Comments on: Stop Thinking About True Value and Just Buy What You Need

By: Matt

Matt — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 17:14:18 +0000

The worst part is realizing that you didn’t need the latest and greatest after the fact. I’ve done this more than once and I kick myself in the butt after the purchase has made it home. I’ve started really questioning why I was making a purchase and the larger it was the more I questioned my motives. Good post.

By: Andy @ Retire at 40

Andy @ Retire at 40 — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 09:44:43 +0000

True, there are many ways we decide to spend more once we’ve entered the shop, when in fact all we really want is to keep food at or below a certain temperature. I guess planning and deciding on features before you go shopping is the best way to do it.

By: Win Free Stuff

Win Free Stuff — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 23:51:43 +0000

The best thing that has happened to me is finding those deal forums online, which saves me a lot of money. I purchased a laptop for my wife that is PACKED with features, but hey, technology moves so quick that it would pay for itself after 5-10 years of using it.

-Mike

By: Pev

Pev — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 21:00:21 +0000

Very true, I hate it when I go to buy something and the sales person is trying to advertise the add on stuff. I’m also a sucker and don’t know how to say “NO.” So now I just avoid going to the store all together and just do the homework and order online – which has been working very well.

By: Craig

Craig — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 20:24:26 +0000

The great thing about the internet is that a consumer should never go into a store to purchase a big pricey item again without having done some prior research. They shouldn’t be sold on a product, they should walk in knowing exactly what they want. They can do research, get numbers, recommendations. I did this when buying my TV, any other big purchase should be the same way.

By: Jules @ Lovely Las Vegas

Jules @ Lovely Las Vegas — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 18:53:41 +0000

Excellent points. I think you can also splurge on something if it is something you have wanted for awhile (thought about and researched it) as long as you’ve save up the cash and making that purchase won’t impinge on other financial goals or your ability to pay your bills.

After being out in the working work for several years, I was carrying around my same Target purse that I’d had since forever. I still love that bag, but have been looking for something more classy and work-appropriate with enough space. Las Fall, I spotted a bag at Cole Haan that fit all my dream wants (because of course this purse is moreso of a want than an absolute need). But the price was something I really didn’t want to pay. So I walked away, with my mind on it and thinking that I could really manage that price, but I really didn’t want to spend that much. AFter shopping around and not finding anything that caught my eyes, I find that purse one and a half months later for 50% off! It was still spendy… probably more expensive than the total of all the purses I’ve ever owned previously, but I snatched it up quickly. Hehe. But I had a limit (like was mentioned) and when that was met, I knew I needed to go after it (since that purse was still on my mind and I had the reserves for it and it would be a timely, elegant addition to my wardrobe). So basically I don’t think you always have to buy only to the level of “need”, especially when purchases are well thought out and are something of “value” to you.

But of course, I agree, why buy “extra” when you can do just fine and be happy with a more basic model of something else. Every situation/purchase is different it seems.

By: tom

tom — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:47:33 +0000

You are right Marci, having a list is good, along with a budget figure in mind or actually on hand. I know I have gone into stores with the intention of buying things but walked out with nothing because I thought to myself that I should first make the money or I can spend this money on something else.

By: marci

marci — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:41:21 +0000

I would add one more thing to your list…. what is the top dollar you are willing to pay for that item? Then take that list shopping with you, and DON’T give in to temptation.

And when you find the item that meets all the criteria, be prepared to buy it on the spot. You’ve already thought about it and decided it was a need or it wouldn’t be on the list.

By: tom

tom — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:32:57 +0000

There is a difference between need and want. This is where people can’t even distinguish the difference.

By: Sara Aase

Sara Aase — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:08:52 +0000

This is great analysis, especially the part about seeing the transaction from the seller’s perspective. Takes practice and feels awkward at first, but ultimately clarifies your goals and prevents second-guessing.