8 Questions you need to ask yourself when buying stuff at the shopping mall
Siam Paragon. Robinson. Mall of Asia. SM Megamall. West Edmonton Mall. The Dubai Mall. Emporium Mall. Yes, you’re right. They are all famous shopping malls and your favorite hangout in buying things.
Needless to say, most of us do love shopping as part of our lifestyle. Whenever there are sales like clothing, furniture, gadgets, accessories, etc.–people often rush to the mall to avail or take advantage of lower prices.
But let’s pause for a moment and think about our spending habits.
Have you ever felt guilty of spending or buying things that are unnecessary or you don’t actually need? If your answer is a BIG FAT YES, please take time to read this blog about practical shopping strategies. These may sounds simple yet we often forget.
To beat vicious spending cycle, I have put together these practical questions you should ask yourself before buying things or shopping at the mall.
1. Do I need this stuff?
Pause for a while and reflect whether you will need the stuff and see if it is worth to purchase them. For instance, be cautious when you saw a pair of shoes in the mall at a lower price when you have a lot of shoes in the shoe rack that are still in good condition. Warren Buffet once said, “If you buy things you don’t need, soon you will sell things that you need.”
2. Can I afford to buy this?
Many people are tempted to buy something without considering if they have the capacity to buy it. As a result, they put themselves in debt and financial distress due to excessive borrowing or using of credit cards. If you cannot afford to buy, simply walk away.
3. Is the quality OK and durable?
It’s true that the price tag can be attractive. However, never buy an item where you will sacrifice the quality of the product. Even a 50% discount is not worth unless the quality is OK and you need them. One way to see if the product will last long is by simply checking which countries the product is being made or manufactured.
4. Is this part of my budget?
We found ourselves in financial distress because we oftentimes purchase something that is outside of our regular budget. Whenever you want to buy something, always ask yourself whether it is part of your regular budget. I know it’s quite tough to walk away from those pretty dresses, but getting into debt will cause financial problem sooner or later.
5. Is this the best deal I could get?
Always check and compared whether nearby stores offered the same prices. You may spend a little time to find the best deal but its worth to walk around in order to save a little amount money. Therefore, never shop or buy something when you are in hurry.
6. Will I be happy if I buy this item?
Make sure you will really love and enjoy the item you are planning to purchase. This is important. Your friends can make suggestions about fashion and clothing design, but in the end you will be the one to pay and wear so make sure you will be happy and satisfied.
7. Do I have already something like this at home?
If you have urge to buy a stuff at the mall which is pretty similar at home such as clothes, shoes, etc.– chances are you not going to use them. Benjamin Franklin reminded us with this quotation, “Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship.”
8. Will I glorify God in buying this stuff?
If the purpose of buying a new Gucci bag is to show with church members how fashionable you are, that will not obviously glorify God. A true steward of financial resources always spend their money for useful purposes.
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. —Philippians 4:12, NIV
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