Sizzling Summer Deals or Marketing Tricks?
Mid-year sales, back-to-school promotions, and “limited time” offers — summer is full of tempting deals. But are they actually worth it? Retailers know how to trigger impulse buys and make you think you're saving when you're actually spending more. Here's how to separate smart deals from marketing manipulation.
Anchor Pricing Is a Trap
Retailers love to show inflated “original prices” to make discounts look bigger. But often, those higher prices were never real. Use price history tools like CamelCamelCamel or Honey to verify if a product is actually on sale — or just pretending to be.
Use the “Would I Buy This Anyway?” Test
The simplest filter: ask yourself, “Would I want this at full price?” If the answer is no, the discount doesn't matter — you don't need it. This one mindset shift can save you hundreds every year by preventing emotional spending.
Don't Get FOMO'd
Flash sales and countdown timers play on your fear of missing out. They create urgency to act fast — but that's rarely in your best interest. Take a breath, close the tab, and revisit the item tomorrow. Most of the time, you'll find you don't really want it.
Compare Across Retailers
One site's “biggest sale of the year” might be another site's regular price. Always do a quick search across retailers before buying — especially on bigger-ticket items. Spending five minutes comparing could save you €50 or more.
Budget Before You Browse
Don't open shopping apps or browse sales sites without a plan. Set your spending cap first — and stick to it. This prevents you from getting swept up in the excitement of a “deal” and keeps your financial priorities intact.
How MoneyCoach Helps
MoneyCoach helps you set spending limits by category — like Shopping, Clothing, or Tech — and alerts you when you're close to your cap. It's like having a mindful shopping buddy that helps you stay in control while still enjoying a smart splurge now and then.
