One of the biggest challenges facing families, and even individuals, today is how to stretch their budget to be able to pay all the bills and, if circumstances permit, to be able to set aside some, even just a little, for savings. Food, education, electric bill, water bill, and groceries are just some of the basic necessities we have to maintain all the time. Not to mention unplanned expenses like hospital and medical bills that we have to prepare in case of emergencies. Then there’s stuff like shopping, dining out, watching a movie and going on a vacation that are not really necessities but we have to take on from time to time to relieve ourselves from stress from work, school, etc.

Needless to say, it’s very hard to save money. Especially nowadays when malls and other commercial centers proliferate, it’s almost a feat to be able to save even just a little money for the rainy days. But that doesn’t mean we have to deprive ourselves of any form of luxury or relaxation anymore. We all deserve it, that is, at a reasonable degree coherent with our income. So, instead of the usual do’s and don’ts, here are some small saving tips that help big time.

Never buy on impulse. According to official studies, impulse buying is an emotional behavior. It’s when we’re sad or depressed about something and so we turn to shopping for a temporary high. But more often than not, what we buy is usually not what we need. In fact, most impulsive buyers regret what they bought just a few hours after shopping because they realize it’s the wrong color or the wrong size or the wrong item altogether! The point? Don’t shop when you’re depressed! You’ll end up spending so much more than you should be. Shop when you’re on your right mind, so to speak. That way, you’ll be able to make the right judgement when buying something.

Never buy without a shopping list. Before going grocery shopping, make sure to make a list so you can stick to your budget. Look at your pantry or supplies before heading out to the supermarket. Buy only what you need and not what you want on impulse. Buy in bulk so you can save more. Big packages usually make you save several pesos and time in having to go back to the store all the time.

Never shop on an empty stomach. When you shop hungry, you tend to put more into your cart than what you need because everything looks delicious. Worse, you won’t care how much something costs because you’re so hungry you just want to eat anything and everything right away! Eat at home before going out to buy your groceries so that what you’ll purchase is exactly just what you need. That way, you can save money and even avoid binge-eating which is totally unhealthy!