Well, here I sit in a hotel in Cheyenne, Wyoming having flown in yesterday morning from Seattle.
Being away for work while the wife is still home costs a bit more, as I'm eating alone (rather than a meal for two, which is cheaper per person), and I'm living out of a hotel. However, I don't eat at restaurants, and adjust my diet to suit the hotel's amenities.
However, I did make a major purchase this month (two actually). Kristi and I have been disattisfied with our computers for way too long. Kristi's 15" HP beast of a laptop was new in 2007. My 11.6" Asus EEEPC was new in 2007 as well.
I'm self employed an have to have access to a computer when on site. My wife is studying to become a certified personal trainer, and will start her internship to become a Registered Dietician in July.
I HATE wasting time, almost as much as I hate wasting money. I've been trying to rationalize this purchase for over a year. So, rather than suffering through our shitty computers, I found rationalization in the following.
#1) Wifey's capacity to study and learn is hindered by her shitty computer. Spend money on learning? I can do that willingly.
#2) Wifey's future career will require a computer. Her current laptop is not satisfactory. Spend money to make money? Yes.
#3) My job is heading towards an office job that will require satisfactory performance from my computer. When I'm not in the office, I'm on the road and take my office with me. Current computer was shit. Spending money to make money? Yes.
So, we left the Apple store on Sunday with two brand new computers. At $1500 each, we didn't buy the bottom of the line comps, but rather the middle of the line. However, I bought them over the phone and got the Student discount on each of them, saving $166/each. So I saved money that would have otherwise been spent. Seeing that I've had two laptops in 10 years, I'll likely have this one for 5.
I applied for and was accepted for Apple's 0% financing option for 18 months, as well. So they will be paid for in full at that time, thus saving me the opportunity cost of that money over time.
I'm happy. And will be adding $166.66 onto the monthly budget this month. ($3000/18 months free financing).