It’s all too easy to get caught up in online shopping. Certainly I’d be hardpressed to think of another development that’s been more revolutionary for today’s busy families. But as this article from MSN Money makes clear, there are some real traps that have been laid for the unwary shopper by the online versions of some of your favorite brick-and-mortar stores. Don’t blame the websites, though – that’s their job, to suck every penny out of you they can. What’s a finance-conscious shopper to do?
Awareness is key, as with many things in life. Places like Amazon will store your information to get you in and out quickly – that’s because you’re more likely to drop $50 or more if it doesn’t take more than a minute or two to get out. The faster the process, the less likely you are to start wrestling with your conscience – “Is this purchase really necessary? Could I wait on this, maybe?” – and more likely you are to finalize the purchase. Similarly, the retailers who store your purchase history information can turn right around and use it against you, packaging temptation in personalized combinations to entice you to visit – and spend – again.
The entire article is eye-opening, and might give you some food for thought in your fight to keep more money in your wallet – and out of their hands.
