Bargains Are Great, but Don't Let Them Steal Your Money!

It is great to shop for bargains. They are a good way to save money. However, quite often a "bargain" can turn out ot be a waste of valuable money! 

Problem
There are alot of things that you buy and pay a "bargain" price for - it's on sale, it's discontinued, etc. There are things that you sign up for and pay a monthly fee for. These things are advertised as a bargain . How many times have you heard, "Just $29.95 a month!" or "Only $14.95 to start!" That is what grabs your attention, but BEWARE!!!! That is JUST THE BASE PRICE! Watch out for that "Add-on Monster"! He will grab your money before you know what you are spending it on! With all those extra's, add-on's and the cool features... once you look at that total, it isn't a bargain anymore! 

Solution:  ASK YOURSELF QUESTIONS, AND ANSWER THEM!!! 

Example #1

It is fun to add all those extra's to your cell phone. They sound so cool and neat. Now you're with the "in" crowd! Yes, you are but ask yourself this question.... is the "in" crowd going to be paying that bill at the end of the month? No, you are! So now, look at those features you choose and ask yourself, "Do I really NEED that feature and do I really want to spend my money on that instead of saving putting it in my Goal Fund?" If you are serious about saving money and meeting your goal, common sense will make you delete some of those extra features. Do you really need a video feature or a camera feature? Text messaging is an addition monthly charge, can't you just call them? Did you pay for additional options for a ringer? Do you really need it to play a current song instead of the phone just ringing? 

Question: Do you want to spend your money on these features or put the money in your "Goal Fund"? You have to make that decision but remember, when your Goal Fund is not climbing, and you think "I'm not going to have enoung money in time", don't get discouraged. Just remember it was YOUR CHOICE not to add money to it. You spent it elsewhere, like on that cell phone that is sitting in your pocket. Use the Pick and Choose Method.

Example #2