When I was still an ingenue and believed in making resolutions, almost always I would promise to spend less money.

I believed then, as I do now, that being thrifty is a virtue. It is just that keeping to that goal is hardly realistic. But that's just me.

Maybe you can be the bastion of willpower and resist temptations.

This is not to say I've not improved. It used to be fun to insist that "I don't buy retail". Today, I'm very happy asking: "Where's the sale?"

My auntification began when I got my flat and realised that a $3,000 bag won't keep me warm when I'm homeless.

Sales then became more attractive.

It is a cheaper way to scratch the shopping itch. The item may be slightly off-season but I just have to convince myself it doesn't matter because I'm too fabulous.

If you're already shopping for Chinese New Year, this is perfect timing.

There are sales everywhere, and the savings will give you extra cash for the red packets. Some people love spending hours at a sale, going through each and every carton andrack. It is like a treasure hunt.

I'm less patient, so I have an ever-changing list in mind of what I might want.

In one of the many home improvement shows I watched on cable, I learned a good rule: Whatever's not used in the past six months, throw it out or give it away.

So if you have a home full of unused things, think before you charge for the next item, and shop only after spring cleaning.

But if you're ready to spend, here are some sales to check out.

HOUSEWARE

• A friend pointed me to a website called Tua Lobang (tualobang.blogspot.com). It is such a wonderful website for deal chasers, collating the sales of everything from discounted air tickets to pots and pans to bed linen.

• I found the Scanteak furniture (pictured above) warehouse sale. It's on today and next weekend at 60 Sungei Kadut Drive, with discounts up to 70 per cent. If you need furniture for Chinese New Year, this is a good place to start.

ACCESSORIES

• Charles & Keith's end-of-season sale has started. It's a 30 per cent discount on selected items. But if you're too lazy to leave home, the sale is extended online too. Just visit www.charleskeith.com.

• Porsche Design boutique (#01-08 Ion Orchard) is offering a further discount on its range of T-shirts, watches, driving shoes, jackets and innerwear. But its bags (pictured above) would be the best deal of all. Wearing a top-to-toe Porsche item may be too much but a bag is just the right touch.

FASHION

• The Dressing Salon sale - till Jan 16 - is a great place to find a great dress for a party. You'll find brands like Karen Millen (pictured top), Maxstudio.com, Miss Selfridge and Warehouse at prices up to 80 per cent off the original price tag.
  
  It's held at Wing Tai Industrial Centre (105 Tampines Road), Tuesday to Sunday from noon to 7pm.

• 37 Three Seven (The Heeren #02-01 and #01-46 Jurong Point Shopping Centre) is a new boutique which sells clothes for men and women.

The difference? It's all sportswear, so expect to find stuff such as tank tops, gym bras, pants and bags. Prices range from $29.90 to $199.90.

This article was first published in The New Paper.