Smart shopping tips

Shopping can be a pleasure or a chore. If you know the secret, shopping can be fun, and more importantly, with good planning, you can guard yourself against the temptation of goods that you don't need.

Below are some smart shopping tips that you can you use while shopping for clothes or other necessities for Idul Fitri or the Christmas holidays.

- Shop with a plan. Know exactly what you need and how much you can spend. Write it down and create a budget.

- Discounts offered by stores are generally very tempting. Try to avoid impulse buys.

- Make sure, advertised items are not necessarily the cheapest.

- To avoid crowds, do not shop on payday or just before holidays.

- Buy items before you run out of them.

- Although an item is on sale, this does not necessarily mean it is a good deal for you. If you don't need it, don't buy it.

- Emotions often affect your shopping: Be careful of the "I deserve it mentality".

- Buy at the end of the season.

- Stock up when prices are low.

- Check the entire store for specials and alternatives.

- Keep in mind that larger is not always more expensive, nor is smaller always cheaper.

- Watch as the clerk rings up your purchases. Check your receipt.

- If possible, return purchases that do not meet your expectations.