It’s November and we’ve officially entered the jolly season of bargains. From Black Friday to Cyber Monday, Christmas and all the other sales happening in these 2 months leading to the new year, it’s time to hide your wallets. This, in itself can be a struggle, because the will to shop is definitely there, but the lack of ability is frustrating. After the year 2020 served us, most people cannot wait to feel good and indulge. There’s just one problem…it will cost you.
This post is not meant to poop on your party. No, no, no! I’m here to show you how to beat the system. If our financial resources are limited, the only way we can win is if we maximize these resources by learning the tricks to the game and tightening up on self-discipline. Here’s how you can beat the sales blues and dodge Janu-worry, come 2021.
Start saving for January
For most people, end of the year is the time when that bonus payment hits and life is mostly good and exciting. When life is so good, we mostly tend to not think it will ever stop to be. We forget about seasons. Now is the time to start putting some money away, as provision for the coming times. Save, put it away and forget about it; no matter what. Don’t be the person who forgets about dry seasons when times are good.
Don’t go crazy over sale signs
One Black Friday, I witnessed grown people almost fighting over some little and short braai stands. When I checked for their normal price later in the year, the braai stands, and their price reduction were not worth the fight (in my opinion). For most of the things “on sale”, the mark-down percentage is not that significant. But because we like to score, we mostly go crazy over posters marked in red without the actual reduced prices. Just because it says sale doesn’t mean you are getting a good deal. Avoid being impulsive and do your research to know when the deal is good. Did you know: You might get better sales prices during other holiday times in the year.
Planning + Research = Good Sale
Before you go crazy over sales on watermelon or a pair of jeans, think about all the other times clothes and food items went on sale this year. I find that I mostly get a good deal when I buy significant item(s) that I have been eyeing for a while. I try to get to know more about what I want to buy and save up for it (or plan my bonus around it). Say, I wanted to buy a TV. I would collect information on the TV sets I’m considering so I can know the options of shops to buy from, as well as normal price of the TV before they go on sale. If we get into sales season and you still haven’t done your research, no problem. There’s usually old sales catalogues available online for some of the shops. The point is to have an idea of the pricing of whatever you plan to buy. Otherwise how would you know you got a good deal?
Have some buffer
Life is not as predictable as we think. There’s a possibility of you finding something on sale that you hadn’t budgeted for, yet you ‘can’t’ just pass it by. It helps to have some cash on hand; planned and budgeted for general, miscellaneous purchases. When you have some money set aside, not only will you not mess up your budget or emergency fund by spending on things you did not plan for, but you have also introduced some control by setting some limit on your spending.
Imagine a less dry January
Yes, I’m on a mission to kick dry Januaries to the curb. Imagine not asking anyone for petrol or electricity money. A fully stocked fridge. Or some English breakfast in January without making the either/ or decision. Living the dream includes getting the things you need without debt or being a burden on God’s other kids. Also, do you know how good it feels to go to the shops in January without the worry? The malls are usually empty and relaxed. Some of the best sales also go down in January, so there’s no need to spend like there’s no tomorrow in December.
Being intentional and not reactive in the decisions that affect our finances is how we will get to financial independence. What’s on sale should have no say in your spending. You get to control where your money goes and what you spend it on. Here’s to a calm and intentional festive season 🥂!
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