August 23, 2010

Everybody Loves a Bargain

With all the discouraging economic news, it seems that many Americans have begun to adopt some of the principles of thriftiness. Experts predict that the behaviors will not stick once the economy turns around; instead, people are making a short-term change to avoid living with debt.
“In their heart of hearts, Americans seem born to spend."
In a Washington Post article, writers Janet Bodnar and Carmen Huddleston contend that Americans are “born to spend.” They support that idea with research from Carnegie Mellon University that says the anticipation of buying something you want creates a pleasure response in the brain.

Conversely, the research discovered that the thought of paying a high price for the item creates a pain response.

The result is that more people are shopping for things on sale and spending more in discount stores.

Saving money is great, if you’re buying what you truly need. If you congratulate yourself for the deal you scored on something unnecessary, it’s not a bargain at any price. Before you go shopping for anything, keep in mind what you already have and treat the pleasure centers of your brain to some other activity.

Read the article here http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/10/AR2010071000153.html

Do you think the “new frugality” is here to stay ? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

Organized by Marcie: Getting you organized so you have time to do what you love to do!
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