First, start by building your simple "toolbox". Websites, newspaper ads and weekly ad mailers can be a great start and a simple way to comparison shop. The more resources you acquire, the bigger your “toolbox” becomes. If you like shopping at a specific retailer, check out their website and subscribe to their weekly ads and promotion emails or RSS feed. RSS feeds are a great way to get daily alerts throughout the day. I recommend to start simple and progress as you master this skill.
Second, make a list of what you need to buy. If it’s back to school supplies, groceries, furniture items – it doesn’t matter – avoid impulse purchases and buy only what you need.
Third, whatever you do, don’t buy on impulse. Plan and think ahead – look at your calendar and consider the seasonality. A new boat costs more in the spring/summer than in fall or winter. Ok, so there are those emergencies like with the dishwasher leaks or the lawnmower blows up, but when is a new sofa or back to school supplies become an "emergency"? You have time….