Your guide to conquer the sales battlefield without falling into the debt trap
I’m your financial freedom coach and author of “Getting Comfy With the F Word – finances. I’m sharing how to rock these shopping extravaganzas without compromising your hard-earned money.
1: The Seduction of Cyber Monday and Black Friday
Let’s face it – the allure of those jaw-dropping deals can be as tempting as a piece of chocolate cake on a low-carb diet. Cyber Monday and Black Friday wave their discount wands, and suddenly, we find ourselves hypnotized by the promise of slashed prices and limited-time offers. But beware, the road to financial freedom is paved with conscious choices.
2: Setting the Spending Plan Stage
Before you even think about diving into the shopping madness and clicking the “add to cart” button, create a budget of how much you are willing to spend.And stick to it! This is your shield to protect you from future regret and stress. Wear it proudly and let it guide your spending.
3: The Art of Window Shopping
No, I’m not talking about strolling down the mall with your nose pressed against the glass. In the digital age, window shopping is just a click away. Fill your online cart with all the sparkly treasures you desire, but resist the urge to hit that checkout button. Consider it a warm up to get a feel for the cost of those wants.
4: Unleashing the Coupon Queen
Before you click the checkout button, search for coupons, discount codes or better price points. The thrill of the hunt is almost as exhilarating as snagging a killer deal.
5: Dodge Impulse Purchases
In the heat of the shopping battle, it’s easy to get carried away and toss items into your cart faster than you can say “credit card debt.” Pause, take a breath, and ask yourself: Is this a “must have” or a “nice to have”? Remember, financial freedom is built on mindful choices, not impulse purchases.
6: Flexing Your Negotiation Muscles
Think negotiating is only for buying cars or houses? Think again! Some of the bigger retailers are more flexible than a yoga instructor, especially during Cyber Monday and Black Friday.They have sales targets to hit and are often more interested in getting the sale than in the actual pierce point they sold it at. Did you know that these end of year sales help the stores get rid of inventory? The less inventory they have the less taxes they pay so don’t be afraid to haggle for a better deal or ask about additional discounts.
7: Cash is Queen
Plastic may be fantastic, but when it comes to staying debt-free, cash is queen. DEBT= Don’t Even Buy That! If you can’t pay cash – don’t buy it.This way, you’re spending money you actually have, and there’s no looming credit card bill waiting to rain on your financial parade. You’re paying 29% interest on those credit card purchases every month which means you just killed any Cyber Monday or Black Friday savings.
8: The FOMO Antidote
Fear of missing out (FOMO) is the silent killer of budgets everywhere. Just because your neighbor is flaunting a brand-new gadget doesn’t mean you need one too. Stay true to your financial goals and let FOMO bounce off you like water off a duck’s back. Your bank account will thank you because your future financial freedom feels so much better than a fleeting moment of materialistic joy.
9: After the Storm: Post Shopping Frenzy Review
The shopping storm has passed, and your cart is full of treasures. Now, it’s time to take a step back to review and reflect. Did you stick to your spending plan? Or did you get carried away with impulse buys? Take a moment to celebrate your wins while learning from any slip ups. It’s all part of the journey.
Remember, the path to financial freedom is a journey, not a sprint. Keep slaying those financial dragons with smart money moves and soon enough, you’ll find yourself sitting pretty on the throne of financial independence. Stay savvy, stay fierce, and may your bank account always be in the green!
And speaking of thriving financially, if you’re hungry for more personalized strategies to take control of your money and accelerate your journey to financial freedom, my e-book, Getting Comfy With The “F” Word – finances is your road map. It’s not just a read; it’s a guide to conquering your financial fears, celebrating your wins, and unlocking the secrets to lasting financial comfort. Let’s turn those money dreams into a reality – together! Your journey to financial freedom starts now, and I’m here to be your trusted companion every step of the way! 💸📚✨