If you like shopping but find your habit has been putting a bit of a strain on your finances then now could be the time to take action. For some of us the lure of a sale is too much to resist, but if you’re regularly handing over your credit card for items it could lead to debt issues. With that in mind, here are some tips to keep your spending at a more sensible level:

Plan ahead

It’s easy to plan ahead for certain shopping trips, so get in to the habit of writing a list of what you need and sticking to it. This works particularly well with grocery shopping when special offers can make it easy to fill your trolley with more than you need. If you’re willing to be particularly organised then plan out a full week of meals. If you need a little help with this then why not get some ideas online? There are a range of websites offering meals plans catering for all kinds of budget and various levels of expertise in the kitchen.

Cut out non-essentials

We’ve all been guilty of making an impulse buy or two, but if you’re regularly making unplanned purchases then it could be time to make a change. Consider whether what you’re about to buy is needed or just wanted. If it isn’t essential then go away and give yourself a bit of time to think about it. This should help you to avoid buying something you later regret.

Leave your cards at home

If you want to make a real go of sticking to a budget it’s worth giving yourself a certain amount of cash to spend and then leaving your cards at home. This will remove the temptation to spend more than you’d planned to. And if you do need access to a little extra cash then be sure to compare credit cards for the most preferential interest rates before settling for one.

Don’t go shopping socially

Many people hit the shops with friends, but if you’re looking to cut back your spending this might not be a good idea as the temptation to spend can increase. Instead suggest alternatives to friends, such as going for a walk or simply spending a bit of time at home with each other. You could even tell them you’re looking to save a bit of money. Who knows? They might decide it’s not such a bad idea themselves.