early.  Last-minute shopping causes stress not only financially but physically as well.  Those are words of wisdom from a shopping expert.

Resources:  Family Today &  Woman Today Magazine