Cheap Spender Tips is a place where you can ask questions about saving your money. We will try to have questions every month.
By the way, when we call this column Cheap Spender Tips, we don't intend to say our readers are cheap. They're smart because they don't want to waste any unnecessary
Spring 2009
Q. I would like to know if you can tell me what is exactly too much to spend for something or if it is really worth it? Sounds like a silly question, but what do you have to say about this subject?
L. Seaver, London UK
A. At first the answer might seem obvious. But think about your your budget and what you want to buy. Is it a necessity or a luxury? How do you define those terms? And do you feel you must have this item? Would not having the item mean that the quality of your life would be compromised? Would spending money on something that costs too much compromise your ability to pay for food, transportation, housing, and unexpected medical costs? This is important in this economy.
Those basic needs must be met first before you can even think of allowing any money for anything that is not in this category. Whether you want to buy a piece of jewelry, a book, gourmet food, or television set make sure you can afford it. On the other hand, even if you can afford it decide if you really need it and if it's really necessary to buy it at this time.
Right now in this economic climate you don't know what tomorrow will bring. Is your job secure, and are you saving money? Think about your family and some unexpected expenses that might happen with them. And the fact that you are asking that question means that you should not spend money on anything that is not related to you and your family's basic needs. Wait awhile until you feel more comfortable with your finances and your money situation is better for you and your family.
Earla, e-mail
A. It's just my opinion, first of all. So just take it as a grain of salt. I can understand why you don't want to quit your health club. Most people can't or won't exercise or spend time at a gym because they are lazy, can't make the time, or have better things to do with their time. Consider yourself smart for wanting to make the decision to work out.
If you don't have your physical health you have nothing--and working out or exercising will help you maintain your health along with good diet. If you are creative, you can think of ways to get your exercise on your own--if you have the discipline. Do you like to run or walk? Can you do it on your own outside or even in your home? Also, you can use heavy books or cans to use as dumbbells for exercising. You can also buy them at a discount store if you prefer the real dumbbells. There are ways to get around it, and I know it is the second best choice as you would prefer to workout in your health club.
Think about your family food situation. Would you really be saving that much money for food for your family if you did cut out the health club membership? If so, then go ahead and stop the membership. Try to continue your own exercise program on your own at home. Keep thinking that your health is important and that exercise will make you feel healthy. Remember when your money situation gets better you can rejoin your health club, and you can consider your decision to quit only a temporary situation.
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