© Shutterstock

Get familiar with cash back programs - Check out what cash back programs your credit cards have before making any purchase. You can get significant discounts with these types of programs.

© Shutterstock 

Search for the best price -

Before making a purchase, make sure to compare brands and even stores for the best prices.

© Shutterstock 

Read reviews - It’s worth researching what other buyers have to say about an item. This way, you’ll know whether or not you’re getting what you pay for.

© Shutterstock 

Identify items you go through quickly -

Don’t buy items like toilet paper, pasta, and rice in small quantities at the grocery store. Instead, opt for buying them at a wholesale club that offers great prices.

© Shutterstock 

Buy in the off-season -

Winter is the best time to buy a bicycle, air conditioner, or any other seasonal equipment, because it will be on sale. If you know you'll need something for the summer, start looking for it in winter, and vice versa.

© Shutterstock 

Take advantage of credit card points -

You can often get great deals on travel by accumulating points.

© Shutterstock 

Download your grocery store’s app -

When shopping, look the items up on the app to see if there’s a digital coupon. This is a smart way to find discounted products.

© Shutterstock 

Consider your local farmer’s market - Local farmers selling in-season produce typically charge less than grocery stores, so check them out. Also consider a farmer’s market delivery service.

© Shutterstock 

Only shop for non-food household items once a month - These types of items can be pricey, so make a list, including what you’re running low on.

© Shutterstock 

Don’t shop when you’re bored or hungry - It’s easy to overspend when you’re mindlessly browsing. The same goes for grocery shopping when hungry. As everything looks good when you're hungry, you’re more likely to make unhealthy and pricey choices.

© Shutterstock 

Only buy in bulk if it makes sense for you -

Buying in bulk doesn’t guarantee that you will save money if you throw half of it away when it goes bad. So make sure you know you will use it all before buying in bulk.

© Shutterstock 

Split big purchases with a friend -

If you do buy in bulk, divide the items up with a friend or family member. This will help you both save money and actually use what you buy.

© Shutterstock 

Avoid the grocery store on Sundays -

Sundays are the days everyone is stocking up for the week. When trying to maneuver a crowd, you don’t always make the best decisions, so avoid any unnecessary stress and go at the beginning of the week.

© Shutterstock 

Try the store brands -

Often they’re just as good as the name brands, and they're guaranteed to be cheaper.

© Shutterstock 

Do your meal planning around items that are on sale - It’s a lot easier to save money by planning your meals around what’s on sale rather than shopping for ingredients for a specific meal.

© Shutterstock 

After adding items to your virtual shopping cart, leave it for a while - Some companies will email you coupons as a way to encourage you to complete the purchase.

© Shutterstock 

Sign up for free loyalty programs at your favorite retailers -

Remember to use your loyalty card when you shop to earn points, and pay attention to the coupons you’ll receive.

© Shutterstock 

Don't always go for free shipping - It’s easy to blow your budget if you’re trying to hit a free shipping threshold by spending more money. In the end, it’s sometimes better to just pay for the shipping.

© Shutterstock 

Wait one week before you make a purchase -

This trick will help you cut spontaneous spending for unessential items. Imagine a cardigan caught your attention: if you really love it, you’ll still want it next week. However, more often than not, you’ll have forgotten about it, saving you money you might have wasted otherwise.

© Shutterstock 

Try before you buy - It's common that one buys a new dress or shirt on a whim, only to end up throwing it in the back of the closet because it didn’t fit. To avoid this, it’s best to try it on before making the purchase. It might feel time-consuming, but it will help you avoid a costly mistake.

© Shutterstock 

Follow and subscribe - Make sure to sign up for emails from your favorite shops and follow their social media accounts. This way you will directly get their deals and exclusive offers.

© Shutterstock 

Get in the habit of replacing, not adding - Before making a purchase, make sure you don’t have an identical item at home. And when buying something, get in the mindset of replacing things when you need to instead of adding to what you already have.

© Shutterstock 

Get a good deal on a demo model of a car - Dealers will typically drive cars for a few months and offer them at a discounted price, making it worth waiting before buying a new vehicle.

© Shutterstock 

Consider leasing a new car -

Leasing often requires less money than the full cost to purchase. Definitely a good money saver.

© Shutterstock 

Choose cash -

When making your weekly trips to the grocery store, bring a specific amount of cash and stick to that amount to help you save money. This way you will also know exactly how much you’re spending.

© Shutterstock 

Consider buying secondhand accessories - You can find pre-owned watches and jewelry in great condition that cost a lot less than they would full price. Websites that sell these items often have experts to check authenticity and condition.

© Shutterstock 

Look for auctioned furniture -

Visit auction sites to find unique pieces at great prices.

© Shutterstock 

Don’t give in to trends - Fashion trends can be tempting, but if you’re concerned with being out of style, stick to more classic items that are good for every season. This also applies for tech: hold off a bit and you can get the latest gadgets on sale.

© Shutterstock 

Ask yourself: "Do I need this?" - Pondering on this question will help you make smarter purchases.

© Shutterstock 

Go through your closet and take out any clothes you no longer wear -

Instead of keeping your unused clothes, sell them on websites like eBay. Then take the money you’ve earned and purchase something you need.

Sources: (Parade) (Good Housekeeping) 

See also: Top tips for building self-discipline 

© Shutterstock