Rain 20 -- Out with the Old

A

In our house we also believe, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it....exhibit A, our 198something TV we bought when our other TV made in the 90's quit 10 years ago.  This TV delivered except for the colors were super faded and it was slow responding to commands towards the end. The best part was when I noticed people's bodies were half in scenes that I realized our viewing experience was cutting corners.

Part of procrastinating on the TV was all the complicated facts and numbers I didn't really know where to begin. I did research, observed what others bought and browsed the store. I wasn't completely convinced and then I saw the rate at which new technology is released and I gave up. I'm very good at being indecisive and I fear making a wrong decision. I like to be right and I like to be proud that I know what I'm doing.  I have a love/hate relationship with technology. I hate it because there are too many options, that is not how you help an indecisive person! I feel technology takes up more of my time figuring it out than helping me out. It is exhausting updating, adjusting, trying out new features on everything I don't have time.  I like consistency, I do not like change, or rapid change, changing gradually is better. I am working on this, I am working on not being stubborn and accept things for what they are. Finally settling on a new TV was a great exercise to help me out.

Another part of procrastination was the money issue, I come from "get the best deal" generation and  my parents are the "just pay for what you need". In some ways I did not deem it necessary to spend money on a TV when we had one and there was always something else to pay for. Finally, when I had to shell out about 1200 dollars at once for medical bills, I realized I could buy two really nice TVs with that! I deemed that important (well protecting my credit is important), in theory though I budget what is important, if it is all serious stuff where is the fun in that? I seem to be able to write checks off for bills with out a doubt in my mind, why can't I look at a TV in the same way? I complain about how my money just goes away even though I still have savings, I budget medical not luxury. I'm learning the give and take of how to live below my means, but not only live by necessity because sometimes necessity is enjoying a brilliant bright TV, or a shiny car or even a sunset. Once you value yourself it is interesting what else is valuable.