Comment by debtsnowball | Hacker News Reader

Comment by debtsnowball | Hacker News Reader

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Consumerism and marketing are powerful things. I know all about the problems debt creates, how it can get out of hand. I've read Dave Ramsey's books and listen to his podcasts. I am very well versed in what it takes to be financially successful.

... But it only takes one moment of weakness to see a new car, fall in love with it, be convinced your life will be better with it and the next thing you know you've committed to 48 payments.

I know that paying an exorbitant amount for a smartphone is not a wise financial move. But here I am anxiously awaiting the release of the Galaxy S7 to see how great it is. I'm sure I'll want one. I'm sure I'll tell myself my life will be better if I can take beautiful photos with the camera and it will be worth the cost in that regard. (My current phone's camera sucks)

... But it only takes one moment of weakness to see a new car, fall in love with it, be convinced your life will be better with it and the next thing you know you've committed to 48 payments.

I'm trying not be rude here, but that is one of the crazier things I've read. I understand splurging on something like a new pair of shoes or sunglasses, but how poor is your willpower and life planning that you just end up buying a brand new car you can't afford on a whim?

A new smart phone isn't so bad if you can afford it (and by that I mean you have the cash on hand for it upfront, and don't need to do a payment plan or something similar). If you're struggling to pay rent though, just get a refurbished 5s or something.

Protip: The note 4 has a wonderful camera and quite often goes on bargain basement sales. If you're OK with used, you can pick them up for a song on Swappa. Personally I wanted a note 4 since it came out, and I waited until after the Note 5 was out to buy it. I love it just as much as if I'd bought it when it was fresh (plus the new phones don't have removable batteries or microSD, and who wants that?)

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