Intelligent shopping tips

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• Get rewarded: Take advantage of the rewards programmes that you belong to or sign up for the programmes offered at places where you shop regularly to start earning rewards. Smart banking allows you to earn rewards too. The rewards you accumulate could allow you to spend less if you pay using your free rewards benefits rather than spending your cash or dipping into your savings.

• Shop online: Online shopping gives you the power to compare prices from the comfort of your home, while saving on both fuel and parking costs. This could also be done at a time convenient to you, as you are not restricted by mall hours. Some online retailers such as Zando.co.za and Yuppiechef offer free shipping to your door within South Africa, while others like Wantitall.co.za gives you R50 off your first order, helping you purchase that sought-after item for less. Many rewards programmes also offer great deals online.

• Buy in bulk: Bulk buying at retailers like Makro can help you to save on your monthly household expenses. However, before you buy 24 boxes of washing powder, consider your storage limitations. If space is at a premium, club together with a friend to share your bulk purchases. Remember to use your rewards to reduce costs even further.

• Make a shopping list: Make a list of the things you need before visiting the shops and stick to it to avoid spending on unnecessary items. If you feel that you "have to have" another pair of boots, set aside money each month for little luxuries and draw on that fund to pay for them, or use your rewards currency rather than blowing your budget.

• Get cooking: Often entertaining friends at home is more cost-effective than dining out, especially if you are hosting a bring-and-share meal. Utilise free advice from sites such as Yuppiechef, which shares food tips and recipes in its monthly newsletters.

• Group buying: Group-buying websites such as OneDayOnly offer a wide range of products at discounted prices that are available for a limited time.

• Sell it: Perhaps it is time your copy of Dirty Dancing has a new home - kalahari.com allows you to sell yesterday's books, CDs, DVDs and games through its marketplace for a low, success-based fee. It is a good way to get rid of the clutter and make space for new additions to your entertainment collection with the money you have earned from selling your old items.

• Find your fun: Visiting shopping centres for entertainment will result in unintended spending. Consider trips to local museums, art galleries, education centres like the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre or parks instead. How about hosting a games or movie night for friends at your home? A wide range of the latest games and movies are available at online retailers like kalahari.com or TAKEALOT.com, both of which accept eBucks for payment.

To date, eBucks members have spent R2.65 billion worth of eBucks since the programme's inception in October 2000, with FNB having made the largest contribution to the more than R3 billion worth of eBucks allocated to members during this period.