Bad shopping habits

[hamchan]

I actually really enjoy looking at catalogues but I almost never order anything from one. I think it's because that was the only thing to do at my grandma's house when I was little. She got dozens of catalogues in the mail. And Reader's Digest. I still like Reader's Digest too.

[cschin4]

I do think though that sometimes buying "cheaper" IS the best choice. We are often sold upgrades of things we never use. I mean, if you only want a cell phone as a cell phone, then you don't need to buy a smart phone. How many settings do you REALLY need on your blender or you microwave? A lot of products are simply upsell. Additional features that sound great but in reality you will NEVER use. So, you are paying more money for something you don't even intend to use. And, I found I was often a sucker for this. Now, I honestly ask myself, Will I use all of the features? If no, then it makes more sense to buy only exactly what I need and what I need and intend to use it for.

[disneysteve]

How many settings do you REALLY need on your blender or you microwave? A lot of products are simply upsell. Additional features that sound great but in reality you will NEVER use. So, you are paying more money for something you don't even intend to use.

I totally agree with you in theory. In reality, though, it is very hard to follow. Manufacturers merge more features with better quality so that blender with only 2 speeds is crap while the one with 14 settings has a much stronger motor, better blades, sturdier container, etc. I think I posted about this a while ago when I was replacing a showerhead. All I wanted was a simple showerhead. No pulse or massage or 5 different spray patterns. Just on and off. I quickly discovered that the ones with no special settings are cheap to buy but also cheaply made - plastic and crap. If I wanted a good quality metal showerhead, I had to get the oversized ones with all of the bells and whistles.

[bigdaddybus]

Years ago, I used to try to use coupons. Then I realized coupons just enticed me to buy something I hadn't planned to buy in the first place. So, I don't use coupons at all. And, I don't shop for sales. I only shop when I need something in particular. And, I now only shop in a few stores. I don't run around looking for the "best" price. If it is on sale, fine. If not, doesn't matter because I need it so I am going to buy it.
For me, I have discovered that the MORE I expose myself to stuff and merchandise, the more I will buy. So, the less I shop, the less I will buy and will save more money even if what I am buying is not on sale. Less exposure to stuff = less purchases for me.

Completely agree. The only thing I do in addition to what you posted is I tend to use cash for everything.
I always think of the story that the average expendature at McDonalds was $4.50 when they only took cash and jumped to $7.00 when they started taking credit. (a 55% jump) My reduction in spending and additional savings using cash more than makes up for my lost CC bonus bucks. I do still charge things that I cant adjust like auto bill pay on cell bill or TV, or filling up the gas tank, but that is about it. I'm sure there are many that think they are above doing this, and I used to as well, but it does make me spend less using cash.

back to the OP, I know at my local grocery 10 for $10 is actually $1 ea. I just grab a few if needed.

[cschin4]

I totally agree with you in theory. In reality, though, it is very hard to follow. Manufacturers merge more features with better quality so that blender with only 2 speeds is crap while the one with 14 settings has a much stronger motor, better blades, sturdier container, etc. I think I posted about this a while ago when I was replacing a showerhead. All I wanted was a simple showerhead. No pulse or massage or 5 different spray patterns. Just on and off. I quickly discovered that the ones with no special settings are cheap to buy but also cheaply made - plastic and crap. If I wanted a good quality metal showerhead, I had to get the oversized ones with all of the bells and whistles.

I agree. You can't always put that in theory. But, there are still some things where you can. I just bought a new microwave after ours finally died. I didn't need a huge one because I don't really use it for cooking. I use it for heating/reheating. And, I don't want a zillion buttons like a popcorn button, etc. But the smaller microwaves were a bit too small so I bought one for $75 at Walmart and it is just the right size for what I need. But, for a moment, I did look at higher end models and assorted great new features but at least have the conversation with yourself is all I am saying.

[gogirlanime]

I am overweight myself so I say this on that kind of level. When I see a huge person with 3 packs of Oreos in their cart I wanna scream. I don't eat the best all the time either but I am exercising and eating right to reverse it. America, the only country where we throw out millions of dollars worth in food every year and are the most obese country in the world. God bless America

I see the worst of people, Starbucks customers before their coffee is a terrible sight. I try not to be judge-y but DANG there are a lot of stupid people in the world. I'm not a genius myself and I'm smart enough to know that comparatively I'm not that smart, but again, there are people where when I listen and watch them I think, "OMG... how are they not dead somehow yet?"

I buy online during Black Friday and research for a long time and get only what I need. I'm not going out there during the madness. So many sheep competing with the Jones. As a Buddhist I have learned that 99% of life is BS and that we are all trying to keep up an image that doesn't really matter. I buy and do what I like and don't care.