Summary of this article
Festive discounts tempt buyers into unnecessary impulse purchases
Digital payments make overspending easier during Diwali shopping
Smart planning and budgeting prevent post-festival financial regret
Diwali is a festival of light, sweets, and shopping. Malls and websites launch offers and discounts to lure customers. Colourful banners announcing "50 per cent discount" or "limited-period offers" make consumers believe they are cutting a good deal. Although these offers help save money, they tend to prompt buying things that are not actually necessary.
The thrill of the festival, coupled with the feeling of saving, can make the shopper buy on impulse instead of on need. Most spend more than they intended to, believing that they are getting a bargain.
Impulse Buying and Digital Payments
Impulse shopping is one of the primary causes of how Diwali shopping may tend to damage your wallet. A product costing Rs 1,000 with a 30 per cent off can seem like an intelligent buy, but purchasing several similar items can soon consume more than the initial budget.
Online shopping sometimes facilitates overspending. Digital payments and one-click payment methods eliminate spending friction, so it is convenient to just add something to the cart. Many festive shoppers buy products online because they are available at a cheaper price, not necessarily because they need them.
Plan Beforehand
Planning beforehand is the best way to avoid overspending. Preparing a shopping list and assigning a budget for each item ensures that you are targeting the essentials. Price comparison in stores and online websites ensures that the discounts are actual and not a marketing strategy.
Don't get caught up in flash sales or limited-time promotions. Stop and think if a purchase is really needed. For online shoppers, monitoring overall spending or employing budgeting apps can deter unintended overspending.
Too Good to be True Discounts
Stores sometimes inflate the original prices to make the discount look bigger. Shipping fees, delivery charges, and optional add-ons can increase the actual cost paid. These hidden expenses reduce the perceived savings and can leave shoppers paying more than intended.
These offers like "buy one get one free" or "additional 10 per cent discount on minimum purchase" can encourage buyers to purchase unnecessary products. In most cases, the so-called savings turn out to be very small after considering all expenditures.
Diwali is a time for gifting and celebrations, but wise spending can make sure that the festival do not turn into financial regret. Learning about discounts, sticking to a budget, and not making impulsive purchases will help you celebrate Diwali in a financially responsible way.
