Image by Andres Rueda via Flickr
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I received an XBox for free. I received $60.00 off of a $200 bistro set for no good reason. I got these great things because I was willing to wait. Everyone hates waiting, and we refer to this as “now” syndrome.
We, as humans, just naturally dislike waiting for things. We hate waiting so much, that credit cards were created. Worse, we hate waiting so much, that payday loans and cash advances were created! Waiting saves you money.
My Free XBox 360 and 30% Off Bistro Set
The easiest example right away is technology. Technology advances so quickly that people are always upgrading. Computers that were selling for thousands of dollars years ago, are sold brand new today for hundreds. The people who rush in to have the fastest machines take the premium hit on the chin for you and I.
I have wanted an XBox 360 for 4 years. Two months ago, one was dropped in my lap for free, it just had an overheating issue. Then, just a week ago, I received another one that is in fine working condition, but it was being replaced by a newer model.
Now, the new one that I just got was a combination of the “waiting benefit” and knowing a kind person, as this newer one could have easily been sold. But, by waiting 4 years, I was able to come by two XBox gaming consoles completely free.
People were spending hundreds of dollars, and still are, as new ones come out! Because of the housing bust, furniture stores have been hurting badly. My wife and I have been looking at one specific bistro set (fancy term for a small table and two chairs) for about 1.5 years.
Recently, the store sent us a $60.00 giftcard (really just a coupon), and with this 30% discount, we purchased our set. It took us one full year of waiting, but we were rewarded for it.
Replacements Items Are Your Opportunity
Replacement is a very common thing in today’s society. When I worked as a computer technician, I would speak with people who were replacing very decent computers, just because their current computer “got slow.“ This is rarely because of hardware issues. What that means is there are plenty of people out there throwing out or giving away perfectly good computers.
The same thing goes with furniture. People often want to replace furniture because it is “old.” Old is more of a relative term. Some people consider things old and replaceable because they’ve been around a long time, and others because something looks outdated. You can cease on these opportunities, and save a lot of money.
The next time you hear the word “replacement” your ears better perk up, because that is opportunity clanging its bell. More often than not, if the person is your friend, then they’ll be more than happy to give you their “old stuff.” And if this makes you embarrassed, then read our article about not caring for what others think and to stop seeking approval.
Take Aways:
- Do you have trouble waiting?
- What advantages can you see to waiting, rather than putting something on the credit card?
- What have you waited for?
- What’s the best deal that you’ve gotten from waiting?
Featured Image: Image: Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
About WealthArtisan
I am so in agreement with this concept! Delayed gratification is one of the keys to wealth. This week end I came across an acquaintaince who said she spent 2 weeks hunting for the lowest priced turkey she could find and eventually spent $.29/pound. Waiting pays financial rewards. This one’s going in my roundup.
Hey Barb,
Thanks for stopping in. I absolutely agree. The amount she saved, especially if the turkey is really big, will add up quickly. Delayed gratification has probably paid me back thousands of dollars, the only sad thing is that it is so hard to accurately calculate. That’s why it is so important to do it as often as possible, so you can get the maximum benefit.
Thanks,
Timothy
I am probably someone who waits too long. (I say that as I listen to the bubble wrap crinkle that is covering the fireplace opening. Can’t bring myself to spend on the doors darn it.)
I hate when I have to rush to make a purchase, I am glad it doesn’t happen very often. I look at my youngest son who never wants to wait to make a purchase and I worry about him. I keep trying to teach him, but I think spending is somehow in his DNA. Good thing he can’t drive!
Hey Kris,
I here you. I think cars can be a gateway drug as well! lol. I used to be a spendthrift, but I’ve since adopted a much less materialistic view of the world. I don’t know when it happened, how it happened, or exactly what happened. I just stopped caring about what people thought.
Thanks,
Timothy
I totally agree with this. I have been waiting for a Xbox360 as well. You managed to score 2 free ones by being patient.
Hey Mark,
It worked out nicely. I’m very happy with the xbox, and I’m even more happy with the decision to wait. Instant gratification can be nice, but you definitely savor things much more when you’ve waited for them.
Thanks,
Timothy
I agree about waiting. If one waits a bit, they can often find what they were looking for at a better price. If one can control that compulsive impulse a bit, one might even decide that they don’t need to buy that item after all.
I ended up buying a book about Android dev online on black friday, so that was my sole spending… though now I am shopping for Xmas gifts. I’m looking for interesting yet useful things, so that the recipients don’t end up stuffing the gifts into the closet, and so it actually helps them out.
BTW, do I see snow on the blog? Nice effect!