How many times have you made a purchase simply because it was on sale, or it was a deal too good to pass up?
Have you ever had a coupon that was about to expire, so you bought something to avoid wasting the coupon?
Be honest.
Don't worry, I'm not judging you because I'm guilty too!
If you're lured by that 4-letter word (S-A-L-E), try these frugal living tips to help you avoid those impulse SALE purchases:
- Ask yourself if it's a need or a want. If your bath towels are frayed and full of holes…that's a need. If you're tired of the color of your towels…that's a want. If you really need it, and it's a good deal…go for it. If it's simply a “want”…walk-away.
- Do your research. With the power of the internet and your phone in-hand, you can quickly determine if it really is a deal. Try the RedLaser app – it allows you to scan the bar code to compare prices of the exact same item at other stores. Another option is an internet search for the product to quickly compare prices.
- Coupons are generally for name brand items, so do your math because it's often cheaper to buy the store brand even when you have a coupon for the name brand.
- Remember, there will always be another sale or another coupon. It's OK to let a coupon expire.
- Make yourself wait at least 24-hours, and chances are you'll realize that you don't really need or even want the item. Once you step out of the store, you usually come to your frugal senses.
- Retail marketing is a game. Don't let them win.
Let's put these frugal living tips into action.
Last week my teenage daughter went to Victoria's Secret because she had a coupon and a gift with purchase offer that was about to expire. Did she need anything from Victoria's Secret? No. Will they give her another coupon as soon as she makes this purchase, so she'll be lured back into the store soon? Of course. My frugal wisdom didn't stop her shopping trip, but it did make her think.
Our college age son is a sucker for grocery coupons. He thought I would be so proud of him for buying name-brand gummie vitamins with a coupon. I burst his bubble when I asked him if he compared the price of those name-brand gummie vitamins to the store brand vitamin that you swallow. After all, he is 21 and capable of swallowing. Another frugal lesson learned.
Please leave a comment to share your frugal tips to avoid the excitement of a sale?
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image courtesy of Kobfujar, FreeDigitalImages.net
