I. Want. It. I want it. Iwantit! Iwantit! I want it!

We’ve all had that feeling. There is just something beautiful about newly crafted things. They feel nice. They smell nice. They work. It just gives you a warm, comforting feeling in your soul, doesn’t it?

But… it doesn’t fit in the budget *heartbroken*. “My personal financial guide wouldn’t want me to have it,” you say. No! We want you to have it! We love new cars and new laptops as much as the next person. Add it to your budget for next time though. Budgeting for this one is kind of easy because there aren’t as many variables. If you can’t fit it in your budget though *cringe*, you’ll have to wait to get it.

Things to consider:

• Sticker Price – Obviously, you have to consider how much it actually costs. If you can’t afford to pay for a $20,000 Eclipse, then you shouldn’t buy one, or your car will have to console you when the debt collectors are beating down your door (hopefully not your car door). Whatever you are buying, squirrel away the money until you can either afford to pay for the entire car or at least the down payment. You could always take out an auto loan, but make sure that you can afford the loan payments. Don’t try to ‘figure it out as you go.’
• Long Term Expenses – Some purchases have expenses that extend past their sticker price. Laptops might need software. Cars need everything from oil changes to maintenance. Phones need service plans (unless you are using one of those ancient phones as a doorstop or a weapon). Maybe you need or want insurance (with a four year old or one super stupid roommate running around). Just consider these added expenses when buying.
• Extras – Gotta get some bling! While many purchases don’t require extras, that doesn’t mean you don’t want them. From getting some music and Apps on iTunes to some rims for your… minivan (hey, Scooby Doo had a pretty sweet van. You can too), getting those extras add a whole new meaning to the price tag.

Budgets aren’t about turning you into a pauper. They are about getting what you want in a way that’s not going to kill you later on.

When a budget works, everything just seems to work. In the words of Hannibal Smith, “I love it when a plan comes together.” Cue A-Team music. Dance victoriously.

So, use The bÜdg, and go live life!