In this site...
Common Cents
"I've learned that you shouldn't have a $1,000 meeting to solve a
$100 problem."
-Anonymous
Computing
Transportation Costs
The standard mileage rate recognized by the U.S. government for business travel
is 40.5 cents per mile. This includes the cost of gas, vehicle depreciation, and
vehicle maintenance. Use it as an approximate measure of how much your
transportation costs are.
Is it Really a Bargain?
by Brenda King
Careful
attention to
pricing is
important,
but choosing
the least
expensive
item is not
always a
bargain.
When
shopping
consider
need,
quality, and
expense
before
making your
selections.
Need
It isn't a bargain if you don't need it, no matter how little it costs. When
you find
yourself
inexplicably
drawn by a
sales sign,
ask yourself
honestly if
you need the
item and if
you will
ever use it.
If you don't
need it, it
will consume
valuable
storage
space in
your home
and will
eventually
require time
and energy
to give
away, sell,
or otherwise dispose
of.
It isn't a bargain if you don't need it, no matter how little it costs. When
you find
yourself
inexplicably
drawn by a
sales sign,
ask yourself
honestly if
you need the
item and if
you will
ever use it.
If you don't
need it, it
will consume
valuable
storage
space in
your home
and will
eventually
require time
and energy
to give
away, sell,
or otherwise dispose
of.
Quality
The definition of a bargain is "getting the most for your money," not "getting something for the least possible price." When comparing two items, try to determine if the less expensive one is significantly inferior in quality. If so, it may be wiser to buy the more expensive one. This is especially relevant when purchasing small kitchen appliances. It's better to purchase a $50 hand-held mixer and have it last for 10 years, than a $10 variety that will need to be replaced every year.
The definition of a bargain is "getting the most for your money," not "getting something for the least possible price." When comparing two items, try to determine if the less expensive one is significantly inferior in quality. If so, it may be wiser to buy the more expensive one. This is especially relevant when purchasing small kitchen appliances. It's better to purchase a $50 hand-held mixer and have it last for 10 years, than a $10 variety that will need to be replaced every year.
Expense
Comparison shopping can be beneficial, but consider the cost and additional time required when driving to multiple locations to check prices or to purchase sale items. It usually is not worth driving across town to save a few dollars. By the time you consider the cost of transportation (gas, vehicle wear, etc.), you may be losing money.
Remember, when it comes to finding a bargain, common sense rules. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
About the Author:
Brenda
King is the director of
PositivelyFeminine.org. She and
her husband Mike live in Ohio
and have one son. In her
spare time she enjoys reading,
writing, hiking, and working on
the computer.
Comparison shopping can be beneficial, but consider the cost and additional time required when driving to multiple locations to check prices or to purchase sale items. It usually is not worth driving across town to save a few dollars. By the time you consider the cost of transportation (gas, vehicle wear, etc.), you may be losing money.
Remember, when it comes to finding a bargain, common sense rules. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
About the Author:
Brenda
King is the director of
PositivelyFeminine.org. She and
her husband Mike live in Ohio
and have one son. In her
spare time she enjoys reading,
writing, hiking, and working on
the computer.Photo of VW Bug hubcap is courtesy of Neil Thorne.