Don’t Buy Stuff You Can’t Afford

The other day while I was driving home from work, I heard a radio ad for a debt consolidation company that, for lack of a better term, made my blood boil.

I don’t remember the exact wording of the commercial, but the basic gist of it was there’s a vast conspiracy by the banks and credit card companies of the world to punish you and ultimately keep you and your family in debt for time and eternity.

In short, the ad made it seem like your debt wasn’t your fault.

Don’t get me wrong, for people who are in debt because they’ve had to charge basic living expenses due to their own or family health issues, being out of a job for a prolonged period of time, or anything like what I’ve just mentioned, the debt is certainly understandable, and I completely sympathize with your situation.

However, if you are in credit card debt due to nothing more than imprudent spending,  I’d like you to click on the video below to watch a Saturday Night Live skit that should be able to help solve your money problems.

DON’T BUY STUFF YOU CAN’T AFFORD

I know that because the video above is from SNL, it probably won’t be taken seriously.  That being said, the skit’s message is something that any good consumer – or someone who strives to be a good consumer – should live by.

In fact, these words should be expanded to say don’t buy stuff you can’t afford or don’t really need.

Whether we don’t know a need vs. a want, make a lot of impulse purchases, or buy things to impress people we don’t even like (i.e. keeping up with the Jones), far too often we waste our money, having nothing to show for it, and end up in a financial bind.

So, the next time you go shopping – whether or not you’re in debt – really think about both whether you can afford and need what you’re about to buy.

If the answer is no for either, put your wallet back in your pocket and walk away!

Tagged as: buyer's remorse, consumer, debt, frugal living, frugal tips, impulse shopping, personal finance, save money