Before you buy, ask yourself this

Somebody asked me if I have an addiction to buying and using electronic gadgets. Their question made me ask myself if I did indeed have a problem with money. To help myself reign in my current spending, I revisited my list of questions to ask before I buy something. I’ve written this list down on a note and wrapped it around my credit card. This way, whenever I pull out my card to pay for something, even if it’s online, I am confronted with this reminder to question whether or not it’s wise to buy that hottest new electronic gadget.

Questions to ask before you buy anything

1.) Will I use it? How often?
2.) How many do I already own?
3.) How long will it last?
4.) Can I do without it?
5.) Can I borrow it from someone else?
6.) Can I get it for cheaper someplace else (like the thrift store, Walmart or Craig’s List)?
7.) Is it made from renewable resources or post consumer recycled materials?
8.) Can it be recycled when I’m done with it? Will I recycle it?
9.) If it breaks, do I know how to fix it? Will I fix it? How much will that cost?
10.) Does it require maintenance? How much does maintenance cost? Will I actually do the maintenance?
11.) Is buying this product in line with my views on global labor, economy and human rights?
12.) If I use a credit card to pay for it, do I have the money to pay the bill in full when it comes next month?
13.) If it involves a recurring monthly payment, how much would that cost? Can I cancel the subscription?

It’s not that this list is supposed to be a spending deterrent. It’s more something to use to remind me to put my purchases in perspective.

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