How Does a Shop-a-holic Save Money?

Switch Stores

The biggest way a shop-a-holic can save money is simply by switching stores. Instead of purchasing name brand clothing directly from their manufacturer, a shop-a-holic can go to discount stores such as Marshalls or Ross. Marshalls and Ross sell name brand clothes for half the price. Find the stores in your area that offer the same clothing and items you are looking for, but at cheaper prices. Then you still get the high of going shopping, but it doesn't damage your wallet nearly as badly.

Set a Budget

Decide ahead of time how much money you can spend when you go shopping. Once you have decided on an amount, withdraw that amount from your bank account. Take only that cash with you to the store. Leave all of your credit cards as well as your checkbook at home. They would just tempt you to spend over the amount that you set for your shopping trip. This may seem difficult at first, but you will get used to it after a while, and you can put the money you are saving in to an account for a future vacation.

Use Coupons

Coupons are readily available for just about any store. Use your search engine to get even more discounts. By typing Old Navy Coupon Codes in to your search engine you can come up with free shipping or 25% off your total order if you shop on a certain date. You can type in a product you plan to buy at the grocery store and add the word "coupon" after it and you will get most likely get some. Always check your local newspaper for coupons as well. If you don't like clipping them yourself, you can buy them on eBay for a reasonable price. This will save you a lot of money over the course of one year, and you still get to buy the products you want.

Bring a Frugal Friend

Whenever you are tempted to go on a shopping spree, bring a frugal friend along. This friend will either stop you from making foolish purchases or help you find something similar for less money. Having a friend along will help keep you from making impulse buys which can really bring up your total at the cash register. Having that frugal friend along is like having an accountability partner. It is a great way to save money, but still get to shop.