Comments on: Why Only Thinking About Affordability Makes You Poor

By: Maureen

Maureen — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 17:40:58 +0000

I agree, I`m trying to put that way of thinking in my kids mind, over and over… I always have a rough way when it comes to Christmas … My kids ask :’oh, but the neighbors have the brand new ( Wii, PSP, whatever the videogame is), why can`t we have one?’ or ‘Mom, you CAN AFFORD an Ipad, why don`t you buy one?`’ And the answer is ALWAYS the same: ‘Kids, there are needs and wants… what do you REALLY need? and what do you JUST want?’ then we all together make priorities and surprise! (well, not for me haha) the videogames and Ipads, brand new generation Ipods and all that stuff go to the last of the list.

By: TH

TH — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 18:17:00 +0000

I do what a previous poster seems to do as well, I multiply monthly fees by 12 to find the annual cost. My friend’s $19.99 Blockbuster subscription, which is $240 a year. I wouldn’t feel comfortable paying that amount upfront, so I’m not going to throw away that much monthly either.

Sometimes I catch myself doing it on the little things too. I was thinking about mailing a bill in rather than paying online, and I multiplied the stamp cost by 12 to discover it would cost $4.50 over a year. Haha, okay, I can afford that, but I’m glad that I’m focused on cost-savings to the point that it’s funny, rather than carelessly paying $20 a month on useless junk. That’s no laughing matter.

By: Lindsay from clothingloop.com

Lindsay from clothingloop.com — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 20:28:37 +0000

If only so many people could have taken this advice to heart before so many poor decisions were made about how much house one can “afford”! We have a rule in our house that in addition to discussing any purchase over $100, we have to sleep on it. Amazing what a night of sleep can do to your perspective on what you really need.

By: CS

CS — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 19:01:33 +0000

Jewelsmom,
In my area there is a basic $10/month gym, large with pretty good equipment and with a Curves-style workout room. Exercise is good for you and you could save money without giving it up.

By: Samantha

Samantha — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 09:06:43 +0000

I like what you wrote, I have the same problem and trying to rid the need to spend instead of save. I am learning how to put things into action and not just saying it. It is hard but I have to break the cycle of trying to impress or make people feel that I have it, because I do not. My children future is more important than the quick fix.

By: The Prudent Scholar

The Prudent Scholar — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:29:39 +0000

When my husband and I first got married he had all these little monthly payments for luxuries. Every time he mentioned one, I’d tell him, disapprovingly, I’ll admit, “That costs X amount a year.” He said, “You take the joy out of everything.” But, now we talk about whether or not these things add value to our lives. We’re trying to maximize joy instead of minimizing it. Some things you can live without so you can get something that makes you happy.

By: likepepsi

likepepsi — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 14:39:31 +0000

The twin brother of “Can I Afford It?” mentality is “I can’t afford NOT to buy it.” I read some online deal sites and it’s very common to see someone post a good deal for some retailer, and dozens of people jump in to say they bought one and how happy they are to get it cheap.

You can’t save money by spending money you didn’t need to spend, no matter how good the deal is. If someone is offering a gizmo for 50% off, and I wasn’t in the market for the thing in the first place, why would I suddenly want it just because it’s cheaper? Some of these people are “saving” themselves right into ruin.

By: Jewelsmom

Jewelsmom — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 00:47:07 +0000

Wow. These are some expensive Gyms. I belong to curves, it cost me $36.49/mo and I am kicking myself each month that it is debited directly out of my account. I used it for 6 months and then gave it up… too boring and the staff stood around talking to customers endlessly. I like to work out alone, in my own zone, it’s not social hour for me. Next month is my last payment on my membership. I am looking forward to freeing up this money to put away into savings. Won’t every join a gym again.

By: Elsa

Elsa — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 07:15:55 +0000

I know exactly what you all mean. A year ago I joined the fanciest and most expensive gym here in New York. The movie stars use that gym. It is a very nice and expensive place. My membership expires next week. Do I need to rejoin? I don’t think so. After discovering this website yesterday, I decided to pay $1,000 towards my credit card and make an effort to pay it off as soon as possible. I will look for inexpensive gyms next time around. I really do not need to join such as expensive gym.

By: marci

marci — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 21:25:15 +0000

And about the lure of advertising….. Disconnect the TV and the magazine subscriptions…. sooooo little advertising will get into your life
Luv it.