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With the rise of online shopping in the past year, it is easier now more than ever to spend money. From the comfort of your own home, or on your commute to work, or late at night in bed, you can order something with just a few taps on your phone.
Did you know between 2011 and 2017, online spending in the UK has increased by £110 billion? (Source: Statista)
This guide will help you tackle your online shopping habits and find ways to reduce your online spending.
Read on for our Top Five tips for reducing your online spending.
1) Delete Your Shopping Apps
How can you stop your online shopping habit, if your phone is full of shopping apps? These apps are built to make you spend, by sending you push notifications, or emails.
By removing the ease of ordering new things, you will think twice before making that purchase.
We previously wrote about how to manage impulse spending which has some great tips that relate to this topic too, you can read it here.
2) Make A List
Making a list of what you actually need to buy is a great way to hold yourself accountable. By creating a list on your phone, every time you go to buy something online you can cross-refernce and check if it was something you had planned to buy previously.
A list can also help you plan for larger expenses. If you have a goal to buy something that's a bit more expensive, such as a new hoover, by writing it down you can start to plan your budget to meet that larger expense.
3) Create A Monthly 'Treat' Budget
A budget shouldn't be something that restricts you and makes you unhappy. We want you to have a healthy relationship with your finances, and that means having a budget that works for you.
By creating a monthly 'treat' budget you can still enjoy your online shopping habits without guilt, but most importantly - within your budget! A monthly 'treat' budget allows you to treat yourself to a certain amount each month, keeping you and your finances happy.
4) One In, One Out
This is a great way to shop, even online. The 'One in, One out' rule is that every time you buy something you get rid of something else. Whether that's re-selling, donating, recycling or gifting that item. The aim is to make you consider whether your new purchase fits in with what you already own.
A way to implement this method is by doing a proper clear out. This will help you see what you already own and potentially make you realise that you don't need to buy anymore of certain things.
5) Price Low to High
A simple - but effective - method to save money when you shop online. Always make sure you are getting the best deal for your money!
Reducing the amount of money you spend online is a question of changing you online shopping habits. By being clear about your budget and what you actually need to buy is the best way to not unnecessarily spend money.
You kind find out more about our different budgeting tips here.
The ImageNPay app is a great tool to help you manage your online spending. As a digital card you can your prepaid card to budget your finances and ensure you don't overspend.