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When Smart Women Buy Stupid Things
Interview with Agathe von Trapp author of Memories Before and After The Sound of Music
“Holiday stress made me do it,” you might protest — and there’s merit to that claim. iStock Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. My peers tell me they’re in the same boat. Subjected to a nonstop onslaught of marketing messages from screens both large and small, many of them have morphed into shopping zombies ( shombies ?), brainlessly punching in their credit card digits at 11 p.m. So here’s what to do when an immovable object — that’s us — encounters a seemingly irresistible retail force: Pocket your cash — and credit. The holidays can make us nervous, angry or sad, leaving us vulnerable to the lure of so-called “.” Don’t go down that path! Try these three ways of inoculating yourself: , , or . Flowers & Gifts 25% off sitewide and 30% off select items See more Flowers & Gifts offers > Restock in moderation. When a staple item you love — and wear or use to death — goes on sale, it makes sense to buy it in bulk. Maybe it’s an otherwise pricey pair of Commando tights, or an Urban Decay Naked Smoky Eyeshadow Palette that has become your personal must-have. But balance is key: Two or three, girlfriend — not two or three dozen! Perfection is impossible. Are you forever fruitlessly searching for that perfect designer handbag…that leather jacket you can wear with everything…that luxury skin cream that’s “worth every penny”? Any or all three quests can quickly max out your credit cards, so make a list that is precisely one item long, then stick to it. Comparison-shop before you buy. Avoid discount malls — which, paradoxically, make it easy to overspend. And pay for purchases by cash, check or debit card; your credit cards should be stowed for the duration. Don’t expect miracles. The key to happiness lies in acquiring the hottest, latest, coolest whatever: That’s what the retail-industrial complex would have us believe, especially when the object of desire is something smothered in garish logos or celebrity associations, from shoes to shampoo. But will buying Fenty Puma by Rihanna velvet sneakers for $150 truly boost your self-image? It’s possible, I suppose — but then volunteering at a homeless shelter is free. For more beauty and style tips for women 50+, check out : How to Shake Up Your Looks, Life, and Love after 50 and AARP's new , at aarp.org. More on entertainment AARP NEWSLETTERS %{ newsLetterPromoText }% %{ description }% Subscribe AARP VALUE & MEMBER BENEFITS See more Health & Wellness offers > See more Flights & Vacation Packages offers > See more Finances offers > See more Health & Wellness offers > SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS