A Wren Says

You’re doing it right now. You’re scouring the internet for deals. You’re hoping the thing you’ve had your eye on will reduce in price. Black Friday is almost here, and you want to be ready. Of course, I am well aware about the need, and sometimes just a desire, to save money. That is what the sales are for, after all. That’s why some I have detailed calendars getting ready for them. Outside of Black Friday, there are the expected dates of the Sephora Sale and the Nordstrom anniversary sale. I even have mapped out the periods when Saks and Neiman Marcus are more likely to have amazing gifts with purchase. And don’t get me started on grocery deals. I take sales and finding a deal very seriously. But take it from me, you don’t have to shop the sales right now.

Do you actually need anything, or are you caught up in the allure of saving a little money? Are you impulse buying, because it looks like a good deal? Are you panicking because, “When will the prices be this low again?” Take a minute and breathe.

Black Friday, and the holiday period in general are key times for stores to increase their revenue. They are trying to get you to come shopping. They are doing everything in their power to get you buy and buy more than you have before. That is what they need right now. That is what is best for them, but that doesn’t mean it will be best for you.

Maybe there is an absolutely amazing deal right now that you can’t pass up. But rest assured, there will be more sales within the next 365 days. It won’t stop here. There will be more things that you are absolutely sure you can’t live without. Despite the appeals they use, this is not your last chance.

The Black Friday rush of getting a deal can manipulate you into spending more than you intended. Keep a level head, and remember it is all just marketing.