re you an emotional shopper? Do you find shopping provides you with a sense of euphoria when you are bored, angry or upset? Letting your feelings dictate your shopping can be a devastating hobby if you are trying to save money.

What is an emotional shopper? Emotional shoppers typically spend money when they feel upset to make themselves feel better. Emotional shoppers tend to shop when they are happy to rejoice in their joy. A lot of people also shop when they are bored. However, the common theme with all these types of shoppers is that their emotions dictate their shopping which can drive them into debt.

I cannot stress enough that when you shop, you must shop with a purpose. I know that for me, browsing the store when I am bored can get me into trouble. Know what you are going in there for and grab only what you need and go. If you know you are an emotional shopper, try to avoid going shopping when you are bored, angry or upset.

Prepare for next year

If you have not already done this, make sure you go this week and purchase your Valentine’s Day cards for next year. Typically the stores will mark down their Valentine’s Day merchandise between 50 percent and 75 percent the day after the romantic holiday. I am proud to say, that I have a small area on my top shelf where I have held my children’s classroom Valentine’s Day cards since last year. I also bought their teachers’ Valentine’s Day gifts during the after Christmas sales. It is important to remember that planning is everything when you are looking to save money.

CVS

Officials working for CVS Drug Stores wrote me a letter asking me to remind residents about their new loyalty programs which help you save on items without having to clip coupons.

“Send to Card, the new digital savings option for ExtraBucks® Rewards, gives shoppers the choice to send their rewards and even online coupons digitally to their ExtraCare card for automatic redemption during their next shopping trip,” the statement from officials working for the drugstore said. “For shoppers that prefer to print their ExtraBucks Rewards at home or in-store, that option remains available.

For the average shopper that is looking to save money this could be a HUGE relief of not needing to clip coupons or keep track of ExtraBucks® Rewards – it’s now all on their card!”

Do you have tips about saving money? Send them to localnews2005@yahoo.com.