This downturn in the market really causes anxiety to many people. Malls and retail stores have been badly hit, so is the tourism industry and the big ticket items. The thing is, the more afraid and anxious people get, the less they are willing to spend, as a result, the economy will never be boosted and go even further downhill.

Therefore, in order to boost the economy, we should spend, not everything we have, but a bit, with control, rather than totally not spending. So do go on a shopping spree. Instead of going shopping once a week, we can do it once or twice a month. Instead of spending two hundred as per normal, we spend just one hundred.

Go away to relax yourself. Tour agencies are having big sales and promotions, so it is the best time to go away. By doing that, we are still contributing and boosting the economy, so hopefully things will start getting better!

I have been doing online shopping on and off, and have been pretty happy about the products, which I find less costly and much nicer in appearance and material than what I can find in stores. Online shopping is not as hard as people think. As long as you know your own preferences, what you are looking for, and whether you look nice in them, that is all that matters. In other words, you have to know yourself very well, your figure, your colours, your style and whether what will look nice on you!

1. Have a budget.

As with every shopping trip, you need to set up how much you are willing to spend, and stick to it. Try as much as you can to trim the budget by finding online promotions and discounts, as the products can then be sold for a song.

2. Know your own figure.

If you are 32-25-35, then be truthful about it. No use getting a dress that is 34-24-34, because that will simply never fit! Most dresses are fit to scale with a size chart, so if your figure does not deviate too much, chances are you will be able to find one that fits.

3. If you are buying shoes, ensure you know your exact shape and size.

Shoes normally come in full or half sizes, starting from 5 to about 10 and half. If you are a size 6, then get a size 6. Anything smaller or bigger will not fit. If you are buying boots, the cuttings are normally small, so take half a size bigger.

4. Be focused.

Online shopping creates lots of temptations and distractions. Know what you want to get, look for the item, get it and that is it. Do not sway by deviating to other websites, or else you will end up getting lots of other stuff and blowing your budget at the same time.

5. Choose the cheapest shipping method.

International packages usually cost more in terms of shipping and handling. There will normally be a few shipping options, so unless you need the item really urgently, otherwise choose the cheapest shipping method. So what if it takes three months to reach you if you are not in a hurry to use the item? At least it saves lots for you.

6. Take into account dispatch time.

Do not expect your item to reach you immediately. Please allow at least two weeks to a month on the average for the package to reach you. However, there are some stores that will expedite shipping if you indicate it as urgent, but you need to pay much more for shipping charges.

7. Find a store that allows returns or exchanges.

Thankfully, many online stores allow customers to return and refund an item, or simply exchange for a similar item. So if in the end you do not like your product when it arrives, you can simply give it back to them. The money (less shipping charges) will be credited back to you within two weeks.

The Great Singapore Sale has begun! Normally I would be one of those shoppers trying to find the best bargains, especially since I do have credit cards where I can use to earn rebates, points and discounts. However, this year, I feel less inclined to mingle with the crowd, so I ended up shopping online, at the comforts of my own home.

And I am not disappointed, because the bargains and darling pieces one can get online are much better than those you can get in the departmental stores itself! I came across a few very good websites selling clothing and accessories, at very reasonable prices, with the latest fashions!

What can I say? I am but a lazy person who prefers to be laid-back and comfortable, rather than being in a mad rush. Or maybe age does play a part?