Welcome Money Saving Lords & Ladies listening in to the Court of the Queen of Free from MargaretFeinberg.com! We’re happy to have you join our merry band this morning.
We love the thrill of a great deal. We live for the number circled in red at the bottom of our receipt, declaring to world just how much we saved. We celebrate holidays that bring with them sales. Labor Day! Columbus Day! Black Friday! We can’t wait to tell you just how little we paid when you compliment us on our outfit/home decor/vacation photos. Bargain hunters unite. We are a tribe populated by people of pennies pinched, percentages saved, and presents low in price but high in value. That being said, as a community of Money Saving Lords and Ladies, we need to be sure to guard our hearts and protect our pocketbooks in the face of temptation. Every sale isn’t for everyone and every deal, no matter how sweet, isn’t always a wise choice for your finances. As the deals heat up at the close of the week and continue to spike throughout the Christmas season, there are some temptations we should all avoid when on the prowl for bargains.
Using Credit Cards. A gift bought with plastic is no gift at all. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that you will pay it all off come January 1. Face it, during December you are more likely to have unexpected expenses than any other month. From gifts for the teacher to a decent dress for the holiday party to cookies for neighbors, there are “extras” that haven’t even crossed your mind yet. Using a credit card with the back up plan that you’ll receive a bonus or gifted money is much too risky. Want to be a money saving ninja? Don’t even use your debit card and use cash only this holiday season. Cash hems in your budget and keeps you from overspending because when it’s gone, it’s gone. Put the credit cards away and take the Debt Free Christmas Pledge today!
Shopping for Yourself. You work hard. You deserve a little something special during the holiday season. Don’t deceive yourself with these lies. These messages sneak into marketing on a regular basis this time of the year. Whether it’s that wonderful red coffee cup or that awesome *fill in your favorite things* find, avoid buying yourself “presents” on Black Friday. I’m sure someone else will love you enough to give you wonderful gifts (or at least a gift card) on December 25th. Be patient. Delayed gratification is a virtue.
Upgrading. Generation 2 is so yesterday that it makes Generation 1 look like it arrived via the Wells Fargo Wagon. On Black Friday, we typically see deals for that next big piece of technology. TVs, tablets, cameras, smartphones, laptops, and gaming systems all seem to magically increase their memory, speed, and chicness during the last week in November. Ask yourself hard questions about the necessity of acquiring “the next best thing.” Most of us don’t even use our current technology to its fullest potential before we rush out to crowd the stores for something much “better.” There’s always going to be a new model on the market.
Getting a Great Deal with No Endgame in Mind. Stuff on sale is still stuff. If you don’t have what I like to call a “24 Hour Plan” you should avoid a purchase, even if it’s close to free. You need to have a specific person in mind for a gift or a place to store the item you will purchase. If you are buying something new for your home, be sure to give away items you might be replacing. For every new item of clothing, it’s a good idea to donate or pass on two. If you are buying a toy for one of your children ask yourself two questions: 1) Will they still be playing with it on January 4th? A reindeer yo-yo is really cute on Christmas but useless every other day of the year. 2) What will it feel like when I step on it in the middle of the night? Toys are like rabbits. They mate and multiply in the night when no one is watching. A well thought-out toy purchase is worth its weight in gold (or toes).
Placing Your Trust in Earthly Goods. In Matthew 6:20, Jesus challenges us to store up our treasures in heaven. I’m not sure anyone would ever actually claim that they place their trust in a new toaster but for some of us, the pursuit of a great buy can bring out the ugliest parts of our humanity. When the noble quest of saving money and making the most of your resources sours your attitude (and the attitudes of those around you), something is seriously askew. People are always more important than things. As a shopper this Christmas season, you have the amazing opportunity to be a bright light in a dark world. Common courtesy, care for store employees, and the privilege of helping others save money, too are gifts you can give without spending a dime. Each person you encounter is deeply and wildly loved by God. As people, some unknowingly and unintentionally, find themselves wrapped up in the wonder of the Christmas season their hearts are incredibly receptive to God’s love. What an extravagant gift we’ve been given to be a channel of that love. Every exchange is an opportunity to usher someone into the possibility to #LiveWonderstruck and find Grace they never knew existed. Much better than a new flatscreen, no?
Maybe you will shop this Black Friday. Maybe you won’t. Regardless, these guiding principles help keep our hearts and wallets in check. I love my tribe of Money Saving Lords and Ladies. Join our motley fray of debt slayers and money savers in the Court of the Queen of Free on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, G+, and even Instagram.
Gain inspiration to pay off debt! Check out Inspiration to Pay Off Debt: 30 Days of Encouragement from the Queen of Free
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal or maybe even something for free, you also help our family pay off our mortgage early. And for that, we royally thank you!
Love this article, Cherie– practical and thought-provoking. Thank you so much for allowing us to share it today! Huge hug friend!
Thanks for the opportunity friend. 🙂