Best Shopping Tips for the New Year: Save More & Shop Smarter in 2026
Hey there! So, the New Year is here, and if you’re anything like me, you’re probably thinking about how to be a bit smarter with your money this year. Good news: January is actually one of the best times to shop if you know what you’re doing. Let me share some tips that have genuinely saved me a ton of money.
January is Clearance Heaven
Okay, this is huge. Right after the holidays, stores are practically begging you to take their stuff. They need to clear out all that winter inventory to make room for spring collections, which means you can find some incredible deals.
I’m talking 50-70% off winter coats, holiday decorations, gift sets, you name it. The best time? First two weeks of January. After that, the good stuff starts disappearing. Last year, I got a winter coat that was originally $200 for just $60. Worth setting an alarm for!
Make a Wishlist (Seriously, Do It)
Here’s what I started doing last year that changed everything: I keep a running list on my phone of things I actually need or want. When I see something I like, instead of buying it immediately, I add it to the list and wait a week.
You’d be surprised how many things you forget about after a few days. Those impulse purchases? Yeah, they don’t make the cut. Plus, when something stays on your list for weeks, you know you actually want it, and then you can wait for it to go on sale.
Sign Up for Those Email Lists (But Be Smart About It)
I know, I know. Nobody wants more emails. But here’s the thing: most stores give you 10-20% off just for signing up for their newsletter. My trick? I have a separate email account just for shopping stuff.
Sign up when you’re about to make a purchase, grab that discount code, buy your thing, and if the emails get annoying, just unsubscribe. Also, stores often send special birthday discounts, so don’t skip that part when signing up.
Compare Prices Before You Click Buy
This sounds obvious, but you’d be shocked how much the same item can vary in price from store to store. I once found the exact same blender for $40 less just by checking three different websites.
Take literally two minutes to Google the product name and compare. Check Amazon, check the brand’s website, check other retailers. Sometimes the shipping costs make a difference too, so factor that in. There are also browser extensions that do this automatically, which is pretty handy.
The Abandoned Cart Trick
This one feels a bit sneaky, but it totally works. Add stuff to your online shopping cart, then just… leave it there. Don’t check out. Wait a day or two.
A lot of stores will actually email you a discount code to convince you to come back and finish your purchase. I’ve gotten 15-20% off codes this way multiple times. Not every store does it, but enough do that it’s worth trying.
Buy Off-Season and Save Big
Want to know a secret? The best time to buy a winter coat is in March, not December. Summer clothes? Buy them in September. Patio furniture? October.
I know it feels weird buying a swimsuit when it’s cold outside, but that’s when they’re cheapest. Plan ahead for what you’ll need next year, and you can save 50% or more just by shopping at the “wrong” time of year.
Use Cashback Apps and Credit Cards Wisely
If you’re going to buy something anyway, you might as well get money back, right? There are tons of cashback apps and websites that give you a percentage back on your purchases.
I use a credit card that gives me cashback on everything I buy, but here’s the important part: I pay it off completely every single month. Credit cards only save you money if you’re not paying interest. If you’re carrying a balance, skip this tip.
Don’t Shop When You’re Emotional
This is real talk: shopping when you’re sad, bored, stressed, or even super excited usually leads to regret. I’ve bought so many things I didn’t need just because I was having a rough day and wanted a pick-me-up.
Now, when I feel the urge to shop for emotional reasons, I take a walk instead, call a friend, or watch something funny. If I still want the item the next day, then maybe it’s actually something I need.
Check Return Policies First
Nothing’s worse than buying something, realizing it’s not quite right, and then finding out you can’t return it. Before you buy anything, especially online, check how long you have to return it and whether you’ll have to pay for return shipping.
Some stores have amazing return policies (looking at you, Costco), while others make it nearly impossible. Save yourself the headache and check first.
Shop Local When You Can
I get it, online shopping is super convenient. But local stores sometimes have deals that online retailers don’t, plus you can see and feel the product before buying. And honestly? Supporting local businesses just feels good.
Many local shops will also work with you on price if you ask nicely, especially if you’re a regular customer. Online retailers won’t do that.
Set a Budget and Stick to It
This is the least fun tip, but probably the most important one. Before you start shopping, figure out how much you can actually afford to spend. Write it down. Put it in your phone. Tattoo it on your arm if you have to.
When you hit that limit, you’re done. Walk away. Close the browser tabs. Delete the apps if you need to. Your future self will be so grateful you didn’t overspend.
Quality Over Quantity
I used to buy tons of cheap stuff that would fall apart after a few months. Now I’d rather save up and buy one really good thing that’ll last for years. It’s actually cheaper in the long run.
A $100 pair of shoes that lasts five years is way better than five $20 pairs that last one year each. Plus, you end up with less clutter, which is a bonus.
The 24-Hour Rule
This is my personal favorite. If I see something I want that costs more than $50, I make myself wait 24 hours before buying it. I’ll put it in my cart, close the website, and come back the next day.
Sometimes I forget about it completely. Sometimes I realize I don’t actually need it. And sometimes I still want it, so I buy it without any guilt because I know it’s not an impulse purchase.
Ready to Shop Smarter?
Look, you don’t have to do all of these things. Even if you just pick two or three tips from this list and stick with them, you’ll probably save a good chunk of money this year.
The whole point isn’t to make shopping stressful or to never treat yourself. It’s about managing your finances so that you may spend it on things that truly make you happy instead of things that you’ll forget about the following week.
Cheers to a new year full of better purchases and more money for the things that really count!