The Lazy Shopper’s Guide to Spending Less and Saving Hours

Shopping doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. Trust me, I’ve been there—I’ve fallen for cleverly marketed “sales,” overspent on a whim, and even stared at my credit card bill wondering where it all went. But these days, I’ve turned shopping into an enjoyable experience that doesn’t break the bank. The secret? It’s not about cutting out shopping completely (because who doesn’t love a little retail therapy?); it’s about shopping smarter.

Today, I’m going to share with you tried-and-tested tips and tricks that have worked for me over the years to save money, spend intentionally, and even make shopping less time-consuming. From online hacks to in-store strategies, we’ve got you covered.

Decode the Online Shopping Game

I’ll admit it, I love online shopping. The convenience, the ability to compare products, and the joy of receiving a package at your door? It’s wonderful! But it’s easy to fall into overpriced traps if you’re not careful.

As indicated by a report from Wecantrack, 65% of shoppers are already using comparison platforms to find better deals—and honestly, I’m not surprised. I’ve learned that using tools like Honey or CamelCamelCamel isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. They’ve saved me from overpaying more times than I can count.

Here are my go-to strategies for smart online shopping that’ll help you save both time and money:

1. Master Price Comparisons

I learned this one the hard way after buying a pair of headphones online, only to see a discount advertised the next day on a different site. Since then, I have always used price comparison tools like Honey or CamelCamelCamel for Amazon purchases. They help me monitor price drops or alert me to better deals. It’s like having a virtual shopping assistant!

2. Play the Abandoned Cart Game

Have you noticed that sometimes, when you leave something in your cart and walk away, you get an email with a discount offer? I tested this myself with a jacket I had my eye on. I left it in my cart overnight, and sure enough, the next day I got a 15% off coupon. This doesn’t always work, but when it does, it’s like a little shopping win!

3. Shop at the Right Time

Here’s a little insider tip I swear by: Tuesdays and Thursdays are online shopping gold. Several studies show that retailers release new deals mid-week, so your chances of snagging discounts increase. On the flipside, Saturdays are often the worst days to shop. I’ve saved hundreds just by timing my purchases better.

Winning at the Store

While I love the ease of online shopping, nothing quite beats those in-person finds. Over time, I’ve picked up some tricks to make in-store shopping less overwhelming and more budget-friendly.

1. Use the Store’s Layout to Your Advantage

Walking into a big department store used to feel like stepping into a maze—which, in hindsight, is exactly what they want. Once I started using store maps or planning my route to specific sections, though, it was a game-changer. I avoided distractions and stuck to my list, which cut both my spending and shopping time.

2. Decode Pricing

Did you know some stores use hidden pricing codes to indicate final clearance items? A friend who worked retail tipped me off to this, and now I always check for specific endings on price tags (like $0.97) that signal I’m getting the lowest price. It’s like solving a money-saving puzzle every time!

3. Play to Return Policies

I’ve been guilty of impulse-buying outfits for weddings or holiday parties, only to barely wear them. These days, I make it a point to know a store’s return policy. This allows me to "test-drive" items, especially big-ticket purchases. One time, I even rented a fancy dress via a retailer's long return window and saved a ton compared to buying it outright.

Budgeting Made Easy

Here’s something I’m super passionate about: budgeting. Once you get control of your spending, it feels like you’re winning at life. Here are my tried-and-true methods for keeping spending in check.

1. Try the Envelope System

A classic trick, and one I still use occasionally when I’m feeling spendy, is the envelope system. I’ll allocate a certain amount of cash to specific categories (like groceries, clothes, or gifts), put it in labeled envelopes, and once it’s gone, I’m done for that category. It’s old-school but so effective!

2. The 24-Hour Rule

Impulse buys used to be my kryptonite. Then I started practicing the 24-hour rule. Now, when I see something I think I can’t live without, I wait an entire day before purchasing. Nine times out of ten, I realize I didn’t need it after all. You’d be amazed at how this simple trick saves money and reduces clutter.

3. Combine Discounts

I LOVE a good “double dip” on discounts. When I shop online or in stores, I always try to combo a sale price with a coupon, rewards points, or cashback from apps like Rakuten or Ibotta. I once stacked a clearance price, a 20% off coupon, and rewards points for a jacket I bought for less than half its original price. It’s basically the unicorn of savings!

Shop the Seasons Like a Pro

Seasonal shopping has been a major money-saver for me, especially when it comes to big-ticket items or clothing.

1. Plan for Off-Seasons

One of my favorite tricks is buying winter gear when it’s 90 degrees out or snapping up swimsuits during January sales. Retailers slash prices drastically on off-season items to make room for incoming inventory. Planning ahead saves a ridiculous amount of money.

2. Patience Pays

I’m not a naturally patient shopper, but I’ve learned to wait before buying newly released items. Retailers love to capitalize on initial hype, but within a few weeks, those “must-have” items often drop in price. I once waited three weeks to buy a tech gadget, and the price dropped by 25%!

3. Know Your Calendar

Every January, I stock up on discounted fitness gear. Every July, I find amazing furniture deals. Armed with this seasonal knowledge, I’ve completely shifted how I shop for big purchases. It’s all about hitting the right sales window.

Leverage Technology to Save

I can’t talk about smart shopping without mentioning tech tools. Thanks to apps and extensions, saving money has never been easier.

1. Get Alerts From Price Trackers

I’m a little obsessed with Honey and CamelCamelCamel, which send me price-drop notifications when an item I want reaches my budget. It’s like you’re letting the robots do the work!

2. Join Cashback Platforms

Who doesn’t want to earn money while shopping? I’m loyal to cashback apps like Rakuten because it’s effortless money back. Always research sign-up bonuses, too! Those extra perks really add up quickly.

3. Use Coupons Without the Clipping

Coupon-clipping feels like work, but apps like RetailMeNot or extensions like Honey take care of it for you. These tools scan automatically for discounts during checkout, which feels like finding money.

Shop Ethically and Sustainably (and Still Save)

Saving money doesn’t mean ignoring your values. I’ve been working on making more eco-friendly shopping choices, which often leads to savings in unexpected ways.

1. Buy Less, Buy Better

A few years ago, I switched my focus to buying high-quality items that last longer. Spending more upfront on durable clothing or kitchen gadgets has saved me from constantly replacing cheaper ones. Plus, it’s better for the planet!

2. Support Local and Small Businesses

I love exploring local markets or family-owned shops. Not only do I find unique gifts this way, but I also feel good knowing I’m supporting the community. Often, these small businesses are open to negotiating prices, too!

3. Shop Second-Hand

Resale marketplaces like ThredUp or local thrift stores are treasure troves. I once scored a practically new designer bag for a fraction of its original price. It’s lighter on my wallet and kinder to the earth.

*Simple Cents!

• Take a breather: Practice the 24-hour rule to curb impulse buys.
• Shop off-season: Save big by buying winter coats in the summer and vice versa.
• Track prices: Use digital tools like Honey to score the best online deals.
• Spend your cash wisely: Try the envelope system for simple budget control.
• Choose quality over quantity: Invest in durable items that save money in the long run.

Smart Spending FTW!

At the end of the day, shopping doesn’t have to drain your wallet or your energy. By arming yourself with these strategies, you can shop smarter, not harder, and feel great about the money you’re saving. Remember, intentional shopping isn’t about saying no to spending; it’s about making every dollar you spend work harder for you!