7 Retail Hacks Exposed – How You Can Avoid Them 

Have you ever wondered why you are over budget every time you go grocery shopping? Are you looking to buy something you need online like a pair of boots for your kids, but you end up with a bunch of other items in your cart? We have all been there. Unfortunately, there are many retail hacks that stores use to trick us into spending more money and the Holiday times are certainly no exception.

These secret marketing tricks will have you opening up your wallet and going over budget more than you need or want. Yet, unless you know what the retail hacks are, it is hard to avoid them.

Unfortunately for us, stores spend big bucks on marketing research. Yes, there is an entire psychology behind buying and selling.

Stores also track you and find out what you want to buy before you even know you want to buy it. Think of the last time you were on Facebook and an ad popped up in your feed while you were scrolling. You clicked the ad and bought something. It wasn’t a coincidence that the advert made it into your Facebook feed. Companies spend big money on research to find the right advertising tactics to get you to pull out your wallet.

So what is a consumer to do? Start by researching these marketing tactics and learn how to avoid the retail trap. Knowledge is the key. Learn how to stop spending more money than you intended by avoided the marketing tricks below. Here are seven of the top retail hacks exposed so you can stop wasting your money.

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Check out my new Christmas planner in the shop! And because it’s new and you are a loyal reader, get 50% off with the code Dollarstore50 for a limited time! Don’t miss out!

Are you on a budget this Christmas but still want to decorate your house for the Holidays? If you are like me, you plan and budget for everything including your Holiday decorations. Let’s face it, the Holidays are expensive. If you do not plan ahead, your budget can quickly end up at the South pole before Santa even makes a visit. That is why I am recommending a trip to the Dollar Store for 20 Must-Have Dollar Store Christmas Decorating Ideas.

Fortunately, there are cheaper ways to have a nice Christmas, starting with your Christmas decorations. The dollar store is an inexpensive way to make your home look fabulous on a budget. You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on decorating your house. In fact, right around $10 will work.

My favorite dollar store is Dollar Tree. I find they usually have more name-brand items and their stuff is a little better quality; however, if you have a local dollar store you love, then stick with it.

Remember to brace yourself. At times, we money-savers go crazy at places like the dollar store because, well, everything is a dollar. Make sure to only buy the items on your decorating list and have fun with them. If you want to include the kids – YIKES, you are taking your kids to the store you brave soul! – then set a limit and allow them to pick out one or two decorations each so they can help make the house look festive with you.

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15 Gift Ideas for Kids That Have Too Many Toys 

Does your kid have too many toys? My kids certainly do and if I buy them more for Christmas the clutter will keep growing. Plus, I already know our large family will continue to buy them more toys and the spoiling continues. Wouldn’t it be nice to have some gift ideas for the kid that has too many toys?

If you are looking to declutter and teach your child to value life experiences over “stuff” then you are in the right place. 

In fact, a study by popular online coupon company Retail Me Not, suggest parents will spend an average of $330 per child this Christmas Season. Wow! $330 per child? Imagine how many toys you could buy with that amount of money.

I know last year I spent around $75 on each of my children, so I guess I am below average. However, they were spoiled by the rest of the family and I am a bargain shopper so the $75 went a long way in our house.

Nonetheless, each kid got around 12 new toys. My three-year-old was so overwhelmed at the time he didn’t know what to play with. He liked his first toy and then really didn’t care about opening more gifts because he wanted to play with it. He seriously would have been happy with ONE toy.

Let’s face it, as a parent It’s not fun opening all of those packages either. And what a mess to clean up!

It’s no wonder I turn into a big crab every Christmas! (I apologize in advance to my husband 🙂 But It’s stressful!

So with you in mind, I’ve come up with a way to teach your kids to value experiences over things and give them a gift that keeps on giving. 

Now I will admit, I still buy my kids a few toys and I really do not mind buying them learning toys that promote gross/fine motor skills, dramatic play, engineering, exercise, and creativity. However, most of our action figures sit in the bin and my kids only play with them once every three months. Not to mention, I have a lot of mom friends that have the same complaint. With that in mind, I’ve come up with a “thing-busting” list to help you decide the best Christmas presents this year. 

Think of the fun you will have and the learning that will happen by treating them one of the items listed below. Your kid will be begging you to go every weekend!! Enjoy the laughter and the smiles! 

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