‘The Root Cause of My Debt’: Sales Are Tempting. How to Avoid Falling for Offers

The drawers were overflowing with skin care products and makeup—three different blushes, many eyeshadows, a dozen different mascaras, foundation and serum samples sitting unused for years. Still, Eduek Brooks counted on seasonal sales, especially for skin care, to grab the best deals. It was her retail therapy, chasing dopamine hits, she said. “A lot of [my debt] stemmed from buying things because I thought, ‘Oh, I was getting a good deal,'” Ms. Brooks said. “It was a way I justified: ‘I’m saving money. I’m not spending money.'” The anticipation of sales often led to overconsumption and left her drowning in almost $50,000 of debt....