If You Don’t Need It, It’s Not A Bargain At All.

[sweeps]

I don’t know about you, but I am getting kind of tired of watching the news and seeing consumer segments encouraging us to go shopping just because there are some deals out there.

My Two Dollars blog post

[GREENBACK]

I've had this attitude for a long time. I'll buy something on sale if I truly want or need the item but I never let advertising influence my decisions. I know it's part of the marketing strategy to make people think they only have a limited chance to buy a certain item at their "special" discount.

The fact is you save more money by not falling for sales that are usually not much different than the original price. Even when you buy on sale it's still money out of your pocket.

[disneysteve]

Same here. You couldn't turn on the news before or after Christmas without seeing a story about how stores were offering deep discounts. Well, that's great if there was something you actually needed. Maybe the reason people aren't shopping is that they realized they can live without the stuff and would rather hold onto their money.

I actually thought about going to the mall to see what all the fuss was about, but I knew that anything I bought, no matter how low the price, would be something that I didn't need, so why bother?

[scfr]

I know, I know ... There are so many "bargains" out there on cars right now, but my DH & I know that the best thing to do from a financial standpoint is to keep getting by with our one semi-oldish car for as long as we can.

[poundwise]

I find it humorous, and pitiful, that many people actually spent less for Christmas (some for what was probably the first time ever) due to the economic situation and then turned around and went on a shopping spree after Christmas because of the 'deals.'

Some people never learn.

[disneysteve]

I know, I know ... There are so many "bargains" out there on cars right now, but my DH & I know that the best thing to do from a financial standpoint is to keep getting by with our one semi-oldish car for as long as we can.

I've also thought about going car shopping with all the great offers, like the 0% financing on Toyotas, something they rarely do (if ever). I know, however, that I wasn't ready to replace my car and a "great deal" shouldn't change that for me.

[vole]

I don’t know about you, but I am getting kind of tired of watching the news and seeing consumer segments encouraging us to go shopping just because there are some deals out there.

For the most part, you're right.

But I also find that buying something I don't need on sale can save a lot of money later on. That great buy on a wool sweater now will save lots of money in 5 years. The few cautions would be to stay with classic style and avoid electronics.

In fact, it's my theory that buying things when you are young lets you accumulate things that 30 years later might be unaffordable.

-Dave
berkshirecard.com

[sweeps]

Actually I don't necessarily believe it either. I was just quoting the author.

[rob62521]

I'm finding it fascinating how low some of these stores claim they are going on slashing prices...it's so easy to fall for the gimmick of buying it because it's on sale...it's our middle class mindset...we like to brag about a "deal" we get.

I notice Wal-Mart is really buying (or should I say selling?) this whole idea...their whole ad campaign talks about paying less for stuff: Christmas costs less at Wal-Mart or something to the effect of "Spend Less at Wal-Mart." I assume many in the buying public believe it because Wal-Mart said it. It's a good campaign.

I have a friend who truly buys into the idea of finding a deal, even if he doesn't need the item, he got it on sale so that's great. He's finding it more and more difficult to pay those credit card bills each month because his balance is getting higher and higher...

[Multima$tery]

I don’t know about you, but I am getting kind of tired of watching the news and seeing consumer segments encouraging us to go shopping just because there are some deals out there.

You are so right! With all of the Hype to stir people up to Buy Buy Buy!!! Most people are programmed to run out and spend all their money on things that are not really needed. That's why the debt toll is out of control.

[snafu]

Buying things you don't need translates to buying clutter. By spring all the TV shows will be focussed on de-cluttering, sending items unused for 1 yr. to charity shops so others can be blessed.

All this debt that has been acquired is mostly the result of paying attention to marketing. Many TV programs are mind numbing, encouraging viewers to stop 'doing', stop talking to one another, stop physical activity of your own and watch paid players.

[Cassandra]

Buying things you don't need translates to buying clutter.

So true. I am moving the last of my things from my old place to my new one and I have dropped off several large trash bags of stuff to goodwill- an I am not even done. I am constantly amazed at how much junk I have.

I just have to keep reminding myself that even if I think I need something, I probably don't.

[wincrasher]

Well it's a vicious cycle isn't it? Without consumption there aren't any jobs. Without decent paying jobs, there isn't any consumption.

Easy credit has been covering up the fact that the number of well paying jobs has been shrinking for years.

Now the chickens have come home to roost.

[SnoopyCool]

Buying things you don't need translates to buying clutter.

Unless, of course, you know what you're buying and you can sell it on eBay, etc., for a profit. I've done that many times before.

Otherwise, I agree.