<human>:  What strategies can I use to make sure I stay on budget when shopping?
<bot>: Establish a budget and stick to it. 2 Compare prices to get the best value and buy in bulk when possible. 3 Use coupons, sales and discounts whenever available. 4 Avoid impulse buying and limit yourself to only items you either need or really want.5 Look for alternative shopping options, such as thrift stores and online sales. 6 Keep track of your spending to identify areas where you may be overspending. 7 Consider bringing cash instead of using credit or debit cards for shopping. 8 Ask for a discount on items to lower the cost of your purchases.