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Lately, I’ve totally fallen victim to be convinced to buy things. I don’t know if it was being pregnant that had my guard down, but I was way more gullible when I was. I think it was due to the fact that I didn’t do any shopping for nearly a year. It wasn’t until I was 9 months pregnant that I actually started shopping. I figured whatever our child turned out to be he or she would need something to wear. And this is where it started…
Both Old Navy and JC Penney’s has gotten me the most lately. Bath & Body Works and Victoria Secret’s are close seconds when it comes to making my wallet skinny. Being someone who worked in Retail for many years, and managed two stores, I never let anyone convince me to buy anything. I guess I’m loosing my touch. I’ve gone soft, so to say. I’ve broken my #1 rule of Retail: never get a store credit card! Not only did I break my rule once, but I did it twice.
The first time, at Old Navy, I actually decided to get the card on my own before I even got to the register. However, the second time, at JC Penney’s was not planned at all. The main reason I got the card was because I know I’ll be doing a lot of clothes shopping for my son there. That doesn’t dismiss the fact that the sales associate totally capitalized off of that…silly me!
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Going forward,I will not, repeat will not be falling victim to anymore retail swindling. I know way better. The good thing is that I always pay my balances off in full, so that I don’t incur any interest charges. I leave you with a tip, if you do have credit cards, whether they be major or store: PAY THEM OFF IN FULl! Treat them like cash. You may have many lines of credit open, but at least you won’t owe on all them. Plus, retail store cards have the highest interest rates ever. We’re talking 20%+ people. I’ve done a few posts on how to save money shopping, if you want more tips on how to do so. You can find them here and here.
Have you ever gotten swindled by the retail monster? Convinced to buy something you did anticipate on? – How’d you feel, did you have buyers remorse?
xxoo,
ahhhhh it’s so hard to not get pulled in. I have a hard time walking away when I feel like I am “getting a deal.” I try to remember that the kids don’t need any more clothing right now (think of all the things that end up being donated having been barely worn!), and we do not need that house decoration right now (where will I store it?), and I don’t need any more work clothes … oh wait, yes I do
haha – it’s tough!
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This is crazy! I was a manager at Express and then at Victoria’s Secret lol so I totally understand where you are coming from. I actually haven’t been to the mall here in AZ and we’ve been here for over a year! I try to shop at places like TJMax and Marshals if I do go shopping. We haven’t had it like that for me to do that though. Ironically, as much as I am into fashion, I’ve managed to turn that off since focusing on raising my family. If we ever have more to spare, I will definitely get out there and buy myself a few things! LOL.
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I can’t believe I missed this post the other day!
Yes, I’ve been swindled. Lately I’m better at declining offers because I’ll have two whiners in the cart and I can just firmly say, “No, thank you” and the sales associates will leave it at that. I confess I’m tempted to open up the Target one, but right now I don’t have store cards.
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You are better than me!
I should have totally had more back bone. I only have the Target Redcard that’s linked to my checking account and you use it as debit. I refuse to get any other store cards than the ones I have, no matter how good of a deal it might be.
I’ve only had two credit cards ever: the first in college where I learned that you get penalized for only paying the $25 minimum and not paying in full, and the one I have now, which I barely got about 2 or 3 years ago when I found out I have no credit rating (due to paying everything in cash).
I totally treat my credit card like cash now—paid in full after each purchase, and I’m proud to say my credit score is pretty good because of it! I’m always offered those retail cards and always decline. One is enough for me
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You were so wise to keep having credit cards to a minimum. Looking back that would have been a great idea for me. However, because I did establish credit early, mines is pretty strong. That’s probably the only upside to me having them. I think the key is to be responsible no matter how many you have…at least I try to be!