5 Ways to Avoid Advertising Pressure

Did you know the average family in a commercial these days would have to make $200,000 a year in discretionary income (that is income after taxes and bills) to afford the lifestyle that is portrayed? The actual average family in America makes about $60,000, a long stretch from the families in the commercials. But we still buy into their messages. We start believing that we really do need these things or that they would make us happy.

I have put together a list of ways to avoid advertising pressure. Taking small steps to avoid that pressure can save you a lot of money. And you might actually find that you are happier when you are not wondering how you are going to survive without the latest new pair of shoes or fancy cars.

1. Spend less time in front of the TV. The less you are watching, the fewer commercials you will see. Be aware too that companies are now invading the actual TV shows with advertising (I’m shocked at how many times TV characters are now talking about their “new car,” specifying the brand and all the new features it comes with while they are on their way to solve a murder mystery). It used to be enough to get up during commercials or fast forward through them, but now the advertising is infused right into the show. Try to watch less, but while you are watching, be aware of the images and messages that are being pushed at you so you can counter them.
2. Use a list when you shop. Have you ever noticed how easy the grocery stores make it for you to pile goodies into your cart that you hadn’t even thought of but that sounded or looked so good when you saw them? One of my weaknesses is the sample lady. I have enjoyed samples, even made whole meals out of a shopping trip, throwing one new taste sensation after another into my shopping cart. The downside is that when I cook all these treats later, they never taste as good as they did in the store. I don’t know how they do it. It’s the same packaging, and I cook it the same way. I digress though – when you go shopping, make a list beforehand of the items you need, and stick to that list. You may have to shop after you eat so you are not hungry and can avoid the sample ladies. Or avert your eyes from the fancy displays and head directly for those items on your list. You’ll find you will save a lot of money just by sticking to your list.
3. Think of things in terms of “Wants” and “Needs.” You can save yourself money by thinking of potential purchases as wants or needs. And if you are careful about categorizing them, you will find that you don’t actually need most of the items you see advertised. Now, it’s important that you have reward in your life and do budget to buy some things that you want. But being aware of the difference between the two and checking yourself when you see an ad or when you are considering a purchase can be huge.
4. Listen to CDs and Audio Books. When you are in the car, you can avoid the constant barrage of commercials on the radio by turning on a CD or listening to an audio book.
5. Eliminate junk mail. Did you know there is about 4 million tons of junk mail sent out in America each year? There are ways to avoid getting more junk mail. One is when you donate money or fill out a warranty card, write clearly on the card “Please do not sell my name or address.” Don’t fill out cards for contests. These are usually companies trying to get a bunch of names so they can send you advertisements. To see who is selling your name, if you do fill out information with companies, you might try using a different middle initial and see what advertising shows up at your door with that same initial. This process may not eliminate junk mail, but it can be very revealing (and might help you mentally note which companies you may not be able to trust – so you won’t want to buy from them).

You can’t completely avoid advertising, but doing what you can to cut it out of your life or manage your thinking about those advertised products can benefit you greatly.

Tags: advertising, discretionary income, save money, shopping, wants and needs