Wondering how to save money on your shopping? From your weekly food shop to your next gadget purchase, here are a few smart, simple, money saving tips.
- Best ways to save money on shopping
- Remember your rights
- Using your credit or debit card
- Worried about online scams?
- Get better at managing your money
Best ways to save money on shopping
For many of us, shopping takes up a large chunk of the monthly budget. Whether you’re trying to save money on food shopping, or cut the cost of buying online, we’ve pulled together a few tips to help you.
- Work out what you spend your money on. Make a list of everything you buy in a typical month. This will make it easier to work out where you can cut back.
- Shop around. Check out the competition and compare prices. For example, it might be cheaper to go to a different supermarket, or buy your electronics from a different website.
Need some help balancing your budget? Try our free and easy to use Budget Planner.
- Beware of special offers. Vouchers, special offers and cashback deals were invented to make you spend more, not less. Never buy something you don’t need just because it’s on offer.
- Don’t impulse buy. Think carefully before making a purchase – especially if it’s expensive. At the very least sleep on it! It might seem less appealing in the morning.
- Check reviews. If you’re not sure about a product, check online to see if there are any reviews. Just type its name into a search engine, followed by ‘review’.
Remember your rights
As a consumer, you have the right to complain about problems with any goods or services you’ve purchased.
You can find out more in MoneySavingExpert’s guide to Consumer Rights.
Using your credit or debit card
If something goes wrong, buying on your credit or debit card gives you greater protection than cash or cheque.
Credit cards offer the most protection – as long as the item or service you bought cost over £100, you can claim against your card provider under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act to get your money back.
Worried about online scams?
Get better at managing your money
- Find more ways to cut costs in How to save money on household bills.
- Improve your money management skills with the Beginner’s guide to managing your money.
This article is provided by the Money Advice Service.
