You've already worked through the "Wants" vs. "Needs" page, right? Good. On this page we're talking about impulse buying. So, fasten your seatbelt….it's going to be a wild ride!
You'll probably make over 40,000 impulse buys in your economic lifetime. In your lifetime, how much will impulse buying hurt you?
Have you ever seen an ad that said, "Don't buy this now! Wait awhile and think about it—and make sure you try to find something cheaper and better at our competitors!"?
Read the "Impulse Buying" story.
Mind control! Yep, it's happening. But it’s your mind that is controlling your impulse buys. Psychology Today has a great article on the five reasons we impulse buy. "The fact of the matter is that your unconscious mind is often driving your behavior as a consumer," the article says.
Read the full article on Psychology Today.
Finally! A use for your smart phone that will actually save you money.
Use your phone to rein in your impulse buys! This Consumer Reports article reviews apps that help you find the lowest price for a lot of items. And if you're using these apps, you're slowing down and doing research—you're not impulse buying. This article on consumerreports.org, the gold standard for honest consumer reporting.
Read the full article on Consumer Reports.
Think some of our figures are a little high?
Then check out this article on Fox Business. Based on a new study by a trade association for the retail world, the article says in-store decisions (a.k.a. impulse buys) are now at seventy-six percent!
Read the full article on Fox Business.
Want more info on switching to a prepaid cell phone plan?
Here's a great short video about switching to a prepaid cell phone plan from Consumer Reports.
Like the iPhone5? Prepaid is probably cheaper! Read this head-to-head price comparison—also from Consumer Reports.
Don't really think you impulse buy that much in a grocery store?
Check out this story based on research by "Point of Purchase Advertising International." Here's just one scary quote from the story: "Surprisingly, more shoppers are using in-store marketing and branding cues to make an overwhelming portion of their purchase decisions."
Read the full report.
A rookie at negotiating? Hey, even Dr. Phil has advice on this topic. Big tip: "Get over your dislike of negotiating!"
Lear more on Dr. Phil' website.
Holiday shopping and the effects of the poor economy have emptied wallets. At times like this, you need some entertainment. But can you afford it? And you still have year-round shopping needs. What's the best way to save money? This report offers tips to help you enjoy good times and good shopping at reasonable and reduced costs.
Online scammers like people you and me for two reasons: They know we love the Web, and they know we trust people. The result? More people are being ripped off online right now than ever. Watch out for the following scams.
As of January 27, 2013, merchants, online and off, can add a surcharge to every purchase made with a Visa or MasterCard credit card. They can't add the surcharge on debit card purchases. Note that state laws in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Oklahoma, and Texas prohibit or restrict credit card surcharges.
How soon is too soon to start teaching children about money? Most children begin to develop an awareness of money around age 2 or 3, according to child development specialists. That's not too soon, then, to begin to involve preschoolers in activities that will form a good foundation for future money management skills.
FoolProof's financial education tools are the only financial education tools in the United States endorsed by both the Consumer Federation of America and the National Association of Consumer Advocates.
None of the programs contain advertising, and all of them advocate for you—not for any business.
Why not check it out?
Head to our main consumer information portal: Make Cents.
Or, take the next test: "Advertising"
Has a gullibility trap captured your cash in a big way? Share your story or comments.