I shared with a good friend of mine that I recently bought something out of impulse. I was alone in the department store and the next thing I know I was in front of Benefit’s counter, hearing what one of the Benebabes had to say, had her demo a few products, and ended with me purchasing it. Yes, I know. Whatever happened to that five stages of buying process I normally practice? It’s like I was on autopilot that day and I went straight to the buying stage. Insert face palm here!!!
Inside the car on my way home, I was having a buyer’s remorse episode. I was repeatedly telling to myself, not again Hazel??? I thought you were going to buy products for those people on your Christmas list??? Next day, I told my friend to assure me that it’s a good buy. It’s the only way I’ll have a peace of mind. She laughed it off but in the end she looked me in the eye, and told me “it’s okay Hazel, it’s a good buy" just to keep me sane.
I would have let that single purchase pass if only I didn’t almost max out my credit card just a few weeks ago. Rewind to that fateful day in Duty Free where I spent some serious amount of $$$. There were holiday promos everywhere (buy 2 get 1 free, not realizing 1 pack alone almost amounts to 2K ughh!). But on the flip side, I was happy cos I mostly bought goods for the family.
The ultimate lesson here is leave your shiny little magic plastics aka credit cards at home, if possible, and just pay with bills. That way, you’ll have control on the amount you spend and you are limited only to your cash on hand. Also, don’t ever be lured with the countless marketing and advertising tactics inside the mall to distract you from your main goal (e.g. shop for loved ones instead of yourself). Spend within your budget and don’t go overboard.
Repeat after me: Just cos you got your 13th month bonus doesn’t mean it’s a ticket to a full-blown shopping spree.
Happy holidays, buttercups! Be a wise shopper this season! :)
PS Check out this list of under Php500 gift ideas.
(Photo credits: meebsie and andthenwesaved)