Here I sit at a local coffee shop writing my semi-monthly blog submission on a screaming-hot, gleaming, brand-new laptop. This thing is a serious piece of technological bling and it should serve me well for a couple of years.

In my fiscally conservative way, this was an easy purchase to make (although the purchase has been in the works for almost a year). I’m not sure if this is a guy thing, but I love toys, electronic or otherwise.

Therefore, I live by a couple of rules that serve to keep me out of financial hot water when it comes to toy acquisition.

Rule number one: research, research and more research. This serves a couple of purposes including a check to slow me down from making rash decision and to make sure I get the toy that best suits my needs for the money on hand.
It also surprises me how many planned purchases drop off the list after being left to age a while. And keep in mind, the research phase is fun.

Rule number two: have the cash on hand. No credit and no debt for toys.
That way one is free to enjoy the toy rather than how to pay for it. Toys are important. But housing, food and raising a child are essential. All purchases must be ranked appropriately.

Rule number three: only when the first two rules are met to the letter can one make the purchase.

That happened yesterday and I’m a happy camper. Next up? Christmas.

Cheers,

Jack