Five w's before consumption

In the face of a wide range of goods and all kinds of discount promotion, you must be clear headed and ask yourself a few more questions. If these questions are passed, you will be rational again.

(1) Why

Family consumption is like a trilogy: first, necessities of life, such as food and clothing; second, consumption to maintain family survival, such as rent, water and electricity; third, consumption to provide family members in the development and fashion fields, such as education investment, cultural and entertainment consumption. These three kinds of consumption are reasonable for every family, but the specific expenditure should be prioritized. Generally speaking, the family's monthly income should first guarantee the living expenses, and then consider the development of consumption and enjoyment of consumption.

(2) What to buy

A reasonable family consumption structure must be determined according to the income situation. The general principle is to live within our means and save a little.

From the perspective of survival demand, firewood, rice, oil and salt are indispensable items; from the perspective of enjoyment demand, delicious high-end food and exquisite clothing should be linked with their own economic strength; from the perspective of development demand, whether the stereo is surround sound, whether the color TV is flat screen, etc. are not "necessary". However, the education expenditure of young family members should be included in the standing necessity.

(3) When to buy (when)

If you can make good use of the time difference when shopping, you will also benefit a lot. For example, if you buy fashion during the season sale, you may buy more satisfactory clothes at a lower price; if you buy winter things in summer, summer things in winter, and off-season things, you can easily choose at a lower price.

(4) Where to buy (where)

If you use a little brain, you can guess that local products are not only cheap but also genuine when purchased in the country of origin; imported goods often cost less when purchased in coastal areas than in the mainland. Even different businesses in the same place have a principle of "comparing goods with three companies and not losing money", as long as they are not afraid of spending time.

(5) Who to buy (who)

Wives are often smarter than husbands in buying food, clothing and bedding, while husbands are more adept in buying household appliances, furniture and other consumer durables.