Summer doesn’t just bring long-awaited vacations; it also heralds one of the most beloved events for shopping enthusiasts: the summer sales.
The discount period generally begins on the first Saturday of July, offering a great opportunity to renew your wardrobe or indulge in a little treat before heading off on holiday. However, to truly take advantage of discounted prices, it’s important to have a strategy; otherwise, you risk overspending without gaining any real benefit.
Here are a few tips on how to approach the summer sales wisely and genuinely save money.
Start with Decluttering
Before diving into the sales, take some time to inventory your wardrobe: check what you already have, get rid of what you no longer use, and identify what you really need.
This will help clarify your priorities and focus on the items you truly require.
Make a List
Just like when grocery shopping, creating a detailed list of the items you intend to buy before heading out for the sales can be very helpful.
This makes it easier to make judicious purchases and avoid falling victim to impulsive shopping.
It’s generally a good idea to prioritize essential, high-quality pieces. Allow yourself to splurge on trendy items only if you truly love them and are sure you’ll wear them.
Set a Budget
Decide in advance how much you’re willing to spend during the sales: establish a reasonable budget and commit to sticking to it.
A bonus tip: using cash during the sales can be a great way to control expenses. Physically handing over money makes you more aware of how much you’re spending, whereas using a card can diminish this perception.
Quality Over Quantity
During sales, it’s easy to be tempted by low prices and “stock up” on inexpensive items.
However, thinking long-term, it’s wiser to focus on quality over quantity: invest in well-made garments that will last, rather than low-quality clothes that will wear out quickly. Moreover, it’s well known that fast fashion accounts for 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. It’s also estimated that 20% of water pollution is caused by fabric dyeing and processing. Alongside keeping your spending in check, take this opportunity to consider the environment.
Keep Your Receipts
Before making purchases during sales, check the return policies of the stores where you shop and ensure you adhere to their terms and conditions. A change of mind isn’t always possible. In any case, don’t forget to keep all your receipts: they’re essential for exchanges or returns (if allowed) and also to verify that you’ve stuck to your budget.
A Little Flexibility Doesn’t Hurt
While having a plan is important, a bit of flexibility is sometimes warranted. If you come across an incredible deal on an item that wasn’t on your list but you absolutely love, allow yourself the freedom to buy it.
Being mindful doesn’t mean passing up a great opportunity or denying yourself a little joy.
After all, good money management should help you live better and make you happier. That’s why financial education can make a real difference in everyone’s life.
The Museum of Saving was created with the goal of spreading economic knowledge and making seemingly complex concepts accessible to all.
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