negotiate a better deal

when was the last time you asked for a discount? not at a flea market. at a regular store. a restaurant. your cable company. if the answer is "never" or "i couldn't do that," you need this challenge.

the ask challenge

for the next 10 things you buy — regardless of what they are — ask for a discount. a car, a coffee, a movie ticket, a restaurant entrée. just ask.

"is there any discount available?"

"is that the best price you can do?"

"is there a promotion i might be missing?"

that's it. simple questions. no aggression, no manipulation, no ultimatums.

why this is terrifying (and why you should do it anyway)

most people would rather overpay than feel uncomfortable for 10 seconds. think about how insane that is. you'll spend extra money — money you worked hours to earn — to avoid a brief moment of social awkwardness.

that's not frugality or generosity. that's fear running your finances.

what actually happens when you ask

some of the time, you'll get a no. that's fine. "no" costs you nothing and takes 3 seconds.

but a surprising amount of the time, you'll get a yes. businesses have margins, promotions, manager discretions, and loyalty discounts they'll happily apply — but only if you ask. the price on the tag is often the price for people who don't negotiate.

the deeper lesson

this exercise isn't really about saving money (though you will). it's about building the muscle of asking for what you want in a world that rewards those who ask and ignores those who don't.

that raise you want? you have to ask. that better table at the restaurant? ask. that upgrade, that opportunity, that favor? ask.

the worst anyone can say is no. and no has never killed anyone.

start with your next purchase. just ask.

if this resonated, share it with someone who needs to hear it.