Relationship with money: Discounts make us overspend

How many times have you purchased one or more products-- but only because you were getting what you thought was a good deal?

We've all been there. Buy one, get one free. Buy one, get the second one half off.

Many of us are coupon clippers. Some of us take it to an extreme and make coupon clipping a lifestyle-- thus the reason they've made shows that document the craze.

Psychologically, it feels good when we think we're snagging a deal, even if we didn't intend on buying the product in the first place.

But consumers should guard against the impulse to buy stuff they may not necessarily need. If you have coupons that afford you great discounts at a restaurant you often frequent, then it makes perfect sense. But if you're buying stuff just for the sake of "getting a deal," it will eventually add up.

In other words, why use 2-for-1 coupons to buy Frosted Flakes if it's a cereal you don't particularly like?

I am of the opinion it's better to let a coupon go unused rather than to end up with something you may never use--even if you got another one at half the regular price.

What's your take on this?

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