Do you always wish you could have more but spend less? Well, you may not be able to get that sports car for a steal, but there are ways to make your dollars go further and perhaps get some items you wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford. Or you can use a little chutzpah and bargain down prices on items you can already afford, and save a little extra. Pay for what you get, but get more than you pay for.
It all starts with a little planning. Think of it this way: if you know exactly what you want and how much it costs, you can set yourself up to afford almost anything—without the guilt or stress. Let’s say you’ve got your eye on concert tickets or a weekend getaway. If you know the date and the price ahead of time, you can break down the total cost and save up small amounts over a few months. Before you know it, you’ve reached your goal and can enjoy your purchase with zero regrets.
This approach works not just for big-ticket items, but for anything you know you’ll need or want in the future. Planning ahead and saving steadily—even if it’s just a little at a time—means you’re far less likely to feel buyer’s remorse. And when you finally make that purchase, it feels like you’re getting more than you paid for, simply because you did it on your terms.
The Secret: Plan and Save
So, what’s the secret sauce when it comes to affording just about anything on your wish list? Simple: make a plan and start setting money aside little by little. Whether you’re eyeing the latest tech gadget, a dream vacation, or even that shiny Vespa scooter you’ve been drooling over, it all comes down to looking ahead and building up your savings over time. Decide what you want, figure out what it costs, and commit to putting away a set amount each month. With enough patience and discipline, you’ll be surprised at just how achievable even your biggest splurges can become.
Have no regrets.
Keep a spending journal of every dollar you spend over a period of a few months. Include not just utility bills, credit card bills, and mortgages, but money you spend on going to the movies, on buying clothes and toys, and on nights out on the town. Then sit down and go over your list. Do you have any regrets? Probably. Do you wish you hadn’t bought that treadmill? Next time, think about what you might regret BEFORE you spend the money. A little forethought goes a long way.
In fact, the basic principle is this: if you plan things out in advance and save for it over a period of time, you can afford anything that you want. Instead of making impulsive purchases, take the time to reflect on what truly matters to you. By identifying regrets in your spending journal, you’ll start to see patterns—maybe it’s gadgets you never use, or spur-of-the-moment dinners that add up. Use that information to set clear savings goals for the things you really want, and make a plan to reach them. With a bit of patience and planning, you’ll not only avoid buyer’s remorse, but you’ll also find that your money goes a lot further.
Budget for Big Expenses
Want to cheer on your favorite team from the stands but cringe at the ticket price? There’s a simple way to take the sting—and the guilt—out of those “splurge moments.” Plan ahead and save up slowly.
Here’s what works:
- As soon as you know about a big event—like that football game everyone’s talking about—figure out the date and the total cost.
- Divide the amount by the number of weeks or months until the event, and set aside a little each paycheck.
- Some folks even open a separate savings account just for these occasions (look for free options at banks like Ally or Capital One).
Before you know it, you’ll have the money set aside—no last-minute wallet panic required. This approach works for concerts, Broadway tickets, or those seasonal family outings to Disney. With a little planning and patience, you can enjoy life’s splurges without busting your budget or feeling regretful later.
Make saving second nature.
Let’s be honest—most of us have our eyes on something special, whether it’s a new phone, a family vacation, or just replacing your old, squeaky mattress. The trick isn’t waiting for a windfall or putting yourself on some punishing austerity diet. Instead, start setting aside small amounts of cash on a regular basis. It might not seem like much—think the cost of your favorite coffee or the pocket change that mysteriously disappears each week—but over time, those little savings add up like snowflakes in a blizzard.
Here’s the beauty of it: by building your fund gradually, you give yourself breathing room. No sticker shock. No waking up in a cold sweat after splurging. You get to treat yourself, guilt-free, with money that’s already there, ready and waiting.
Plus, putting money aside in advance means you can pounce on a great deal without resorting to credit cards or borrowing. In other words, you’re in control—and that feels even better than the purchase itself.
Choose the right credit cards.
You might get a lot of credit card offers in the mail, but only choose and use the ones that are right for you. You don’t want a lot of extra charges and high interest rates. Lots of cards offer special deals where you get a reward for every dollar you spend. Maybe your card gives you airline miles, but if you never fly anywhere, what good are they? Switch to a card that gives you something you can use, like money towards gas, or towards your children’s college fund.
Shop in season.
Did you know that if you wait and buy your swimsuit in June, you’ll get it on sale? Clothes that are actually in season are considered by retailers to be past season–they push their products a few months ahead of time. So even though sweaters start showing up on the racks in September, wait until November and you can get current styles at past-season prices.
Engage in the classic art of haggling.
It may seem unusual or rude, but in all actuality, many retailers have the ability to give you discounts you didn’t even know were there. But you have to ask for them.
Don’t turn up your nose at store brands.
Many of them are the exact same quality as the name brands, but for a much better price. Especially when it comes to over-the-counter drugs. Compare the active ingredients and you will find that the drugstore brand of ibuprofen has the same pain relieving power as the name brand, but for a lot less.
Buying used does not always mean buying trash.
Lately, “recycled” clothing stores have popped up in the hippest parts of town, with designer label clothing, like-new, for much much less. Just concentrate on buying items that are of good quality, and you will be getting an excellent deal.
Pay with cash.
Paying in cash makes it feel real, unlike credit cards. You’ll spend less when you have to physically fork over the greenbacks.
Complain.
If you receive bad service at a restaurant, don’t sit and stew about it, speak up. You may receive a free meal or at least a discount. If you find a small spot of makeup on a shirt at the store, point it out. You may get a percentage off, and you can wash the spot out when you get home. If you have bad reception on your cable for a day, ask your service provider to deduct that day’s worth from your bill. Speaking up can get you discounts on everything from food to utilities to rent.
These days there is a great deal of focus on saving money, and it often requires sacrifices. But there are also ways to save money and still get great quality goods and services. If you follow these tips, sometimes you’ll get more than you bargain for.
© 2008-2026 AmericanCreditFoundation.org®. Michael G. Peterson is a co-founder and Spokesman of American Credit Foundation, an IRS 501 (c)(3) non-profit consumer credit counseling organization that has assisted thousands of individuals and families with their financial situations through seminars, education, counseling services, and, debt management plans. For more information, and free consumer resources visit www.americancreditfoundation.org
This article “How To Get More Than You Pay For” may be freely distributed as long as the signature file and active link are included.