Comments on: Impulse Spending: The Present and the Past http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/07/19/impulse-spending-the-present-and-the-past/ Common sense advice on money saving tips, how to get out of debt, high interest savings accounts, cd rates, money market accounts, mortgage rates, money management and more. Thu, 20 Jun 2013 00:46:07 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Stephanie http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/07/19/impulse-spending-the-present-and-the-past/comment-page-2/#comment-188100 Stephanie Fri, 24 Jul 2009 01:41:48 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5139#comment-188100 I agree with Kevin, I have taken some marketing courses and they actually teach you how to use color schemes and layouts to your advantage. For example, women usually look to the left first when walking into the store, and the men usually look to the right, which is why in most clothing stores womens clothes are on the left and mens on the right. It seems silly but it does work. So ya, I understand what Kevin means on his reply. I agree with Kevin, I have taken some marketing courses and they actually teach you how to use color schemes and layouts to your advantage. For example, women usually look to the left first when walking into the store, and the men usually look to the right, which is why in most clothing stores womens clothes are on the left and mens on the right. It seems silly but it does work. So ya, I understand what Kevin means on his reply.

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]]> By: Kevin@OutOfYourRut http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/07/19/impulse-spending-the-present-and-the-past/comment-page-2/#comment-188010 Kevin@OutOfYourRut Thu, 23 Jul 2009 17:48:05 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5139#comment-188010 Mike (48)--Good point about retail stores. The mistake most of us make in stores and to an even greater degree in malls, is thinking we're in control, this experience is for our benefit. Wrong, totally wrong. Everything in stores and malls is set up to get us to part with our money. The color selections, layouts, soft music, incense, convenience, free samples, polite staff who call us by name (once they know it) and even the shopping bags are set up to get us to spend money we otherwise wouldn't. As soon as you walk in, your defenses are down. No retailer, no mall would spend the money on all of those appointments if it didn't increase revenue. Avoidance is the best defense. Mike (48)–Good point about retail stores. The mistake most of us make in stores and to an even greater degree in malls, is thinking we’re in control, this experience is for our benefit. Wrong, totally wrong.

Everything in stores and malls is set up to get us to part with our money. The color selections, layouts, soft music, incense, convenience, free samples, polite staff who call us by name (once they know it) and even the shopping bags are set up to get us to spend money we otherwise wouldn’t. As soon as you walk in, your defenses are down.

No retailer, no mall would spend the money on all of those appointments if it didn’t increase revenue.

Avoidance is the best defense.

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]]> By: Moral in Question http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/07/19/impulse-spending-the-present-and-the-past/comment-page-2/#comment-188005 Moral in Question Thu, 23 Jul 2009 17:13:06 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5139#comment-188005 Re:52 Not to derail this conversation, but it isn't stealing it is copy right infringement which is against the law but is a completely different crime then theft. And there is nothing wrong with being cheap, ever dollar i save, i can spend on my family, my self, and my friends, in that order. Like I said, everyone achieves frugality in their own way. -Subjective Reality Re:52 Not to derail this conversation, but it isn’t stealing it is copy right infringement which is against the law but is a completely different crime then theft. And there is nothing wrong with being cheap, ever dollar i save, i can spend on my family, my self, and my friends, in that order. Like I said, everyone achieves frugality in their own way.

-Subjective Reality

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]]> By: Meinaart http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/07/19/impulse-spending-the-present-and-the-past/comment-page-2/#comment-187987 Meinaart Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:37:45 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5139#comment-187987 Good to hear JD. Be proud of yourself! I used to spent a lot of money on DVD's. But when I got married my wife talked some sense into me ;). So I stopped buying DVD's on impulse. Lately I noticed I started impulse buying againg but this time it was computer games. I almost spend more time buying games/reading reviews then actually playing them. My problem is that the prospect of playing a good video game gives me a (very short) happy feeling. That makes me buy the games/dvd's/books/gadgets. In reality I don't have time to play all those games/read all those books/watch all those movies. I still have like 20 DVD's I didn't have the time to watch yet. And the unopened computer games starts piling up also. Buying (this kind of) stuff gives me a good feeling for about a few minutes. Spending time on things I enjoy gives me longer lasting feeling of hapiness. So playing games gives me more happiness than buying games :). I wanted to get some understanding of our finances because we are looking at buying another house. I was shocked how much money I was spending on stuff I didn't actually use/needed. From this moment on I am going to try to be more aware on where my money is going. I also created a monthly budget for fun stuff (going out, games and holiday). I really like travelling so it's a extra stimulus if I can save on buying games and put that money on the travel savings account. Funny detail; my original holiday plan was to travel to eastern USA but now I am going to Italy because it's a lot cheaper for me (I live in the Netherlands). So it looks like my travel saving goal is the opposite of JD's ;). Good to hear JD. Be proud of yourself!

I used to spent a lot of money on DVD’s. But when I got married my wife talked some sense into me ;) . So I stopped buying DVD’s on impulse.

Lately I noticed I started impulse buying againg but this time it was computer games. I almost spend more time buying games/reading reviews then actually playing them.

My problem is that the prospect of playing a good video game gives me a (very short) happy feeling. That makes me buy the games/dvd’s/books/gadgets.

In reality I don’t have time to play all those games/read all those books/watch all those movies. I still have like 20 DVD’s I didn’t have the time to watch yet. And the unopened computer games starts piling up also.

Buying (this kind of) stuff gives me a good feeling for about a few minutes. Spending time on things I enjoy gives me longer lasting feeling of hapiness. So playing games gives me more happiness than buying games :) .

I wanted to get some understanding of our finances because we are looking at buying another house. I was shocked how much money I was spending on stuff I didn’t actually use/needed. From this moment on I am going to try to be more aware on where my money is going. I also created a monthly budget for fun stuff (going out, games and holiday).

I really like travelling so it’s a extra stimulus if I can save on buying games and put that money on the travel savings account.

Funny detail; my original holiday plan was to travel to eastern USA but now I am going to Italy because it’s a lot cheaper for me (I live in the Netherlands). So it looks like my travel saving goal is the opposite of JD’s ;) .

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]]> By: seawallrunner http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/07/19/impulse-spending-the-present-and-the-past/comment-page-2/#comment-187813 seawallrunner Wed, 22 Jul 2009 03:02:26 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5139#comment-187813 #45 says "Now, I know to most [ torrents are ] morally wrong, but i found that is a great way to save." So is shoplifting. You are not cheap, you're a thief. #45 says “Now, I know to most [ torrents are ] morally wrong, but i found that is a great way to save.”

So is shoplifting.

You are not cheap, you’re a thief.

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]]> By: T http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/07/19/impulse-spending-the-present-and-the-past/comment-page-2/#comment-187812 T Wed, 22 Jul 2009 02:56:27 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5139#comment-187812 "You’re not frugal. You’re just cheap." Hear hear. “You’re not frugal. You’re just cheap.”

Hear hear.

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]]> By: Dar http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/07/19/impulse-spending-the-present-and-the-past/comment-page-1/#comment-187742 Dar Tue, 21 Jul 2009 17:22:59 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5139#comment-187742 RE: #45 -- I really get disgusted by people who think that they're entitled to other people's work for free. I don't care if it's music, games, movies, or software--people worked to produce it, and they deserve to be compensated for their work by the people who use their product. You're not frugal. You're just cheap. RE: #45 — I really get disgusted by people who think that they’re entitled to other people’s work for free. I don’t care if it’s music, games, movies, or software–people worked to produce it, and they deserve to be compensated for their work by the people who use their product.

You’re not frugal. You’re just cheap.

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]]> By: mbrogz3000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/07/19/impulse-spending-the-present-and-the-past/comment-page-1/#comment-187703 mbrogz3000 Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:31:04 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5139#comment-187703 Video games aren't the same as they used to be. Its all about the game company making as much money as they can. The norm now is to develop a killer game (aka GoW), and give you a little taste of the experience with the first go around. This is done by making the main game campaign only 5-6 hours. The game ends with an open ended ending which doesn't quite provide closure to the story in the game, and you end up wanting more. And you get more in the sequel, which is usually nothing more than a refined version of the same game with all new maps and environments. I can see the big picture, and its one of the reasons I don't game nearly as much as I used to. The sports games are the worst. I can't believe how many people mindlessly go out and drop the $60 every year for Madden or for Tiger Woods. Video games aren’t the same as they used to be. Its all about the game company making as much money as they can. The norm now is to develop a killer game (aka GoW), and give you a little taste of the experience with the first go around. This is done by making the main game campaign only 5-6 hours. The game ends with an open ended ending which doesn’t quite provide closure to the story in the game, and you end up wanting more. And you get more in the sequel, which is usually nothing more than a refined version of the same game with all new maps and environments. I can see the big picture, and its one of the reasons I don’t game nearly as much as I used to.

The sports games are the worst. I can’t believe how many people mindlessly go out and drop the $60 every year for Madden or for Tiger Woods.

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]]> By: mike http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/07/19/impulse-spending-the-present-and-the-past/comment-page-1/#comment-187695 mike Tue, 21 Jul 2009 04:36:55 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5139#comment-187695 The trick is to not get trapped at retail stores. Everyone looks forward to big purchases. It’s why hordes of iNerds hang outside of the Apple store at the launch of the iPhone (I can’t hate - I was one of them). And it’s a big deal. You’ve been looking forward to this day for a very long time. This is where a little planning goes a long way. Walking into the store, buying your expensive item, and then buying whatever accessories that you need/want completely screws you big time. It’s one of the biggest retail traps. Do a little planning beforehand, and you can save yourself a bunch of money. Get cables and accessories online on ebay or other sites. Know exactly what you need to get at the store and you wont give into your impulses. The trick is to not get trapped at retail stores. Everyone looks forward to big purchases. It’s why hordes of iNerds hang outside of the Apple store at the launch of the iPhone (I can’t hate – I was one of them). And it’s a big deal. You’ve been looking forward to this day for a very long time. This is where a little planning goes a long way. Walking into the store, buying your expensive item, and then buying whatever accessories that you need/want completely screws you big time. It’s one of the biggest retail traps.

Do a little planning beforehand, and you can save yourself a bunch of money. Get cables and accessories online on ebay or other sites. Know exactly what you need to get at the store and you wont give into your impulses.

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]]> By: Kevin@OutOfYourRut http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/07/19/impulse-spending-the-present-and-the-past/comment-page-1/#comment-187661 Kevin@OutOfYourRut Mon, 20 Jul 2009 18:24:56 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5139#comment-187661 The impulse thing is tough to manage. There's some sort of (cheap) sense of power or independence or something that comes with it, and that's what makes it hard to beat. Boredom adds an element of motivation. JD--good job being "there" already. For those of us who aren't, it's probably a good idea to invest some time finding a hobby or two that don't cost any money, but can fill the free time in our lives. Excercise comes to mind, as long as you don't join a gym or buy a bunch of excercise equipment to get you in the mood. The impulse thing is tough to manage. There’s some sort of (cheap) sense of power or independence or something that comes with it, and that’s what makes it hard to beat. Boredom adds an element of motivation.

JD–good job being “there” already. For those of us who aren’t, it’s probably a good idea to invest some time finding a hobby or two that don’t cost any money, but can fill the free time in our lives. Excercise comes to mind, as long as you don’t join a gym or buy a bunch of excercise equipment to get you in the mood.

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]]> By: Jenny http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/07/19/impulse-spending-the-present-and-the-past/comment-page-1/#comment-187651 Jenny Mon, 20 Jul 2009 17:43:40 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5139#comment-187651 I know exactly how you feel! I ran in to the mall with a friend to pick up on item and I left with only that one item while my friend left with over $100 in impulse purchases. I was so proud of myself. I saw several things I would have liked but did not make those purchases because they weren't in my budget just now. I know exactly how you feel! I ran in to the mall with a friend to pick up on item and I left with only that one item while my friend left with over $100 in impulse purchases. I was so proud of myself. I saw several things I would have liked but did not make those purchases because they weren’t in my budget just now.

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]]> By: Moral in Question http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/07/19/impulse-spending-the-present-and-the-past/comment-page-1/#comment-187636 Moral in Question Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:36:42 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5139#comment-187636 One way I save money is when I am at best buy or another game store, is knowing that if i just wait and go home I can get it for free. By downloading it off a torrent. Now, I know to most that's morally wrong, but i found that is a great way to save. Everyone gets rich slowly in their own ways, some ditch out on charity others just infringe on copyrights.. -Subjective Reality. One way I save money is when I am at best buy or another game store, is knowing that if i just wait and go home I can get it for free. By downloading it off a torrent. Now, I know to most that’s morally wrong, but i found that is a great way to save. Everyone gets rich slowly in their own ways, some ditch out on charity others just infringe on copyrights..

-Subjective Reality.

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]]> By: Chetan http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/07/19/impulse-spending-the-present-and-the-past/comment-page-1/#comment-187620 Chetan Mon, 20 Jul 2009 14:35:20 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5139#comment-187620 Great post and it applies completely to me as well. In fact, you could have substituted my name in for yours in the post and it would be been right on the mark. I'm currently struggling with GPS-itis. This disease affects people who don't have a GPS and want to buy one - even if they don't really need it (myself being the prime example) since they travel out of town thrice a year. I've been affected by this disease for the past 6 months but so far the medication (aka will-power) has won out and I think I'm almost out of it now. Great post and it applies completely to me as well. In fact, you could have substituted my name in for yours in the post and it would be been right on the mark.

I’m currently struggling with GPS-itis. This disease affects people who don’t have a GPS and want to buy one – even if they don’t really need it (myself being the prime example) since they travel out of town thrice a year.

I’ve been affected by this disease for the past 6 months but so far the medication (aka will-power) has won out and I think I’m almost out of it now.

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]]> By: DDFD at DivorcedDadFrugalDad http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/07/19/impulse-spending-the-present-and-the-past/comment-page-1/#comment-187609 DDFD at DivorcedDadFrugalDad Mon, 20 Jul 2009 13:34:30 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5139#comment-187609 JD good job at getting in and getting out-- no need to linger in a place that once provided irresistable temptation. JD good job at getting in and getting out– no need to linger in a place that once provided irresistable temptation.

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]]> By: Trevor http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/07/19/impulse-spending-the-present-and-the-past/comment-page-1/#comment-187594 Trevor Mon, 20 Jul 2009 09:02:13 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5139#comment-187594 I think it is good that you change and evolve with your spending. I think when you first start to make money you want to spend because you havn't had this much money before then as you make extra money you realise that you already have a lot of impulse buys and may be saving to buy the expensive items is more important to you know. I can't really remember the last time I bought something and sometimes that makes me sad because I would expect to see more money in my account! But it is nice to know that when you do want to buy something that you can afford it. I think it is good that you change and evolve with your spending. I think when you first start to make money you want to spend because you havn’t had this much money before then as you make extra money you realise that you already have a lot of impulse buys and may be saving to buy the expensive items is more important to you know. I can’t really remember the last time I bought something and sometimes that makes me sad because I would expect to see more money in my account! But it is nice to know that when you do want to buy something that you can afford it.

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]]> By: Lily http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/07/19/impulse-spending-the-present-and-the-past/comment-page-1/#comment-187592 Lily Mon, 20 Jul 2009 08:07:57 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5139#comment-187592 @Jay “People just need something that works for them, not every one needs a laptop (the Mac) that’s been washed in Unicorn tears”. Hahaha! But Mac computers in general are "what work for people". Mac users appreciate their computers for their simplicity, reliability, user-friendliness, despite their being viewed as snobs who look for "unicorn tears" or whatever. And not everybody want every new model. I've had my first Mac laptop for 5 years, I plan on using my 2 yr old one for many years to come. @Jay
“People just need something that works for them, not every one needs a laptop (the Mac) that’s been washed in Unicorn tears”.

Hahaha! But Mac computers in general are “what work for people”. Mac users appreciate their computers for their simplicity, reliability, user-friendliness, despite their being viewed as snobs who look for “unicorn tears” or whatever. And not everybody want every new model. I’ve had my first Mac laptop for 5 years, I plan on using my 2 yr old one for many years to come.

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]]> By: Stephanie http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/07/19/impulse-spending-the-present-and-the-past/comment-page-1/#comment-187590 Stephanie Mon, 20 Jul 2009 06:35:00 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5139#comment-187590 Thanks so much for this post. I am getting out of debt and, while the sacrifices sometimes hurt, I am relieved that I don't have to think about money as much any more. I, too, have experienced this - I had to drop my son off at a music class, and kill an hour in a shopping centre before picking him up and driving him home. Previously I would have hit the stores and picked him up laden with bags (probably blowing anywhere from $50 to $200). Now I generally go have a coffee and *maybe* buy a magazine and have a $3 cup of coffee (I buy the magazine with cause - for renovation ideas - our savings means that we can now buy a new house and I get the kitchen of my dreams). Similarly, I decided a few weeks ago to get some retail therapy and just blow some money on a toy for myself, but in the end couldn't bring myself to buy anything. I do feel nostalgic about it, but at the same time, the relief of the burden of debt is just so worth it, that I just can't feel that way for too long. I've been reading your blog for over a year, and just wanted to say that while I'm not where you are, I am well on the way - thank you! Thanks so much for this post. I am getting out of debt and, while the sacrifices sometimes hurt, I am relieved that I don’t have to think about money as much any more. I, too, have experienced this – I had to drop my son off at a music class, and kill an hour in a shopping centre before picking him up and driving him home. Previously I would have hit the stores and picked him up laden with bags (probably blowing anywhere from $50 to $200). Now I generally go have a coffee and *maybe* buy a magazine and have a $3 cup of coffee (I buy the magazine with cause – for renovation ideas – our savings means that we can now buy a new house and I get the kitchen of my dreams).

Similarly, I decided a few weeks ago to get some retail therapy and just blow some money on a toy for myself, but in the end couldn’t bring myself to buy anything.

I do feel nostalgic about it, but at the same time, the relief of the burden of debt is just so worth it, that I just can’t feel that way for too long.

I’ve been reading your blog for over a year, and just wanted to say that while I’m not where you are, I am well on the way – thank you!

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]]> By: Sara http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/07/19/impulse-spending-the-present-and-the-past/comment-page-1/#comment-187579 Sara Mon, 20 Jul 2009 02:42:03 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5139#comment-187579 Conversely, once you have adjusted your spending/saving behavior so that you are financially responsible, the rare (relatively inexpensive) impulse spend is so much more pleasurable :) Conversely, once you have adjusted your spending/saving behavior so that you are financially responsible, the rare (relatively inexpensive) impulse spend is so much more pleasurable :)

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]]> By: Kevin http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/07/19/impulse-spending-the-present-and-the-past/comment-page-1/#comment-187578 Kevin Mon, 20 Jul 2009 02:17:15 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5139#comment-187578 There is a way you can still scratch that gamers itch. Why not just reclaim some of those unplayed games from the box of stuff you left behind? That way you can finally get some value from the dollars spent years ago, without the need to feel guilty on a new purchase and find you need a PC hardware update as well. There is a way you can still scratch that gamers itch. Why not just reclaim some of those unplayed games from the box of stuff you left behind? That way you can finally get some value from the dollars spent years ago, without the need to feel guilty on a new purchase and find you need a PC hardware update as well.

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]]> By: Terry http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/07/19/impulse-spending-the-present-and-the-past/comment-page-1/#comment-187575 Terry Mon, 20 Jul 2009 01:07:05 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5139#comment-187575 How many times have I innocently walked into a store and found a million reasons why it’s okay to purchase something? This is the last time I will buy this. My credit card balance is low; it’s okay. I love it and it’s on sale! I’m not doing this for me, I’m doing it for them. Hey, I have some extra cash! We all have these emotions and thoughts coursing through our heads at some time. Real millionaires with solid finances realize that spending money on stuff doesn’t buy lasting happiness. In the short term, it’s pleasurable but financially disastrous. So the next time I have the spending bug, I take a moment to simply appreciate everything I do have. How many times have I innocently walked into a store and found a million reasons why it’s okay to purchase something? This is the last time I will buy this. My credit card balance is low; it’s okay. I love it and it’s on sale! I’m not doing this for me, I’m doing it for them. Hey, I have some extra cash! We all have these emotions and thoughts coursing through our heads at some time. Real millionaires with solid finances realize that spending money on stuff doesn’t buy lasting happiness. In the short term, it’s pleasurable but financially disastrous. So the next time I have the spending bug, I take a moment to simply appreciate everything I do have.

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]]> By: Maya http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/07/19/impulse-spending-the-present-and-the-past/comment-page-1/#comment-187574 Maya Mon, 20 Jul 2009 00:50:40 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5139#comment-187574 Amen to that! What I have found that works for me is if I go into one of my favorite stores, I walk in there with the exact CASH for what I need to purchase. I leave the credit/debit card at home or in the car. That way I know that I cant really but any more stuff. It has worked wonders for me because sometimes I used to walk into Trader Joes (one of my favorite grocery stores) to get milk and I end up spending $50-60 because they have something that if I come in next time they probably wont have it!! (I know) Or go to Macy's and that day I see some really great stuff "on sale". So am still working on that - not buying stuff that 'makes you happy' for the moment. (Impulse buying) Amen to that! What I have found that works for me is if I go into one of my favorite stores, I walk in there with the exact CASH for what I need to purchase. I leave the credit/debit card at home or in the car. That way I know that I cant really but any more stuff. It has worked wonders for me because sometimes I used to walk into Trader Joes (one of my favorite grocery stores) to get milk and I end up spending $50-60 because they have something that if I come in next time they probably wont have it!! (I know) Or go to Macy’s and that day I see some really great stuff “on sale”. So am still working on that – not buying stuff that ‘makes you happy’ for the moment. (Impulse buying)

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]]> By: jtimberman http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/07/19/impulse-spending-the-present-and-the-past/comment-page-1/#comment-187573 jtimberman Mon, 20 Jul 2009 00:43:59 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5139#comment-187573 "If you eat enough lobster, it tastes like soap" "I go into the Mall and can buy anything in there, but I just don't want any of it" Both quotes from Dave Ramsey, after getting out of debt and having money to buy things, he found he just didn't want things. Its an aspect of financial maturity. I'm glad I've reached the same position, I have less crap filling up my life and my house. “If you eat enough lobster, it tastes like soap”

“I go into the Mall and can buy anything in there, but I just don’t want any of it”

Both quotes from Dave Ramsey, after getting out of debt and having money to buy things, he found he just didn’t want things. Its an aspect of financial maturity. I’m glad I’ve reached the same position, I have less crap filling up my life and my house.

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]]> By: Jay http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/07/19/impulse-spending-the-present-and-the-past/comment-page-1/#comment-187570 Jay Sun, 19 Jul 2009 23:15:38 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5139#comment-187570 What has always killed me, and my weak link is electronics as well, is that as soon as you buy something a newer better version has come out. In the past 10 years I have purchased 5 laptops, and on top of that used another 5 from my work. That's access to 1 laptop per year, and I still couldn't keep up with the technology curve. Now after chasing the newest, fastest, shiniest thing on the block I am learning to be happy with what I have. The last purchase was a 300 dollar laptop that Wal-Mart was running a special on last Easter. It isn't blazing fast, and it has limited capabilities, but it does what I need it to do, and for that I am grateful. In closing I will quote one of the technology blogs, and their take on the newest Mac Book Pro. And please I know there are a lot of Mac lovers on this site, they just aren't for me. "People just need something that works for them, not every one needs a laptop (the Mac) that's been washed in Unicorn tears". What has always killed me, and my weak link is electronics as well, is that as soon as you buy something a newer better version has come out. In the past 10 years I have purchased 5 laptops, and on top of that used another 5 from my work. That’s access to 1 laptop per year, and I still couldn’t keep up with the technology curve.

Now after chasing the newest, fastest, shiniest thing on the block I am learning to be happy with what I have. The last purchase was a 300 dollar laptop that Wal-Mart was running a special on last Easter. It isn’t blazing fast, and it has limited capabilities, but it does what I need it to do, and for that I am grateful.

In closing I will quote one of the technology blogs, and their take on the newest Mac Book Pro. And please I know there are a lot of Mac lovers on this site, they just aren’t for me.

“People just need something that works for them, not every one needs a laptop (the Mac) that’s been washed in Unicorn tears”.

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]]> By: Kevin http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/07/19/impulse-spending-the-present-and-the-past/comment-page-1/#comment-187568 Kevin Sun, 19 Jul 2009 22:34:36 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5139#comment-187568 JD, I've been reading your blog for over a year and this story is the first time I think you've truly rounded the corner. You should be proud of yourself for curbing the impulsiveness that can at times be your achilles heel (financially speaking). JD,

I’ve been reading your blog for over a year and this story is the first time I think you’ve truly rounded the corner. You should be proud of yourself for curbing the impulsiveness that can at times be your achilles heel (financially speaking).

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]]> By: Austin http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/07/19/impulse-spending-the-present-and-the-past/comment-page-1/#comment-187567 Austin Sun, 19 Jul 2009 22:33:22 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5139#comment-187567 Haha! Fry's Electronics...I can remember a couple years back when I would go to make many purchases at that store because of all the promotions and discounts. However, the annoying part would be that by the time I got to the store (even sometimes on the day the promotions were announced) the item would be out of stock. After multiple trips like this, I realized how foolish I was being because more often than I didn't need the promotion items. I had allowed myself to be lured by "The Deal", which goes something like, "Oh I can get this on sale, I am not sure if I need it NOW, but I MIGHT need it someday..." It is funny how after many years, the only purchases that seem to have any real lasting significance were the ones that either met an immediate need or were the result of extensive planning and thought. JD, when you mentioned "nostalgia", it reminded me of this clip from the show Mad Men: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2bLNkCqpuY Haha!

Fry’s Electronics…I can remember a couple years back when I would go to make many purchases at that store because of all the promotions and discounts. However, the annoying part would be that by the time I got to the store (even sometimes on the day the promotions were announced) the item would be out of stock. After multiple trips like this, I realized how foolish I was being because more often than I didn’t need the promotion items.

I had allowed myself to be lured by “The Deal”, which goes something like, “Oh I can get this on sale, I am not sure if I need it NOW, but I MIGHT need it someday…”

It is funny how after many years, the only purchases that seem to have any real lasting significance were the ones that either met an immediate need or were the result of extensive planning and thought.

JD, when you mentioned “nostalgia”, it reminded me of this clip from the show Mad Men:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2bLNkCqpuY

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]]> By: Chiot's Run http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/07/19/impulse-spending-the-present-and-the-past/comment-page-1/#comment-187566 Chiot's Run Sun, 19 Jul 2009 22:16:13 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5139#comment-187566 I would buy Diabo II, or wait for Diable III. It's a favorite Mr Chiots and I play together. We're also big fans of Caesar III, we've been playing that for years! Sometimes there no use buying a new game if you can keep playing the old ones and having fun! We've only bought a few games in our years of playing and we take a break for a year or two and then get back into them. I would buy Diabo II, or wait for Diable III. It’s a favorite Mr Chiots and I play together. We’re also big fans of Caesar III, we’ve been playing that for years! Sometimes there no use buying a new game if you can keep playing the old ones and having fun! We’ve only bought a few games in our years of playing and we take a break for a year or two and then get back into them.

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]]> By: Manshu http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/07/19/impulse-spending-the-present-and-the-past/comment-page-1/#comment-187565 Manshu Sun, 19 Jul 2009 22:04:11 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5139#comment-187565 I like the way you distinguish between the price you pay and what something is worth. That distinction alone can take years to dawn upon. I like the way you distinguish between the price you pay and what something is worth. That distinction alone can take years to dawn upon.

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]]> By: a.b. http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/07/19/impulse-spending-the-present-and-the-past/comment-page-1/#comment-187564 a.b. Sun, 19 Jul 2009 21:39:27 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5139#comment-187564 JD, I truly loved this post. It did leave me with a couple questions. Did it take you 10 years to get out of debt? Were there more impulse hiccups on the way or fewer than you expected? I'm currently navigating through what I estimate will be six years to debt freedom, and I'm worried about the endurance needed and how I will overcome the inevitable setbacks. Thank you to all! JD,
I truly loved this post. It did leave me with a couple questions. Did it take you 10 years to get out of debt? Were there more impulse hiccups on the way or fewer than you expected? I’m currently navigating through what I estimate will be six years to debt freedom, and I’m worried about the endurance needed and how I will overcome the inevitable setbacks.

Thank you to all!

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]]> By: Cormac http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/07/19/impulse-spending-the-present-and-the-past/comment-page-1/#comment-187563 Cormac Sun, 19 Jul 2009 21:26:36 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5139#comment-187563 Hmm, well on the game front, send me an email J.D. if you are interested in getting into the closed (for a little bit longer) beta for Champions Online. It's an MMO, but since we're in closed beta we're currently only open for players two days a week. :) Granted we're turning the servers on 24/7 soon so I guess there is some risk if you find a superhero MMO overly compelling. Hmm, well on the game front, send me an email J.D. if you are interested in getting into the closed (for a little bit longer) beta for Champions Online. It’s an MMO, but since we’re in closed beta we’re currently only open for players two days a week. :) Granted we’re turning the servers on 24/7 soon so I guess there is some risk if you find a superhero MMO overly compelling.

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]]> By: Gina http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/07/19/impulse-spending-the-present-and-the-past/comment-page-1/#comment-187560 Gina Sun, 19 Jul 2009 20:37:46 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=5139#comment-187560 I struggle daily, I just purged so much STUFF from my house and have a lot more to go before I feel great about my house. Then this morning I opened up the newspaper and rushed out to buy STUFF that I may use in my classroom, but I certainly didn't need. It's a hard cycle to break, that's why I'm still reading about other people's journeys. I struggle daily, I just purged so much STUFF from my house and have a lot more to go before I feel great about my house.

Then this morning I opened up the newspaper and rushed out to buy STUFF that I may use in my classroom, but I certainly didn’t need.

It’s a hard cycle to break, that’s why I’m still reading about other people’s journeys.

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