It looks like we will get approximately $2,000 back in an income tax refund. Sure, the responsible thing is to put that on a credit card, but help me convince my wife we should use that to buy an iMac! Anyone have any convincing-a-spouse advice?
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Help me convince my wife!
- Thread starter tjevans
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there's so many problems with spyware/viruses these days. It's always hits home to windows users that macs dont' have any of those issues.
What is on the credit card that you charged? Is it stuff for the house or more stuff for you? Or Christmas? Can you pay your bills without that $2k? Is that credit card maxed out?tjevans said:
Credit card maxed = pay that card with refund.
Not maxed but has xmas on it = buy yourself the mac because it'll be for her and you.
How many computers do you have? More than one? Pay the credit card and buy a nice weekend for you and your wife.
Does she work? If not, resort to the latter and then buy the computer.
But the biggest thing is if that card is at it's limit you should pay so that your credit score doesn't drop as a result of being "at your limit".
Now...toss all that into the wind if you wish and the reason to buy a mac over your current (I assume windows machine) is just as the 2nd post said. Not to mention, you will find more desk space because the imac is that all in one type thing. Also if you have an apple store nearby bring her to it! That is what I did when my mom said "why would I drop $2k on a computer when you can build me one for $800?" I said, "because I refuse to build you one, you need an iMac" She didn't understand until I took her to Apple.
Do you have kids, pets, a large family?
Tell her that with the new iMac you'll be able to create beautiful slideshows and movies on DVD and iPhoto books, calendars, cards. These items will allow you to preserve your family memories for years/decades to come.
If I had a dollar for everytime I've made my wife cry (tears of joy) with slideshows/movies of our kids....well, I'd be able to buy a new iMac too!
Good luck.
Tell her that with the new iMac you'll be able to create beautiful slideshows and movies on DVD and iPhoto books, calendars, cards. These items will allow you to preserve your family memories for years/decades to come.
If I had a dollar for everytime I've made my wife cry (tears of joy) with slideshows/movies of our kids....well, I'd be able to buy a new iMac too!
Good luck.
Show her what you can do with it; most of which is pretty easy.
Find a good iWeb or Homepage site which has pictures and an iMovie on it and then make sure she knows it's a one step process to get them there.
Take her to an Apple store and let her see some of the photo books and exactly how easy they are to produce. If you can get there for a 'Switch at 6' workshop, they will do the talking for you in terms of what you can do with a Mac.
If she has a camcorder, let her see iMovie and how easy it is to edit.
If she's not that technical, don't over-emphasise the security side since chances are she's not doing that on a PC in any case.
Lastly, she's a woman. Like most of us, something that looks good and does a good job is better than something less good that does a similar one.
Find a good iWeb or Homepage site which has pictures and an iMovie on it and then make sure she knows it's a one step process to get them there.
Take her to an Apple store and let her see some of the photo books and exactly how easy they are to produce. If you can get there for a 'Switch at 6' workshop, they will do the talking for you in terms of what you can do with a Mac.
If she has a camcorder, let her see iMovie and how easy it is to edit.
If she's not that technical, don't over-emphasise the security side since chances are she's not doing that on a PC in any case.
Lastly, she's a woman. Like most of us, something that looks good and does a good job is better than something less good that does a similar one.
I think the single most compelling thing about the iMac is its simplicity of design. When coupled with a wireless KB & mouse, the only cord is the power cord. No separate components. Everything in something the size of an LCD monitor. And it's a very clean and aesthetic design as well. Also, while it's unlikely to make any difference to many, it can be wall-mounted and, with the addition of, say, and ElGato EyeTV, it can become a TV as well (but that removes the single-wire beauty aspect).
So, if your wife will let you get a computer at all, then the iMac is a very good one from a it-won't-look-like-crap point of view.
Also, yes, the whole photo/movie ease-of-use/slideshows deal is compelling as well.
But she won't care at all about the fact that it comes with a remote.
So, if your wife will let you get a computer at all, then the iMac is a very good one from a it-won't-look-like-crap point of view.
Also, yes, the whole photo/movie ease-of-use/slideshows deal is compelling as well.
But she won't care at all about the fact that it comes with a remote.
I'd say if you owe a lot on a credit card, pay the return on that, or just put some back for savings.
Otherwise, if it isn't a burden, the iMac Core Duo is a pretty awesome computer.
Otherwise, if it isn't a burden, the iMac Core Duo is a pretty awesome computer.
Well, a 17" iMac will run you $1299 + ~$60 for the mandatory extra 512MB from a 3rd party + taxes, so let's say just shy of $1500 (unless you get the edu discount or qualify for a discount because of your employer). Put $500-$600 on credit cards.
I think you'd be foolish to go for the 20", because that'd easily eat up the whole $2K, and the 17" is a very nice system for a fair amount less money.
I think you'd be foolish to go for the 20", because that'd easily eat up the whole $2K, and the 17" is a very nice system for a fair amount less money.
I agree that you should put the income tax refund toward your credit card. There's nothing worse than maintaining a high balance on your credit card, since the finance charges will kill you.
Besides, once you've paid down your credit card, there'll be room for more purchases. Like, say, a new iMac.
Besides, once you've paid down your credit card, there'll be room for more purchases. Like, say, a new iMac.
If you really want the iMac, tell your wife you've been sleeping with the bank manager. She'll divorce you. You're $2000 tax break and your salary will be yours to keep. Thus allowing you to buy 2 iMacs.
Hey, it's what I did
Hey, it's what I did
Definitely pay off the loans.
I was an idealist once, never spending more than I could earn and always paying off my bills in time. I always kept a $0 balance, and I thought people were idiots for keeping balances and paying interest at 18%. I, too, had little impulse control, and I had all kinds of gadgets as I saw fit -- PDA's, handheld computer, 3Com Audrey, touch-screen home automation panels, a bunch of cheap Macs, a home theatre projector. Luckily I worked at a job in high-tech that paid well, so I could afford it.
Then I got laid off and went back to school on a grad student payroll. Unfortunately, my appetite for toys didn't let up -- if anything, it got bigger. I bought a new Sony VX2000 camcorder, my 12" Rev B Powerbook, a set of home theatre speakers, new bigger LCD panels.
At the time I had accumulated a fair amount of savings (e.g. $6000), which I could have used to pay off the balance any time. I didn't, because I kept figuring things like, "Well, I'll let that money keep earning interest in the bank, my next paycheck from school ought to be enough to cover my balance" at first, then "Well, it's only another $500 purchase, my next paycheck should cover that, and then some".
What I didn't count on was the cattle-class student payroll system, which kept on forgetting payments or overpaying me and asking for things back. That's when I would (painfully) dip into the savings and pull out a little bit to throw at the credit card balance. "Only for this month, and next month when I get paid, I'll put it back".
Anyway, to make a long story short - that first month that I went into a balance, I could have easily paid it off. Second, maybe third month, too. But I didn't. And by the time I finally came to my senses, it was 2 YEARS later, my savings were gone, but my balance was as high as ever.
I'm now several months into the highest-paying job I've ever had, and I'm STILL paying down that debt. I don't know how I was ever stupid enough to think I could control that on a grad student budget.
I'm super glad for my 12" Powerbook but if I'd known it would have cost me this much in the long run, I would have waited.
I was an idealist once, never spending more than I could earn and always paying off my bills in time. I always kept a $0 balance, and I thought people were idiots for keeping balances and paying interest at 18%. I, too, had little impulse control, and I had all kinds of gadgets as I saw fit -- PDA's, handheld computer, 3Com Audrey, touch-screen home automation panels, a bunch of cheap Macs, a home theatre projector. Luckily I worked at a job in high-tech that paid well, so I could afford it.
Then I got laid off and went back to school on a grad student payroll. Unfortunately, my appetite for toys didn't let up -- if anything, it got bigger. I bought a new Sony VX2000 camcorder, my 12" Rev B Powerbook, a set of home theatre speakers, new bigger LCD panels.
At the time I had accumulated a fair amount of savings (e.g. $6000), which I could have used to pay off the balance any time. I didn't, because I kept figuring things like, "Well, I'll let that money keep earning interest in the bank, my next paycheck from school ought to be enough to cover my balance" at first, then "Well, it's only another $500 purchase, my next paycheck should cover that, and then some".
What I didn't count on was the cattle-class student payroll system, which kept on forgetting payments or overpaying me and asking for things back. That's when I would (painfully) dip into the savings and pull out a little bit to throw at the credit card balance. "Only for this month, and next month when I get paid, I'll put it back".
Anyway, to make a long story short - that first month that I went into a balance, I could have easily paid it off. Second, maybe third month, too. But I didn't. And by the time I finally came to my senses, it was 2 YEARS later, my savings were gone, but my balance was as high as ever.
I'm now several months into the highest-paying job I've ever had, and I'm STILL paying down that debt. I don't know how I was ever stupid enough to think I could control that on a grad student budget.
I'm super glad for my 12" Powerbook but if I'd known it would have cost me this much in the long run, I would have waited.
miloblithe said:
Seriously, if you have credit card debt, it's like letting king kong pork you in the anus. You gotta get those paid off, and then find someone else to control your finances.
i was kinda in the same situation this year.
I was looking at it and hey, I am getting around 3K in tax returns yay!
I think to myself, i can by a new iMac yay!
then i look over and look at the other side of the coin,
i owe a couple grand on my mastercard boo!
So even though my wife agreed that we could buy a new iMac...
I came around and decided to get rid of the evil credit card (haven't used it in 3 years and STILL paying it off) when i get my return....
Pay the card, put any extra in savings... save up.. get a rev b
I was looking at it and hey, I am getting around 3K in tax returns yay!
I think to myself, i can by a new iMac yay!
then i look over and look at the other side of the coin,
i owe a couple grand on my mastercard boo!
So even though my wife agreed that we could buy a new iMac...
I came around and decided to get rid of the evil
credit card (haven't used it in 3 years and STILL paying it off) when i get my return.... Pay the card, put any extra in savings... save up.. get a rev b
tjevans said:
How much happier would you be with a brand new iMac, compared to the computer you have right now? What can it do that your current computer can't? Big question: How much interest does your credit card charge?
Pay back your credit card. Credit cards are about the most expensive way to owe money. Keep your spending under control this month, so that you can put $100 away. Repeat that seven times. You now have about half the price of the iMac, so go and buy one. If you can't manage to save that much money, then you can't afford the computer.
tjevans said:
lol...i'm the SAME EXACT WAY...my girlfriend only lets me go to the apple store once a month now with only cash, no credit cards.....because b4 everytime i went...i walked out with something....DAMMMIT APPLE WHY ARE YOU SUCH AN EXPENSIVE BUT GREAT HOBBY !!!!
I learned impulse control from my parents. I saw what credit card did did to them and have since vowed to not ever use one, beyond real emergencys. My debit mastercard is perfect. I cannot overspend but can use it the same exact way I would a credit card.
So, pay off the debts and cut up the cards. A new mac will be fun but the freedom of being debt free feels a lot better.
So, pay off the debts and cut up the cards. A new mac will be fun but the freedom of being debt free feels a lot better.
My wife got me to buy my first Mac, an iMac G3, because it was available in a color that would match our "Duke" basketball decor in our son's room. Maybe the form factor had something to do with it.
first things first, pay off debt. if its left over from xmas and you can pay it quickly then go for the mac. if the card is maxed out, or close to the limit, and you cant pay it off quickly, then pay the debt first. but assuming all this doesnt matter, and you just want the mac. here is what you do:
step 1) buy mac.
step 2) wait until your wife is gone then set up the mac and give it that broken in effect, stacks of paper around it etc.
step 3) wait until your wife notices (this might involve yelling or other such punishments)
step 4) act like nothing is wrong and the mac has been there a long time "what, you havent noticed it yet?"
step 5) grab beer (or other drink of choice) then wait out the hard stuff.
step 6) once the wife has cooled off, apologize, box of chocolates, flowers or whatever (just in time for valentines day, maybe you could double up, apology gift AND valentines gift!!!)
step 7) this is the fun part. . . have some good make-up s. . . well whatever you might do to make up. then you will have good making up AND a good computer!!!
its always easier to ask forgiveness rather than ask permission. if you ask for premission you might get in trouble for not doing anything: you - "can i buy an iMac?" wife - "are you crazy we could put that money on the credit card . .. blah blah blah . . . sleep on the couch! "
if you ask forgiveness then you get a mac and a bit of making up out of the deal. its a win win situation!!
<edit, addition> btw no, im not married. but this is what i did with my gf of 3 years. i said i was thinking about getting a new PB, then i got an earful of "your old PB is just fine, you should save the money. . .blah blah blah" so i bought it anyway. she was mad for a while but then i surprised her with diamond earrings as an early x-mas gift and well, we made up a few times that evening.
step 1) buy mac.
step 2) wait until your wife is gone then set up the mac and give it that broken in effect, stacks of paper around it etc.
step 3) wait until your wife notices (this might involve yelling or other such punishments)
step 4) act like nothing is wrong and the mac has been there a long time "what, you havent noticed it yet?"
step 5) grab beer (or other drink of choice) then wait out the hard stuff.
step 6) once the wife has cooled off, apologize, box of chocolates, flowers or whatever (just in time for valentines day, maybe you could double up, apology gift AND valentines gift!!!)
step 7) this is the fun part. . . have some good make-up s. . . well whatever you might do to make up. then you will have good making up AND a good computer!!!
its always easier to ask forgiveness rather than ask permission. if you ask for premission you might get in trouble for not doing anything: you - "can i buy an iMac?" wife - "are you crazy we could put that money on the credit card . .. blah blah blah . . . sleep on the couch! "
if you ask forgiveness then you get a mac and a bit of making up out of the deal. its a win win situation!!
<edit, addition> btw no, im not married. but this is what i did with my gf of 3 years. i said i was thinking about getting a new PB, then i got an earful of "your old PB is just fine, you should save the money. . .blah blah blah" so i bought it anyway. she was mad for a while but then i surprised her with diamond earrings as an early x-mas gift and well, we made up a few times that evening.
ontheuptick said:
Couldn't have said it better myself....Thanks for the laugh!
Lets think this through...
1) Buy imac which depreciates in value immediately while CC debt builds interest = not wise
2) Pay off/down CC debt and wait to pay CASH for an iMac = much better off in the long run - run the numbers to see.