Shopping: The Broke Way

The great thing about being broke, is you learn how to find a good deal. You can find things that look great, and are durable, on the cheap. 

Because of this, I have developed an appreciation for discount stores and thrift shops.

Most of my clothes has been purchased at either Ross, TJ Maxx, Thrift Stores, or the sale rack at different stores. Some of my favorite and most used pieces were bought for less than $5.

Thanksgiving Break Purchases: Vince Camuto Asymetrical Coat, $44 (from $260) - Ross; Christmas Sweater and Quilt print cross body bag, $6 - Goodwill; Samsung Galaxy S4, Verizon Wireless Cell Phone update.

Here are some things that can help you shop smarter while you're on a budget.

1. Set/Know your budget.

When you're shopping, it's very easy to blow an entire paycheck (or financial aid return). Before you leave your place, make sure to have a set amount you're willing to spend. If you're paying in cash, only take what you set for your budget, and leave the rest at home. If you're paying with a debit or credit card, transfer all of your money, except the amount allotted for the shopping trip, into your savings account. Knowing how much you can afford to spend will help you purchase things you truly need, instead of buying items you'll never wear. 

2. Know what you're looking for.

I think the key to finding a good deal, is knowing what you're looking for. After reading a couple of fashion blogs, and from personal experience, I've learned that if you go to a thrift store or a discount store with an idea of what you want or what you need, you'll be able to target certain sections, maximizing your time and your ability to find whatever it is you want to add to your wardrobe. This also helps you to stay within your budget. If you know what you need, you won't be as susceptible to overspending.

3. Distinguish between what you want and what you need.

You tried on that beautiful gown, and fell in love with it. But, do you REALLY need it? Do you have an event coming up within the next three months that would give you an opportunity to wear it? Or, will it just be taking up closet space while you wait for an event to come up? Sometimes you have to make sacrifices, and although you might absolutely love the way a certain piece fits on you, it might not be worth buying. If you truly don't need a certain item you can spend the money you would have spent on it, on other things. Unless you know for a fact that you will be getting a lot of immediate use from a certain piece, or that you would be able to wear it to an upcoming event, it's generally not worth it (especially if it's expensive and you're broke).

4. Think about the future.

Before you buy a certain item of clothing, think about it's future appeal. Remember those acid wash jeans that were in style about two years ago? Everyone thought they were so cool, but they went out of style almost as quickly as they became popular. Easy way to waste a ton of money on something you won't use more than once.

5. Invest in basics, not on statement pieces.

Because things go in and out of style so quickly, it's not wise to splurge on current stylish statement pieces (think tights in crazy patterns, or a full on tribal print dress). You usually get more use out of your basics (think items such as cardigans, favorite pair of jeans, go-to white t-shirt, or a little black dress), so in order to maximize your dollar, you should generally try to invest in good quality basics (so they can last you longer), and buy a few inexpensive statement pieces to pair with your basics. That way, you stay up to par with the current style, but can easily transition, not having spent hundreds of dollars, once it changes.

Although shopping is fun, when you don't have a ton of money to freely spend on clothing and accessories, you have to be smart with what you do have. It'll be difficult at first, but shopping on a budget will give you the opportunity to spend the money you're saving, on other things you truly need.

What are your shopping habits like?

-TBCG