Identifying & Prioritising Value For Money In Life
Many of us have an inordinate amount of experience in paying for things. From our bills to our rent or mortgage, to make sure we’re dressed nicely or that our vehicle is able to stay running, aiding us in our daily errands.
However, it’s also true to say that often, financial matters can be hard to plan for and organize. It’s very easy to be hit with phantom charges out of the blue for a broken-down car, and it seems like everything does have its price.
For that reason, and especially in times like these where job security is being undermined and consumer confidence is at an all-time low, it’s important to know what value for money is, and how we can prioritise it in life. But in order to prioritise it, we, of course, need to understand and identify it.
Many of us have made purchases where we were near-ripped-off without realising or times where we felt like we had secured the deal of a lifetime. What matters is hitting the balanced point, and leaning a little more towards the latter. Our frugality tips can help you in the following ways:
Learning To Negotiate
Many people seem to consider negotiating a dying art because of course we cannot negotiate or bring down the prices of products on Amazon, or other high-end retail outlets. It’s just a matter of if we can afford the item or not and using sales or promotions were available. That said, learning to negotiate can also be a worthwhile effort if we’re willing to consider its utility. This might help us, alongside logbook loans, bring down the price of a car purchase. Speaking directly, keeping eye contact, being polite and firm, this can help you pose the simple question of what the best value you can get is. And in that way, you may find a much better deal on your hands.
Make Use Of Coupons & Sales
Some people feel that using coupons or sales are a symptom of being hard up on cash, or struggling to afford that which you need. It’s really not at all. It can simply make sense to purchase items that are discounted, or on promotion, or rotated in terms of stock. You may be able to work out a deal with your butcher, for example, where you arrive at the end of the day and take home unsold meats that cannot be sold past tomorrow, and make a beautiful frozen meal plan for the week with them. Little frugal efforts like this help increase your spending power.
Know The Value Of An Item
Of course, we’re talking about the real value here. Taking some time to figure out what this may mean can help you better understand how much you’re willing to part with, and what that means in the long run. Do you know much about a particular part or tool you’re hoping to buy? Could it be another brand is selling the same item for much cheaper? What if you shop off-brand, as even cereals can be identical while being cheaper, allowing your breakfast to cost a little less each day. Knowing the value of an item helps adjust your expectations and willingness to spend as appropriate.
With this advice, we hope you can more easily understand exactly how and why you spend, and how to make value for money a new priority.
