We’re coming up to an expensive time of year so it’s a good time to review your spending plan, your shopping lists and your gift lists.
There’s no doubt that it’s a great idea to take advantage of Black Friday sales and other deals that come up – but only if you need what you’re buying!
I can’t tell you the number of outfits, shoes, bags, sheets, towels, etc, etc, etc that I had lurking in the backs of wardrobes or closets, never to see the light of day, bought because “how could I afford not to”! But then I figured out that I got out more satisfaction out of buying a house than a never to be worn outfit.
OK – so the leap here is pretty big, but you get what I mean, don’t you?
So these days, in preparation for the sales, deals, hype and the stress of finding the perfect gifts, I take some time to think, plan, research, budget and write a list (or lists as it usually is)
I have a list of things I need or would like at the right price, things my hubby and kids need, and then Christmas gifts.
And then I stick to my list. That’s where the magic is. If I didn’t know I needed it, then I don’t need it – regardless of the price.
When those emails start hitting my inbox, I can cut to the chase to find what I’m looking for or delete. When Christmas comes around, I can be confident that I bought great gifts at good prices. When January lands, I’m not going to be suffering buyer’s remorse or drowning in credit card debt.
If you want to get serious about saving and creating a financially secure future, you have to get serious about spending. And there’s no better time than now!
