Now Reading
More for Less: The 500-Peso Shopping Challenge

More for Less: The 500-Peso Shopping Challenge

Woman Holding Shopping Bags
Woman Holding Shopping Bags
Image from Pexels.com

Just the thought of being in the middle of a giant sale with an unlimited budget in hand was enough to make me go gaga. I could scour the racks for hours, steadfast in my mission to find the perfect dress or shoes.

So many times, I have found myself short of money when it’s not even petsa de peligro yet because I gave in to temptation. You see, once I start shopping, I find it difficult to stop. I would always be torn between wanting to save money and wanting to “reward” myself.

I knew this couldn’t keep happening. I couldn’t keep compromising my budget to go YOLO inside Forever 21. I knew I needed to stop.

The 500-Peso Shopping Challenge

Image by Kelvin Servigon via Flickr Creative Commons

Honestly, there is no way I could go cold turkey and cut my obsession with shopping, so I compromised. I set a rule that I could still buy something for myself every month, BUT, I have to work on a budget. PHP500 seemed reasonable enough, but where can it take me?

Here’s where my “budget cut” took me:

Ukay Ukay Forever

Ukay ukay has always been my go-to spot, since college. I knew all the right places to go and when to drop by. I avoided going on paydays and several days before or after because then the prices tend to be higher. Back when I lived in Antipolo, the ukay ukay stores that lined Cubao, Anonas, and Marikina were my favorite mainly because they were also the most accessible. I also had a favorite shop to visit in Katipunan, but the items there were a bit pricier.

Where my PHP 500 took me at the ukay:

Double Breasted Coat- PHP 40
Double Breasted Coat- PHP 40
Comic -Print Pullover - PHP 60
Comic -Print Pullover – PHP 60
Yellow Babydoll Top - PHP 20
Yellow Babydoll Top – PHP 20
Zip-Up Bomber Jacket - PHP 40
Zip-Up Bomber Jacket – PHP 40
Lace-Up Dress – PHP 100
Lace-Up Dress – PHP 100
Peach Pullover with Floral Detail - PHP 60
Peach Pullover with Floral Detail – PHP 60
Soft Denim Top - 80 PHP
Soft Denim Top – 80 PHP
Grover Varsity Shirtdress - 80 PHP
Grover Varsity Shirtdress – 80 PHP

Total: PHP 480

My New BFF: Shopee

I just moved to a town where ukay ukay stores are rare, so I took to online shopping instead. My new favorite way to shop online is through Shopee, because when I reach a certain amount, they will ship my order for free. I have bought every item imaginable from Shopee, from dresses and contact lenses to the lace canopy that now hangs above my bed.

For this article, I asked a friend to trust me with her PHP500, and I’d ‘style’ her. She was a bit skeptical at first because she had never bought anything online, but gave in anyway. She requested for a dressy piece that she could wear to her aunt’s wedding, but I ended up buying her another more casual dress, a top, and a formal-ish dress. Yup, three brand new pieces for just PHP 500.

Here’s where our 500 pesos took us:

 

Maroon Offshoulder – 185 PHP
Black Off-shoulder – 135 PHP
Navy Blue Bodycon Dress- 175 PHP (Photo courtesy of seller)

Total: PHP 495

A New Go-To: Online Preloved Shops

I discovered online “preloved” shops by accident. I was strapped for cash, and I needed something to supplement my income with. I thought of selling something I had too much of but didn’t need: my tear ducts. Just kidding. I sold my old clothes so that I could have money for new ones. I searched for groups on Facebook where I could sell my old but still usable stuff, snapped photos, uploaded them, added descriptions, and waited for inquiries.

See Also
woman splashing ocean water

Rules for posting on preloved online stores have changed and became complicated in time, so these days, I’d rather just shop than sell. I have been shopping in preloved online stores since I discovered it, and all my experiences have been good so far.

Remember, though, that preloved stores are just ukay ukay, only transactions are made online, and your haul is a bit safer because you know who you’re buying from. Take advantage of that privilege. Get to know your seller before sending out money; be wary of bogus sellers and of those who sugarcoat the real quality of their items.

Where my PHP 500 took me:

Chunky Heels (from Centropelle, never used) – PHP 150
Lace Hoodie – PHP 120
Red Maxi Dress with Slit – PHP 150 (Photo courtesy of seller)
Soft Denim Overall Shorts – PHP 100 (I haggled, and the seller agreed to sell it to me for PHP 80, yay!)

Total: PHP 500

I found three ways to stick to my budget. First, to make a list of the things I want or need; Second, to know the right places to shop from and if possible, look for a store that offers the item you want at a low or negotiable price; third and most importantly: have discipline.

To make the PHP500 challenge work, set a budget, and stick to the essentials.

What's Your Reaction?
Excited
0
Happy
0
In Love
0
Not Sure
0
Silly
0
View Comment (1)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


© 2024 ModernFilipina.ph. All Rights Reserved. Site by Truelogic and SEO.com.phglam-logo-new

Scroll To Top