It's sometimes hard to put the words "responsible" and "shopper" in one sentence, but these days, you really can't afford to be careless with money. After all, you've worked hard for it, so it only makes sense that you spend it wisely. Don't get us wrong. We're not here to take away your shopping privileges; we're simply here to show you that there are ways to shop without you having to give up an arm and a leg. For tips on how to become a responsible shopper, read on:

(First published as "Marie Claire's Ultimate Money Guide" in the Money Special section of Marie Claire Philippines' June 2008 issue. Adapted for use in Female Network. Additional reporting by Jennifer Chan. Photo by Rodion Kovenkin via Flickr Creative Commons.)