Tips on how women can shop smartly and flexibly

Finance coach and advisor Margaret Njeri defines smart shopping as mindfully and joyfully spending money. It isn’t about perfection. It is about shopping in a way that is in alignment with the heart and goals. She gives tips on how to achieve this.

Though budgets can be found daunting, women can approach smart shopping without feeling restricted by shifting from a “budget is punishment” mindset to “budgeting is freedom”, says Margaret. She recommends creating a spending plan instead of a restriction list. For example, instead of cutting out your guilty pleasures, plan for them purposely.

She advises women not to equate smart shopping with saying “no” to themselves.

“Smart shopping is saying ‘yes' to what truly matters. It’s aligning your spending with your values. When you stop wasting money on what is not important to you, you free up more for what brings real joy, like travel, wellness, investing, or experiences with loved ones,” she says.

Enjoying the act of shopping involves shopping with intention instead of browsing mindlessly, she says. Margaret further advises on making wish lists, saving for things that bring long-term joy, setting money aside and enjoying it fully guilt-free.

“Smart shopping includes celebration, not just control,” she says.

Only as a guide rather than a strict rulebook, categories will help women visualise where their money goes, but don’t treat them as jail cells.

“They are compasses, not chains. For example, if you overspend on clothing, adjust by reducing entertainment that month,” she says.

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Call it a splurge fund, joy fund, or any other name that adds to the fun. Incorporating a guilt-free spending allowance by spending a certain amount to freely indulge every month. Margaret believes that women can splurge without a strict budget by embracing intentional spending instead of restriction.

“When you budget for fun, you eliminate guilt and increase control. The idea is to spend mindfully on what brings you joy and confidence, not out of impulse or pressure,” she explains.

Some of the smart shopping habits include shopping with a list, delaying impulse purchases, paying in cash when possible, comparing prices, buying quality over quantity, avoiding shopping when emotional or hungry, shopping during off-season and sales when possible, buying in bulk for non-perishables, and using loyalty points.  

For those who love to shop and want to satisfy that urge without breaking the bank, Margaret recommends using cash or a separate shopping M-Pesa wallet, waiting for 48 hours before buying non-essentials, unsubscribing from sale emails, and donating one thing when buying something new.

Some of the practical ways to limit decision fatigue when shopping are by having a go-to store or brand, pre-selecting items online, planning meals to cut grocery stress, and minimising shopping trips within a month.

When unexpected needs arise, Margaret encourages tapping into an emergency fund or sinking fund if you have planned. She also advises avoiding debt on non-essential items and rethinking whether a need is urgent or not.

It reveals patterns and informs decisions. She says that you don’t have to track everything, just a simple monthly review.