Hi Reader,
Happy Thanksgiving! Here's hoping that you and yours have an amazing holiday, filled with food, family, maybe some football and all the other things you love.
If shopping is one of those things you love -- or TBH, even if it isn't -- there's a good chance you'll be checking out the deals on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. I get it. It sure is easy to get swept up in the holiday spending spirit (especially when shopping for a great book).
However, before you do, I wanted to share four basic truths about holiday shopping that you should think about before you hit the stores. (And OK, they apply during the rest of the year, too.)
Truth #1: Price matching is a superpower.
Never be afraid to ask a merchant if they'd be willing to match a competitor's price. It certainly won't always work, but sometimes it does, and it isn't as if they're going to kick you out of the store if they say no.
Plus, often, the bigger the purchase, the more likely they are to consider a price match -- think furniture, refrigerators and TVs. Just being brave enough to ask the question can save you real money.
Truth #2: Loyalty can cost you.
Sure, you love your favorite store or shopping website, but if you don't at least do a little shopping around beyond your usual haunts, there's a good chance you'll end up paying too much. Life's too expensive in 2024 to settle for that.
You may even need to make a show of it. If a salesperson sees you start to leave the store, they may just chase after you, asking you to consider "one last offer."
Truth #3: People make bad decisions when they're rushed.
That is true in virtually all aspects of life, and money is certainly no exception. Store credit cards are a perfect example of this. That 20% discount may sound great, but if you rush into signing up for that store card, you could end up paying an interest rate of more than 30%, which is sky-high, even by credit card standards.
If you're thinking of buying something or applying for something, try the 24-hour rule. Step away, wait 24 hours, do your homework on it and whether it fits your budget, and then if you still want it after all that time, go ahead. At least you'll be making a far more informed decision.
Truth #4: Your friends and family don’t want you to go into debt over them. (And if one of them does, then maybe they kinda suck, so forget them.) There's just so much pressure to spend, spend, spend and buy gifts for everyone you've ever met, but sometimes it just isn't possible. If 2024 is one of those times, don't be afraid to tell your loved ones. You don't need to give them all the details, but if you tell them that money is a little tight this year, they'll understand. And if they don't, it is likely more about them than it is you, so you may just want to go ahead and scratch them off the invite list for your next holiday party.
A successful book tour and a huge thank you!
I can't even tell you how much fun I had doing my book tour this fall. It took me all throughout Texas, and I'm hoping to do even more in the new year. Watch this space for details!
And if you are one of the many whom I met at a tour stop, reply to this email or shoot me a DM at @bymattschulz on Instagram to say hello. I'm honored to have met you.
A great gift idea for family and friends!
Who couldn't benefit by learning some easy ways to pay a little less, make a little more and keep some more of your hard-earned money? I'd love for you to consider buying a copy of my book, "Ask Questions, Save Money, Make More: How To Take Control Of Your Financial Life" for a loved one this holiday season. You can find it at Amazon, BarnesandNoble.com, Bookshop.org and most anywhere you buy books online.
Kiplinger.com, one of the most respected voices in personal finances, called it one of the best money and personal finance books available on Amazon. I tend to agree...
Have an amazing holiday!
Matt