DISQUS

Kate · 1 year ago

I completely agree: marketers are very savvy, and marketing works, even on you. We tend to dismiss this idea and think of ourselves as exceptional: exceptionally impervious to the influence of marketing. We'd serve ourselves better by admitting that we're not exceptional, and that marketing does influence us, even if indirectly. And by recognizing that indirect influence can be very powerful. We may not want to run out and buy the exact item they're shilling, but advertising definitely raises our general level of covetousness, making it much more difficult to curb our spending impulses.

If we really were smarter than the marketing corps, we'd kill our televisions and give up the lifestyle magazines. The only way I've ever found to beat marketing is to cut it out of my life as much as possible. Yes, there are still billboards, and even public radio has ads now. But tv and magazines are the worst (read: most powerful) venues for advertisements, in my opinion.

Mr. ToughMoneyLove · 1 year ago

Two traits that I am known for cynicism and skepticism. Although many people consider these to be negative characteristics, they sure do come in handy when confronting full-blown attacks by the marketing pros. If you constantly question the veracity and motivation of the people who are trying to sell you something, you will be a better consumer.

M Dasko · 1 year ago

My favorite part about marketing these days is that even though every show has about 7 minutes of commercials, there tends to be product placement in every show.. Product placement is the worst because you know a commercial is a commercial, but once the show starts we tend to turn our bs detectors off... just my opinion

Michael · 1 year ago

Ironically enough, my wife and I have paid more for TV by having a DirecTV DVR. However, since we watch all our TV on the DVR and fast forward through commercials, we find ourselves buying less and being happier.

Another thought on the finance end is to use budgeting programs that you pay for - like your own homegrown spreadsheet, Quicken Desktop, YNAB, PearBudget, etc - with no free membership with supported advertising. When we used advertising supported "free" budgeting software we found ourselves spending more on credit. Programs such as Mint, Wesabe, etc. are in essence free but supported by advertising that may cause you to spend more money but give you the false impression that you are living within your means. When we used these programs we were living within our means and not spending more than we earned. But, our savings dramatically suffered. Since we switched to our own homegrown Excel budget spreadsheet and Quicken on our PC, our use of credit cards has dramatically dropped and savings increased. Great article, Flexo!

ABC · 1 year ago

Looks like an interesting series.

I like your point about "only pay attention if your finances start impeding your life". Your finances are like your health - it doesn't matter if you don't enjoy exercise or good diet or asset allocation - you have to suck it up and just do it.