Jul 25th, 2008
Online Coupons: Three Questions You Should Ask Yourself Before Making a Buying Decision
Kyle of Rather-Be-Shopping returns this week with more coupons and some shopping tips! Given that I’m in Apple II heaven this week, also known as KansasFest where I’m Geeking out and writing new programs when I really need to be sleeping instead, Kyle has saved the day in terms of making sure we stick to our regular daily posting schedule here at Uncommon Cents. Mahalo nui loa, Kyle, you are a Superman!
I heard this topic on a radio program the other day and I thought it was excellent advice for making buying decisions. I really like the three questions because you can use it for big purchases like a car or home, or small purchases like a double-bacon cheeseburger or a Starbuck’s Venti Mocha. The three questions that you should always ask yourself before making a buying decision are:
1. How am I going to feel about this decision in 10 minutes: I like the example of the expensive new car. In 10 minutes I am going to love this car and think that my life would never have been the same without it. Plus, it has a built in DVD player and 7 cup holders!
2. How am I going to feel about this decision in 10 months? In 10 months, the new car smell has worn off and the monthly payment is really cutting into my spending money and savings. Perhaps I should have looked into a used vehicle or one that got a little better gas mileage.
3. How am I going to feel about this decision in 10 years? In 10 years, the car is gone and replaced with a used vehicle that gets better gas mileage. Plus, I sure wish some of the money I spent on the new car 10 years ago was in my retirement account. Just think of all that compounded interest I lost out on.
The reason I like these three questions is because they look at the short and long turn ramifications of decisions. The long term ramifications of eating a double-bacon cheeseburger three times a week are pretty ugly. While the long term ramifications of paying off debt or putting money into a Roth IRA are very positive. Short term, you will probably wish you had that money back 10 minutes after you lock it into a retirement account, but you are still making the right call.
Thoughts? I look forward to your comments. Another part of making good buying decision is looking for online coupons to insure you get the best deal. I’m sure you saw that one coming! Here are the most popular coupons on my site for July. Hope they help.
American Eagle Outfitters.com
Get 15% taken off your Order at AEO.com
Coupon Code: 90385486
Expiration: 7/28/08
More American Eagle Coupons
Footlocker.com
Get 30% off your entire Online Order
Coupon Code: LKS18LFF
Expiration: 7/27/08
More Footlocker Coupons
Gap.com
Get free shipping on your entire order with your Silver Gap Card
Coupon Code: SILVER
Expiration: 7/31/08
More Gap Coupons
Home Depot.com
Get $10 taken off your $100 or more Order
Coupon Code: SUMMERSAVINGS78
Expiration: 7/30/08
More Home Depot Coupons
Nike.com
Free Shipping on your Entire online purchase
Coupon Code: FALLFREESHIP
Expiration: 9/30/08
More Nike Coupons
Old Navy.com
Get 15% taken off all Adult Denim Styles at Old Navy
Coupon Code: DENIM15
Expiration: 7/27/08
More Old Navy Coupons
Lane Bryant.com
Get 40% taken off your Entire online purchase
Coupon Code: 000409971
Expiration: 7/29/08
More Lane Bryant Coupons
JCPenney.com
Get 20% taken off your $75 or more online purchase
Coupon Code: WKIT862
Expiration: 7/31/08
More JCPenney Coupons
Good tips! I’m def starting to look at the long term buy decisions. Another question I ask myself is how many times am I going to use it?