Don't Get Caught Up in the Hype

After thanksgiving is the day where all shopaholics young and old shop till they drop. Commercials on t.v. are bombarded by advertisements about how low their prices can go and how early they'll be open today. Some open their doors as early as 5:30 a.m. encouraging shoppers to be the first in line. One major department store even offered a free Santa ornament(which I think would be no more than an inch)for the first 100 or so customers. But many people still get caught up in the hype and binge on things that usually just get stored up in the attic somewhere. It's just crazy. I myself love to shop, but this is ridiculous. The prices aren't really as "low" as they make you think it is. I personally love great deals but Nov. 26 isn't the only day to take advantage of the "good deals". A great way not to get caught up is to shop as early as possible, even before the hoopla starts.

Checklist for Shopping:

• Do I need it?
  
• How many do I already have?
  
• How much will I use?
  
• How long will it last?
  
• Could I borrow it from a friend or family member?
  
• Can I do without it?
  
• Am I able to clean, lubricate and/or maintain it myself?
  
• Am I willing to?
  
• Will I be able to repair it?
  
• Have I researched it to get the best quality for the best price?
  
• How will I dispose of it when I'm done using it?
  
• Are the resources that went into it renewable or nonrenewable?
  
• Is it made or recycled materials, and is it recyclable?
  
• Is there anything that I already own that I could substitute for it?