1. Buy Yourself Gift Cards
Experts say they are a surprisingly effective way to save money in the long run because they force you to set parameters for your spending. For example, if you know you need to get new shoes for work, buy yourself a $100 card to DSW. In theory the card will keep your budget in check.
2. Don't Shop At Night
Research shows that people who shop online after 8 p.m. spend more. Apparently your willpower drops when you're tired or stressed from your day.
3.
Find Deals on Instagram
Experts say the site is a hidden gem for discount pieces from major chains, smaller boutiques, and more. Search Twitter hashtags like #sale, #deal, and #flashsale to discover deals in your photo feed. That's also where you can find stylish users willing to sell their designer, like-new, items for deep discounts.
4. Make The Most Of Consignment Stores
Experts say to get name-brand clothes for a lot less than retail, go on Mondays or Tuesdays, since most people clean out their closets over the weekend. Also, know their markdown schedule. A lot of stores consign on 30-, 60-, or 90-day schedules. That means a piece marked down by 25%, 30 days out, would be marked down by 50% 90 days out. It pays to wait.
