My 10 ways to save money by shopping

How to save on shopping?
If you really enjoy shopping by spending then don't even bother to read, because this post seems to be a complete opposite.

When we talk about saving money, we are referring to our own habit and discipline to control spending.

Christmas is around the corner, we need to shop for presents, so how do we save on shopping?
My tips here are not trying to make you look fussy or stingy, but if you want to save money, here's how you do it:

1. Collect coupons or vouchers. No harm keeping all these, you may not know when you need it. Try utilizing these vouchers to buy your necessity and xmas presents at cheaper price.
2.  Write down your shopping list. Make this a habit, I am serious. If you don't want to get over-budget on your shopping expenses, make sure you know what you want to buy. And only buy what you want to buy, that's it!
3. Shop around different stores. Yes, this is what ladies love to do, shop around different stores and look for a best buy. This is a great idea, you shop around to survey for a shop that offers a better price. You have to be hardworking nonetheless, especially when you want to get the best deal.
4.  Buy in bulk. You will notice that some stores offer a 'Buy 2 at a 50% discount'. Try utilize this at your advantage, not necessary to buy 2 for yourself. Instead, you share your purchases with a friend or family member from there you two save together.
5. Shop at Discount Stores. If you realized that a stand-alone shop that sells something that were marked up higher than the normal price, then don't step in. Only buy at discount stores like Wal-Mart, or hypermarket like Carrefour,etc. These giant hypermarkets have large economies of scale, therefore charging lesser in price.
6. Get a rebate card/credit card. If you are shopping for grocery or presents, you may want to take advantage of loyalty card that can offer rebates. Here you can save yourself a lot of money
• I've mentioned some examples of credit card that might be useful here:- http://wealthstreetjournal.blogspot.com/2010/12/how-to-use-your-credit-card.html
7. Learn how to bargain. If you happen to shop at a bargain store. Make sure you have your negotiation skills on hand. Desperately negotiating price with shopkeeper may sound embarrassing, but who knows how much you can save from it. 
8. Buy it last minute. Who says you need to plan ahead? Have you ever notice that some stores offer last minute sales to clear their stock right at the last day? That's where you rush in and shop for the items you longed to purchase. They will offer 50% or 70% discount off the price.
9. Online auction. Shopping is not necessarily tangible, look for online auction to shop for Xmas present at cheaper price. Best option I can suggest, go to http://www.ebay.com/ or http://www.Amazon.com and hunt for items that are offered during auction. You may get it lower than its normal price.
10. Save even more through online. Last but not least, learn your way through sites that can offer benefits to help you save money. Below are two of the sites that you can refer to:-
1. http://www.retailmenot.com/
•  You can search any items or sites that you want to buy in the search box. The site will show you ALL the list of coupons available for the proposed items. So here's where you can find coupons that provide desired promo or rebates.
2. http://www.ebates.com/ 
•  It works the same way like above-mentioned site. However, instead of having to fill in your rebate form every time you get the coupon. This site will store the info in their database, save your hassle. Another bonus is that they offer referral program by tipping you with $5 when you refer a friend to join. 

  
So there you go, 10 possible ways to help you with your finances during shopping period. It makes you happier to be able to save a few bucks, don't always assume that shopping can only be fun if you spend more. Enjoy your xmas shopping ahead =)