A 2007 study from the Stanford Graduate School of Business notes that shoppers who are forced to pay separately for each item purchased spend less that shoppers who buy a lot all at once. The study states that people who spend more may be doing so because they’ve built a “shopping momentum” with an initial purchase. Researchers found that for most people buying a first item leads to a “purchasing floodgate.”

In one of the field tests, students were given the opportunity to buy discounted items from the researchers as compensation for their participation. Some students initially were offered a light …read more

One of the best websites that a budget minded individual can visit this holiday season is Free Shipping. At Free Shipping you can quickly browse through hundreds of current free and low-cost shipping deals. Tons of popular shopping sites are listed at Free Shipping (over 1,500) including Victoria’s Secret, Target, Bloomingdale’s, Kohl’s, Sears, Best Buy, Old Navy, Nordstrom and Macy’s and the site is updated frequently.

When you click on a retailer’s section at Free Shipping you’ll get back info on each deal, purchase requirements, expiration dates and free shipping codes. In more ways to save news, Free Shipping has also …read more

Restocking fees can happen in online or retail stores and they can pack a big wallop for an item you’re returning. Basically, a restock fee is when a company charges you 15-20% (typically although sometimes a lot more; like 50%) on an item you’re returning that you already opened.

The fee allegedly covers issues like the time it takes to check the box for missing parts, missing instructions, or for making replacements. With the holidays coming up, it’s wise to pay close attention to restock fees because they can up the price of your holiday purchases.
You can avoid these restocking fees …read more

Two words – shop early.
When you wait until the last minute here’s what happens: 
Stores run out of items – now you’re in special order territory (extra costs).
You have to run all over; you get hot, tired, frustrated, and are far more susceptible to impulse buys.
When you don’t shop until the last minute, you’re likely to spend more, because you don’t have time to comparison shop, or make good decisions, because smart financial decisions actually take time. Even shopping financial decisions.
Stores not only run out of stuff, but get crazy busy the closer we get to the holidays. Ever heard the …read more

Holiday rush is what everyone should avoid if getting out of a mall or department store unscathed and not overpaying on items or crying over piled debts after the holiday season are one’s goal.
The lure of techie gadgets for your teens or even for your young at heart wife or husband can be hard to resist. Sure, financial experts suggest that it’s best to use your credit card for these kinda high-ticket items. But to make the most of it, look for shops that offer 0% interest for installment plans or know which amongst your deck of credit cards offers …read more