This is the time of year when the temptation to spend is at a frenzy as we dash about trying to find gifts for friends and loved ones. Even though we’ve pledged to stay within budget, we can so easily go overboard if we don’t have controls in place. If you’ve danced to the music, you must pay the piper, and come early next year, you could find it harder and harder to pay those high interest credit card balances. And remember, the credit card companies will have no mercy on your because this was baby’s first Christmas, or grandma’s last.
In recent years, experts have held back criticizing shoppers who’ve carefully prepared for their holiday spending, stalking items in real time and on apps to let them know when prices drop, or when they can get bundled savings. Shoppers have consistently listed buying necessities at lower prices as the motivation to wait in line for those Black Friday sales. While these deals may be a great way to add basic items to your wardrobe, or furnishings, you must still exert caution so that you don’t start shopping for the basic necessities and end up with a cart full of frills. Do you really need a blanket shaped like a mermaid’s tail? Not if it’s going to end up thrown over the treadmill like the Snuggie from a few seasons ago.
For all the spending going on out there, it is a good time to take advantage of all the sales that crop up daily. If you’ve been eyeing a new pair of Nike sneakers, for example, giving in to the urge to buy them might not be the worst you could do if you can get them at a great deal. Especially when Groupon has deals on Nike that will definitely save you real dollars off your purchase. You can get 55% off your qualifying purchases from Nike and get free shipping. And you can leave your car parked and do all your shopping from the gas-saving comfort of your home.
So resist, resist, resist the urge to overspend this holiday season. That way when it’s time to pay the piper, you can break into your happy dance.
