I truly despise the terms “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday” and how the retail industry has created these days in an effort to rationalize outrageous spending on these particular days as if it should be accepted as an integral part of the holiday season. Cyber Monday did not exist until retailers created it, and as I expected years ago, the surge in online sales in the weekend and Monday following Thanksgiving has become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

That being said, I know I am spending more money on non-essential products this year. I’ve “upgraded” my living situation to “above bearable” and provided myself with some toys to keep me entertained — while still living below my means. Am I a reflection of a broader trend or are my spending habits going against the rest of the world this year?

I have some questions for readers, so please oblige me. Are you spending more this year than last? If so, why? Do you expect to find good deals on or around Black Friday, and will you spend more if you do? Will you wait until the last minute to hold out for more deals before the holidays?

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