How more intentional shopping can make your money go further

Many of us are moving away from impulsive, spontaneous purchases and putting much more thought into how we spend our money.

According to research by Samsung, nearly two-thirds of Brits (61%) now make fewer, more intentional purchases in the hope that they’ll last longer.

Meanwhile, two in five (43%) say they expect better value for money than they did a few years ago.

As a result, almost a quarter (24%) are putting quality over quantity when they’re making a purchase.

“This new wave of smart spenders isn’t about doing without,” Samsung observed.

“It’s about doing things better.”

What are people doing to get the best value?

Nearly two in five people (38%) say they’re actively looking for ways to save on everyday spending.

Among the most common habits are:

• checking reviews before buying anything - 66%
• regularly using comparison tools - 56%
• asking family and friends for money-saving tips - 48%

Where do people look for value the most?

Perhaps unsurprisingly, value is a big issue when people are making larger purchases, such as expensive tech gadgets.

In fact, 96% of shoppers say value matters when they’re choosing items like TVs, laptops and smartphones.

And almost half (49%) say they carry out plenty of research before committing to a tech purchase.

Meanwhile, more than half (56%) agree that a balance of quality and value is important when buying technology.

And many said they felt the same about buying home appliances (50%) and holidays (36%). 

What else can I do to shop better?

As well as doing research into products before buying them, there are other ways to make sure you’re getting good value.

Write a list and stick to it

Before you shop, write a list and promise yourself you’ll only buy what’s on it.

If it’s not written down, you don't pick it up.

Don’t buy straight away

If you’re tempted to buy something you weren’t planning on getting, then wait for at least 24 hours.

The initial rush of excitement may fade during that time, you’ll wonder why you wanted it at all, and you’ll have the money you would’ve wasted still in your pocket.

Use a basket, not a trolley

If you’re going round a shop, it’s easy to pick up anything and everything if you have a trolley. 

So use a basket instead.

You might think twice about some of your impulse buys if you have to physically carry them around the shop.

Use cash

Take a set of amount of cash and leave your card at home, so you can’t spend any more than what you have on you.

Buy second-hand

If you need items such as clothing, homeware and furniture, you could save huge amounts by getting pre-loved instead of brand new items, perhaps in charity shops or on platforms like Vinted.

Get on top of your budget

As well as making more intentional, thought-through spending choices, it’s also worth knowing how much money you have available.

Creating a budget lets you work out where you can make savings, and identity those expensive habits that may be costing you money.

For instance, you might be:

• paying for subscriptions you’ve forgotten about or don’t use
• paying over the odds for utilities like broadband when you could get a better deal elsewhere
• forking out for small but regular expenses, like a daily coffee

Once you know where your money is going, you’ll be better able to: 

• avoid overspending
• free up money for savings and essential expenses
• not have to rely on credit
• prepare for unexpected costs without panic

Check out our guide on how to create a budget to help you get started.

And try our handy budget planner - it’s free and easy to use.