Best to think before you spend
with Suncorp Bank’s Lynne Sutherland, executive general manager stores and speciality banking
THE end of the financial year is again upon us and retailers across the nation are embracing the season with gusto, offering discounts and tempting bargains everywhere you look.
While it’s easy to be caught up in the ‘now or never’ sale mentality, it’s important not to lose sight of the items that are “really” worth buying now.
As many of us would know and have probably experienced, compelling sales can create a sense of urgency which can often lead people to making “panic purchases”.
Despite how discounted an item is, it’s still a cost you may not have factored in and panic purchases are likely to be unplanned and therefore not budgeted for.
Before you commit to a purchase, a good trick is to ask yourself a few quick questions. Is this something you were planning on purchasing?
On a scale of one to 10,
❝ Are you where you planned to be six months into the year or have you have fallen behind? Now is the time to reflect, reset and refocus and make any required changes to get you back on track.
how much do you need it?
In a month’s time, will you still feel the same way about the purchase?
Does this purchase interfere with a bigger financial goal?
And finally, is this a need or a want?
Now don’t get me wrong, EOFY sales can deliver great financial benefits.
This is the time of year when retailers try to clear as much stock as they can before they close their books on June 30.
So, if you’ve planned to make a specific purchase, chances are you will be able to get it at a discounted price.
The trick is to do your research and shop around to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Of course, EOFY is also a great time to do a pulse check on your 2017 financial goals.
Are you where you planned to be six months into the year or have you have fallen behind?
Now is the time to reflect, reset and refocus and make any required changes to get you back on track.