When trying to become a smart consumer, it is essential to learn the basics. Many stores specifically gear their advertising and pricing in an attempt to infiltrate your pockets and relieve you of your hard earned money. Becoming a smart consumer can help you to battle the large corporations and regain a sense of control over your financial situation.
Becoming a smart consumer matters in items that are frivolous, as well as everyday items such as grocery shopping and utility bills.
SHOP WITH A PURPOSE
Before you go to a store, have a specific reason in mind. If you go to a store without a definitive plan, your financial schemata can suddenly take a nefarious turn for the worse. Impulse shopping will lure additional money our of your wallet, and you will lose your ability to be a smart consumer.
Scour the weekly flyers that inundate your mailbox, and seek out the best deals possible. Call ahead to a store and inquire as to whether or not an item will be going on sale in the near future. If an item is not a necessity, it can wait until the price is reasonable.
Buying things on sale is always a great way to be a smart consumer. The end of the season prices are hard to beat, so you will have won the war with the large corporations.
BROWSE THE INTERNET
The world wide web has provided a quick and simple way for people to navigate through their day with inspired efficiency. Shopping online is simple, and can save you a lot of money in the interim. Becoming a smart consumer can be very easy when using the vast resources of the Internet. Shopping in this manner will allow you to find the best possible deals on any items that you may be searching for.
COUPONS AND REWARDS
A simple Google search will yield tremendous results in terms of coupons. When you make an online purchase, you are often asked to enter a coupon code for an added discount. If you search these codes, you will always save an additional 10% or more, which may be enough to compensate for any shipping and handling fees that are added on at the checkout.
QUALITY VS. QUANTITY
The old adage that you get what you pay for is accurate. If you are trying to be a smart consumer, or if you are cheap are two distinctly different things. Trying to scrimp and save on some items is great, but a smart consumer knows when to pay heavily for an item and when to find the cheapest price.
Some things are not worth buying if they will not last or do the intended job they were designed for. In the long run, a quality purchase will last you longer than several cheaper versions.
WORD OF MOUTH
Log on to Consumer Reports, or stand near the water cooler and listen to people speak about certain items. If you find yourself questioning a purchase, find out whether or not people have been satisfied with the same purchase. The more you research, the better off you will be when it comes to being a smart consumer.
CREDIT CARD DEBT
If you are a credit card junkie, make certain that your card offers you cash back incentives. You also need a low interest rate on your card. Actually, you should always pay your balance in full, so the rate may not be as important. Have a credit card that rewards your usage with things such as free groceries, since this is an expense that you incur regularly.
Air Miles are great, but if you travel infrequently, you may be stockpiling for no reason, and the points may not carry over from year to year.
Becoming a smart consumer takes time and practice. The more you know, the better you are. Being informed and proactive can help you out immensely in your goal to become cost effective.
Smart consumers rarely make mistakes with their money, which is why they tend to be in a financially secure state of mind.