DO YOU SUFFER FROM BARGAINITIS?
Have you ever caught yourself buying something because it was on sale? A sale so good you couldn’t afford NOT to buy it? Then my friend, you are suffering from
Bargainitis
What is Bargainitis? Have you ever found yourself getting sucked in - buying something because it was on sale and it was just TOO GOOD OF A DEAL to not pass up? Then you may have Bargainitis! Bargainitis is defined (by myself) as the following: you purchase items because they were on sale BUT are items you don’t need. The only reason you bought them was because they were on sale.Holiday Bargainitis is really prevalent this time of year. Everywhere you turn there seems to be some kind of sale. Some kind of ‘Black Friday’ event (including ‘Extended’ Black Friday events), Christmas Week specials, and the ever-popular Boxing Week Specials! It just goes on and on.To avoid Bargainitis, there are 3 simple steps to ensure you are not bit by the bargain bug this holiday season:
Create a master list for gift giving. A simple one can be created using the old fashion pen and paper (click here to download a template). For you techies out there who prefer to go paperless, I’m using a great app called The Christmas List. It’s brilliant for creating groups (family, friends, etc.), for assigning a budget, for keeping you on track, etc.- Assign a budget to each person. By totaling up your estimated budget you will have a clear indication if you need to tweak the budget if you feel you are overspending.
- Become a smart shopper! You have your list, you have put some thought into what each person on your list would like, stick to it. There is going to be a SALE on every day from now until… forever! Do not get caught up with: “Oh – it’s on sale so I should get it’! If you don’t need it, if it’s not on the list, then don’t buy it!
There is no magic pill to rid you of Bargainitis. The key is plan your holiday shopping with intention , have a clear budget and stick to it! Remember:
This holiday season should be about quality - not quantity!
Best wishes for peace, joy and happiness this holiday season!
Sheri Feature Image courtesy of David Castillo / FreeDigitalPhotos.net