You saw some new, hot Christmas decorations in the store and you just have to have them to complete your holiday décor. So you look at the price…oh my…well I really, really want it…the price is a little high but Aunt Norma is coming and I think she will really love it. Who knows how many more Christmases we will have together so I better get them now…It really isn’t THAT bad so…you buy it. Does this sound familiar?
BAM! You lay down the full price of $300, run home, and put up those decorations. A week later on Christmas day, all your guests, especially Aunt Norma swoon over your new decorations. You feel a sense of pride and happiness that you made everyone’s Christmas better by buying those decorations.
A week later while you are returning that ugly sweater that Aunt Norma gave you, you see all the Christmas decorations are 90% off! Wow, that is a great deal! It couldn’t possibly include the decorations I bought a few days ago for $300…could it? Your stomach gets tight and your head is down with your eyes peeking tentatively around the corner to the display and sure enough that 90% off sign is prominently displayed on the decorations you just bought. UGH! Really?
Here is a tip, these discounts happen every year. Just after Christmas prices get slashed and you can buy wrapping paper, bows, gift tags, and of course decorations at a fraction what it cost just days earlier. So in your spending plan set aside a fund to make these purchases just after Christmas so you can be ready for next Christmas and keep a lot more money for your gifts!