Comments on: Zen and the Art of Item Replacement http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/28/zen-and-the-art-of-item-replacement/ Simple, applicable personal finance advice for the modern world Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:44:30 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: J. http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/28/zen-and-the-art-of-item-replacement/comment-page-2/#comment-155269 J. Tue, 15 Jan 2008 06:32:38 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/28/zen-and-the-art-of-item-replacement/#comment-155269 regarding knives, i'm with Mark Bittman, whose cookbook you've recommended, trent. he suggests you get the white plastic-handled knives available at restaurant supply stores. i found the equivalent chef's knives at costco. they won't win any awards for appearance, but the handles are comfortable, the blades sharp and made out of high carbon stainless steel, and cost a ridiculously small fraction of any good henckel blade. it's the frugal thing to do! regarding knives, i’m with Mark Bittman, whose cookbook you’ve recommended, trent. he suggests you get the white plastic-handled knives available at restaurant supply stores. i found the equivalent chef’s knives at costco. they won’t win any awards for appearance, but the handles are comfortable, the blades sharp and made out of high carbon stainless steel, and cost a ridiculously small fraction of any good henckel blade. it’s the frugal thing to do!

]]> By: Laura http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/28/zen-and-the-art-of-item-replacement/comment-page-2/#comment-148392 Laura Fri, 04 Jan 2008 20:15:57 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/28/zen-and-the-art-of-item-replacement/#comment-148392 I loved this post. Glad to see there are so many people out there on the same wavelength. I live in NYC, where the only chore people have on the weekends is shopping. Being on a budget and choosing not to buy something I want is often difficult, and totally confounds my friends. I work in the arts and don't make a lot of money, and I'm saving for a big vacation to Japan, so I'm putting off making big purchases until I absolutely have to. My television's tube is slowly dieing, but I'm hoping it will last at least another 6-12 months so prices will come down a bit more on the LCD's and plasmas. I need a new cell phone. The current one is 4 years old, but it still works, so why should I rush out to replace it just because my friends think it's laughably old and large, and I can't connect to the internet from it? My VCR just died a few weeks ago, and replacing it was not easy, as it seems they've stopped making anything by DVD/VCR combos. So I had to buy a refurbished one. But I can't get TIVO, because I don't have cable, or an internet connection or a telephone land line. And all my knives are Henckel and Wusthof from Goodwill, via my mom. It's amazing what she finds at these places that other people happily dispose of. I loved this post. Glad to see there are so many people out there on the same wavelength. I live in NYC, where the only chore people have on the weekends is shopping. Being on a budget and choosing not to buy something I want is often difficult, and totally confounds my friends. I work in the arts and don’t make a lot of money, and I’m saving for a big vacation to Japan, so I’m putting off making big purchases until I absolutely have to.

My television’s tube is slowly dieing, but I’m hoping it will last at least another 6-12 months so prices will come down a bit more on the LCD’s and plasmas.

I need a new cell phone. The current one is 4 years old, but it still works, so why should I rush out to replace it just because my friends think it’s laughably old and large, and I can’t connect to the internet from it?

My VCR just died a few weeks ago, and replacing it was not easy, as it seems they’ve stopped making anything by DVD/VCR combos. So I had to buy a refurbished one. But I can’t get TIVO, because I don’t have cable, or an internet connection or a telephone land line.

And all my knives are Henckel and Wusthof from Goodwill, via my mom. It’s amazing what she finds at these places that other people happily dispose of.

]]> By: K12Linux http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/28/zen-and-the-art-of-item-replacement/comment-page-2/#comment-147964 K12Linux Thu, 03 Jan 2008 21:32:30 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/28/zen-and-the-art-of-item-replacement/#comment-147964 I gotta say, Frugal Bachelor, your comments are pretty much the opposite of frugal. In general buying quality (pricier but NOT the most expensive) for the long haul is a better investment than buying cheap crap often. BUT you do have to be careful. Some products just don't have long lifetimes even if you buy the pricey models. For example, I will never again buy an expensive DVD player. I've found that the $35 players I've bought tend to last about 80% of the time the $250 models did. So, am I an enemy to the environment since I'm buying 5 cheap players in what would be the lifetime of 4 expensive ones? I like to think I'm not. When our VCR died a few months ago we bought two to replace it. They were $10 each at Goodwill. Not only was it frugal ($20 bucks vs replacing all our tapes with DVDs) but they were used. We kept them, a bunch of VHS tapes, and packaging, etc. for new DVDs out of the landfill. I gotta say, Frugal Bachelor, your comments are pretty much the opposite of frugal. In general buying quality (pricier but NOT the most expensive) for the long haul is a better investment than buying cheap crap often.

BUT you do have to be careful. Some products just don’t have long lifetimes even if you buy the pricey models. For example, I will never again buy an expensive DVD player. I’ve found that the $35 players I’ve bought tend to last about 80% of the time the $250 models did.

So, am I an enemy to the environment since I’m buying 5 cheap players in what would be the lifetime of 4 expensive ones? I like to think I’m not. When our VCR died a few months ago we bought two to replace it. They were $10 each at Goodwill. Not only was it frugal ($20 bucks vs replacing all our tapes with DVDs) but they were used. We kept them, a bunch of VHS tapes, and packaging, etc. for new DVDs out of the landfill.

]]> By: Mel http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/28/zen-and-the-art-of-item-replacement/comment-page-2/#comment-145694 Mel Mon, 31 Dec 2007 17:41:55 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/28/zen-and-the-art-of-item-replacement/#comment-145694 Just read the post before mine so I have to add that we have a Cutco carving set that we love and got as a gift but we got the Calphalon Katana knives and they are just as good as our Cutco knife. Just read the post before mine so I have to add that we have a Cutco carving set that we love and got as a gift but we got the Calphalon Katana knives and they are just as good as our Cutco knife.

]]> By: Mel http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/28/zen-and-the-art-of-item-replacement/comment-page-2/#comment-145687 Mel Mon, 31 Dec 2007 17:39:56 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/28/zen-and-the-art-of-item-replacement/#comment-145687 Sorry Trent, I've got to go with your wife on the subject of knives, if you pick the type you like and replace them as you need them, you'll save yourself a lot of headaches and, since most people don't use the parer, boning knife, etc. all that often, buying the set is sometimes a waste of money. We just picked up 3 of the 15 knives that are available in the set my husband wants at a discount and we'll replace the others we want as we find them on sale. The only piece we "need" to buy now is a block since our current one doesn't fit the new knives and the honing blade. So, for $90 for the knives (serious discount since they retail for $270+) and the $80 for the block and $60 for the honing blade, we'll have a good start on some great knives. the whole set would cost $500 on sale. Which is a lot less than buying each individually but who uses all of them anyway? Since we got them 2 weeks ago, I am so happy with them I don't use the old knives anymore, except my favorite one from William Sonoma which is small enough to use for delicate work. On the subject of TVs I will refrain since we went with the big wall mounted TV that we watch A LOT! Make that a lot more than we should... but at least we are getting our money's worth :) Sorry Trent, I’ve got to go with your wife on the subject of knives, if you pick the type you like and replace them as you need them, you’ll save yourself a lot of headaches and, since most people don’t use the parer, boning knife, etc. all that often, buying the set is sometimes a waste of money. We just picked up 3 of the 15 knives that are available in the set my husband wants at a discount and we’ll replace the others we want as we find them on sale. The only piece we “need” to buy now is a block since our current one doesn’t fit the new knives and the honing blade. So, for $90 for the knives (serious discount since they retail for $270+) and the $80 for the block and $60 for the honing blade, we’ll have a good start on some great knives. the whole set would cost $500 on sale. Which is a lot less than buying each individually but who uses all of them anyway? Since we got them 2 weeks ago, I am so happy with them I don’t use the old knives anymore, except my favorite one from William Sonoma which is small enough to use for delicate work. On the subject of TVs I will refrain since we went with the big wall mounted TV that we watch A LOT! Make that a lot more than we should… but at least we are getting our money’s worth :)

]]> By: Marcy http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/28/zen-and-the-art-of-item-replacement/comment-page-2/#comment-145114 Marcy Mon, 31 Dec 2007 00:33:23 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/28/zen-and-the-art-of-item-replacement/#comment-145114 I agree with Feefifoto...buy CUTCO! I have several friends who are amateur chefs, and they all swear by them. I got $100 last year for my birthday from the same friends and bought a butcher knife and a paring knife on EBAY and saved about 50% off the retail price. I didn't know what a difference it would make, but my gosh, they are so sharp, onions don't even sting your eyes! I never thought chopping vegetables would be enjoyable, but it is now! I agree with Feefifoto…buy CUTCO! I have several friends who are amateur chefs, and they all swear by them. I got $100 last year for my birthday from the same friends and bought a butcher knife and a paring knife on EBAY and saved about 50% off the retail price. I didn’t know what a difference it would make, but my gosh, they are so sharp, onions don’t even sting your eyes! I never thought chopping vegetables would be enjoyable, but it is now!

]]> By: Nancy http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/28/zen-and-the-art-of-item-replacement/comment-page-2/#comment-145070 Nancy Sun, 30 Dec 2007 23:03:55 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/28/zen-and-the-art-of-item-replacement/#comment-145070 Great topic Trent and very well written. I do agree with your philosophy. When I purchased my home near Sacramento, CA 4+ years ago I knew that the heating and A/C weren't going to last too long. I finally had to replace them in April and I talked with 15 contractors to find what I wanted at the price I wanted to pay. Yes, I had the money saved. I also had to replace my Saturn. It had been a money pit for about 18 months and when the transmission went I said enough. I bought a Honda and I had been researching my next vehicle purchase for 3 years. I also had to replace a laptop this year when the screen on my other one stopped working. My washer and dryer are 22 years old as is the majority of my furniture. I would love to get new ones but not until they must be replaced. I have not replaced my television and have no intention of doing so in the near future. My coffee pot stopped working yesterday( it was 6 years old ) and I had to go out and replace it. My philosophy is not to replace until I have to. Great topic Trent and very well written. I do agree with your philosophy. When I purchased my home near Sacramento, CA 4+ years ago I knew that the heating and A/C weren’t going to last too long. I finally had to replace them in April and I talked with 15 contractors to find what I wanted at the price I wanted to pay. Yes, I had the money saved. I also had to replace my Saturn. It had been a money pit for about 18 months and when the transmission went I said enough. I bought a Honda and I had been researching my next vehicle purchase for 3 years. I also had to replace a laptop this year when the screen on my other one stopped working. My washer and dryer are 22 years old as is the majority of my furniture. I would love to get new ones but not until they must be replaced. I have not replaced my television and have no intention of doing so in the near future. My coffee pot stopped working yesterday( it was 6 years old ) and I had to go out and replace it. My philosophy is not to replace until I have to.

]]> By: Judith http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/28/zen-and-the-art-of-item-replacement/comment-page-2/#comment-144964 Judith Sun, 30 Dec 2007 20:11:21 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/28/zen-and-the-art-of-item-replacement/#comment-144964 Personally, I would consider the cloudiness a functional issue that would justify a replacement. At the same time, the set of knives I use might not come close to your standards. My point is one that you've repeated many times, but probably can't be repeated often enough. When it comes to personal finance, we each have to find what works for us. Sometimes it means ignoring peer pressure from friends who like the latest and greatest electronics. Sometimes it means ignoring objections from those same friends who don't appreciate the value of a quality set of knives. By the way, a ten-year-old television is new compared to what is still nicely functioning in our living room. :) We sure did buy quality all those years ago. With the upcoming move to digital signals, I've been tempted to buy a replacement. Your post is a good reminder that it just might not be necessary. Personally, I would consider the cloudiness a functional issue that would justify a replacement. At the same time, the set of knives I use might not come close to your standards.

My point is one that you’ve repeated many times, but probably can’t be repeated often enough. When it comes to personal finance, we each have to find what works for us. Sometimes it means ignoring peer pressure from friends who like the latest and greatest electronics. Sometimes it means ignoring objections from those same friends who don’t appreciate the value of a quality set of knives.

By the way, a ten-year-old television is new compared to what is still nicely functioning in our living room. :) We sure did buy quality all those years ago. With the upcoming move to digital signals, I’ve been tempted to buy a replacement. Your post is a good reminder that it just might not be necessary.

]]> By: Jen http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/28/zen-and-the-art-of-item-replacement/comment-page-2/#comment-144608 Jen Sun, 30 Dec 2007 07:03:56 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/28/zen-and-the-art-of-item-replacement/#comment-144608 Your friend with the boxed VCR has the right idea. My TV/VCR combo had trouble with the DVD inputs (when watching DVDs the color would get supersaturated, then fade to very weak, then back to supersaturation and so forth), so my parents decided to get me a new TV for Christmas last year. I really hadn't cared that much, but I couldn't exactly refuse the gift, so now I have a lovely TV but no VCR. I looked around a little and you can hardly find one under $50.00 anymore, if you can find one at all. Your friend with the boxed VCR has the right idea. My TV/VCR combo had trouble with the DVD inputs (when watching DVDs the color would get supersaturated, then fade to very weak, then back to supersaturation and so forth), so my parents decided to get me a new TV for Christmas last year. I really hadn’t cared that much, but I couldn’t exactly refuse the gift, so now I have a lovely TV but no VCR. I looked around a little and you can hardly find one under $50.00 anymore, if you can find one at all.

]]> By: Sense http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/28/zen-and-the-art-of-item-replacement/comment-page-2/#comment-144570 Sense Sun, 30 Dec 2007 05:12:23 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/28/zen-and-the-art-of-item-replacement/#comment-144570 Things in #3 can easily go on Christmas and birthday lists--things you WANT but don't necessarily NEED. That's what I do--for example, the watch my mom and dad gave me for my high school graduation ('96) is still working, but the front glass had a crack and dent in it made recently. I could have waited longer to replace it, but the style is somewhat outdated and I was growing tired of it. I put 'new watch' on my Christmas list, picked a few ones I liked off of Amazon, and got a beautiful watch from my boyfriend. Now I both have a new watch AND I have a nice momento from the boyfriend. win-win. I did this for my electric toothbrush (again, not necessary, but better for my health) and awesome noise cancelling headphones, as well. I'm so glad to have them AND I'm glad I didn't have to buy them, AND my friends/family are happy to give me something I actually want and make my life easier/better. and OMG at the lady who kept her TV on all the time instead of replacing it. that...kind of defeats the purpose, eh? Try craigslist or a thrift shop for old tv's!. I found great TV-VCR for $20 three years ago and while the VCR broke a while ago, the TV still works fine! I see TV's on craigslist for $50 or less ALL the time. Why buy new? is my motto for virtually everything--nightstands, desk, bedframe, couch, TV, computer--I've bought it all on craigslist or from Goodwill. Things in #3 can easily go on Christmas and birthday lists–things you WANT but don’t necessarily NEED. That’s what I do–for example, the watch my mom and dad gave me for my high school graduation (’96) is still working, but the front glass had a crack and dent in it made recently. I could have waited longer to replace it, but the style is somewhat outdated and I was growing tired of it. I put ‘new watch’ on my Christmas list, picked a few ones I liked off of Amazon, and got a beautiful watch from my boyfriend. Now I both have a new watch AND I have a nice momento from the boyfriend. win-win. I did this for my electric toothbrush (again, not necessary, but better for my health) and awesome noise cancelling headphones, as well. I’m so glad to have them AND I’m glad I didn’t have to buy them, AND my friends/family are happy to give me something I actually want and make my life easier/better.

and OMG at the lady who kept her TV on all the time instead of replacing it. that…kind of defeats the purpose, eh? Try craigslist or a thrift shop for old tv’s!. I found great TV-VCR for $20 three years ago and while the VCR broke a while ago, the TV still works fine! I see TV’s on craigslist for $50 or less ALL the time. Why buy new? is my motto for virtually everything–nightstands, desk, bedframe, couch, TV, computer–I’ve bought it all on craigslist or from Goodwill.

]]> By: KarenFLA http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/28/zen-and-the-art-of-item-replacement/comment-page-2/#comment-144521 KarenFLA Sun, 30 Dec 2007 03:00:08 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/28/zen-and-the-art-of-item-replacement/#comment-144521 We have replaced knives from time to time as they break, can't be sharpened anymore, or just looked nice but were never good. My friend got a set of Cutco knives (still made in the USA) 40 years ago when she got married and never had to sharpen them or replace them. They are guaranteed forever. They will replace them free. They cost as much as the Henckel knives, which means expensive, but they are really cheaper because they last forever. We got them in June and are very pleased with how well they cut. We cook a lot so we really use knives and we save a lot of time on meal preparation with these. I sound like a commercial, but I liked them so much we gave a few of these knives for the two weddings we attended this year and the brides and grooms were thrilled with how well they cut. We have replaced knives from time to time as they break, can’t be sharpened anymore, or just looked nice but were never good. My friend got a set of Cutco knives (still made in the USA) 40 years ago when she got married and never had to sharpen them or replace them. They are guaranteed forever. They will replace them free. They cost as much as the Henckel knives, which means expensive, but they are really cheaper because they last forever. We got them in June and are very pleased with how well they cut. We cook a lot so we really use knives and we save a lot of time on meal preparation with these. I sound like a commercial, but I liked them so much we gave a few of these knives for the two weddings we attended this year and the brides and grooms were thrilled with how well they cut.

]]> By: Macinac http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/28/zen-and-the-art-of-item-replacement/comment-page-2/#comment-144366 Macinac Sat, 29 Dec 2007 23:03:25 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/28/zen-and-the-art-of-item-replacement/#comment-144366 I am very annoyed about the cyclical upgrades. Most of this is computer stuff: antivirus software, tax packages. Yes, I can understand that viruses evolve rapidly, and I can understand that the tax code changes somewhat every year. I doubt that any virus specifically evolves on the anniversary of when you bought the package, though. I think that the new tax software you buy in November is just the old package with window dressing. When you install it, and pay the fee, it downloads many megabytes of updates to really make it a new package. So: still annoyed about that. I switched to H&R Block a couple of years ago because they had something for $9.99. It did everything I needed. I can't seem to find any H&R at that price now. I am very annoyed about the cyclical upgrades. Most of this is computer stuff: antivirus software, tax packages. Yes, I can understand that viruses evolve rapidly, and I can understand that the tax code changes somewhat every year. I doubt that any virus specifically evolves on the anniversary of when you bought the package, though. I think that the new tax software you buy in November is just the old package with window dressing. When you install it, and pay the fee, it downloads many megabytes of updates to really make it a new package. So: still annoyed about that.

I switched to H&R Block a couple of years ago because they had something for $9.99. It did everything I needed. I can’t seem to find any H&R at that price now.

]]> By: Tall Bill http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/28/zen-and-the-art-of-item-replacement/comment-page-1/#comment-144349 Tall Bill Sat, 29 Dec 2007 22:27:39 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/28/zen-and-the-art-of-item-replacement/#comment-144349 A large 32" CRT TV about 10 years old? Perhaps it does not have automatic degaussing. Try that Trent to eliminate blue corners (it's covered in the manual) and a well stocked Radio Shoack or other may have the DeGausser available. Other than energy requirements, as long as it's working ok, set aside some fun technology funds per month (ie: one or two latte's per month brewed at home)The attitude with many of the Latte stands around Seattle is exactly the opposite that of customer service - ie: we OWE them a tip, cost as much as a full somewhat balanced meal at a fast food location, slam it together & sometimes wrong & signage to have your order and funds available before even getting up to the order/ menu location. I've cut way back and now have enough for 1/2 of a new LCD (much less energy cost over Plasma) at this time. Another gripe is that most of the local Latte stands in my area are still charging additional for accepting Visa/Mastercard; a direct violation of their agreement as covered by the Today show on NBC. Watch your reciepts folks & try and be fair. Have a prosperious 2008!!! A large 32″ CRT TV about 10 years old? Perhaps it does not have automatic degaussing. Try that Trent to eliminate blue corners (it’s covered in the manual) and a well stocked Radio Shoack or other may have the DeGausser available. Other than energy requirements, as long as it’s working ok, set aside some fun technology funds per month (ie: one or two latte’s per month brewed at home)The attitude with many of the Latte stands around Seattle is exactly the opposite that of customer service – ie: we OWE them a tip, cost as much as a full somewhat balanced meal at a fast food location, slam it together & sometimes wrong & signage to have your order and funds available before even getting up to the order/ menu location. I’ve cut way back and now have enough for 1/2 of a new LCD (much less energy cost over Plasma) at this time. Another gripe is that most of the local Latte stands in my area are still charging additional for accepting Visa/Mastercard; a direct violation of their agreement as covered by the Today show on NBC. Watch your reciepts folks & try and be fair. Have a prosperious 2008!!!

]]> By: Rob in Madrid http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/28/zen-and-the-art-of-item-replacement/comment-page-1/#comment-144208 Rob in Madrid Sat, 29 Dec 2007 18:33:46 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/28/zen-and-the-art-of-item-replacement/#comment-144208 Holding out on buying a flat screen is getting harder and harder. Every time I go shopping they have a huge display of gorgeous flat screens, as well every hotel the Wife stays at also has a very nice flat screen as standard, coming home to our still very nice and functioning Tube TV is getting harder. But we've set our selves a goal of a new flat scree when were debtfree Holding out on buying a flat screen is getting harder and harder. Every time I go shopping they have a huge display of gorgeous flat screens, as well every hotel the Wife stays at also has a very nice flat screen as standard, coming home to our still very nice and functioning Tube TV is getting harder. But we’ve set our selves a goal of a new flat scree when were debtfree

]]> By: Rob in Madrid http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/28/zen-and-the-art-of-item-replacement/comment-page-1/#comment-144205 Rob in Madrid Sat, 29 Dec 2007 18:30:46 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/28/zen-and-the-art-of-item-replacement/#comment-144205 My kitchen knives cost me 99 cents each at the dollar store years ago and I'm still happy with them:) Perhaps as I learn to cook more I may change my mind but so far I'm happy. (wife prefers the slightly more expensive paring knife we bought) As well I had expensive knives and could never figure out how to sharpen them, hence the reason I went for the never dull 99 cent cheapies. My kitchen knives cost me 99 cents each at the dollar store years ago and I’m still happy with them:) Perhaps as I learn to cook more I may change my mind but so far I’m happy. (wife prefers the slightly more expensive paring knife we bought) As well I had expensive knives and could never figure out how to sharpen them, hence the reason I went for the never dull 99 cent cheapies.

]]> By: Lillith http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/28/zen-and-the-art-of-item-replacement/comment-page-1/#comment-144160 Lillith Sat, 29 Dec 2007 17:32:55 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/28/zen-and-the-art-of-item-replacement/#comment-144160 I agree with your philosophy on replacement and have followed it for a long time... particularly about cars. However I would like to offer a suggestion for another consideration to evaluate. If your old T.V. (or other household appliance) is consuming significantly more electrical power than a new one would, it may well serve you to replace it. Electricity also costs money not to mention that higher power consumption is a negative on environmental issues. It is pretty amazing how much more power efficient newer appliances and technology can be than old... I agree with your philosophy on replacement and have followed it for a long time… particularly about cars.

However I would like to offer a suggestion for another consideration to evaluate.

If your old T.V. (or other household appliance) is consuming significantly more electrical power than a new one would, it may well serve you to replace it. Electricity also costs money not to mention that higher power consumption is a negative on environmental issues.

It is pretty amazing how much more power efficient newer appliances and technology can be than old…

]]> By: constantlearning http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/28/zen-and-the-art-of-item-replacement/comment-page-1/#comment-144141 constantlearning Sat, 29 Dec 2007 17:11:35 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/28/zen-and-the-art-of-item-replacement/#comment-144141 More than anything else, I believe this points to the importance of enjoying what you have and finding satisfaction in something other than the joy of buying! I constantly fight the dissatisfaction that leads to buying more stuff! I need to enjoy what I already have! More than anything else, I believe this points to the importance of enjoying what you have and finding satisfaction in something other than the joy of buying!

I constantly fight the dissatisfaction that leads to buying more stuff! I need to enjoy what I already have!

]]> By: Todd http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/28/zen-and-the-art-of-item-replacement/comment-page-1/#comment-144119 Todd Sat, 29 Dec 2007 16:41:37 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/28/zen-and-the-art-of-item-replacement/#comment-144119 I had an RCA 27 inch television that I bought back in 1991. That television moved all over the country with me several times, it never lost its picture quality, it never gave me any trouble at all. The only issue with it was that it was simple too old to keep up with current technology. In other words our DVD players were getting too advanced, and the TV did not have the correct inputs we needed. So I sold it - $75.00. This was just this past March. I was already anticipating getting rid of the TV and had already saved enough money to get a much better one. I had spent several months looking around for the best offers on the best TVs I could find, and finally I ran into a 50" HD Vizio Plasma TV at our local Sam's. They were upgrading these Vizio editions for newer ones, and offering $1499.00. I had enough cash to buy it, so I jumped on the offer. I have never seen a better offer on a 50 inch HD plasma TV since - they are usually $1000.00 more than what I paid for the Vizio. One of the best purchases I have ever made. I had an RCA 27 inch television that I bought back in 1991. That television moved all over the country with me several times, it never lost its picture quality, it never gave me any trouble at all. The only issue with it was that it was simple too old to keep up with current technology. In other words our DVD players were getting too advanced, and the TV did not have the correct inputs we needed. So I sold it – $75.00. This was just this past March. I was already anticipating getting rid of the TV and had already saved enough money to get a much better one.

I had spent several months looking around for the best offers on the best TVs I could find, and finally I ran into a 50″ HD Vizio Plasma TV at our local Sam’s. They were upgrading these Vizio editions for newer ones, and offering $1499.00. I had enough cash to buy it, so I jumped on the offer. I have never seen a better offer on a 50 inch HD plasma TV since – they are usually $1000.00 more than what I paid for the Vizio. One of the best purchases I have ever made.

]]> By: Sarah http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/28/zen-and-the-art-of-item-replacement/comment-page-1/#comment-144081 Sarah Sat, 29 Dec 2007 15:55:36 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/28/zen-and-the-art-of-item-replacement/#comment-144081 I live by a very similar set of rules. My husband begrugedly goes along with me most of the time. :) He desperately wants a new flat panel monitor for his computer but there is absolutely nothing wrong with the one he has and I see no point in spending money to replace it! Same goes for cars. We both drive older cars. Heck, my husband's is practically an antique (1990 Honda Accord)! Both cars still run perfectly well and they meet our family's current needs so there is no reason to spend the extra money. When we do buy cars again, they will very likely be used. Why buy new just to have the value depreciate the instant you drive it off the lot? On the topic of knives, I completely agree that this is something you and your wife should do together if you will both be using them. I am a trained chef, so my knife needs are probably higher than most. I wouod recommend buying the knives individually and trying them before you buy. You may find that you love one company's Chef's knife and another's utility knife or something along those lines. I also agree with the previous post about German knife companies. Henkle or Wustof are wonderful knives that will last you a lifetime. I unfortunately can't use them because of the grips and a problem I have with my wrists. I bought a set (I know, I know, contradicting what I just said) of Calphalon knives about a year ago and so far they are holding up very well. Do not buy a tri-stone unless you know how to sharpen the knives. You are likely to do more harm than good. Just pay to have them professionally sharpened if there is any doubt in your mind of your skills. I live by a very similar set of rules. My husband begrugedly goes along with me most of the time. :) He desperately wants a new flat panel monitor for his computer but there is absolutely nothing wrong with the one he has and I see no point in spending money to replace it! Same goes for cars. We both drive older cars. Heck, my husband’s is practically an antique (1990 Honda Accord)! Both cars still run perfectly well and they meet our family’s current needs so there is no reason to spend the extra money. When we do buy cars again, they will very likely be used. Why buy new just to have the value depreciate the instant you drive it off the lot?

On the topic of knives, I completely agree that this is something you and your wife should do together if you will both be using them. I am a trained chef, so my knife needs are probably higher than most. I wouod recommend buying the knives individually and trying them before you buy. You may find that you love one company’s Chef’s knife and another’s utility knife or something along those lines. I also agree with the previous post about German knife companies. Henkle or Wustof are wonderful knives that will last you a lifetime. I unfortunately can’t use them because of the grips and a problem I have with my wrists. I bought a set (I know, I know, contradicting what I just said) of Calphalon knives about a year ago and so far they are holding up very well. Do not buy a tri-stone unless you know how to sharpen the knives. You are likely to do more harm than good. Just pay to have them professionally sharpened if there is any doubt in your mind of your skills.

]]> By: Deila http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/28/zen-and-the-art-of-item-replacement/comment-page-1/#comment-144074 Deila Sat, 29 Dec 2007 15:47:48 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/28/zen-and-the-art-of-item-replacement/#comment-144074 Use it up, wear it out. Make it do or do without. A mantra my Grandmere instilled into me... which I am trying to pass on to my DH. We are slowly replacing old/worn out items in our household by listing what needs replacing NOW/needs replacing SOON/needs replacing within 5 YEARS, etc... and replacing said items with very good quality items. By planning out our purchases, AND having the foresight to SAVE for them, we feel we can get the most use out of the things we already have and will get the most bang for our buck when we buy something. Use it up, wear it out.
Make it do or do without.

A mantra my Grandmere instilled into me… which I am trying to pass on to my DH. We are slowly replacing old/worn out items in our household by listing what needs replacing NOW/needs replacing SOON/needs replacing within 5 YEARS, etc… and replacing said items with very good quality items.

By planning out our purchases, AND having the foresight to SAVE for them, we feel we can get the most use out of the things we already have and will get the most bang for our buck when we buy something.

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