Are you signed up for one of the daily online discount coupon emails? Have you ever paid $25 for a $50 trip to a favorite restaurant or clothing store? Did you have the money or did you rely on a credit card or cash advance to make that purchase? Did you use the coupon?
These deals are certainly great for those of us who have always wanted to but never thought we could afford it. It also helps those of us who frequent the store or restaurant it brings a savings to monthly spending. Everybody wants a good deal, right? It is only a good deal if you:
- Use your coupon
- Keep money spent within the coupon allotted price
- Prevent paying the cost of the coupon over the long-term. Interest charges will quickly strip the value.
- Don’t use short-term money options, whether a cash advance or a trip to the pawn shops, are never a value towards anything. These loans are intended for emergencies only; they are not cost effective for any other reason.
Online shopping deals are an impulse shopper’s nightmare. The offer ends at midnight or until sold out. I hadn’t planned on skydiving in this lifetime, but look at the savings! Am I truly going to take that plunge out of the plane? Did I buy an extra one for a friend who refused to jump? What a good deal to the 5 star restaurant that would be a shame to miss out on. After the coupon, how much money did I spend for the dinner at that fancy eatery? Did I have to pay for parking too? Unless I dined alone, the final bill, after coupon would still be an expense I don’t need.
What happens to the purchased coupons that I had all intentions of using at the time of sale? After thinking it over and realizing that there is no way I’d jump from a plane, what can I do with the coupon? My hard-earned money was spent and now what are my options? Are there other coupon offers which went sour in my mind? Maybe I can sell them off to a friend or on another website which will charge me to sell the item as well as a fee to use their venue. Recouping some money is better than non at all. Can I really take myself into a clothing store and only spend the amount on the coupon? Most merchants will count on you spending more, that is the incentive of bringing you into their establishments. Buy a new top and find a nice pair of jeans to go with it. Purchase some kicker new heels and then need a dress to go with them. “Get the customer through the door” is a great old strategy for improving sales.
What if I used a credit card or got a cash advance to purchase the coupon?
I have to cut my losses and spam all new incoming emails from the company, especially if I used my credit card or cash advance to make the initial purchase. Spending money to save on a discount coupon is not a financially sound decision. My buyer’s remorse just intensified. I should keep all unused coupons on my desk in plain sight to curb my next desire to save.
