You may not be aware of the tricks affecting you. Here are some tools to help you resist manipulation.
Why do people end up spending more than necessary to get what they want? In a world with price comparison sites, coupon apps, and money-saving tools like price-drop alerts, saving money should be easy, right?
Well, not exactly.
There are sneaky tactics at play that you might not even be aware of. Perhaps it's because you were brought up to trust authority figures, or maybe your parents weren't money-savvy, and you're unknowingly following their lead.
Discover how companies trick you into spending more money and learn some effective ways to counteract their manipulation.
Sneaky Tactic #1: They raise prices without you realizing
As a consumer, one of the most important things you can do is keep an eye on changes in prices.
Companies often seize opportunities to increase their prices, using any justification they can find to raise the cost of their products without drawing too much attention.
To discreetly implement price hikes, companies make changes inconspicuously, spreading them across different times of the year to create the illusion of gradual increases.
But you don't have to pay more than necessary. A handy tool, Capital One Shopping, can help you save money while shopping online.
Capital One Shopping actively searches through over 30,000 retailers to find fantastic deals on the items you're looking for. It automatically applies online coupons or promo codes when available and considers shipping costs to ensure you get the best possible deals.
As a bonus, every purchase allows you to earn points that can be exchanged for gift cards from major retailers.
Avoid overpaying when you shop! Install Capital One Shopping now and start saving.
Please note that Capital One Shopping compensates us when you click on this link to install their browser extension.
Sneaky Tactic #2: Promoting 'the best' without revealing the actual cost
In an ideal world, we would only buy what we can easily pay off each month. However, savvy marketers know how to create desires for the latest electronics, designer fashion, and upscale dining experiences.
The catch? You don't have to wait to save up; just flash a credit card, and you can have it all now! The problem is, many consumers underestimate how quickly credit card balances can spiral out of control. The cost of our aspirational lifestyle can turn into a daunting reality: debt that might take a decade or more to clear.
Luckily, companies like Freedom Debt Relief can help you get back on track in just 24 to 48 months, saving you thousands in interest. A Freedom Debt Relief specialist will assess your situation and guide you on the best course of action. This might involve consolidation (combining all debts into a single loan with a lower interest rate than your credit card) or debt relief (negotiating with creditors to have some of the balance forgiven).
With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and over 650,000 clients enrolled, signing up costs nothing.
Sneaky Tactic #3: They grab your attention with amusing advertisements
Car insurance commercials are entertaining and promise top-notch service, but do they truly offer the best prices for the coverage you need?
Here's a simple way to find out: enlist the help of an insurance comparison site like QuoteWizard.
In a matter of minutes, QuoteWizard will compare prices from over 80 insurance providers and present you with the best deals.
According to QuoteWizard, you can find rates as low as $19 per month, potentially saving you $500 annually. It's a free service, and all it takes is two minutes to discover your new rate.
Sneaky Tactic #4: They're aware you can't replace your car
After your car's manufacturer warranty expires, the costliest issues tend to arise. With the average U.S. vehicle now at 12.1 years old, many of us face hefty repair bills instead of buying a new car.
Unscrupulous repair shops take advantage of this, charging exorbitant prices because they know you want to extend your car's lifespan. Here's a solution to safeguard your off-warranty vehicle and find a trustworthy repair shop: Endurance.
Endurance specializes in older cars, offering "vehicle service contracts" with six plans, allowing you to choose the coverage you need. Regardless of your plan, you'll receive 24/7 roadside assistance and a rental car benefit during repairs.
When you sign up, Endurance includes a free year in its Elite Benefits program, covering tire expenses, key fob replacement, a collision discount, and a $1,000 benefit if your car is declared a total loss.
With a network of over 350,000 ASE-certified repair facilities, Endurance pays upfront, and you cover the deductible, ensuring you get the best price.
