In the past I've tried spending bans and such but let's face it.. I'm a shopaholic and as soon as I place any restriction on myself I end up going mad and spending twice as much as I already would have. This year I have been trying to shop a little savvier. I'm still getting my 'hit' and I have a constant list of wants as long as my arm but I'm a little smarter about fulfilling those 'needs'. I spend the most on impulse purchases so number 1 thing I've learned this year is to keep receipts and check return timescales. The number of items I have returned in the past 6 months that previously would have hung in my closet unworn until I have them away is unreal. Only 2 weeks ago I bought a coat on sale and I was convinced I was keeping it only to today decide I don't like it at all. I'm the worst! Luckily I still have my receipt and am within my returns period so I didn't waste my money and if you are a whim shopper like me I would highly recommend keeping things for a week or two before removing tags etc. I am so fickle it's just common sense!

My second tip is to NEVER buy anything before you've done a quick search online to see if 1. you can find it cheaper or 2. there's a promotional code you can use.I rarely purchase anything online without some kind of voucher code (check out voucherbin.co.uk) and am signed up to a dozen or so mailing lists to be sure I never miss one for my favourite retailers. I shop on eBay for second hand items if they're particularly pricey (I JUST bought something exciting I will be showing you in a video very soon)as well as selling items I'm no longer using.. usually to fund something I'm bidding on, is it just me that does that?

The last tip is one I am still working on making best use of myself, cash back sites. I always use them when I'm booking holidays etc as the return can be massive but it's tough to remember to click through every single time I make a purchase. Every penny counts though so if you're really trying to save while shopping and shave off as many discounts as possible this is one thing that costs nothing but time.

If you have any tips of your own feel free to add them in the comments.. saving money is a nice idea but I prefer to save on my shopping.. much to my bank accounts despair, I'm sure.

Miss BB

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