Do You Buy Things You Don't Need Because They Are a Good Deal?

Today I went to Costco to get two new tires on the Party Bus (that's what I call my mini-van in attempt to make myself feel more hip--it really doesn't work, but I try). I needed two tires. Costco is having a special, buy 4 tires and get $80 off. Pretty good deal, but I only needed two so no deal for me.

Each tire I needed was $90 (also a good deal, in case you are pricing tires). Mr. Tire-Guy asked if I wanted to buy two more since the 4th tire would essentially pay for itself. I thought about it for a second, but said "no thank you, I only need two." The tread on the other two tires are still pretty good--I probably have another year of driving.

This got me thinking to one of the traps I see many people fall into over and over again. Whether its groceries or tires, people buy things all the time they don't need because of a "good deal". Is it a good deal if you don't need it?

I say no. DON'T BUY THINGS YOU DON'T NEED. I don't care if you might need it six months from now, or if your neighbor-sister-daughter might be able to use the an extra one, don't buy it. Chances are you won't. If we're talking food, it might spoil before you use "it". And quite frankly, in six months if you do actually need "it" then you might be able to find a similar or better deal.

If you want to save money when you go into the grocery store have a plan and stick to it...don't deviate for a good deal on something you don't need or wont use.

There are exceptions, like any rule. An exception here would be you have lemons on your list and limes are on sale. Either would be great in the salad dressing you are making so buy the limes and forget the lemons. The key is you did NOT buy the lemons too. Only buy what you need.

Americans have consumeritis and it's gone too far. We're crazed over good deals and marketers know it--that's why they get paid the big bucks. If you don't believe me go listen to a five year old discuss the virtues and prices of junk they see on TV. My boys can rattle off the commercials for Moon Sand, Rocket Fishing Rods, or my personal favorite, The Pancake Puff Pan.

Kid #1: "Mom it's sooo great, you can puff up your dough and it will NEVER stick. You can use your own ingredients, you can put anything you want in it..... and it only costs $19.99....it's soooo awesome....can you buy it mom?"

Next time you see a good deal on something you don't need yet you find yourself reaching for it anyway, stop and ask yourself "do I have a plan for this?" If the answer is no then its not really a good deal.

IF YOU DON'T NEED IT, IT'S NOT A GOOD DEAL!