I admit it. Last Sunday I found myself spending 3 hours of my life at Kohls, all because of a 30% off coupon burning a hole in my pocket. It wasn’t that I needed anything. I was just looking for something to buy so I could feel good about getting a discount. And, I wasn’t alone. I ran into friends there doing the same thing.
These stores have it down to a science. They do research and stuff to figure out how to pull us in. And, it works.
When I checked out, tired and frustrated from trying on lots of clothes that made me look fat, the sweet young man pointed out that I spent about $20, and saved $75. He looked at me like I was the smartest person in the world. And then, for some unknown reason, he gave me a $10 off coupon that can only be used next week. I just wanted to kick him.
It’s not only advertising and stores we need to look out for. There are endless ways we can become shopping zombies.
I have a client who came to me because she felt stressed and dissatisfied with her life. She had set goals to make friends in her new community and felt more people were falling away than sticking around. In our first conversation, I noticed the word Groupon came up a lot.
She thought she could use Groupon opportunities to meet new people and make friends. What really happened was that she became so busy with her special offers she didn’t have time for the new people in her life. When deadlines approached her stress levels would rise and she would find herself canceling time with new friends to use her expiring discounts. Eventually, they gave up on her as she fell deeper and deeper into Groupon addiction without even realizing what was happening.
How are we to live within our means and in alignment with our values when we are being constantly programmed to become shopping zombies?
Staying tuned in to your highest self, what you value most, and your financial goals will serve you well. Chances are, it’s not shiny new objects you really want, but something deeper and more meaningful. This focus on values will support you in making conscious choices and putting shopping strategies in place, like the following ones that have worked for my clients:
- Read your intentions and goals before going to the store.
- Create a list and stick to it.
- Rate what you want on a scale of 1 to 10. If it is not an 8 or above, don’t get it.
- Walk away and sleep on it. Chances are you won’t want it as much the next day.
- Avoid malls and online shopping sites.
- Ask yourself if what you want will bring meaning to your life or fulfill a current need?
- Set a time limit for being in the store.
- Give yourself a set amount of cash each month and don’t use your credit cards.
- Put a note on your credit card reminding you of your goals.
- Learn to say “no” to your children. Spending money does not equal love.
- Don’t live in scarcity. Plan for small treats.
- Freeze your credit card
- Create a 30 day wait list for things you think you want to buy
- Know what you have. You may already own something that is similar or will work.
Shopping is not a bad thing unless you are spending more than you earn or stepping out of alignment with your goals and values.
We all deserve something new once in a while. But, when you get that guilty feeling in the pit of your stomach or like me, find yourself wasting entire afternoons looking for something to buy, chances are you are experiencing Shopping Zombie Syndrome and it’s time to come alive again.
I would love to hear what shopping strategies you use. Please feel free to share by commenting below.
Linda,
I’m well acquainted with the shopping zombie syndrome. After making another commitment to lay off white flour and sugar, I got a coupon from Chick-fil-A last weekend for a free breakfast entree. I couldn’t resist saving that coupon trying to decide how to eat a fast food breakfast without white flour touching my lips. Fortunately they are closed on Sundays, so that gave me time to come to my senses. So many times I’ve been snared by that FREE offer to eat something I would normally not buy at all.
Then I went by Target to pick up a gift card for my oldest daughter’s birthday. So why did I cruise down the clothing aisle? I was looking for a top I already have, but I wanted another one since I’ve discovered how comfortable it is. I wanted to buy a different color, but they didn’t have it. It was on sale, however, so I bought the same color I already have because it’s on sale. I kept the receipt in case I come to my senses and realize that even though it was on sale, the only way to save money would have been to not spend it.
The purchase I felt good about were heavily discounted pajamas for my second daughter and my granddaughter for their 2015 Christmas presents. I’m packing those with the Christmas decor for safekeeping until the holidays. Then come December I won’t have to wonder where I put them,and I’ll have part of Christmas gift shopping done 11 months early.
You’re so right that the stores have it down to a science. Offering a free or discounted item is no risk for them at all. They understand human behavior. They know we’ll talk ourselves into spending beyond the so-called savings. That’s why the checkout aisle is lined with candy, gum, magazines and snacks. The longer we have to wait in line, the greater the chance we’ll convince ourselves to buy an impulse item.
Without tips and strategies like you’ve shared, we’re no match for those retailers.
Thanks for sharing Flora. Shopping Zombie Syndrome is an invisible epidemic. The good thing is that with awareness, we CAN come to our senses.
Those coupons drive me crazy, they always “seem” like a deal, but most of the time that’s exactly what happens to me, I spend money on things I never needed in the first place. Gift cards are kind of dangerous like that too because the amount never seems to cover what you really want or you have that $2.35 leftover that sits in your wallet forever and you never know what to do with it.
I try to always ask myself before i buy something: want or need? that usually brings me back to my senses!
This is a great read…I might need to send this to those I know who spend more than they make. Thank you for sharing this! I know others will love it so please come share and link up with me at http://www.wrightsimply.com/2015/04/not-so-wordless-wednesday-linky-hows.html
Have a wonderful weekend ahead!! xx Ashleigh @SimplyWright
Thanks Ashleigh: Glad you enjoyed the blog and I am curious about the site you mentioned.
Thanks so much for sharing this. I try to remember that if I’m spending money only because I’m getting a good deal on something I wouldn’t have bought otherwise it’s not saving money!!
A great coupon is so hard to resist though!
Yes, we all live great coupons, but they only make sense if it is something we are going to buy anyway.
This is a great post. I have a problem with buying things I don’t really need just because it’s on sale. I really need to stop that. You have some great tips. Thanks!
You are not alone Tonya. I hope you found a couple ideas you are willing to work with. Saving money always feels good!
I’ll have to admit, I’m not the smartest shopper! Especially when I’m grocery shopping. I’m sort of an impulse buyer and just get whatever sounds good! I’ve been trying super hard lately to use coupons and plan ahead what I’m getting and sticking to a budget!!
I have a client with a similar challenge. What is working for her is focusing on eating very simple whole food meals. She is enjoying the food and saving quite a bit of money. She is also writing down everything she spends for the month and is shocked at how much money she has been throwing away. I think that alone is helping. Turning this challenge into a game of – how much can I save? -makes it fun.