Use a list:

Lists aren’t just for groceries anymore. Whether you’re hitting the mall, doing a Target run or even shopping online, never shop without a detailed list. And stick to it!

Use cash:

Cards are great because of the easy tracking they provide, but if you tend to overspend on plastic, leave your cards at home and bring only enough cash needed for your purchases. You’ll be forced to stick to your budget.

Don’t shop on an empty stomach:

Never leave the house for a shopping expedition without eating first. Otherwise, there is a lot of temptation to go overboard on snacks, meals, and beverages, which can also be ridiculously overpriced.

Skip the mall:

It’s convenient to have everything you need under one roof, but if you find yourself leaving the mall with more purchases than you intended, stick to individual stores instead.

Bring a friend:

Two budgets are better than one! If you tend to overspend when you’re out, enlist a friend’s help for sticking to your budget. Let your friend know how much you plan to spend and ask them to warn you when you’re overindulging the urge to splurge.

Don’t window shop:

How many times have you told yourself you’re only going into a store “to look” and then walked out with arms full of merchandise and a wallet empty of cash? Only enter a store when you have the intention of making a purchase.