OUR shopping habits can have a big impact on the state of our finances – sometimes without us even realising.
Not budgeting, spending recklessly and failing to check for the best deals can mean losing out on hundreds of .
If you’ve got a good income or are in a strong financial position then that might not matter.
But if you’ve limited means, poor spending practices can lead to worrying debts.
Take our handy quiz to reveal what type of shopper you are – and how you can change to save more of your hard-earned cash.
1) How often do you spend more than you earn?
a) Too often, or I don't even know
b) Sometimes, but I try to stay in the black
c) I never spend more than I have
2) Do you budget what you can spend each month?
a) No, I can’t be bothered to budget, or I don’t have time
b) I do, but I don’t always stick to my spending plan
c) I never spend beyond my means
3) How often do you make “naughty”; purchases that you can’t afford?
a) Once a month or more
b) Not that often – and if I go into debt I’ll pay it off as soon as I can
c) Never, I always save up first if I need to
4) What kind of clothes do you wear?
a) I love buying new designer gear
b) High street brands are fine for me
c) I’m great at scouring the shops for secondhand bargains as well as finding heavily discounted togs in the sales
5) Can you browse in your favourite shop without buying anything?
a) No, I’ll always find a reason to buy something, even if I don’t really need it
b) I always end up buying something but the money won’t be wasted on a frivolous purchase
c) Yes. I can leave empty-handed and only buy something if I strictly need it
6) A loved one gives you £100 cash for your birthday. What do you do?
a) Immediately splurge it on stuff I don’t need and then regret it
b) Buy something nice without giving it that much thought
c) Think carefully about the best use of the money, and hold onto it if I’m not sure
7) You pop into a supermarket with a shopping list. What happens?
a) I come out with twice the amount I intended to buy, including some extra treats and snacks I really fancy
b) I’m pretty restrained, but always buy more than I planned, especially if I see a good deal
c) I stick religiously to my list
8) How long do you spend searching for the best deal on a big purchase?
a) Not long, I can’t be bothered to shop around
b) I know what the typical price is, and will try and buy it for less than that
c) I’ll meticulously compare prices online and scour for the best deals. I’ll also claim cashback on all my online purchases, as well as using discount codes where possible
9) You’re off on a day trip. What do you take with you to eat?
a) Nothing, I’ll get it on the way or when I get there
b) A packed lunch, but I’ll end up buying coffee and snacks
c) A full lunch, snacks, drink and a flask full of coffee. You won’t catch me paying for overpriced snacks at a motorway stop or tourist attraction
10) What sort of birthday and do you usually buy for friends?
a) I can’t help going over the top and buying extravagant gifts
b) I get them nice presents but try and keep costs down
c) I plan gift-giving well ahead so that I can get good deals, and often buy them in the sales to save money
Mostly As – you’re a real big spender, with habits that might get you into trouble.
Your debt is a red flag. Try using the “walk away” or “sleep on it” rule, which means setting a timeframe and only buying the item if you really want it after that.
Make a budget and repayment plan and speak to a charity like StepChange or National Debtline if you find yourself struggling.
Mostly Bs – you’re frugal but could do better
The key to super-saving is to plan spending as far ahead as possible to make sure you get the best prices.
Keep an eye on unnecessary outgoings, too. And never shop on an empty stomach to avoid impulse buys.
Review bank statements from the past three months for any areas where you overspent.
And check if there are services you no longer use, whether that's an old streaming platform, a gym membership or paid app.
Mostly Cs – you’ve got good spending habits which will stand you in good stead
But read our tips above to save more.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
