Comments on: Ways to Save Money #7: Don’t Buy Crap

By: Clever Dude

Clever Dude — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 15:31:42 +0000

Matt, I actually have an article drafted to talk about buying based on quality rather than just price. I did talk about it before so I’m looking at how to put a different spin on it this time around. Thanks for the comments!

By: Matt

Matt — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 13:47:05 +0000

I couldn’t agree more buying junk or crap is pointless and a complete waste of money.

When I first read the title of this post I thought you were going to write about buying quality items rather than junk. Its a slightly different take on the same idea; if you’re going to buy a gadget for example and you’ve established the need for it buy something that you know has quality and will last a long time rather than cheaping out on something that will break. The perfect example of this would be buying a $500 beater used car versus a more expensive just off lease used car. One will be practically new with the features you want and the cheaper version will probably cost you more than a monthly payment just to maintain. There is no need to buy cheap just to save some money.

You can in fact save money buy spending a little more up front.

By: Outlook

Outlook — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 08:57:01 +0000

we should always avoid buy unnecessary things and save money for future.

By: Simone

Simone — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 02:27:31 +0000

So glad I read this today. This morning I made a list of all new makeup that I wanted. I hardly ever wear makeup lol! It’s just I’m so frugal that I had a weak moment. Thanks for helping me out today

By: SavingDiva

SavingDiva — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 19:47:31 +0000

I totally agree with this! I really buy a lot of stupid things…buying crap is the reason that I avoid Target.

By: Steve

Steve — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 18:53:09 +0000

I hardly ever respond to this. I agree in Principle with you. However, what do you need when you get 75? A motorized scooter? You have to strike balance in your life and buy things that you can afford while you are young. I do not want to be 75, have 10 million dollars, have a wheel chair, and let my kids inherit the money just to throw away on their Ipod (or whatever the future holds.)

By: Rob

Rob — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 17:56:03 +0000

I have to disagree slightly with the freecycle/dumpster diving comment. Only because that is a hobby (for lack of a better word) of mine.
In my case I live in a college community and just last week I made close to $400 by selling things that I found dumpster diving. (Some college kids just don’t know what they are throwing away)
It’s kind of embarrassing to be seen walking down the street with armful’s of discarded stereo equipment or cases of empty beer bottles, but when it can make you a reasonable profit,.. why not?
I’ve been doing this for the past year or so and I’ve made some good money. Now I realize that if this habit isn’t kept in check, you could amass a large amount of clutter. But I try to sell things I find within a month of picking it up. And if it doesn’t sell,.. I’ll just donate it and take the tax deduction!

To be fair though, I’m would agree about the basic premise of not buying things you just don’t need. I’m a chronic Craigslist junkie, and right now I’m fighting with myself regarding a potential purchase of a power washer for $120 that I would like to have, but have no use for (at the moment). And that’s the REAL problem,.. I tend to buy things I don’t need because I justify purchases because 1) It’s a steal of a deal, and 2) I may not need it now, but I’LL NEED IT SOMEDAY. I know,.. it’s not healthy, but everyone has their vices, don’t they?

By: Nicole

Nicole — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 15:50:29 +0000

What if you sold all your cds (you have the music on your computer right?), then bought the ipod with the money you got from your cds. That way you would actually be getting rid of more crap.

By: Veteran Military Wife at Life Lessons of a Military Wife

Veteran Military Wife at Life Lessons of a Military Wife — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 15:12:25 +0000

Buying can be such an emotional decision, can’t it? I typically go thru this thought process before I buy something…

http://lifelessonsmilitarywife.blogspot.com/2008/01/do-i-want-it-or-need-it.html