4 Quick Tips to Help You Spend Less When Shopping

Posted on 4:25pm Monday 10th Mar 2025

Discover four effective strategies to reduce your shopping expenses, avoid impulse purchases, and maximise savings.

4 quick tips to help you spend less when shopping

How to Spend Less When Shopping

Spending less when shopping is a common goal, but achieving it requires strategic planning. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that the average weekly household expenditure in the UK was £567.70 for the financial year ending 2023 and no doubt that has risen considerably with the 2024 and 2025 rising cost of living. While spending is inevitable, adopting certain habits can help you manage and reduce your expenses.

Here are four practical tips to help you spend less:

1. Double-Check to Ensure You're Getting the Best Deal

Your brain's rational decision-making areas will typically stop you from making purchases if the price is too high. However, these areas only work when you think the price is a rip-off. As such, they may not function if you think you are receiving the best deal. Therefore, it is critical to confirm whether you are indeed receiving the best price possible before concluding any purchases. For instance, you can do a quick online search of items you want to buy to see if there are lower prices elsewhere or coupon codes you can take advantage of.

I’ve said it so many times, but I always say it as I still know so many people who don’t check for cashback and they are losing out on hundreds of pounds a year from their online shopping and bookings! Always check for cashback at Top Cashback and Quidco for great discounts at online retailers. It only takes a second and all you have to do is click the link from the cash back site to go to the retailer and then shop at normal.

Save money online with this HUGE list of UK cashback sites

Before making any purchase, it's essential to verify that you're receiving the best possible price. To conclude, consider the following steps:

Compare prices online: Utilise price comparison websites to find better deals.
Search for discount codes: Websites like VoucherCodes or Honey often provide promotional codes for various retailers.
Utilise cashback opportunities: Platforms such as Top Cashback and Quidco offer cashback on purchases from numerous retailers.

Additionally, using reward-based credit cards can further enhance your savings. For instance, a Tesco Clubcard credit card allows you to earn points on your shopping, which can be redeemed for discounts or rewards.

2. Shop Second-Hand

Purchasing second-hand items is a proven method to reduce expenses. Pre-owned goods can cost up to 50% less than new ones and often function just as effectively. Consider buying second-hand for:

Clothing: Charity shops and online platforms like Vinted and eBay offer quality apparel at reduced prices.
Furniture: Second-hand stores and online marketplaces provide affordable options for furnishing your home.
Electronics: Refurbished gadgets come at a fraction of the cost and often include warranties.
Vehicles: Opting for a used car instead of a new model can result in substantial savings.

Not only does shopping second-hand save money, but it also promotes sustainability by reducing waste.

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3. Never Shop Without a List

Impulse purchases are a significant contributor to overspending. A study revealed that 91% of Brits make impulse buys each month, often leading to buyer's remorse. Creating a shopping list can help you:

Focus on necessities: A list ensures you purchase only what you need.
Avoid impulse buys: Sticking to a list reduces the temptation to buy unnecessary items.
Adhere to your budget: Planning your purchases helps maintain financial discipline.

This practice is beneficial not only for groceries but also for holiday shopping, business expenses, and gift purchases.

4. Carry Money Wisely

The manner in which you carry and use money can influence your spending habits. For example, research shows that individuals spend less when carrying crisp and fresh notes. This is because old notes look contaminated, forcing you to get rid of them. On the other hand, there is a sense of pride in carrying around fresh banknotes.

Also, consider these strategies:

Use cash instead of cards: People often spend less when using physical cash, as it provides a tangible sense of expenditure.
Carry larger denominations: Holding £50 or £20 notes can make you think twice before breaking them for small purchases.
Set weekly cash limits: Withdrawing a fixed amount each week can help control spending.

Additionally, using prepaid budgeting cards like GoHenry or Monzo allows you to allocate specific amounts for certain expenses, aiding in budget adherence.

Final Thoughts: Smart Shopping for Long-Term Savings

Shopping is an essential part of life, but spending wisely can make a significant difference in your financial stability and long-term savings. By making a few simple changes to your shopping habits, you can reduce unnecessary expenses, avoid impulse purchases, and ensure you're always getting the best value for your money.

To recap the key takeaways:

Always compare prices and use cashback platforms to make the most of every purchase.
Consider buying second-hand to access quality items at a fraction of the cost.
Create a shopping list before heading out or shopping online to stay focused and avoid unnecessary spending.
Be mindful of how you carry and use money, as using cash or budgeting tools can help you control spending.

By incorporating these habits into your routine, you’ll save money without sacrificing the things you need. Small savings may not seem like much at first, but they add up over time and can contribute to better financial security and peace of mind.

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