Most of us make purchases on a daily basis. As consumers, those purchases shape the ways we handle our money and how we affect our communities, too. And our buying habits influence the environment and world. Brush up on how you can do a better job at buying with these smart consumer practices.
1. Leave Reviews
Our purchases, both good and bad, can help others make a more informed decision when they get ready to buy. Especially after shopping online, it’s a good practice to leave a detailed review when you can. Obviously, you won’t be able to do this with everything you buy. But when you can, help others avoid or invest in items with your experience. It’s also a smart idea to read reviews thoroughly while making a purchase, too.
2. Reuse Packaging and Bags
When at all possible, consider reusing the packaging your items arrive in. At a minimum, recycle boxes and bottles. It’s also wise to invest in reusable bags. After each shopping trip, store those bags in the trunk of your car so you always have them with you before hitting the aisles.
3. Be Skeptical When Shopping Online
Ever feel like a deal is too good to be true? Lean into those feelings. We’re constantly bombarded by Internet ads and many of them are too good to be true. If you ever wonder about a particular product, site, or purchase, do a quick search for reviews or even the name of the website with the word scam. You also always want to verify the small lock to the left of the URL to make sure you’re on a secure site.
4. Keep Good Records
You need an organized system to track documents relating to the items you buy. From manuals to spare parts or special tools used for maintenance or cleaning, there’s no worse feeling than “where’s that at again?” If you don’t want to start a file or don’t have room for one, consider starting a digital record of especially major purchases like appliances, vehicles, and furniture. Scan in documents and save links for online manuals.
5. Buy in Bulk
Perhaps now more than ever, there’s an argument to be made for buying in bulk. As long as you have the budget to purchase items with cash, consider stocking up on those goods you know you’ll need and use. Our family chooses to buy toilet paper, paper towel, oats, peanut butter, toothpaste, soap, vitamins, and a handful of other goods in bulk.
6. Pay Bills Online
Cut down on paper clutter, postage expense, and put systems into place so you can pay your bills on time. When you can elect to pay your bills online, going paperless when possible. Be sure you designate a specific email address to use for your bills so you’re not digging through old SPAM to find statements. Some utilities will allow you to choose your own due date (or a range of due dates). Request a payment date that works for your budget and set up automatic payments. Sometimes you may even receive a better rate when you do or with some student loans a reduction in interest rate after a set number of consecutive payments.
7. Read the Fine Print
Always, always, read the documents you’re signing. From the terms of your billing to late penalties and beyond, no one else will advocate for your finances better than you. It’s your job to be informed about the financial decisions you make. Know what fees you’re paying (if any). Read that fine print.
Becoming a well informed consumer takes practice. It doesn’t happen overnight. Begin making decisions that form you into a healthy, smart fully developed shopper.
Our new book Your Money, Your Marriage is now available! Be sure to check out videos on managing money together on Facebook.
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal, learn about a way to save, or maybe even something for free, I may end up making a small commission. All prices are subject to change.
