IF IT SEEMS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT PROBABLY IS…

This week, I want to talk to you about how, as the saying goes, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is! It seems such common sense when we say this to ourselves afterwards, but we need to remind ourselves of this, before parting with our money.

Have you ever had a lingering doubt about an offer that seems too good to be true? Maybe it was something you really wanted at half price. Or maybe a deal was enticing, with glowing testimonials and flashy images promising incredible things. You may be sceptical, but you’re still tempted. 

Deep down though a voice tells you to take caution and you hesitate. But who doesn’t want a bargain? So, you ignore the red flags. After all, many companies also sometimes offer promotions just to build brand loyalty or clear inventory. 

But this is just how good marketing works, by playing to your emotion, which then overpowers your logic, making you buy things you want, but don’t need. It's a hard lesson to learn, but scepticism is actually your greatest ally sometimes. Trust your other instincts too. Don’t just ignore them. 

Here are some examples:

- Imagine you discover an online seller offering designer clothing at a fraction of the normal price. But when you order things, they arrive as cheap knockoffs.
- Or imagine the free vacation you miraculously ‘win’. Hidden fees quickly pile up though, transforming your dream holiday into something that costs you more than you would have paid otherwise normally.
- Or imagine investing in a financial scheme promising high returns with no risk. When the organiser vanishes though, your savings do too, leaving you feeling sick.

Many offers that seem too good to be true often are, but please also recognise that there are genuine opportunities out there sometimes. Not every enticing offer is a scam, so adopt a balanced approach. Combining scepticism with open-mindedness helps you avoid missing legitimate bargains. 

So, this week, next time you see an offer which seems too good to be true, remember what I have said and how it’s too easy to get swept away emotionally, but how you must still keep a logical mind. Dreams must always still be grounded in reality!