How to shop mindfully on a budget

Living in a materialistic world can be both rewarding and overwhelming. Sometimes you’re presented with too many options to choose from and you can get in an analysis paralysis of not knowing what to decide. Is what we’re about to buy make you happy? Does it give you a temporary short burst of happiness/adrenaline rush? Are you buying it because it’s on sale even if you don’t really want it or need it? I’ve been there and am still working through my shopping habits, one cart at a time.

Here are some ways to mindfully shop on a budget:

1) Unsubscribe from marketing emails

  • It can be tempting to know about all the sales that are happening, but you don’t need someone to tell you when to buy certain things. But, what if you miss out on saving? It’s all right, you’ll continue to live and so do the companies as well.

  • If unsubscribing from all marketing emails is too big of a step for you, you may be able to choose to limit the number of marketing emails you receive by checking out the subscription preferences.

2) Check Rakuten first before you shop

  • If you’re know you’ll be shopping, check out Rakuten first to see if the shop you’re visiting is on Rakuten. If you’re gonna shop anyway, might as well get some cash back :) Did you know that Rakuten includes both online and in-person stores?!

  • Consider signing up for Rakuten using my referral code which doesn’t cost you anything :) Thank you.

3) Read the return policy before you shop

  • This is especially critical for online shopping. While we know that Costco and Nordstrom have generous return policies, many shops are requiring you to pay a return shipping fee ~$7 when you return the items.

  • That being said, it’s okay to change your mind and return the items if you don’t want them anymore.

4) Track prices before/after you shop

  • If you’re gonna shop on Amazon (hello, Amazon Prime Day 2023), check on camelcamelcamel.com for prices

  • Look for limited time deals on items you need anyway

    • I was able to buy my favorite brand of dental floss at almost 30% discount

  • If you value your hard-earned money, this tip may come in handy. Many shops offer price protection (i.e., price adjustment for a period of time after you buy in case the price drops)

That’s all for now. Happy mindful shopping to you. If you have any tips that you use to shop mindfully, please share below. May peace and presence be with you.

*This post may contain affiliate links where I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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