One way people can be really foolish

Certain people seem terribly misinformed when it comes to what makes a savvy consumer.

They simply can't say no to a sale or discount, even if the product they're buying isn't something they really need or ever plan to use.

Whether they're trying to take advantage of buy-one-get-one-free deals on cold cuts at the grocery store or deep discounts on apparel at the mall, they don't realize that, in the quest to save money, they're still spending lots of it.

In other words, people don't mind spending money they otherwise would not fork over if it means they're getting it for less. For many consumers, the thrill of snagging a bargain is irresistible.

It's no surprise, then, that many people find themselves chronically debt-ridden.

Unfortunately, retailers have gotten smart at baiting shoppers with these ploys. By saying that a sale is only available for a limited time, or that items are running out, people are quick to act because they don't want to miss out. They want to beat fellow members to the front of the line.

I'm not saying that people should be impervious to sales and advertising. Every so often, a great sale is really worth opening your wallet for.

But if they know that the dress they're buying is going to hang in the closet for 5 years, or that the 6 bags of chips they're purchasing will likely expire and become stale, they should refrain from buying them.

There's a difference between a responsible shopper who knows a great sale when he sees one, and one who buys products just because they're discounted.

Again, don't buy something unless (1) it will feel a genuine need or want (2) the discount is good enough to merit the purchase.

Do you agree? Do you know anyone who can't resist deals and discounts?

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