I tend to buy things mostly at full cost. I decide what I want at the beginning of the season, budget for it at what it would cost at full price, and just buy it as the money becomes available (I rarely use credit). If there's a sale going on at the time, then that's even better, but the money has already been allocated...
Of course, I'd prefer to buy everything on sale, but it doesn't work that way all the time. I was lucky because I wanted a trophy and planned on getting it after XMas, which coincided perfectly with all these crazy sales.
If anything, I avoid sales because I end up buying a bunch of stuff that I didn't want all that badly. At least when I prepare for the seasons this way, I can be discriminant about every purchase and not be super-impulsive, which is one of my worst qualities (ack!).
Also, I tend to shop locally or with smaller companies (like HH), and I know those stores are hurting. Not that my pockets are full of cash (quite the opposite) but I feel like if I buy something at retail, at least it's going to the right place. Does that make any sense?
Basically, this whole system makes me not go broke, though I rarely get the deals that would save me money. Counter-intuitive, I know, but whatever...it works for me!
