Identifying Spending Traps

Are you the kind of shopper who can spot a deal a mile away? My wife is – but she doesn’t always need what she buys! And, that can be a problem!

Most people have spending traps – so it’s important to identify them and avoid them at all costs! Your spending trap may not be spending more money than you have. It could be spending money on the wrong things!

Consider sales. It seems like someone is always having a sale on something. If you shop discount stores that give you the market price versus their price you really think you’re getting a deal. It psychologically makes people spend more money because they think they’re saving a lot.

Buying bulk products can also be a spending trap. Yes, it’s usually a better value, but if you don’t need 15 pounds of rice, the savings may not be worth it. You may not be able to eat it all before it spoils!

Free shipping is a major spending trap many online companies lure you into. If you don’t need it, don’t buy it!

And, finally coupons! If you buy products simply because you have a coupon, instead of a real need, you’ve been duped.

We can all fall into spending traps! That’s why we need to be on guard and ask ourselves, “Do I really need this?” Just like there are armored vehicles to protect cash in transit– we need to put on financial armor to protect our hearts and minds from the desires of this world. Thankfully, greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world! God is our refuge and strength, the One who can give us the power to exercise self-control and to resist the temptation to buy what we don’t need or can’t afford.

Paul told the Corinthians, God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

If spending traps have caused you to rack up credit card debt, get in touch with our partners at Christian Credit Counselors. They’ve helped thousands of families get out of overwhelming credit card debt and can help you too. Learn more by calling us at 800-722-1976 or online at crown.org/ccc