Making a decision

[Maniacalgeek]

As you guys know, in the life of a geek one has to go through lot purchase procedure and somtimes we make wise decision and sometimes the opposite. So my question to you guys is whenever you buy anything, do you listen to your heart or make logical or rational decision.If you ask me , I once made a decision using my heart and purchased a mobile and regretted later.And now even if I want go by my heart I can't.And as you know decisions using wit are not that interesting..So whats your take?

 

[blr_p]

It's only money. You can always earn more.

Get your requirements right. Then build your budget to meet it. Not the other way around which is so common and gives you a sub-optimal experience.

listening to your heart means you NEED it now! wrong, you don't. if you have 50% of the budget, double your time so you have enough. This will give you plenty of time to research things and decide better whether what you want is really necessary or not.

 

[srkmish]

speaking for myself, i have stopped wasting money on gadgets. i used to buy something on impulse and got bored within 1-2 months. so i have stopped this whole drama. doesnt mean i dont enjoy technology though. still using 5 year old desktop currently. can it play 1080p videos/ surf internet/ play last gen games. you bet!. have no itch to "upgrade" anymore

 

[Being.smart]

just set 15-20%% limit of your earning on gadgets, this way you can save loads of money and still be happy B-)

same procedure i do follow

 

[Maniacalgeek]

Thanks for taking part in this conversation.
@Being.smart Buddy I haven"t asked that how much money you allot for your technological needs.I just wanted to know when you buy something,you use your brain or heart.Thanks

 

[blr_p]

I just wanted to know when you buy something,you use your brain or heart.

What do you think now ?

making decisions with heart is something you hear in song lyrics or movies. it sounds good and is high risk. if you can live with that then no need to change.

it always cracks me up when people say they go with their instincts. This to me is a recipe for judging books by the cover or making snap judgements. You would think these people always get it right but they don't and refuse to admit it.

 

[srkmish]

As long as we associate our happiness with buying the latest and greatest , we can never escape the trap of spending hard earned money on useless stuff like gadgets

 

[pratzgh1]

I too am bad at decision making, when i am utterly excited about getting something. Recently i bought a note 2 out of sheer excitement, used it for not more than a month as it was too big for my liking. Sold it off at a minimal loss and got the S4. Now i am satisfied atleast for now.

So, yes i dont think much about "should i buy it or not?"

Coz frankly speaking the gadgets we all have can suffice and survive easily for the next 10 years with the way we use it. (Eg.: I use all my phones in cases and screen guards - so years later they are immaculate like they were when bought )

It's the urge to explore and grow that takes over when moving to an upgrade or heck just an exchange. Don't ever let this curiosity end - this is how you will grow in life. At the same time, dont get obsessed with it either. Yes plan your finances, but when it comes to pampering yourself and family, just go for it.

I have one funda - I always go for things that i can afford. Anything beyond that is what i aim at.

 

[InTheCircle]

What my heart asks me to buy , my wallet cannot afford.

 

[random2]

I have a rule that I follow. If I come across something and immediately want to buy something, I have to postpone the purchase for a day. I can buy it after that. Those 24hours will give me ample time to think if I really need it.
If someone says that this offer is just for today, I tell them 'No, thank you'.

The above is for those sudden spurts in mind. For rest of the things, I plan it for atleast days or weeks. Research on what I need and how much I have to spend for. The budget always varies according to my needs but not the bling factor. So far - VFM Phone + Reliable desktop for work + Good featured DSLR,lens + lots of busting on my other hobby. But primary factor being meeting the savings targets.

 

[Maniacalgeek]

I too am bad at decision making, when i am utterly excited about getting something. Recently i bought a note 2 out of sheer excitement, used it for not more than a month as it was too big for my liking. Sold it off at a minimal loss and got the S4. Now i am satisfied atleast for now.

So, yes i dont think much about "should i buy it or not?"

Coz frankly speaking the gadgets we all have can suffice and survive easily for the next 10 years with the way we use it. (Eg.: I use all my phones in cases and screen guards - so years later they are immaculate like they were when bought )

It's the urge to explore and grow that takes over when moving to an upgrade or heck just an exchange. Don't ever let this curiosity end - this is how you will grow in life. At the same time, dont get obsessed with it either. Yes plan your finances, but when it comes to pampering yourself and family, just go for it.

I have one funda - I always go for things that i can afford. Anything beyond that is what i aim at.

That sounds great for a person who is self-dependent not for a guy like me who is dependent on parents.

 

[blr_p]

I too am bad at decision making, when i am utterly excited about getting something. Recently i bought a note 2 out of sheer excitement, used it for not more than a month as it was too big for my liking. Sold it off at a minimal loss and got the S4. Now i am satisfied atleast for now.

So, yes i dont think much about "should i buy it or not?"

This is the sort of thing i spend lots of time breaking my head on. I get it right but it takes time & sweat to get there.

Your way is easier & faster. minimal loss and you found what you wanted.

 

[pratzgh1]

That sounds great for a person who is self-dependent not for a guy like me who is dependent on parents.

Even when dependent on parents, i would justify the urge and present it as a need to parents. If they understand its a need and not a want, they never would say no.