Want Vs Need

I think before spending any amount of money it's important to first determine if it's a want or a need. This can actually be somewhat difficult. To make the determination doesn't mean you need to justify the purchase, that can always be done.


Here's a recent example:

Of course we all need to wear shoes. I'd like a cute pair of summer sandals. I found these at Zappos. At the time I first found them they were on sale for $188 marked down from $238.

I'd say that's a WANT. No way would I pay $188 for shoes, online. MAYBE instore after I tried them on, but still doubtful. I'm too cheap. Plus I'm missing the shoe collector gene.

Also I normally don't wear shoes with heels this high. Maybe 1/2 as much. But for some reason, I just think these are kinda cute. But I decided not to get them.

But then I was at Target and saw these for $11.49, still a heel a bit higher than I normally wear but actually cuter than the Zappos pair. And a MUCH better price. Mine aren't white they are beige. I can't wear them with sundresses and skirts.

If I hadn't found the cheaper Target pair I would have gone without.

Another example: After all the remodeling projects around the house and outside, my garage was cluttered with leftover materials. I only park my car in the garage during winter months but it was so full that I was afraid that it would take 6 months to clean out and then how to get rid of the junk?

I had my handymen come over, clean out the garage and move stuff in the basement. They brought their little trailer to take the stuff I was getting rid of to dispose of.

They were here about 7 hours. The garage looks the best it ever has! They mounted pegboard I had. Adjusted brackets that held ladders up. Moved shelving units from the basement to the garage. Moved an entertainment center and recliner from the living room to the basement. And hauled away a bunch of junk. My garage looks almost twice as big. Now all I have to do is get the basement back in order.

It cost $200 but that was a need. There is no way I would have been able to do it myself or if I could have it wouldn't have been the same quality and it would have taken much longer.

Another things I do is go through catalogs and rip out the pages with items I want. Then I set them aside for a few days. After a few days I toss them out when I'm recycling and don't give it another thought. This saves me a bunch of money. If it was something I really wanted then I'd remember it but usually I don't miss it and can't remember what anything was.