Comments on: Talking Yourself Out Of Unnecessary Spending: How I’m Doing It With Five Things I Really Want http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/talking-yourself-out-of-unnecessary-spending-how-im-doing-it-with-five-things-i-really-want/ Simple, applicable personal finance advice for the modern world Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:47:21 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: John http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/talking-yourself-out-of-unnecessary-spending-how-im-doing-it-with-five-things-i-really-want/comment-page-1/#comment-17325 John Wed, 11 Apr 2007 05:44:44 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/talking-yourself-out-of-unnecessary-spending-how-im-doing-it-with-five-things-i-really-want/#comment-17325 For big spenders, it's probably hard to control. Others are already making it as a habit. I guess it wouldn't be a habit anymore if run out of funds. For big spenders, it’s probably hard to control. Others are already making it as a habit. I guess it wouldn’t be a habit anymore if run out of funds.

]]> By: ispf http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/talking-yourself-out-of-unnecessary-spending-how-im-doing-it-with-five-things-i-really-want/comment-page-1/#comment-17147 ispf Tue, 10 Apr 2007 18:20:19 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/talking-yourself-out-of-unnecessary-spending-how-im-doing-it-with-five-things-i-really-want/#comment-17147 Great tactics! Another tactic I use is to ask myself, "what will you give up for this?" For instance, I have wanted a reallllly big screen TV for a while. It's a want and not a need, so I have been putting it off. I use all the above tactics you mentioned and when all else fails I ask the question of whether I will give up my vacation for it, and usually the answer is no :) Great tactics! Another tactic I use is to ask myself, “what will you give up for this?” For instance, I have wanted a reallllly big screen TV for a while. It’s a want and not a need, so I have been putting it off. I use all the above tactics you mentioned and when all else fails I ask the question of whether I will give up my vacation for it, and usually the answer is no :)

]]> By: erniertl http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/talking-yourself-out-of-unnecessary-spending-how-im-doing-it-with-five-things-i-really-want/comment-page-1/#comment-17139 erniertl Tue, 10 Apr 2007 18:01:33 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/talking-yourself-out-of-unnecessary-spending-how-im-doing-it-with-five-things-i-really-want/#comment-17139 I was waiting for a cheaper price on DDR. Then I asked myself, how much is my health worth? I was waiting for a cheaper price on DDR. Then I asked myself, how much is my health worth?

]]> By: PF http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/talking-yourself-out-of-unnecessary-spending-how-im-doing-it-with-five-things-i-really-want/comment-page-1/#comment-17100 PF Tue, 10 Apr 2007 15:47:53 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/talking-yourself-out-of-unnecessary-spending-how-im-doing-it-with-five-things-i-really-want/#comment-17100 The kitchen aid mixers are overrated. They aren't what they were "back in the day" as someone else mentioned (made by hobart). If you really want a mixer, get a Bosch. You can make 8 loaves of whole wheat bread at a time. Not as pretty, but much better. The kitchen aid mixers are overrated. They aren’t what they were “back in the day” as someone else mentioned (made by hobart). If you really want a mixer, get a Bosch. You can make 8 loaves of whole wheat bread at a time. Not as pretty, but much better.

]]> By: Derek http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/talking-yourself-out-of-unnecessary-spending-how-im-doing-it-with-five-things-i-really-want/comment-page-1/#comment-17090 Derek Tue, 10 Apr 2007 15:04:49 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/talking-yourself-out-of-unnecessary-spending-how-im-doing-it-with-five-things-i-really-want/#comment-17090 Only two of those things are "investment" pieces - the suit and the mixer, meaning if treated well, they will be with you for decades. The tech gadgets will be out-dated in two years or less. For the mixer, keep an eye out for a used one, but good luck. People don't get rid of those things for a reason - they pass them down for generations. They are also like a Honda or Toyotas - since they run forever, they also keep their value, so a used one might not be that cheap (but most likely as good as a new one. Some might even argue if you could get a older Hobart model from before Whirlpool bought the brand, it would be better - the "they don't make them like they used to" argument so to speak). Also, consider if you truly need the "pro" 6qt model, or could go with a smaller 5qt version. They are both bulletproof. Either way, if you are going to use it (and most people that even know why they'd want one will) it is a worthwhile investment. For the suit - and extreme way to get this would be to fly to Hong Kong and contract with a tailor there. GQ ran an article a year or so back where they sent a report to do exactly that. He flew to Hong Kong for two nights, and got two tailored suits - not made-to-measure, but honest to goodness tailored suits for less than $500 for both. Factor in getting a deal on the airfare (not to mention the flight to Hong Kong nets you a ton of miles) and you could have two custom suits for less that off-the-rack. Only two of those things are “investment” pieces – the suit and the mixer, meaning if treated well, they will be with you for decades. The tech gadgets will be out-dated in two years or less.

For the mixer, keep an eye out for a used one, but good luck. People don’t get rid of those things for a reason – they pass them down for generations. They are also like a Honda or Toyotas – since they run forever, they also keep their value, so a used one might not be that cheap (but most likely as good as a new one. Some might even argue if you could get a older Hobart model from before Whirlpool bought the brand, it would be better – the “they don’t make them like they used to” argument so to speak). Also, consider if you truly need the “pro” 6qt model, or could go with a smaller 5qt version. They are both bulletproof. Either way, if you are going to use it (and most people that even know why they’d want one will) it is a worthwhile investment.

For the suit – and extreme way to get this would be to fly to Hong Kong and contract with a tailor there. GQ ran an article a year or so back where they sent a report to do exactly that. He flew to Hong Kong for two nights, and got two tailored suits – not made-to-measure, but honest to goodness tailored suits for less than $500 for both. Factor in getting a deal on the airfare (not to mention the flight to Hong Kong nets you a ton of miles) and you could have two custom suits for less that off-the-rack.

]]> By: Erica http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/talking-yourself-out-of-unnecessary-spending-how-im-doing-it-with-five-things-i-really-want/comment-page-1/#comment-17026 Erica Tue, 10 Apr 2007 09:29:43 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/talking-yourself-out-of-unnecessary-spending-how-im-doing-it-with-five-things-i-really-want/#comment-17026 We are now limiting expenditure on house jobs and purchases to one thing a month, we are tackling needs first like a new bathroom floor, new lightshades before purchases like a new bedroom tv. This means that we will eventually get the wii but not before more important things and hopefully by then the price will be down too (and our savings will be up!). We are now limiting expenditure on house jobs and purchases to one thing a month, we are tackling needs first like a new bathroom floor, new lightshades before purchases like a new bedroom tv.

This means that we will eventually get the wii but not before more important things and hopefully by then the price will be down too (and our savings will be up!).

]]> By: Bob http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/talking-yourself-out-of-unnecessary-spending-how-im-doing-it-with-five-things-i-really-want/comment-page-1/#comment-16986 Bob Tue, 10 Apr 2007 05:58:49 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/talking-yourself-out-of-unnecessary-spending-how-im-doing-it-with-five-things-i-really-want/#comment-16986 Your strategy #1 is really useful. It's very much applicable to some of the things that I want. If only I can remember it everytime I have come across some of the wonderful things that I want. Your strategy #1 is really useful. It’s very much applicable to some of the things that I want. If only I can remember it everytime I have come across some of the wonderful things that I want.

]]> By: liz http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/talking-yourself-out-of-unnecessary-spending-how-im-doing-it-with-five-things-i-really-want/comment-page-1/#comment-16979 liz Tue, 10 Apr 2007 05:24:43 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/talking-yourself-out-of-unnecessary-spending-how-im-doing-it-with-five-things-i-really-want/#comment-16979 http://www.amazon.co.uk/EW-Link-PS2-controller-Converter-Adapter/dp/B000LT0H9Y http://www.stepmania.com/ $3.99 for controller converter, $20 for a cheap starter pad (much, much more for a hard pad, but it's a great investment -- I know people who've owned and abused theirs for 5+ years, and it still runs well) and the game itself is free, and people will make song files all the time - not only do you get all the standard ddr songs, you get a lot of other great popular music and techno selections. http://www.amazon.co.uk/EW-Link-PS2-controller-Converter-Adapter/dp/B000LT0H9Y

http://www.stepmania.com/

$3.99 for controller converter, $20 for a cheap starter pad (much, much more for a hard pad, but it’s a great investment — I know people who’ve owned and abused theirs for 5+ years, and it still runs well) and the game itself is free, and people will make song files all the time – not only do you get all the standard ddr songs, you get a lot of other great popular music and techno selections.

]]> By: GradGirl http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/talking-yourself-out-of-unnecessary-spending-how-im-doing-it-with-five-things-i-really-want/comment-page-1/#comment-16964 GradGirl Tue, 10 Apr 2007 03:49:50 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/talking-yourself-out-of-unnecessary-spending-how-im-doing-it-with-five-things-i-really-want/#comment-16964 Ugh. I am so with you on the KitchenAid mixer. Really want one, but they're so expensive. I like your idea of working up to it, like a reward. Ugh. I am so with you on the KitchenAid mixer. Really want one, but they’re so expensive. I like your idea of working up to it, like a reward.

]]> By: Clever Dude http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/talking-yourself-out-of-unnecessary-spending-how-im-doing-it-with-five-things-i-really-want/comment-page-1/#comment-16934 Clever Dude Tue, 10 Apr 2007 01:30:00 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/talking-yourself-out-of-unnecessary-spending-how-im-doing-it-with-five-things-i-really-want/#comment-16934 I agree fully with the Wii and Treo, which I want for myself. I'm using the same justifications as you are as well. Luckily, we got the mixer (probably the same exact one you want) for our wedding 3 years ago, but we've only used it about 2 times. We just don't cook, but we hope to change that. I agree fully with the Wii and Treo, which I want for myself. I’m using the same justifications as you are as well.

Luckily, we got the mixer (probably the same exact one you want) for our wedding 3 years ago, but we’ve only used it about 2 times. We just don’t cook, but we hope to change that.

]]> By: Bruce http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/talking-yourself-out-of-unnecessary-spending-how-im-doing-it-with-five-things-i-really-want/comment-page-1/#comment-16916 Bruce Mon, 09 Apr 2007 23:45:34 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/talking-yourself-out-of-unnecessary-spending-how-im-doing-it-with-five-things-i-really-want/#comment-16916 I own a KitchenAid Pro, and it's not worth it unless you make a lot of cakes and cookies. My wife is a pastry chef, which is the only thing that makes it worth it for us. But now that we have it, we do love using it. And while you can make bread with it, I find that working doughs by hand produces better breads (and is faster if you include cleanup time). As for mashed taters, I recommend a good hand blender (if you like them whipped), or a plain old hand masher. I like lumpy mash, so I opt for the hand tool. I did get some of the add-ons for a gift a few years ago, and the meat grinder and sausage maker are handy (even if I don't use the often enough). I save meat tailings in the freezer and make my own hamburger every 6 months or so. It's a good value, but something that can be done about as easily by hand. I'd also consider buying the mixer used, as it rarely goes on sale. I've seen restaurant auction houses with the pro units on sale for half price (and in the paper for less). I own a KitchenAid Pro, and it’s not worth it unless you make a lot of cakes and cookies. My wife is a pastry chef, which is the only thing that makes it worth it for us. But now that we have it, we do love using it.

And while you can make bread with it, I find that working doughs by hand produces better breads (and is faster if you include cleanup time). As for mashed taters, I recommend a good hand blender (if you like them whipped), or a plain old hand masher. I like lumpy mash, so I opt for the hand tool.

I did get some of the add-ons for a gift a few years ago, and the meat grinder and sausage maker are handy (even if I don’t use the often enough). I save meat tailings in the freezer and make my own hamburger every 6 months or so. It’s a good value, but something that can be done about as easily by hand.

I’d also consider buying the mixer used, as it rarely goes on sale. I’ve seen restaurant auction houses with the pro units on sale for half price (and in the paper for less).

]]> By: Zachary http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/talking-yourself-out-of-unnecessary-spending-how-im-doing-it-with-five-things-i-really-want/comment-page-1/#comment-16915 Zachary Mon, 09 Apr 2007 23:41:45 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/talking-yourself-out-of-unnecessary-spending-how-im-doing-it-with-five-things-i-really-want/#comment-16915 Who needs a Wii while the World of Warcraft is alive and well? lol Who needs a Wii while the World of Warcraft is alive and well? lol

]]> By: Amy http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/talking-yourself-out-of-unnecessary-spending-how-im-doing-it-with-five-things-i-really-want/comment-page-1/#comment-16895 Amy Mon, 09 Apr 2007 22:32:31 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/talking-yourself-out-of-unnecessary-spending-how-im-doing-it-with-five-things-i-really-want/#comment-16895 My boyfriend bought a wii, and I have to say that, skeptical though I was initially, the cost per hour of entertainment provided has already become very reasonable. But then, we live in a city where an hour or two of bowling for four people could easily run to $100 or more (not counting snacks or beverages). Insofar as the Wii replaces evenings out drinking expensive drinks, and insofar as not all of our friends like Trivial Pursuit and Scrabble as much as I do, it's not as ridiculous a purchase as it first seemed to me. My boyfriend bought a wii, and I have to say that, skeptical though I was initially, the cost per hour of entertainment provided has already become very reasonable.

But then, we live in a city where an hour or two of bowling for four people could easily run to $100 or more (not counting snacks or beverages). Insofar as the Wii replaces evenings out drinking expensive drinks, and insofar as not all of our friends like Trivial Pursuit and Scrabble as much as I do, it’s not as ridiculous a purchase as it first seemed to me.

]]> By: Linda http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/talking-yourself-out-of-unnecessary-spending-how-im-doing-it-with-five-things-i-really-want/comment-page-1/#comment-16893 Linda Mon, 09 Apr 2007 22:31:11 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/talking-yourself-out-of-unnecessary-spending-how-im-doing-it-with-five-things-i-really-want/#comment-16893 I totally agree with your strategy #1 (with the Wii). I recently came across a chance to buy a Nintendo DS-Lite, cheap I know, but I hesitated because while the game console was cheap, games weren't, and I knew I was going to start out by getting sucked in and spend all my time playing, then leaving it in the closet collecting dust. My strategy is going to be borrowing it from a friend who has every game console under the sun whenever I need a game fix. =) I totally agree with your strategy #1 (with the Wii). I recently came across a chance to buy a Nintendo DS-Lite, cheap I know, but I hesitated because while the game console was cheap, games weren’t, and I knew I was going to start out by getting sucked in and spend all my time playing, then leaving it in the closet collecting dust. My strategy is going to be borrowing it from a friend who has every game console under the sun whenever I need a game fix. =)

]]> By: vaguelyamused http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/talking-yourself-out-of-unnecessary-spending-how-im-doing-it-with-five-things-i-really-want/comment-page-1/#comment-16890 vaguelyamused Mon, 09 Apr 2007 22:11:29 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/talking-yourself-out-of-unnecessary-spending-how-im-doing-it-with-five-things-i-really-want/#comment-16890 Buy the mixer. It will easily last 10-15 years and very well may outlast you. I have one and I love it. If it encourages you to stay in the kitchen and skip eating out, processed foods, etc. It'll pay for itself. Buy the mixer. It will easily last 10-15 years and very well may outlast you. I have one and I love it. If it encourages you to stay in the kitchen and skip eating out, processed foods, etc. It’ll pay for itself.

]]> By: El Indio http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/talking-yourself-out-of-unnecessary-spending-how-im-doing-it-with-five-things-i-really-want/comment-page-1/#comment-16882 El Indio Mon, 09 Apr 2007 21:44:56 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/talking-yourself-out-of-unnecessary-spending-how-im-doing-it-with-five-things-i-really-want/#comment-16882 Trent, Check out this promo by Kraft http://www.kraftbrands.com/activegame/pad.aspx they are giving out free game pads and you can find free PC alternatives to play games similar to DDR. I'm hoping to get my pad pretty soon! Trent,

Check out this promo by Kraft

http://www.kraftbrands.com/activegame/pad.aspx

they are giving out free game pads and you can find free PC alternatives to play games similar to DDR.

I’m hoping to get my pad pretty soon!

]]> By: Tyler http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/talking-yourself-out-of-unnecessary-spending-how-im-doing-it-with-five-things-i-really-want/comment-page-1/#comment-16881 Tyler Mon, 09 Apr 2007 21:42:50 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/talking-yourself-out-of-unnecessary-spending-how-im-doing-it-with-five-things-i-really-want/#comment-16881 I splurged on the Wii also. My use goes in spurts. I played it w/ family on Easter and now I want to play it more. I have also been renting games instead of buying them. You can beat most of them during the rental period. Some people have been using it to lose weight. http://wiiweightlossplan.com/ and http://wiinintendo.net/2007/01/15/wii-sports-experiment-results/ It is really easy to sink a bunch of money into games and extras though. I splurged on the Wii also. My use goes in spurts. I played it w/ family on Easter and now I want to play it more. I have also been renting games instead of buying them. You can beat most of them during the rental period. Some people have been using it to lose weight.

http://wiiweightlossplan.com/
and
http://wiinintendo.net/2007/01/15/wii-sports-experiment-results/
It is really easy to sink a bunch of money into games and extras though.

]]> By: moogs http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/talking-yourself-out-of-unnecessary-spending-how-im-doing-it-with-five-things-i-really-want/comment-page-1/#comment-16875 moogs Mon, 09 Apr 2007 21:19:09 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/talking-yourself-out-of-unnecessary-spending-how-im-doing-it-with-five-things-i-really-want/#comment-16875 The Wii is a very dangerous machine. Not only do you have a micro payment system with the Virtual Console, but there is also immense peer pressure to spend more money on new games and accessories every time you see your friends flailing around having the time of their lives. (Though you can only have so many wiimotes) Also, the wii point system people have said is stupid, but it's real purpose is to dissociate money from the process of buying VC games. As someone who has played video games for 20 years, lately I've become extremely frugal with my video game purchases. I don't have time to play as much as I used to, so I only purchase the top of the line titles. I have a Wii now, and while I don't regret purchasing it, there are plenty of reasons for you to wait. An upgraded version is already in the works, and right now we're in the post launch game drought while everyone panics because the machine didn't flop as expected. Plus it's not like you can find them, at least where I live. The Wii is a very dangerous machine. Not only do you have a micro payment system with the Virtual Console, but there is also immense peer pressure to spend more money on new games and accessories every time you see your friends flailing around having the time of their lives. (Though you can only have so many wiimotes) Also, the wii point system people have said is stupid, but it’s real purpose is to dissociate money from the process of buying VC games.

As someone who has played video games for 20 years, lately I’ve become extremely frugal with my video game purchases. I don’t have time to play as much as I used to, so I only purchase the top of the line titles.

I have a Wii now, and while I don’t regret purchasing it, there are plenty of reasons for you to wait. An upgraded version is already in the works, and right now we’re in the post launch game drought while everyone panics because the machine didn’t flop as expected.

Plus it’s not like you can find them, at least where I live.

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