With Christmas around the corner, Boxing Day and stocktake sales are no doubt on your mind. That TV or fridge you’re saving up for… or that new work outfit for 2013.

Though I don’t do it religiously myself, I have braved the crowds a few times. Often, I find that it is too easy to get carried away with big percentage markdowns, and hoarding activity of the crowds. I find it so hard at times to avoid buying anything I will never use.

So this year, I’ve set myself 3 things to do, and I’d like to share them with you.

1. Drafting a plan – Much like shopping for groceries, it’s a good idea to list the things that are absolute needs vs wants. Then figuring out a budget in total, budgets for each large item (tv, laptop), as well as on other categories (clothes). I put all this on my phone so I won’t forget it.

2. Be ready to research on the run – With mobile phones today, it’s so easy to check comparable prices across different online and offline stores. A program like eBay’s RedLaser can help me quickly do this without trying to juggle bags, hangers and my touchscreen keyboard all at the same time.

3. Understand returns policy – Ask every cashier girl / guy what the returns policy is as I am checking out. It’s always good to know whether or not I could act on my next day buyer’s remorse.

I hope those tips can help you.

Finally as always, Pocketbook can help you do some day-after analysis of what you’ve spent across retailers, regardless of which card you’ve used. So try it

Merry Christmas and best of luck at the sales!

Bosco