10 Spending Triggers

. .

Any advertising company will tell you it’s not so much the product they sell as what “they say” the product will bring the buyer.

Have you ever noticed that the sleek new car ad is not about the car as much as the look of envy on your neighbor’s face? It isn’t so much about the clothing as the heads that turn toward you when you wear it.

Make no mistake about, companies spend millions and many billions of dollars in marketing research to determine what pushes your “buy it now” button. These people can read you easier than an old ten cent novel.

Spending your money on most of the things listed below isn’t necessarily wrong unless you are spending money you don’t have or basing your purchase on false hopes.

1. Success

People want to make more money. They may want to start their own business, get a higher paying job or invest in the stock market. Advertisers will use this desire on those who need it to make them feel successful. There is nothing wrong with pursuing success unless at some point this pursuit becomes out of balance and results in deteriorating health or jeopardizing the family’s well-being.

Someone once or should have said, “understand thyself.” You need to understand these motivational triggers so you aren’t being manipulated by advertisers.

Think about it.

2. Security

Most people would love to save money. They may want to invest for the future or save for a big purchase. Beware of companies who want you to borrow against your future for security reasons alone.

3. Peace

It’s great to want to work less and spend time enjoying life’s pleasures. Everyone needs to feel more relaxed these days. But advertisers will also use this need to pull people into plans that give more momentary self pleasure than self preservation in an effort to find inner happiness and peace.

4. Vanity

Who doesn’t want to represent themselves well? But advertisers are experts at using ego in selling clothes, gadgets, equipment to lose weight, bigger houses and expensive furniture to those who crave being more attractive and affluent to impress others.

5. Wisdom

People who need or want to be more educated or knowledgeable may desire to continue education or classes. Beware of advertisers who only want you to make you “feel” more intelligent.

6. Longevity

People want to live longer. They go on pursuits to get in shape, eat better or gain extra energy which is admirable. Don’t fall for programs that feed on people who want to be guaranteed a longer life to diminish the fear of dying or loss.

7. Comfort

People want to be comfortable and God is not against this. However, it is not wise to remove discomfort to the point of not having to deal with the realities of life. Advertises want to appeal to those who will run to a comfort zone like shopping, vacations, eating or other addictions that result in spending more money which only removes comfort and causes more stress.

8. Acceptance

Everyone wants to be loved and accepted for who they are. Advertisers love to use our insecurities to make us spend money on things that will make others pay attention even though it is short lived. “Things” that can only make people feel momentarily wanted. Loneliness is a trigger that pushes many deeper and deeper into debt.

9. Popularity

People want to be popular or feel praised and admired. Advertisers like to appeal who want to go out with or without friends to buy gifts or meals with money they don’t have to spend.

10. Fulfillment

People want to do pleasurable things. This can lead to satisfying their appetite or sexual desires in hopes of feeling more fulfilled. However, fulfillment that only appeals to the flesh generally leads to more and more desire. Real inner fulfillment will never be satisfied in goods or products. That can only be accomplished through the Word of God.

If you see any of these triggers in your spending habits, you may be on the pathway to some serious financial troubles. Sorting through these trigger points may help you to gain a better understanding of what pushes you to spend and how to avoid its temptation.

BLOG COMMENTS POWERED BY DISQUS