To buy the item on sale or not.

When you see an item on sale, do you automatically say to yourself, "Wow, this item is at a great price! It's such a great value at 70% off!" If you find yourself saying this, you may want to think about these guidelines first:

1.) Deciding if the item is something you want, or something you need. One of the things most people do when they see an item on sale is to buy it on impulse. This is one of the worst things that anyone can do. If you are a person who buys things on impulse, then you should try to stay away from the stores as much as possible, or bring along someone with you who is frugal. It may not be such of a big deal if the item is only $5. However, if the item is $500 and you find it on sale for %70 percent off, you will still need to pay $150 for it! Not such a great deal if you don't need the item, but just want it!

2.) Does this item fit in my budget? If you don't have any money left in your budget, you should just forget about this item as you don't have any money to buy it. Remember, your budget is there for a reason. If you overspend on what you had supplied in your budget, then you will do the same thing next month! Make a budget and stick to it!

3.) Why is this item discounted? This item could very well could be on sale because the store is just trying to get rid of it. However, I have seen several times where a shirt is on sale at a particular store for $20, however, at another store, this item retails for $20. Advertisers know that people tend to look at items on sale because "you get a better price." Because of this fact, retailers will intentionally place an item 50% off with a list price of $40 although the suggested retail price is only $20!

Next time you are out shopping and see that item on sale, think twice before you buy it. Ask yourself do I just want this item, or do I really need it and is it in my budget. If you can answer yes to both the second and third questions, then you can buy the item, otherwise, walk away and don't look back!