The holidays are over and it’s time to become conscious of your spending in the new year. While there will be some purchases that you already have in mind for the January sales, it’s likely that you would be tempted to buy a little more than you anticipated. Big retailers can see this as an opportunity to prey on customers while their guard is down so shop cautiously. Here are the 5 things to remember before spending again in the January Sales.
1. Do Your Research
Retailers often use this opportunity to sell off last season’s stock and lower value items. Especially with technology, you may find that many heavily discounted products are soon to be replaced with newer, better models. It could be worth your while to wait a little longer and save some more, to get the best possible item.
2. Spend Wisely
If you’ve built up debt over Christmas that still isn’t paid back, you should hold back on pushing your wallet even further. It can be tough when you have various brands battling for your attention, with prices that are difficult to ignore. But you’ll thank yourself in the long run. Learn more about our budgeting tips here.
3. Know your rights
Discounted products can often be a grey area when it comes to each individual shop’s Returns Policy. Be wary of unusual discounts. Such products may be damaged, and therefore not eligible for return. Others may only be eligible for return in exchange for credit in that store. Always double check the policy before buying on impulse. And remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
4. Shop Online
Having spent what felt like an eternity in shopping centres after the stores opened up in December, the January sales come around all too fast. The endless queuing and frantic pace are still fresh in our memory. Save yourself the hassle and shop online. It’s great for finding exactly what you’re looking for, and some stores even offer exclusive online discounts. You can check out price comparison websites like Shopmania.ie while staying aware of bogus websites to prevent fraud. Learn more about Holiday Frauds here.
5. Don’t get too carried away
When bargain hunting, it’s important not to get seduced by the overwhelming discounts displayed by stores. Don’t focus on the amount of saving you are promised, instead focus on how much you will spend. This is the best way to decide if the product is worth it for you personally.
If you spent too much over Christmas, or want to treat yourself for once, check out our Personal Loans. There are no penalties for early repayment, so you can borrow what you need, and reduce the loan term by paying more off the loan when it suits you.*
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