Is it Really a Deal?
Got a big bonus? Bills lower this month leaving you with some extra cash? Money burning a hole in your pocket? Wait just a minute!
As consumers, we are constantly bombarded with advertisements, sales, deals, and ways to spend our money. It's easy to get sucked into the moment and go spend crazy...especially when you have some extra money floating around.
Who doesn't love a great deal? I know I do. What is important is knowing when to buy and when to walk away. Sales come and go (SERIOUSLY), but with many advertisements crying "last chance", "lowest price of the season", and other calls to action, it makes it somewhat hard to resist.
The truth is, no matter how good the deal is, if it's something you did not want/need or wasn't on your infamous wish-list, it's still money unnecessarily spent.
I was once the person who received a coupon and just HAD to use it. I would sometimes force myself to find something to buy just to use the coupon. Those days are over. I still use coupons (free money...come on), but with a purpose. I think about any current needs and wants and if the coupon will help me get that item/service for less money then I'll use it. If not, I will happily discard a coupon that is not needed.
Temptations are sometimes hard to resist, especially when it comes to big-ticket items. My job recently offered a tax-free day at the bookstore. With sales tax being quite hefty, I thought, why not. My eyes were focused on electronics (a gadget girl), but then I had "the talk" reminding myself that I did not NEED or even want anything and I should walk away. So I did and without regret. The truth is I just got caught in the moment, but after stepping back and being real with myself, I was able to walk away without spending a dime.
The point is to protect yourself from temptation. If necessary, unsubscribe from email lists, recycle or give away coupons you do not need. Go to the store and get what you came in there for, do not be allured by the big signs and sales. Remember, it's not really a deal if it wasn't something you intended to purchase. Always be mindful of your spending, ask yourself why you are buying it, and be willing to walk away.
As consumers, we are constantly bombarded with advertisements, sales, deals, and ways to spend our money. It's easy to get sucked into the moment and go spend crazy...especially when you have some extra money floating around.
Who doesn't love a great deal? I know I do. What is important is knowing when to buy and when to walk away. Sales come and go (SERIOUSLY), but with many advertisements crying "last chance", "lowest price of the season", and other calls to action, it makes it somewhat hard to resist.
The truth is, no matter how good the deal is, if it's something you did not want/need or wasn't on your infamous wish-list, it's still money unnecessarily spent.
I was once the person who received a coupon and just HAD to use it. I would sometimes force myself to find something to buy just to use the coupon. Those days are over. I still use coupons (free money...come on), but with a purpose. I think about any current needs and wants and if the coupon will help me get that item/service for less money then I'll use it. If not, I will happily discard a coupon that is not needed.
Temptations are sometimes hard to resist, especially when it comes to big-ticket items. My job recently offered a tax-free day at the bookstore. With sales tax being quite hefty, I thought, why not. My eyes were focused on electronics (a gadget girl), but then I had "the talk" reminding myself that I did not NEED or even want anything and I should walk away. So I did and without regret. The truth is I just got caught in the moment, but after stepping back and being real with myself, I was able to walk away without spending a dime.
The point is to protect yourself from temptation. If necessary, unsubscribe from email lists, recycle or give away coupons you do not need. Go to the store and get what you came in there for, do not be allured by the big signs and sales. Remember, it's not really a deal if it wasn't something you intended to purchase. Always be mindful of your spending, ask yourself why you are buying it, and be willing to walk away.
It is only a deal if it is something you need/want and plan on purchasing.
