• Make a shopping list. As simple as it sounds, writing down what you’re shopping for can help you stay on track, especially during big sale holidays. Separate your shopping list by needs and wants — if you add all your “needs” to your cart and still have money leftover in your budget, you can move over to browsing for your “wants.”
  • Sign up for email lists or SMS programs. Brands and retailers typically use these platforms, in addition to social media, to contact shoppers about promotions like limited-time flash sales or increased cash-back opportunities, experts say. Some even offer exclusive discount codes when you sign up for their email lists and SMS programs, or if you enroll in their loyalty program.
  • Use browser extensions, which Droesch says are your best friends around sales seasons. These browser extensions automatically search for and apply coupon codes while you’re shopping, as well as alert you about cashback opportunities. Many of them, like Paypal Honey, Rakuten and more, also offer price tracking features so you can view an item’s price history to decide if you’re actually getting a good deal. Some browser extensions also let you to flag products on your wishlist and they’ll notify you when that item goes on sale.
  • Shop with the right credit card, if that’s how you plan to pay. You may be able to earn points while shopping or get cash back on purchases, and credit cards are especially useful if you’re making larger purchases since some offer purchase protection. However, always be sure to read the fine print — most credit cards limit the dollar value of the extended warranty coverage and may have other exclusions, Fricker says.

    • Meet our experts

    At Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

    • Jean Namkung is the global commercial leader for shopping and rewards at PayPal.
    • Mary Hines Droesch is the head of consumer and small business products at Bank of America.
    • Vipin Porwal is the founder and a consumer savings expert at Smarty, a cashback browser extension.
    • Ashley Fricker is the senior editor and credit expert at CardRates.com.

    Why trust Select?

    Zoe Malin is an associate updates editor at Select who covers sales and shopping trends. For this piece, she interviewed four shopping experts to gather their tips about maximizing purchases this fall. 

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