How to Save on Your Shopping Bill

We are not living in a world where a mail takes a month or weeks to be delivered. We’re in an age where reaching someone on the other side of the world only takes a tap or two on a touchscreen mobile device.

Read: Where to Score Shopping Products Online

People say that a sale is just a way to get you spending. Well, there’s truth to that. Then again, at least you’re not paying the regular price! You get more value for your money.

Take advantage of different promotions happening across the metro. One way is to watch out for new stores that are just opening as they usually offer discounts on their first few days or months of operation. Among the biggest sale events that shoppers flock are the Great Northern Sale by SM North EDSA, The Green Light Sale by Ayala Malls, and The Shoes and Bags sale by SM. But keep in mind that super sales are not limited to shopping malls. If you are a travel junkie, you ought to be on the lookout for airline promos. For one, Cebu Pacific announces a seat sale every so often.

Most membership cards can only be obtained by spending a certain amount in the store (not branch specific) that offers them. If you are not up to shelling too much for just one brand, you can ask your family or friends to join you in shopping so you can reach the required amount. This is a good trick to getting your own membership card at your favorite store or restaurant.

Most membership cards, like Shu Uemura, offer 10% discount on products for members and an additional 20% discount and double points on the member’s birthday month. L’Occitane, for example, offers such discounts plus freebies on the cardholder’s birthday. Dining or restaurant membership cards typically give 10% off on menu items and have monthly promos exclusive to members, such as free desserts or a free dish.

Read: How to Use Your Credit Card Wisely

Credit cards have been getting a bad reputation because they’re blamed for getting the cardholder into spending too much. But actually, if you know how to prioritize and observe a monthly shopping budget, you won’t have to worry about a thing. What you should do, instead, is to take advantage of the perks of having a credit card.

For example, you can use your BPI credit card at one establishment and be awarded a discount for simply using your card. And don’t forget about the flexible payment terms most banks offer, with real 0% interest on instalments. As for debit cards, you usually get a rebate for a certain amount that you spend.