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Things To Consider When You Buy Something

At least it is for me! When I am thinking of buying something, I make myself stop long enough to consider the following questions:

  1. Is this a planned expenditure or an impulse buy?
  2. Am I able to put it to good use right now?
  3. How often per year will I be able to use it?
  4. Do I have the cash to pay for it right now without impacting anything else?
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  6. Where am I going to put it or store it at home?

Most of the time, I decide against the purchase after the first couple of questions but if I make it through all of them, I ask myself do I really need this and what else will I be giving up if I do purchase it?

I have found during the past couple of years that I am able to avoid almost all impulse spending in this manner and even most of the planned purchasing.

The only thing that is multiplying and expanding is my savings account, and the elimination of any debt, which makes me very happy. This is the 8th month in a row where I had more money left at the end of the month than I had planned on at the beginning.

By Ronsan

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July 19, 20050 found this helpful
Top Comment

I like your list. I think I do something similar. When I want to buy something I am not certain I need I try to talk myself out of it.
For example:

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"What do you mean you need it? It'll probably end up in the junk box in the garage!" Um, I don't actually have these conversations with myself out loud!

I also ask myself:
Is there something else that would serve the same purpose or a cheaper way of getting the job done?

I read a cool tip about placing a floor tile on the kitchen counter next to the stove so that there would be a place to set hot pots. I almost bought a floor tile. Then I remembered there were a few left over from the kitchen being tiled and used one of those instead.

Another trick I use is to walk away. If I really need the item I'll come back for it.

 
March 31, 20120 found this helpful
Top Comment

The list is great and right on. As retirees who never made a lot of money and have a very minimal retirement income. (what we get in a year for both of us a neighbor gets more per month just for him) and friends can't believe all we do, they think we are rich (in each other only) but we are far from it.

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We've have always said is it a need or a want and I also looked at things with - how long did I have to work to make the cost of the item. It is a great reality check. Starbucks/fast food drinkers-eaters, mani/pedi folk are you listening? Is it really worth it?

Having funds for really important things is so much better. I could go on and on, but trust you get the idea. We are very happy and have never felt deprived. We don't need "stuff" or "treats" to enjoy life fully.

 
June 17, 20050 found this helpful

I try to consider where it was made. Most everything comes from China now. Something like 60% of the products we purchase were made or picked by children in 3rd world countries, some even here in America. Coffee beans are mostly picked by children who work long hours for almost no pay.

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We should ask if it is "Fair Trade". If they say no, we should tell them it should be and go some place else. It would cost an estimated 3 billion $ to put these children in schools, we spend 40 billion on GOLF! We need to be more aware of where things come from.

 

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July 19, 20050 found this helpful

Always keep checking other stores for what you are looking for. Do not stop at one store and make the purchase. If you keep looking you might find it cheaper or something better for the same price.

By Kristen Richard

 
By christi (Guest Post)
April 21, 20060 found this helpful

One thing I have learned to do is wait and see if it will go on sale. There was an electric cookie press that came out right before Christmas and boy did I want it. But money was so tight right then, that even 18.76 was too much too spend on it. So I waited and today I found it on the clearance rack for 10.00 and bought it.

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I only had to wait four months and saved almost half my money. I bought a fabric covered laundry cart last month for 10.00 that was 30.00 regular price and it went back up to regular price after a week.

 
April 1, 20120 found this helpful

Great questions to ask yourself. In these times we also are asking ourselves if we really need the item. I also figure out how many hours I have to work to pay for that item and waiting overnight can make a big difference in your decision also. Keep up the great work.

 

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