(This is part of Take Charge of Your Money , a partnership between INQUIRER.net and Citibank to help readers handle their personal finances well.)

Question: I get excited every time the malls have a sale, and most especially during the midnight sales. I don?t think I missed any this entire year, even the ones this holiday season. During midnight sales, I get more freebies (such as free parking) and price cuts. I?m not sure though if this is good for my bank account ? how can I check if I am getting the best deals? ? ChaCha

Answer: Shopping is a fun event for a lot of people. Discovering bargains and new items are exciting, and buying the exact thing one needs can be fulfilling.

However, as many shopaholics have realized, too much shopping can wreak havoc on your finances if you don?t bring the urge to shop under control. The solution is not to stop shopping altogether (you have your basic needs to buy after all), but to shop wisely. What does this mean? Heed our tips below.

1. Calendar the sales. Whenever you read or hear about an upcoming sale at a mall or other venue, write it down on your calendar. Then look at your monthly or yearly schedule. Allow yourself only one sale event at most per month, or even only one sale event per quarter. This will give you the opportunity to shop but not go overboard. Choose to attend the sale event where you can get most of your needs under one roof.

2. Make a list. Before heading to the sale, take time to go over your refrigerator, pantry, and closets to see what you need. Some people buy the same items all the time then find out that they still have unused unopened ones with tags back home. Making a list will let you see at a glance what you need to buy.

3. Recheck your list then make a budget. Go over your list again and check it twice like Santa Claus. Do you really need all those items? Maybe some of them are just wants ? things that are nice to have but can be had at a later time (example: cute picture frames when you already have enough ? still unused). Psyche yourself up to buy only the things you need, then map out a plan to save for your wants over the coming year. Assign a budget for each item on your needs list and commit not to go over that amount no matter what.

4. Arrive early. To make the most of the sale event, arrive early to get a good parking space near the mall entrance and to avoid the crowds. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing.

5. Have an itinerary. If your destination is the mall, map out a battle plan well. Don?t go to every store, but go directly to the store or department store section that sells what you need to buy. For instance, if you need to buy shoes for the kids (they have outgrown the ones they have), head right away to the kids? shoes section of a department store or to a kids? shoes boutique. Then if you need to buy cookware, go to the home section. Skip the beauty and perfume store on the way to the home section.

6. Bring one credit card or debit card or just enough cash for your needs. If you limit the cash you bring, you will be forced to stay within your budget. Bring also just one credit card or debit card so you won?t be tempted to use all your cards to charge your purchases. Spend within your budget.

7. If you spot a good buy and it?s not on your list, ask yourself if it?s a need or a want. Say no to impulse buying. Buy only what you need. Make this your mantra throughout the time you?re at the sale. Don?t buy an item just because it is cheap. It may be cheap but you may not need it, and it will just end up gathering dust at home.

8. Look at the cash register when buying. Make sure that the price tag matches the amount being shown on the cash register. If there is a discrepancy, call the cashier?s attention right away.

9. Be aware of promos. Malls usually have promos during their sale events. Read up on what you can get for free, such as parking and giveaways, or what discounts you can avail of at food and drink outlets nearby. These little things may give you value for your money.

10. Keep your receipts. In case you find out that you got the wrong size of clothes, for instance, return the items the next day with your receipt to get an exchange or refund. Also keep your receipts and compare them with your credit card bill to make sure you are billed for the right amount.

Shopping can save you pesos if done with much planning and just the right restraint.

(INQUIRER.net and Citibank invite readers to ask questions regarding financial matters. Send your questions to personal_finance@inquirer.net or comment through our personal finance blog called MoneySmarts )

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