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Use new bills -

Do you prefer to keep crispy, new cash, or wilted, dirty, old bills? According to a study in the Journal of Consumer Research, you'd probably pick the first.

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Use new bills -

Participants in the study were willing to spend more money when they had old bills than when they had newer ones. Go figure!

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Limit the number of stores you go to -

The more stores you visit, the more you'll buy. A lot of people tell themselves they're comparison-shopping, but that will often not happen.

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Limit the number of stores you go to -

The truth is many people feel like they need to buy something for all the legwork they've put in, i.e. they need to reward themselves.

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Don't make friends with the sales staff -

Yes, they're quite friendly. But the more you interact with them, the more likely you're to purchase from them, for several reasons.

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Don't make friends with the sales staff -

One is that they're often skilled sellers. But people often unconsciously feel, after a point, that they don't want to let down a sales person who has helped them.

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Take a mindful break -

Sometimes you just need to take a step back. Prevent an impulse purchase by taking a mindful break before you whip out the credit card.

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Take a mindful break -

Sit down somewhere outside the shop and ask yourself: "Why am I here? How do I feel? Do I need this? What if I wait? How will I pay for it? Where will I put it?" Then, decide if you're really going to make the purchase.

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Avoid shopping at peak times -

When shoppers are in a crowded store, they feel out of control, which can lead to them spending more money. Also, a lot of people end up overspending when they go shopping with their friends because they want to keep up with them.

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Avoid shopping at peak times -

Instead, try to buy what you need during the time when malls are almost empty, and preferably do it alone.

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Suck on a mint while you shop -

Retailers use a special strategy called scent marketing to trick shoppers into spending more money. Some popular scents include bergamot, vanilla, and white tea.

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Suck on a mint while you shop -

Chomping on mint-flavored candy or chewing gum can overwhelm the surrounding aromas, and help you avoid any impulsive buys.

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Sleep on it before purchasing large items -

For items over a set amount, give it a one- or two-day waiting period before pulling the trigger. With online shopping, you can put the items in your virtual shopping cart but avoid checking out immediately.

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Sleep on it before purchasing large items -

Plus, lack of sleep also affects both mood and judgment. So getting a good night's rest can actually improve your decision-making and that emotional impulse-spending.

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Don't carry items around with you that you're thinking of buying in a store -

The problem with carrying items around with you is that they begin to feel like yours. You get used to them, and you feel a little "pain" if you have to put them back.

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Don't carry items around with you that you're thinking of buying in a store -

We actually hate pain and loss more than we love pleasure and gain. Hence, items that get carried around are more likely to be bought. So leave them on the rack until you decide.

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Never go shopping without a list -

Making a list ahead of time can help avoid impulse purchases and future buyer's remorse. This is because creating the list forces you to really think about what you actually need.

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Never go shopping without a list -

While many people associate shopping lists with groceries, this can also help keep your spending in check when buying holiday gifts or back-to-school supplies.

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Wear headphones when you run errands -

According to a study published in the Journal of Marketing, slow-paced music can make shoppers slow down as they roam through the store, leading them to spend more money.

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Wear headphones when you run errands -

Instead, listening to tunes with a fast tempo via headphones can help you get in and out of the store quickly, without overspending.

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Make yourself walk away -

The very act of shopping triggers the pleasure centers of your brain. As dopamine flows through your synapses, a shopper's high can take over your mind, making you buy things you don't need or even want.

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Make yourself walk away -

To minimize this effect, you should walk away from a potential purchase and come back the next day to see if you still want it. This will eliminate the novelty of the situation, and you'll make a more clear-headed decision. The same goes for online shopping.

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Say "no" to sales, unless the item is already on your list -

Sure, it's exciting to get something on a discount. But remember: the point of store promotions is to get customers to spend more money.

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Say "no" to sales, unless the item is already on your list -

Of course, it's okay to buy things you want as well as things you need, as long as you make the purchases mindfully.

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Leave your credit cards at home -

Research shows people are willing to spend more money with cards than with cash. When you pay with cash, you see the amount of money spent. However, paying with a card makes it harder to track your expenses.

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Leave your credit cards at home -

On top of that, stores desperately want you to use a credit card because they know you'll spend more if you do.

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Don't shop when you’re feeling emotional -

If you consider your finances to be a source of stress, be especially cautious when you're spending, since your emotions may further cloud your judgment.

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Don't shop when you’re feeling emotional - When you're feeling emotional, then your faculties aren't at an optimal level. That could lead you to buy something that you might not have intended to purchase.

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Always double check that you're getting the best value -

It's easy to get sucked into a "shopping high," making the decision-making parts of your brain less rational.

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Always double check that you're getting the best value -

Before putting an item into your (real or virtual) cart, do a quick online search to see whether the item is available elsewhere for a lower price. 

Sources: (Forbes) (Vox) (Reader's Digest)

See also: 30 ways to help you shop smarter

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