U6W4 How to Be a Smart Shopper

How to Be a Smart Shopper

CHAPTER 1 Getting Started Are you a smart shopper? Smart shoppers know that money is important. It is used for buying everything that we need, like food and clothes. We also use money for things we want, like games, books, or vacations. People work very hard for their money. They do not want to waste it. Smart shoppers do their best to use their money wisely. Here are some tips to help you become a smart shopper. Smart shoppers plan their purchases ahead of time.

The first thing you need to do is make a budget. A budget is a plan for spending. lt shows the price of the things you want. It also shows how much money you have to spend. Look at Sonja's budget. She has her weekly allowance. She also has some birthday money she saved. She has enough money to buy snacks and go to the movies this week. She also sets aside money to give to people who need help. Money I have Allowance: $5. 00 Saved birthday money: $15. 00 Total: $20. 00 Expenses After-school snacks: $2. 00 Movies: $6. 00 Charity: $2. 00 Total: $10. 00 You use addition to figure out a budget.

Comparison Shopping If your family wants to buy something that costs a lot, the first thing you should do is comparison shop. That means doing research on how much an item costs at different places. Go to some stores to check the prices. Once you find the lowest price, your family can decide where to purchase that item. Comparison shopping is helpful if you are going to buy something expensive, like a TV or a computer. You can look at ads in newspapers.

Another way you and your family can comparison shop is to use the Internet. Compare prices on different websites. The thing you want to buy might be cheaper if you buy it online. Some shoppers watch websites to look for sales. This is helpful if you want to buy something that costs a lot. You might save money if you wait for a sale. A smart shopper always gets his or her money's worth. Shopping on the Internet can be risky. On some websites, strangers can see what you buy. They can steal your information and use your money. Make sure your family visits safe websites. Never buy things on a public computer. This computer could store your personal information. Shopping on the computer also saves gas money.