When you go shopping, do you have a budget in mind, or do you simply goggle in amazement when the cashier announces just how much you've spent? Most people have some kind of idea, but how many of us end up walking out of the shop having parted with a good deal more than we intended? Perhaps you went in with a $20 note, and intended to come out with at least some change, but instead you came out still with the $20 in your pocket because you had to use your card instead?



This can of course lead to serious consequences, either at the end of the month or over a longer period of time, and it is not a coincidence. Retailers are clearly there to make money - that's your money, and they have a range of methods they use to ensure that you part with as much of it as possible. But there are simple tactics that you can use yourself which will help to guard against those tactics, and ensure that you don't overspend, and you stick to a budget carefully.

Of course, as in the example above, having backup cash or cards with you that will allow you to extend the budget you planned will only result in you parting with money you didn't intend to. Instead, why not only take the amount of money you intend to spend. If you only need $10 worth of goods, then take a $10 note with you. Don't carry any more cash, and certainly don't carry cards. This will make absolutely sure that you can't overspend, and will make certain that you focus carefully on the prices to check you're not going to end up going over what you have with you. This is an obvious tactic, but one which is very effective.

If you do happen to see a good deal, then you can always return. But the time taken to go back home, collect your card or more cash and return to the shop will give you a chance to evaluate just how much you need the item, and decide to wait instead.

Another tactic is to use a basket rather than a trolley. Trolleys are very useful of course, but they are huge, and it is simply too easy and too tempting to hurl more and more goods into your trolley without much thought to just how much you have until you reach the checkout. Carrying a basket will mean that every item you add to the basket will make it heavier and heavier, with less and less room. If you only intend to buy a basket's worth, then use a basket rather than a trolley. In this way you'll be less tempted to throw unnecessary items in.

Of course, taking this further, if you don't even need a basket's worth of goods, then don't take one - you'll then have to carry everything in your arms. This is a sure way to make certain you don't get too tempted by unnecessary items as you go round the shop.

Another excellent tip is to take a shopping list with you. With a clear and definite idea of what you really need, you'll be far more likely to come out with what you need, and not with items you didn't realize you needed until the shop told you that you did.