Every November, one date gets circled on every shopper’s calendar: 11.11. It’s the day online carts overflow, checkout buttons glow, and wallets work overtime.
Between midnight flash sales, cashback promos, and “buy 1 free 1” deals, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement, until the post-sale regret kicks in on 12.11.
But smart shoppers know that the best deals aren’t always the cheapest items, they’re the ones that keep your wallet happy even after the sales end. Here are 11 smart money moves to help you shop smarter, save more, and even make your money work harder for your future.
💡 1. Set a Sale Budget (and Stick to It)
Before you even open Shopee, Lazada, or TikTok Shop, decide how much you can actually afford to spend.
Setting a budget may not sound as exciting as flash sales, but it’s your first line of defense against impulse buying.
A simple rule: only spend what you’ve already decided to spend. Once that amount’s gone, the sale ends for you, no matter how tempting the “Final 3 Hours!” banner looks.
A clear budget helps you focus on what you actually need instead of what algorithms convince you to want.
🛒 2. Make a Wishlist Before Sale Day
The biggest mistake during mega sales is going in blind.
Prepare a wishlist of what you truly need, whether it’s a new phone case, skincare bundle, or that home gadget you’ve been eyeing. Add them to your cart early and monitor prices in the days leading up to 11.11. You’ll easily spot whether a “discount” is genuine or inflated.
Bonus: many platforms notify you when wishlist items drop in price. So, less scrolling and more saving.
💰 3. Stack Cashback, Points, and Vouchers
When it comes to 11.11, stacking is your best friend. Combine platform vouchers, cashback apps, credit card promos, and eWallet rewards for maximum value.
Example strategy:
- Use a cashback platform like ShopBack.
- Apply store and platform vouchers.
- Pay using a cashback or reward card.
These small rewards add up. It’s like giving yourself a mini rebate on top of the sale price.
🔍 4. Compare Prices Before You Checkout
A 70% discount doesn’t always mean the lowest price. Sellers often mark up before marking down.
Before you hit checkout, compare the same product across multiple platforms or sellers. Use price trackers or Google Shopping results to verify.
Remember, a deal is only good if it’s truly cheaper and trustworthy.
🕒 5. Shop at the Right Hour
Timing matters. Many platforms drop their best vouchers or flash sales at midnight or during “power hours.”
Prep your cart in advance, then check out during these high-reward windows. It’s a simple move that could save you an extra 10–15%.
💳 6. Be Careful with Buy-Now-Pay-Later
Buy-Now-Pay-Later (BNPL) platforms can feel like free money, until the bills arrive.
If you can pay off your BNPL balance immediately, it can be a helpful short-term tool.
But if you’re using it to buy things you can’t afford, it’s a red flag. The interest or late fees can easily wipe out your savings.
Smart spending is still about living within your means, even when the discounts are massive.
💼 7. Keep Your Sale Fund Separate
One underrated shopping tip: don’t mix your sale money with your everyday money.
Create a separate “sale fund”: a small pool of cash dedicated solely to shopping. This helps you avoid using your savings or emergency funds during sales.Some shoppers use apps like Versa to keep this separate fund parked securely while earning daily returns. The key isn’t just about growing your cash, it’s about building discipline. You’re less likely to overspend when your “fun money” is clearly defined.
🧾 8. Track Your Purchases
Big sales make it easy to lose track. Keep a quick record on your phone, in a notes app, or through your eWallet transaction list.
Seeing your total spend in real time helps you stay mindful and avoid the classic “Wait, how did I spend RM700?” moment.
🔁 9. Return or Resell What You Don’t Need
If you bought something on impulse and changed your mind, return it. Most major platforms make returns easy within a set timeframe. Alternatively, resell the item on Carousell or Facebook Marketplace. It’s a win-win: you declutter, and someone else gets a deal.
🧠 10. Recognise Emotional Triggers
“Only 2 left!” “Deal ends in 3 minutes!” These are FOMO tactics designed to push you into instant purchases.
The next time you see one, pause for a minute. Ask yourself: Would I still buy this at full price next week? If not, it’s probably not worth it.
🪴 11. Add “Invest in Your Future” to Your Cart
Once the 11.11 buzz dies down and your parcels arrive, take a moment to shift gears. You’ve mastered saving while spending. Now, think about saving after spending.
If you have leftover sale funds or unspent cashback, channel that energy into something that truly grows: your Private Retirement Scheme (PRS).
PRS is a long-term investment plan that helps you grow your retirement savings while enjoying tax relief, a perfect balance between today’s lifestyle and tomorrow’s security.
Platforms like Versa make it easy to contribute to PRS via Versa Retirement while enjoying these lifestyle perks.
Because if you can plan for 11.11, you can plan for your financial freedom too.
🧭 Final Thoughts
Smart shopping isn’t about cutting yourself off from fun. It’s about creating balance, knowing when to splurge, when to save, and when to invest in your future.
This 11.11, grab your deals, enjoy your rewards, but also make sure you’re building something beyond your shopping cart. Whether it’s separating your sale budget, earning while you wait, or setting aside a little extra for your PRS, every small action today compounds into something meaningful tomorrow.
Because great deals fade, but good money habits last, and that’s the best sale you’ll ever get.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us here. 💬