Shop for Anything and Make the Right Choice

My brother-in-law, who is in sales, says generally, there are three approaches to shopping. Some people look for a sale tag first. Some people look for something they like, then try to find something similar they can afford. Then there are people who buy what they want, no matter the cost.

When you're shopping, here's some timeless advice:

It must be the suitable thing, the comfortable thing, the useful thing for the occasion, the place, and the time, or it is not in good taste.  (Emily Post, Etiquette: The Blue Book of Social Usage, 1959, p. 2.)

Something you are buying for yourself or for a gift should be:

• suitable (for the person, place and occasion)
• beautiful, useful, and comfortable
• easy to keep and maintain (not a burden)
• a pleasure to receive (nothing embarrassing or awkward)
• affordable

Buying something you can't afford will ultimately not bring you comfort or pleasure.