Shopping is one of life’s simple pleasures. There is happiness and satisfaction in seeing your pantry full after a grocery run or having new additions to your wardrobe or your home after going to the mall. Most times, even just walking around and picking out items from the shelves is enjoyable on its own.

You can enhance your shopping experience even more by becoming a smart shopper. Smart shoppers maximize their purchases and make good financial decisions when shopping. Here are five simple tips on how you can be one, so you can make your next shopping trip guilt-free.

Set a budget

It’s easy to get carried away when you enter your favorite store or see that one item you’ve been eyeing for months on sale. However, if you’re trying to have better spending habits, having a fixed budget can help you avoid splurging on things that you (and your wallet) might regret later. Every payday, make it a habit to set aside a certain amount for groceries and other essential purchases you have planned for the month.

Make a list and stick by it

A list, whether it’s in your phone’s notes app or written on a piece of paper, is helpful in preventing overspending and the unnecessary buyer’s remorse afterwards. Aside from reminding you what items you need to pick, the actual process of coming up with a list lets you identify which items you need in your household and prioritize getting them the next time you head to the store.

Read reviews

If you’re planning on buying a particular item, let’s say a new pair of shoes or a Smart TV, make sure to research beforehand and check out user reviews, especially if these are big purchases. Take time to compare brands and prices as well before you make a final decision.

Keep an eye out for sales and promos

Smart shoppers know how to get the most of their money’s worth by finding the best discounts and deals. You can do this by following the social media pages of your favorite stores and brands so you can stay updated. Just remember that not every item on sale is worth availing. At the end of the day, you still have to refer to your budget and your list.

Find the right credit card for your shopping needs

Contrary to what some may say, using a credit card to shop is beneficial if you have the right card in your hands. As a smart shopper, the UnionBank Go Rewards Visa Credit Card is the only credit card you’ll need when you shop at Robinsons Retail brands. Go beyond shopping and enjoy the following benefits:

• Go Rewards points – You get 1 rewards point for every 200 pesos spent and if you’re a Go Rewards Platinum cardholder, you can gain double the points when you shop at Robinsons Retail stores. Collect Go Rewards points to earn amazing rewards or pay for purchases at Robinsons Retail stores, with each point equivalent to one peso. Your accumulated points do not expire as long as your Go Rewards account remains active and there’s also no cap on the number of points you can earn.
• Priority access to sales and offers at Robinsons Retail brands including Robinsons Department Store, Toys R’ Us, Daiso Japan, Rose Pharmacy, Southstar Drug, Handyman, True Value, and Pet Lovers Centre
• Exclusive perks – UnionBank Go Rewards Visa Credit Card holders get automatic upgrade to Go Rewards Black Membership Status that entitles them to Black Member lanes in Shopwise and The Marketplace for a more convenient shopping experience, as well as free parking at select branches of the aforementioned stores.

Apply for the UnionBank Go Rewards Visa Credit Card today and get a welcome gift of 3,000 and 5,000 points for Go Rewards Gold and Platinum card holders, respectively. Visit UnionBank’s website to know more. #GoBeyond #GoRewards #UnionBank