Shop wisely.

Here are some great ways to make the most of your money when shopping:

• Look for coupons before you go shopping. Check out coupon websites, and don’t forget to look at specific retailers, like Amazon and Walmart
• Check sales ads too, as you never know what might be on sale. Check store websites, as you can often find exclusive online deals that aren’t found in stores
• If you know an employee who works in a store you love to shop in, check with them to see if there are any upcoming deals or specials you should know about
• Write out a shopping list ahead of time, so you don’t have to worry about adding extra things to your cart or forgetting something you really want or need
• Take cash with you, so even if you’re tempted to over-spend, you won’t be able to

And while we’re on the subject, here’s another tip: don’t take your kids shopping with you. Or if you do, guard your shopping cart like a hawk. I can’t tell you how many times I have purchased $10 or $20 worth of stuff unknowingly or in exasperation because my daughter and/or son added their own items to the cart.