Why is it that we see the words "On Sale" and our hearts beat faster, our brain shuts down and our wallets open up? As with all major holidays, there are a rush of "Memorial Day Sales" ads, claiming the lowest price on that grill, amazing patio furniture at rock bottom prices, tremendous savings on outside garden equipment and last minute travel deals. Retailers are adept at knowing what will push our buttons and make us buy--feeling like we got over on them and got that item at an amazing deal--one that we will want to brag about to our friends and family. Even worse, there's nothing better than a store that's going out of business-unbeatable deals there! While I am the first to admit that I admire the advertising industry--I actually watch the commercials on TV--I also know that the tricks they are using to get consumers to buy. My advice to consumers:- The word "Sale" has very little meaning in today's world
- Do your own comparison shopping to see if that price is "rock bottom"
- Buying something, on sale or not, is only a good value if you can afford it--buying something because it's an awesome price but paying for it with a credit card defeats the savings
So, instead of hitting the stores this holiday weekend in pursuit of that "Sale" price, spend some time learning about the history of Memorial Day and put the money you didn't spend into your emergency savings account or pay off some credit card debt--you can brag about that to your friends and family and it will have longer term effects on your financial security than that new grill!
