Thursday, February 1, 2018

Shop The Sales (Without Hurting Your Finances)




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There’s something about items on sale that delights us. We see that red discount label and our minds are alight, suddenly coursing with adrenaline as we think of the bargains we might be able to find. We head to the discount section, marvelling over the reduced prices, and delight in the money we’re able to save. 

There’s no denying that sales shopping is fun, but there’s also no denying that it can be potentially problematic. Sales have a tendency to grab hold of our attention and prevent us from making the wise purchasing decisions we would normally make. If this happens often enough, you can find your spending spiralling to a point that your sales shopping is becoming a problem

However, the answer to this potential issue isn’t to not shop the sales at all -- a bargain is a bargain, after all! -- but to ensure your sales shopping is as smart as it can be. Read on for a few essential tips to keep in mind the next time you see discounted prices in your favorite store… 

Set a strict budget 

It’s one thing to want to grab a bargain, but you need to place restrictions on your spending as well. Giving yourself an open door to spend whatever you want, just because items are on sale, is a surefire way to spend far more than is justifiable. 

Spend in cash where possible 

While your new credit card sourced through Best.creditcard might be burning a hole in your pocket, sales shopping should always be done in cash. If you can’t literally afford the item right now, then buying it while it’s on sale is a bad idea. You have to factor in the fact that sales make us want to buy things we don’t even need; ensuring that you only buy in cash is by far the best way to ensure you are able to fight back against this problem. 

Avoid big sale events 

Big sales events, such as Black Friday, have a tendency to be a letdown. The stock on sale is often not the kind of thing you’d buy at full price, so the savings you make aren’t necessarily as good as they initially appear. It’s far better to look for individual sales at stores that you already like and frequent. You can use one of the apps featured on usnews.com if you want to ensure you’re always up-to-date with which stores have sales running at any given time. 

Ask yourself one question before you make any sales purchase 

The question is: “If I had the money available, would I buy this at the full retail price?”

If the answer is no, then put it down and move onto something else. Unless you believe an item important enough to be worth paying the full price for, you don’t need it. 

In conclusion

By keeping the above in mind, you can be sure that your sales shopping will be nothing but pleasurable, ensuring you don’t have a financial hangover from your splurge. Enjoy!

17 valuable thoughts they wrote, what's yours?:

Alli Smith said...

These are all wonderful tips for shopping for sales items. I also ask myself if I really love it. If the answer is no, I keep on shopping. It keeps me from buying things I don't need or love.

valmg @ Mom Knows It All said...

My Mom will only purchase most items if they are on sale. I don't find Black Friday sales to be all that great of a deal in most cases once you factor in your time and energy.

candy said...

If we don’t need something it just doesn’t happen. If you love to shop setting a budget is so important.

AiringMyLaundry said...

I love to shop sales, but I do make sure I'm really getting a deal. I honestly don't find a lot of deals on Black Friday, so I wait for prices to really drop in December. I always watch our finances!

Kraus House Mom said...

I make it a point to know the regular price of what I'm planning on buying. That way I know if I'm getting a good deal.

rosemary@myhomeandtravels said...

I have become so much better as I got older to not buy just because it's on sale. I do have a weakness for yard sale or flea markets when I think it can become a project though.

Carol Cassara said...

I love taking advantage of sales but it's only for the items that we need or I need. I don't think it's good to splurge when you see an item on sale that you have no use for. These are great tips!

joannabri said...

I have a friend who will buy something no matter what, as long as it's on sale. I ask her once would you have bought that if it weren't on sale, and she said probably not, but it's on sale, so why not. I just shook my head at her.

Tomi C said...

I try to stick to my budget. It can hard sometimes when there's something we really need but overall it's pretty easy to avoid purchasing something just because it's on sale.

Anonymous said...

Making smart financial choices is essential. These are great tips for keeping one's finances in order and not going into debt.

Sara Welch said...

Setting a budget and putting it aside really goes a long way. No better feeling than saving money!

Kita Bryant said...

I love using cash. So many people can be bargained with for some cash.

Saidah said...

I love when things are on sale. Sometimes I buy it even if I don't need it.

Jeanine said...

I find I really have to set strict budgets when I am buying anything or going to any stores. I also do have to avoid big sales because they suck me right in! - Jeanine

Cathy Mini said...

That is a good way to deter any unnecessary buying! I am going to now ask myself if I would buy it full price--great advice!

Farida said...

I love sales! I am able to save a lot but I try to only buy those that I need. I also love promos which can help me budget accordingly.

Rach Ferrucci said...

Great tips! I love a sale and always wind up spending more than I planned on. I try to have a plan and stick to it.

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