Posted by Joani
Okay my deal seeking friends, it is time for a personal post. Something I do not do often and am going to make an effort to indulge in more. I've come to believe it's important for you to get to know the people behind the keyboard and our thought process. In the past I've called these Freak-out Friday posts and that seems appropriate for this one. So like it, or leave it, here's my food for thought for the day.
Last week I read a comment, on a deal blog posting, of an extremely popular money saving website. The reader stated that she had just made her 3rd purchase that day and she needed to get off the site because she was spending too much. The conversation continued with others agreeing, chuckling about it and thanking the blogger, by name, for the great deal find. To which the blogger offered her the standard “you're very welcome” and continued with the next deal posting.
Being in the deal blog business (more here), I have come to know a few of the blog owners personally and, I happen to know, that over 80% off the time, the posts on this particular blog, are written by someone other than the perceived blogger. One only need to visit their official feed to tell. Does it matter? I guess that depends on the perspective of the customer; who, did after all, make 3 purchases that day and, by her own admission, was spending too much because of the blogs recommendation. Or, was the post meant as information? Once again, it's the readers perspective.
It was this one innocent comment, from a blog reader, who thought she was thanking someone, by name, someone that probably never saw her comment; that left me considering, are deal blogs really helping people save money or, is the reverse more accurate? Are we encouraging them to spend money for our personal gain, under the disguise of being helpful? Being a deal blog, I found this question unsettling.
My personal goal has always been to help families live better with the money they have. I'm sure there are many deal bloggers out there that have the same heart felt mission. Heck, I know a couple of them. Are we trying to accomplish our goal the wrong way?
Run!… Hurry!… Go Now!…
Are you the type to impulse buy? A survey done by CreditCards.com says that 3 out of 4 of us are. And, that we are likely to buy impulsively when we are excited, bored, angry, sad and, interestingly, drunk. Do you get excited when you see a blogger, one that you feel you know, post a hot deal with the words “Run!, Hurry!, Go Now!?” Do you read deal blogs when you are bored? Perhaps after the kids go to bed while sipping a glass of wine? Have you made a purchase, that you would not have otherwise, while reading one? Do you feel like you know the blogger and you are shopping with a friend?
I have; from the above mentioned blogger in fact, and I rarely make an unplanned purchase. This is probably the reason I began to question the helpfulness of all deal blogs, including Coupons4Utah, irregardless of the bloggers intentions.
If you've been with me long, you know this website was not started for the typical reasons we often hear deal bloggers give. I don't have a spending problem, I'm not striving to be a stay at home mom, I had no need to become accountable for my spending, my husband did not lose his job.
In fact, all are quite the opposite, I started the website for a selfish reason, to bond and connect with my adult, tech minded son while recovering from a rather serious injury. I thought that helping Utah families find bargains, relative to our population, was a good subject and one I know a little something about and the distraction of the keyboard gave me something to do while healing.
Over six years ago, at it's beginning, I never imagined this website would last for more than a few months. When my boy no longer had time to, “play with his mom's little website” and I was healed, I thought I would end it and I did, with some regret. It was reader emails that brought it back (more here).
Those very emails and many that have followed are what compelled me to make it my mission to help families save money. But, as the bargain and deal sites have gotten bigger, more competitive, with less emphasis on saving and more emphasis on spending it, I question if the website has lost it's value. It's a question I've wrestled with often since my mother's passing. Quite frankly, if it has outgrown it's usefulness, I'd rather be exploring our great state, than tap, tap tapping away on my keyboard, in the wee hours of the morning.
Are you spending money impulsively because it's a bargain? You are not alone, most of us have been there. So today, I've decided to offer a little frugal wisdom that has helped me over the years. Hopefully it will help someone else from having buyers remorse. Whenever I feel I might be making an impulsive purchase, before I hit “complete purchase” I ask myself some simple questions.
#1 – Do I need this right now? The keyword is now. If the answer is no, then, write down what the item is, or save it to your favorites and start watching for a better price, challenge yourself to find one. Chances are, when do, you'll wonder why you wanted it in the first place.
#2 – Am I buying this with a sense of urgency? It's an easy trap for bargain hunters to fall into. We pride ourselves in the bargain, like a hunter in the woods waiting for that one perfect shot. Are you putting to much emphasis on getting the deal rather than purchasing something you need? Have you researched that it is a great price? Had you considered buying it before it was suggested by the deal blogger? If not, you're likely going to feel regret.
#3 – Will I get use out of it? If it's clothing ask yourself if it goes with things you already have. If it's a household item consider if you have a place for it, what are the reviews? Will you really use it? Do you really want it?
#4 – How will I pay for it? This is the most important question, especially if you are breaking out a credit card. Are you going to give up something else to have it? Eating out or entertainment money are options. Have you saved for it. Or, is it going to create debt? If you're going into debt for a deal, you could end up paying double or more for the item. Um, paying double, that's not a deal to brag about.
Right after Labor Day, online stores are going to start their “Better than Black Friday” deals and this will be the BEST time to get your Christmas shopping done and DONE. But, these next few months can also stimulate a lot of impulsive buying and, just like the merchants that pay them, deal bloggers know this.
My intention is not to stop you from buying the items you need and are looking for. Many deal bloggers are very good at spotting a bargain. But, if you feel yourself feeling hesitant or rushed, before you “Run.. Hurry… and Go Now…, take the time to consider the questions above. A little secret… we deal bloggers have a saying:
“There's always a deal for that”.
Yes, I'm aware, this is a deal blog … ironic isn't it?
“Too many people spend money they haven’t earned, to buy things they don’t want, to impress people they don’t like.”
—Will Rogers 1879-1935
Impulse buying related articles:
12 Ways to Avoid Impulse Buying – AARP
Debt addiction: Red is not the new black – CNBC
Shopping Addiction – You're kidding right? – KSL.com
Confessions of a spendaholic – and how I turned my life around – The Guardian
May says
September 4, 2015 at 8:55 amThank you so much for your time and effort to post these savings. I couldn’t save without your website. My boss (male) caught me printing coupons from jumping one cubicle to another. He asked what am I doing and reply that I searching for deals. Then he mentioned your website. (Awesome boss who understands because his wife is stay-home with 6 kids) I’ve been using your website over a year now and stocking up things I need and want. I am able to donate the unwanted items to shelter and strangers who are desperately in need. I am able to have a yard sale for items that I don’t need (profit to buy Asian foods) Please continue to help Utah families. When my husband lost his job right before Thanksgiving, I relied heavily on couponing. He just finally found a job, but I still continue to coupon so I can bless others with supplies and foods to people who are struggling. Thanks again for PASSING ON…your gift.
Amanda says
September 2, 2015 at 12:19 amI LOVE your site! I like that you are local, it makes couponing so much less frustrating. Your site is so helpful, please keep it up!
Stephanie says
August 28, 2015 at 9:46 pmI appreciate the candor. I’ve always been swayed by “the deal” and now make an effort to always think about if its something I need, or if I’m hitting “buy” because its a great deal. Many blogs that once upon a time I identified with I’ve left behind because they are no longer “real people”–but big companies or people who got so sponsored that it seemed disingenuous to act like they needed to coupon or buy stuff on clearance. May I say thank you for being so local and for creating the Smith’s list, which I use almost every week. I also like finding lists of things to do around town–because we’re supposed to escape from behind our computers and enjoy life right? Thanks.
Joani says
August 30, 2015 at 12:41 amThanks Stephanie.
I’m also disappointed with some of my fellow deal bloggers. Most of us started at the same time. A few jumped in later and quite a few of, what I considered, the best ones sadly died off or have been sold. Interesting enough most of the newer ones I’ve talked to have admitted they started their blogs for the money. In fact I was speaking with the “new owner” of an old established blog just the other day that told me “the only reason she bought the blog was for the money”. Yet, spending money is never what the blog she bought stood for. I guess we inspired a new way for some to earn a buck. Anyway, yes. Getting people out of the house and enjoying life is EXACTLY why we make the weekend post and I’m glad it helps.
M E says
August 28, 2015 at 5:15 pmYou have helped me so much–I hope you don’t end this web site. My sister’s family struggles and I always send the good deals that apply to her needs from your site to her. Also my extended family now find so many easier ways to bond with all the free activities and attractions you list on your site–it helps both old and young bond and make community connections. I feel sad that perhaps some may have given you a sense that you web-site was of some sort of harm to others, when for our whole family it has been a true source of nurturance and delight. It has only added to the happiness and well being of our whole family in a very meaningful and unique way–a true mini-oasis of kindness delivered to my in-box every day. You do so much good by what you do–in such a unique, human, and sweet way; I hope you give your self credit for that. Our family is so much better–all over the NATION–and have been so blessed by the act of service you provide. Please don’t discount all the good you give to so many thru this blessing of a web-site you’ve created.
Thank you for all you’ve done for me and my family and extended family to bring a bit of light and sweetness during this time of financial struggle for so many.
Joani says
August 28, 2015 at 5:50 pmOh M E, That is very sweet of you. I don’t have any plans to leave the website until the last readers does.
Doug says
August 28, 2015 at 4:22 pmA friend of ours dad one time said to his wife “We can’t afford to save this much money”. Somewhat joking, but the focus for her had become what she had saved, not what she had bought and if it was something they needed. But I thought it was a great line.
Joani says
August 28, 2015 at 4:34 pmHa ha! Love it Doug, that is a great line! Great to hear from you btw. I think that looking at the savings instead of the spending is a dead on scenario that a lot of people have fallen into. Love the wisdom. 🙂
jennifer says
August 28, 2015 at 4:14 pmI love all of your posts. Many times I find great deals through you. I definitely have bought some things I don’t need(on many different sites), but i’m also learning to scroll through some without jumping on it if I don’t need it. Thanks so much for all of your hard work, you do a great job!
Joani says
August 28, 2015 at 5:46 pmThanks Jennifer!
Kim says
August 28, 2015 at 2:12 pmJoani, you know that I just adore and respect you and am so glad you wrote this. I was actually just thinking about this exact thing this morning as I scrolled through my Facebook feed and saw deal after deal of things I’d never need but deep inside, I wanted them just because they were there, on a deal. Luckily I hate spending money so I rarely buy anything I see on deal sites but I think this whole article brings up some very important questions we should be asking ourselves.
Joani says
August 28, 2015 at 4:04 pmThanks Kim,
I actually think it’s become a pretty big problem for some that we’re going to hear more about it in the future. Time will tell I guess. I personally have felt the stir of adrenaline and I don’t part with money easily.
crystal says
August 28, 2015 at 11:42 amWow Joani, you did it again. Telepathically reading my mind over here or something. I couldn’t give you a larger AMEN behind a computer screen unless I screamed it to your face in person. I, like so many others have fallen into this trap. I maybe even more than some. My husband brought to my attention one day, “I swear these “DEAL” saving blogs are costing you more than you save. A couple dollars here, a couple there because its a good deal sure adds up” It hit me in a negative way because I had been feeling the same way recently. Truth is, I follow two blogs. Yours, who I have followed from day one and love as you know. You put a good balance on everything and I appreciate it so much. The other blog I started following a year ago, I now call my “spending blog”. All I seem to be doing is finding “amazing deals” I need to purchase at that very second or I will loose. I feel like I’m on ebay at the end of a bid most days. This particular blogger is not in state, and while I feel finds some “great deals” its actually costing me more in the long run. THANK YOU for what you do and stand for on here. Thank you for your sensible posts, for your weekend events in the valley I use every week, for saving me money at Smiths on items I actually need. Those are just a few of the things you do for my family and I truly appreciate it and you
Joani says
August 28, 2015 at 4:25 pmCrystal,
When I read this, it made my cry. Thank you! I think deal bloggers have gotten very good at compelling a sense of urgency irregardless of their intentions. You might try a website that is a little less personal and doesn’t play on your sense of urgency. I like Deal Catcher and Deals Plus. But there are several others.
Jaunita says
August 28, 2015 at 11:02 amThank you and Amen! I send myself emails about those ‘great’ deals. They often get deleted as life’s other opportunities arise, like picking up the grandsons, going to lunch with my husband, making crab apple jelly, etc! Yep, I have blown it, too. If my kids or my friend doesn’t want it, I take things to the underserved.
Joani says
August 28, 2015 at 4:01 pmYou’re welcome Jaunita. At least you made a good donation out of it right? Now go have some fun with those grandson’s. They will only be the age they are today, don’t miss it because of a deal. 🙂