Sales are a Pitch

"Hey I'll give you two toys next week if you give me yours today." To a 6-year-old, this may seem tempting, but it still doesn't solve the problem of being toy-less now. Sales pitches have the same motive as an eager 6-year-old: they want your toys. But think back to when you were a child; would you have really given up that toy? As you prepare for holiday shopping in the upcoming weeks, be wary of special offers like these:

Time-contingent: "For a limited time only!" Anytime a person feels that they may miss out on something, rational thinking tends to slip. And "limited" sales often continue past their advertised end-date, or come back a week or so later.

Limits: "Only 4 per customer." Just like with time, when a person feels limited, they're much more likely to make rash decisions. So remember, just because you can buy only three turkeys, doesn't mean you need to.

"Free" Gifts: Oh the temptation of that free commemorative glass, free lamp, or free shipping. Slap "free" across just about anything and you get people's attention. But if you're $10 away from a "free" gift, that gift is costing you $10 more than you were going to spend in the first place.

Discounts: OK, so discounts can be a great deal, if they're for something already on your list. Stores are great at catching shoppers' attention with 30% off this and $50 off that, but the discount is only as good the actual savings you receive. Why save $50 on a new TV if you're going to end up spending $250 more than planned?

Buying in Bulk: 2 for 1, 3 for 5 . . . sure it's a great discount, but do you really need two toasters? Even though you're getting a discount, if you were not going to buy multiples of something to begin with, don't let bulk get the better of you.

Accessories: Stores love to place all sorts of enticing extras right where you can't miss them – the register. Maybe it's that matching necklace, or clearance pair of gloves. Either way, don't let last minute temptations get the better of you.

If you're in the market for a new stove, and there happens to be one with a promotion, great! Just remember, if it's not on your list, do you really need it? Writing out a shopping list before you enter a store is always a good idea to help you avoid becoming a victim of the holiday sales come-ons.

Visit www.feedthepig.org for more money-saving tips.