Hi Friends,
This week, we are landing on "Black Friday." This year has continued the trend towards more retail sales happening earlier in November and leading up to the most extensive sales happening today and into the first part of next week. The supply and logistics issues that have been helping drive up inflation are marginally mitigated with the deals happening now. I'm sure many folks are hoping they can get anything they buy as a present before Christmas.
Before we get too caught up in the FOMO frenzy, it's so helpful to ask, "Who is this for?" You don't need to buy stuff, just because it's on sale. You don't need to spend extra money to buy things you don't need, just because it's on sale. Give yourself the freedom to let some of the things you might want go, so you can have the free space and resources to acquire what you want more.
While I don't get upset about good deals, it is a little bit of a trick pushing us all to go shopping after we've had our Thanksgiving feasts. So many of us are relaxed with full bellies and feel supremely grateful for our many blessings in life. There's hardly a better time to offer us "deals" that help us try to keep those good feelings going. I don't mind the trick. I think it's fair game, but knowing the trick lets you be mindful about it. Only spend money you can afford to spend and only spend on things that have value to you.
On the other hand, the deals on offer right now could bring something you've needed for a while into your price range. Right now could be your time to get freedom from some struggle. It's not just physical goods, but services are on sale as well. Freedom comes in many forms, and if we stay open to it, we will always see it. We may not like the price, but we'll know it's there.
Keep looking for freedom, friends. It may be on a discount right now!
Stay Safe Out There,
~Zach