Summer is here, and chances are, you could use a new wardrobe. Unfortunately, summer shopping isn’t always cheap, but there are ways to shop without breaking the bank. This article shares a few shopping hacks. From leaving your credit card at home to shopping second hand, here are a few ways to save money while shopping for summer clothes:
1. Use The Right Debit Card
Believe it or not, not every debit card works the same. Some cards are set up to help you save money, even when you make purchases. For instance, some cards have online savings programs that connect to your debit card and work by rounding your transactions up to the nearest dollar. That difference is automatically moved to your savings account, helping you grow your account without putting in too much effort.
When shopping for a debit card, make sure to find one that can work in your favor. That might mean a card that has a savings feature, like one mentioned above. Or maybe you want a debit card without ATM fees, so you can withdraw money whenever and wherever you want.
2. Sell Your Old Clothes
Before you start shopping for new summer clothing, spend some time looking through your closet. Chances are, you have a few items you no longer wear. Instead of letting them waste away, consider selling them and putting the money toward your new wardrobe.
There are several e-commerce sites that let consumers sell and buy clothes. For example, Poshmark. This popular marketplace is known for its deals on second-hand clothing, home goods, and even electronics. The RealReal, Depop, Vinted, and threadUP are a few more options you should check out.
Keep in mind, you’re probably not going to get the same amount you originally paid. After all, the clothing is used and should be priced a bit less. But something is better than nothing. Not to mention, the more you sell, the more your money will add up.
3. Be A Cautious Shopper
Do you create a budget before walking into a mall? If not, you should start. Going into a store blind could lead to overspending. To keep that from happening, create a budget for your summer shopping.
To start, review your income. Make sure you know how much money you can safely allocate toward clothes, without impacting your necessary expenses, like rent. Once you have your budget, do some research. Look at different clothing sites and in-person stores. Check their prices and see how they compare before you even start shopping.
With that said, you don’t want to sacrifice quality for quantity. The last thing you want is to buy an inexpensive shirt you’ll have to replace next month. Find clothes that are made out of durable material and meant to last long-term. This might mean spending a bit more money, but that could be worth it in the long-run.
4. Leave Your Credit Card
The key to saving money while shopping is to only pay for what you can afford. This might sound simple, but you’d be surprised by how many people spend money they don’t have using their credit card. Keep in mind, this doesn’t mean you can’t shop with your credit card. But if you don’t have the money for what you’re shopping for in your checking account, you shouldn’t buy it.
According to 2020 research, the average American had about $90,000 in consumer debt. It’s important to note that debt can sometimes be unavoidable. For instance, you might have to take out a loan to attend school or buy a house. However, going into debt for new clothes isn’t worth it.
5. Shop Second Hand
As mentioned above, there are many online commerce sites where you can sell your clothes. Well, you can also buy clothes on these sites. And guess what? Shopping second-hand is usually a cheaper option than buying new. Because of this, it’s a great way to update your summer wardrobe without breaking the bank.
Not only can you shop second hand online, but you can also find cute new threads in-person at thrift stores. Regardless of where you live, there are probably a few nearby worth checking out. Shopping at local second hand shops isn’t just good for your wallet, it’s also good for the environment. Doing so helps reduce the demand for new manufacturing, which slows down deliveries, reducing waste and pollution. Cutting back on how often you show new can make all the difference.
6. Use Coupons
There’s no shame in using coupons to save a few dollars. Thankfully, it’s the 21st century, and you don’t have to rifle through newspapers and magazines to find deals. You can find coupons online. One option is Honey, a browser extension that automatically finds and applies the best coupons. Rakuten and RetailMeNot are other options that let you search for coupons at stores near you.
Keep in mind, you don’t have to use coupons to get a deal. If there are stores you shop at regularly, consider signing up to receive emails about when they’re offering discounts. It’s also worth mentioning that many retailers offer deals around holidays and new seasons, like summer. Now might be a great time to start shopping for new pieces.
Summer is the perfect excuse to update your wardrobe. But that doesn’t mean you should go into debt due to overspending. The tips above can help you save money while you shop.
