Just last year, there was a measurable spike in the number of people who compulsively shopped online, and we know the pandemic certainly didn't help. Online shopping is addictive, just ask your peers around you. You'll probably hear that they picked up a lot of items during the lockdown that they now regret or are having a hard time storing.

While retail therapy has helped some cope with the stress of being confined at home, it is simply not a sustainable habit to have in the long run. With Black Friday and Cyber Monday just around the corner, we gathered smart saving strategies and tips on how to fulfill your wish list, while staying within your budget.

#1 Set a Budget and Stick to It.

Discipline and self-control are the name of the game, though we all know that it is easier said than done. By having a fixed budget, you will be able to set your own expectations and limit your purchases. You don't have to forbid yourself from indulging, just categorize what you want by priority before completing any purchases.

#2 Use Cash-Back Apps.

Wait! Just before you rush to checkout, make sure you have installed some of these apps or browser extensions that help you save even more. Browser extensions likeKarma andHoney are great for sourcing the best deals and discount codes while apps likeFetch andIbottacan help you earn gift cards and cash-back while you shop. If these two seem like too much of a hassle, you can also opt to checkout with a cash-back credit or debit card. 

You should try stacking some of these cash-back and deals together, as they can often help you save up to hundreds, if not more!

#3 Pick the Right Day to Shop.

We always say timing is important. Well, shopping should be no different. Unless you urgently need the items, you can always create a wishlist and monitor sales. Annual sale events like Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, Cyber Monday and End of Year Sales are the best time to pick up smart home appliances, gadgets, or larger purchases!

#4 Subscribe to Brand Newsletters.

While there are already a lot of great discounts to be had during sales events, you can also take advantage of special sales offered by brands. Brands and some online retailers will usually have exclusive items on their websites such as BOGOs (buy one, get one) or pre-sale notifications. You can always add these dates to your calendar and plan ahead to reap the best deals and save even more.

#5 You Don't Always Have to Buy the Latest Version.

No, you didn't read this wrong. While it's always nice to have the latest, shiny new gadget, it's not always the best choice for you. Take the newly released iPhone 14 as an example. If you're using an older iPhone model, purchasing the iPhone 13 may still be an upgrade and it's cheaper too. Instead of chasing technology trends, make smart, informed decisions based on what you need, not necessarily what you want.

Final Thoughts

While these tips might not be applicable to every retailer or website, it's still good to set a budget so that you don't overspend on impulsive purchases, especially during the upcoming Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales! If you're feeling it, why not challenge yourself to see how much you can save with these tips? You'll be surprised!

If you have other savings tips that you would like to share, please feel free to share them with us and other Nooie Fans in the Nooie Club on Facebook! 

We look forward to hearing from you!