Saving Sunday: To buy or Not to buy

That is the question… always.   “Shall I get it?”

Since I decided to be more “financially responsible” several years ago, when in doubt, I ask these questions.

 

Do I Must have it?

How Long will it last?

Financially feasible?

Emotionally Satisfying?

 

Each question has 10 points.   10 is YES – 5 is MAYBE – 1 is NO.

 

Usually, you don’t ask questions about necessities, like toilet paper.   BUT if you started argue with your husband about what type of toilet paper you should buy, this can be used as an assessment tool.

Of course we must buy TP (10), and I like a certain kind of TP because it is so soft (emotionally 8), but my “brand TP” maybe pricey (Financially 3).  Question is how long would it last?  Oddly, the double rolls last longer than 99 cent store TP.  So, I would give it 7.    So total point for my TP is 28.

How about 99 cent store TP?   Must – 10.  Emotionally – 2 (for me).  Financially – 10, but if it doesn’t last long (2) – It’s 24.

So the winner would be …. Brand Double Roll TP!

 

If you are considering buying a single item and not sure…. you can still use this.

I love scarves.  I get cold so easily, and I wear them all the time, but I have a LOT of them (Must – 5).   I like Hermes, Varsace scarves, (Financially 2 – expensive!) but it lasts long time (8 – never go out of style) and it makes me happy. (10).  The total is 25.   Since my “BUY NOW” point is 30 points, I would wait till I get some extra funds or special occasion.

 

Next time you are at a register – make sure to ask yourself “Do I need it?” and “How long… (temporary)”  to fight off the temptation.

 

Think LONG TERM – save for the future and be happy!