SHOPPING WITHOUT A BUDGET
One of the costly mistakes shoppers make is hitting the stores without a budget in hand. “This causes them to lose track of what they have spent, and they then overspend,” said Skirboll.
What to do: Even if you’re heading out to splurge with your Christmas bonus or weren’t planning on buying anything on that mall trip, curb the urge to overspend at the next opportunity by working with a budget.
“I recommend purchasing a discount gift card with the amount you intend to spend on holiday gifts and leaving your credit card at home so you’re not tempted to overspend,” says Skirboll.
INVESTING IN YOUR FUTURE WARDROBE
It’s easy to convince yourself that sweater will fit you perfectly when you lose those last 10 pounds or that jacket would look great if you just dropped a dress size. However, shopping for your future ideal self can backfire when you don’t end up reaching your goals — and you’ve already spent this year’s clothing budget on next year’s clothes.
What to do: Measure yourself accurately, and only dress for your current size. Don’t buy sizes that are too small in hopes of fitting into them some day or to use as motivation to slim down.
INADVERTENTLY BUYING DUPLICATES
Whether it’s another pair of red and white sneakers or another denim jacket, make sure you’re not making the mistake of buying items that are too similar in style. It’s an easy mistake to make when you tend to gravitate toward certain styles and colors, but you won’t be doing your wardrobe — or your bank account — any favors by buying multiple items that look almost identical.
What to do: Take inventory of your wardrobe and personal items every season so you know what your true wants and needs are. Create a list of items you think you need, then go through your closets and drawers to see if you already have them.
