Buying something on a whim without regard as to whether or not you can afford it or if it is really necessary to make you happy in the long run is a condition I like to call the "Instant Gratification Yesterday Syndrome".
It could be something as small as a chocolate bar or as large as a new car. Buying on impulse is a dangerous thing and can wreak havoc on your budget. Instant Gratification Yesterday too often leads to tomorrow's Buyers Remorse. In my experience these conditions are epidemic during the holiday season.
In order to avoid both of these afflictions, it's important to THINK before you buy. Something as small as a chocolate bar wouldn't take much time to think about. Will it put you over budget? Are you hungry? Not too big a deal to make a quick decision. When you get into higher priced items it gets trickier. Especially if a slick salesman is filling your head with all the reasons you SHOULD buy. This is the time to step back and really THINK about it.
Here's a possible scenario. You head over to the local mega store, you know, the one you need a road map to navigate and a GPS to find your car. Okay, you're heading in there to snag a new pair of slippers for Grandma. On the way to the shoe department you have to pass through electronics. Then you see it. The most beautiful 60" LED, Internet ready, DVD playing, Hi-Def TV you've ever seen. You stand mesmerized watching the bluest ocean scene, or perhaps the most vivid football game, you feel as though you are there. This thing can transport you to places you've never even imagined! AND IT'S ON SALE!! 50% off! This is your lucky day! Or is it?
Ask yourself a few quick questions "Did I want this TV 5 minutes ago?" No, then you don't really want it now, keep walking to the slipper department.
"Is a new TV in my budget?" If you've been planning for a TV purchase and saving accordingly the answer might be yes, if you haven't then the answer is no and on to the slipper department you go.
"Is this more TV than I need?" You may only have room for a 27" TV, or don't need the Internet option. If so, better go get those slippers.
"At 50% off is this a good price?" Just because it's 50% off doesn't mean it's a good deal. If the TV was overpriced to begin with 50% off may just be getting it down to what the normal price should be. Doing a little research ahead of a big purchase will make it easier to see a good value.
"How long is this price in effect?" If the item is going to be on sale for the rest of the week, go get the slippers then go home and think about it. You may feel you don't want it as much a few days later. If you do, try comparison shopping to see if you can snag that TV for even less somewhere else.
It all comes down to making informed choices. Plan your purchases and do your homework. Know what you are looking for, don't let over the top marketing tell you what you want.
I myself have been afflicted with Instant Gratification Syndrome Yesterday. I now take preventive measures and keep my condition under control. By saving throughout the year, researching and delaying purchases until the deeply discounted Holiday sales begin you can acquire things you've been wanting for a fraction of original retail cost and get through the shopping season with your budget intact.
It could be something as small as a chocolate bar or as large as a new car. Buying on impulse is a dangerous thing and can wreak havoc on your budget. Instant Gratification Yesterday too often leads to tomorrow's Buyers Remorse. In my experience these conditions are epidemic during the holiday season.
In order to avoid both of these afflictions, it's important to THINK before you buy. Something as small as a chocolate bar wouldn't take much time to think about. Will it put you over budget? Are you hungry? Not too big a deal to make a quick decision. When you get into higher priced items it gets trickier. Especially if a slick salesman is filling your head with all the reasons you SHOULD buy. This is the time to step back and really THINK about it.
Here's a possible scenario. You head over to the local mega store, you know, the one you need a road map to navigate and a GPS to find your car. Okay, you're heading in there to snag a new pair of slippers for Grandma. On the way to the shoe department you have to pass through electronics. Then you see it. The most beautiful 60" LED, Internet ready, DVD playing, Hi-Def TV you've ever seen. You stand mesmerized watching the bluest ocean scene, or perhaps the most vivid football game, you feel as though you are there. This thing can transport you to places you've never even imagined! AND IT'S ON SALE!! 50% off! This is your lucky day! Or is it?
Ask yourself a few quick questions "Did I want this TV 5 minutes ago?" No, then you don't really want it now, keep walking to the slipper department.
"Is a new TV in my budget?" If you've been planning for a TV purchase and saving accordingly the answer might be yes, if you haven't then the answer is no and on to the slipper department you go.
"Is this more TV than I need?" You may only have room for a 27" TV, or don't need the Internet option. If so, better go get those slippers.
"At 50% off is this a good price?" Just because it's 50% off doesn't mean it's a good deal. If the TV was overpriced to begin with 50% off may just be getting it down to what the normal price should be. Doing a little research ahead of a big purchase will make it easier to see a good value.
"How long is this price in effect?" If the item is going to be on sale for the rest of the week, go get the slippers then go home and think about it. You may feel you don't want it as much a few days later. If you do, try comparison shopping to see if you can snag that TV for even less somewhere else.
It all comes down to making informed choices. Plan your purchases and do your homework. Know what you are looking for, don't let over the top marketing tell you what you want.
I myself have been afflicted with Instant Gratification Syndrome Yesterday. I now take preventive measures and keep my condition under control. By saving throughout the year, researching and delaying purchases until the deeply discounted Holiday sales begin you can acquire things you've been wanting for a fraction of original retail cost and get through the shopping season with your budget intact.
