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Once you’ve finished your holiday shopping, you’ll no doubt want to treat yourself. It’s even better when the sales start but it’s easy to end up with things you don’t want or missing out on what you’re really after. Here are ten tips to help you make the most of the end of season sales.

shopping sales

Do your research

Find out when the sales for your favourite stores start. Even getting to your favourite shop a day late could mean missing out on that dress you’ve had your eye on.

Get there early

Once you’ve found out when the sales start, try to get there early, especially if there’s something specific you’ve got your eye on.

Think about what you really want

In the lead up to the sales, think about what you want and in what size. Focus on getting these rather than traipsing around the shop not really knowing what you’re looking for. Hopefully you’ll manage to get at least some of the items you really want.

Avoid impulse buying

We’ve all been in the position when you think you’ve found some great clothes and a bargain price but realised it’s really not very nice once you’re home. Think about whether you’d want the item if it wasn’t on sale and make sure it’s not the price you’ve fallen in love with.

Budget

Obviously, the great thing about sales is that you get to save some money but with so many bargains it’s easy to overspend. Decide how much you can afford to spend on clothes and beauty products and then stick to it. If you’re really worried about overspending, get the amount out in cash and leave your credit and debit cards at home.

Make sure it fits

Many of us have the best intentions of losing weight, especially after the holiday seasons, but don’t follow through. Only buy clothes that actually fit, if it doesn’t fit you it’s not a bargain! Stock up for the season

Before you hit the sales, go through your wardrobe and work out what will need replacing for the upcoming season. Buying your staple wardrobe pieces in the sales is a great way of getting quality basics at a much better price.

Keep hold of what you find

If you’ve found something you’re not sure of, keep hold of it until you’ve made your final decision. If you find something you think you like but put it down to come back to later, you run the risk of losing it.

Shop online

Shopping from the comfort of your own home means you miss out on the crowds and the rush to grab what you want. However, you’ll still need to get in quickly as items will sell out fast, especially if it’s a good offer.

Dress appropriately

If you’re going to be traipsing around the shops all day you’ll want to be comfortable. Wear flat shoes, if you’re after something to wear with heels you can always take a pair with you or try some on in the shop. It might be cold outside but if you’re wearing a thick coat in a busy shop you’ll soon warm up so make sure you wear layers.

Guest post contributed by Emma Beecroft, a fashion and beauty writer at Café La Moda. She loves writing on makeup and beauty trends and hopes this article will help you shop for makeup products and holiday gifts with ease.

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Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Birthdays and Anniversaries; there are so many occasions throughout the year when we give each other gifts! Giving gifts can be a lot of fun and is a great way to express how much another person means to you. However, what if you want to make a loving gesture but you can’t afford to spend a lot of money on a gift?

Good bargain

Remember the old cliché that “it’s the thought that counts?” Here are a few clever thoughts that will help your struggling savings account and still be able to make your friends and family feel special next holiday.

  • Watch for sales and buy things when they are at their cheapest, even if it means buying some Christmas gifts several months in advance because the price is right.
  • Pick up cute little items throughout the year, such as small gift packets, bubble bath, candles, and bottles of wine whenever you spot them at a great price. They will come in handy later because you will always have something on hand to give to teachers, coworkers, and others.
  • Look for coupons online! You can find a lot of discounts and deals that will save you lots of money off the normal retail price. You can use discount codes when shopping online, or print them off to use in the stores as well.
  • Buy used items. You can find wonderful gems on Craigslist, eBay and at auctions and car boot sales that would make great gifts.
  • Bake your gifts! If you are handy in the kitchen, why not bake cakes, cookies and cupcakes to give as gifts? You can wrap them in pretty bags and even personalize them for the occasion. Your sweet treats are sure to be appreciated.
  • If you have any artistic skills you can make your own gifts and save a lot of money. You could knit a scarf, make some unique jewelry, paint a picture, frame one of your photographs, or sew a unique item of clothing. The gift will be even more special because you invested your time into it and it is one of a kind.
  • Instead of spending money on a gift, why not think outside the box and give the gift of your time, skills, or effort? If you have a certain skill such as playing the guitar or speaking a second language, you can give free lessons to someone who wants to learn. You can volunteer your time to landscape someone’s backyard, clean their house, wash their car or help with their renovation. This is a way for you to give them a valuable gift by spending your time but not your money.

These are just a few ways that you can give thoughtful and meaningful gifts without spending a lot of money. Happy gift giving!

Jim Dean is a money blogger who loves to save money. He also works for Ulster Bank who offer regular savings accounts.

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5 Ways To Start Preparing Now And Avoid The Holiday Madness

Shopping Tips and Articles

The holidays are supposed to be a time of family togetherness, gratitude and relaxation but too often they turn into a mess of trying to do too much in too little time and wishing it were all over. This year, start your preparations early so that by the time Thanksgiving rolls around, you can enjoy [...]

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