Recent economic developments have given us yet another challenge in the form of shrinking wallets and higher prices. So, you've cut back your expenses as much as you possibly can. You've bought fewer video games, new clothes and shoes. You've occasionally abandoned your car to take the Metro and save on petrol. But still, you're coming up short.
Try some shopping tricks to stretch your budget a little bit further. You may be able to save just a dirham here and there, but a little goes a long way. You'll be surprised at how much those small savings can add up at the end of a month, or year. So, here are just a few tips to keep in mind the next time you hit the shop floor.
First, keep a list. Yes, you've heard it many times before, but it's true. That's the cardinal rule in shopping. Trust me, this will not only save you time, but also keep you from buying things that you don't need anyway. By writing down what you need, you will keep your mind focused only on the essentials, thus there's less chance that your eyes — and purse — will wander.
Go local. When buying fruits, vegetables and other perishables, always go for goods produced locally, or pick products that haven't travelled endless miles to reach your grocery. Try the ones that came from neighbouring countries. This way, you will be assured of their freshness and, of course, cheaper cost. The farther those fresh goodies come from, the higher the pollution factor there is and the more fuel and labour are needed to transport them.
Keep it small. Just because it's cheap doesn't mean you have to buy tonnes of it. It will cost you more to buy kilos of cabbage if you don't consume it at the end of the week. Just stick to how much you can use. Look for shops that sell small units and you'll see that if you're buying for one person, your Dh50 budget can give you your week's supply of broccoli, tomatoes, potatoes, capsicum, apples grapes, carrots. That's already a good mix and actually less expensive than two small packs of imported spinach!
Stocking up
Hoard, if need be. There are products that you can store for months. You can stock up on tissue, toiletries and cleaning supplies without having to worry so much about their expiry. So when dry goods are running low, look for them in the discount trays or shelves. Keep an eye on offers like "buy 3 get 1" or "buy 12 for the price of 8". It will also save you lots if you go generic or choose supermarket brands. They cost a lot less than popular brands.
Don't ignore seasonal items. Take advantage of the summer season to buy winter clothes, boots and stockings, but only if you really need them the next time the cold months roll around. Retailers who have a lot of leftovers from the previous season need to make a room for their new collection. So, scour the clearance racks for that pink winter scarf that you never had. You might find and get it for half the price.
Ditch the card. Use cash instead. That way, you don't have to pay interest and late payment fees. You might even find stores that offer discount for cash purchases. That's extra savings for you. When you pull out cash from your wallet, you will know exactly where you are in your budget. And certainly, you can't spend what you don't have, so there's no room for blowing your money.
Considering the massive shopping deals and wide array of choices at Dubai's malls, it may be difficult not to impulse-buy. But if you keep these tricks handy every time you shop, you're on your way towards paying off that bank loan or building your nest egg.
