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Original poster

It's not a bargain unless you really need it...

15 replies

Thorilicious · 01/01/2023 19:59

I really enjoy finding bargains in sales and charity shops. However, I realise how much money I'm probably wasting just for the thrill of a deal.
So, my new mantra is as the title. And compared to last year in the sales where I bought loads, I've only bought one much needed piece of bedding so far since Christmas.

Hoping I can keep it up and save more money this year!

OP posts:

FantaTv · 01/01/2023 20:02

I found that making an Instagram account where I share what I’ve found gives me the thrill without having to buy it! Maybe yoh could post in deal groups or charity shop groups on Facebook?

LittleDisaster · 01/01/2023 20:05

Absolutely, unless you were going to buy it anyway, it's cost you money, not saved anything.

Original poster

Thorilicious · 01/01/2023 20:06

Instagram is a good idea, thank you!

OP posts:

BasilParsley · 01/01/2023 20:08

What was the bit of bedding you bought?

Original poster

Thorilicious · 01/01/2023 20:11

@BasilParsley a mattress topper for DS's bed. Not very exciting! 😁

OP posts:

NYresolutions23 · 01/01/2023 20:16

Yes. Id always buy stuff because it was 50% / 70% off. But half the time wasn't needed.
Ie half price chocolates after xmas. We have stacks.
So now only buy what's needed or will definitely use in future.

Only got xmas wrap in sales for 50p a roll x 8 from £3 a roll so i know ill use it. 5x money wallets for 25p. ( i give vouchers to 4 teens so will get used)
Its written in my xmas book so won't double up.

LittleDisaster · 01/01/2023 20:18

Thorilicious · 01/01/2023 20:11

@BasilParsley a mattress topper for DS's bed. Not very exciting! 😁

In 53 years I've never owned a mattress topper. How is that essential? I mean, well done, but I think your definition of needed and mine must be different. 😆

Eileen101 · 01/01/2023 20:20

I'm trying to tell myself this now to avoid a sale purchase of some kids clothes. My kids do NOT need any clothes, however beautiful the print

BasiliskStare · 01/01/2023 20:24

@Thorilicious - My MIL who was lovely - but did like a bargain once bought a tray of cat food at half price - they did not have a cat - but said I am sure I can give this to someone.

A bargain is only a bargain if you need it.

grapehyacinthisactuallyblue · 01/01/2023 20:31

It's very simple. tbh.
I used to collect china wear. I don't need it, but I wanted it. So, whatever the price, if it's reduced is a bargain. So I buy it, most definitely.
Now I have a family. I don't need fancy china wear, I already have enough. So if I see the reduced price, I still don't see it as a bargain. Because now I don't need £23 teacup x 6, it's just a waste of money.

Original poster

Thorilicious · 01/01/2023 20:31

@LittleDisaster DS mattress is hard, so it'll hopefully help him sleep a bit better.

OP posts:

Wishawisha · 01/01/2023 20:32

I managed to cure myself of wanting to buy “stuff” a few years a go and yes, it’s saved a fortune.

I didn’t get anything for Christmas even because I honestly don’t want anything just for the sake of having something and DH finally believes me. I obviously get things as and when I need a new pair of shoes etc but never because I just want to go shopping.

I am selling a lot on eBay and Vinted and it really makes you think about the intrinsic value of stuff. The top might be close to perfect but no one will want if for more than a few pounds, so it was never really “worth” the £40 I bought it for. I need to really, really want something that will depreciate almost completely the second I buy it.

Bluetrews25 · 01/01/2023 20:48

It's only a bargain if you were going to buy it anyway.

BasilParsley · 08/01/2023 19:57

Thorilicious · 01/01/2023 20:11

@BasilParsley a mattress topper for DS's bed. Not very exciting! 😁

Why? I've never bought a mattress topper because I've never understood the need for one?

dontgobaconmyheart · 08/01/2023 21:56

Absolutely OP, I couldn't agree more and have followed the same mantra for some years now.

I noticed a few years ago that when I was doing wardrobe clearouts that actually, the things I wasn't getting use of, didn't reach for or wasn't sure about when I tried on were almost always 'bargain' items from either the charity shop or in a sale.

I've sinced switched to a fairly small capsule type wardrobe, I don't need any clothes for the foreeseable so don't even look any more unless I have a genuine need (eg replacing something that has broken or worn out that I wear a lot). Just because something is nice, I like it or even it looks nice on me doesn't mean I need to own it or take it home. Learning to appreciate it for what it is without that automatic need to buy it or have it is very helpful and very money-saving.

@Wishawisha I also completely agree with this, putting those things on ebay and seeing how low their saleable value is vs what we bought it for is eye opening. Of course it's great to recoup a % of the cost by selling second hand and certainly better than nothing but seeing what a small % that is created a lot of pause for thought for me too, as did looking at just how much I had to resell (at the time). Fortunately now it's just a few bits in seasonal clearouts and then books I've read and am done with etc.

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