We are urged to buy food, drugs, cosmetics, vitamins, pain pills, erection pills, clothes, appliances, cleaning stuff, laundry stuff, exercise machines, phones, cars, Internet providers, health insurance, life insurance, glasses, toys, education aids, legal service, vacations, and more -- umpteen times a day.Bargains are thrown at us: $19 or $14.95 -- "Buy now and you get two for the price of one, plus shipping and handling." (Which adds $7.95 or $8.95 to the cost, which costs the shipper $5. or less to ship.)
Yes, we are offered friendly-jolly giveaways -- "Folks, we're celebrating our millionth customer. Give us a call, let us send it to you. No charge, just shipping," which covers the cost of the tiny sample and gives the friendly-jolly manufacturer your name, address, and other data on the questionnaire you'll be asked to fill out, data that they'll use or sell.
And we are sold, re-sold, revved up with pictures of the fun -- the bargains, the spectacular savings on BLACK FRIDAY.
"Black Friday" got it's name from "Black Tuesday" -- the big stock market crash of 1929, when bankers jumped out of windows. There are also Black Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays -- great savings, terrific bargains, a chance to buy all sorts of things you can't really afford.
(Don't forget -- "Black" is also the color of bad dreams, pitch dark night, mourning, and death.)
And remember, in addition to being crushed, shoved, trampled, waiting in lines, the "super savings" are mark-downs, lower prices on over-priced items. The store is still making money on the bargain that you so happily bought.
Hooray for them -- they're selling more! Yay for you -- you're buying more.
And then, there's the amazing, important, fortuitous "INTEREST FREE" deal -- that quite often means.you are buying a car, and will still be paying it off when it's time to trade the one you bought that's now an "old" car, for a new one.
"What fools we mortals be."
Are we fools? Yep.
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2 comments:
When I was growing up, I didn't understand why my father did the grocery shopping instead of my mother. As I grew older I realized it was because my father was the savvier shopper - competitive pricing, comparing and contrasting etc. I've taken my cue from him... for groceries.
I've shopped on Black Friday - but always for myself if there's something I've wanted or needed... or just found the right deal. I tend to ignore all Christmas commercials. I know what they're going for and I have better ways to spend thirty seconds.
Spending is spending...sale or not...no?
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