YOU DON'T NEED THE NEW IPAD! | Barbara Friedberg Personal ...

How can someone who doesn?t even have the old iPad make such a bold claim? Because I am interested in your net worth and want you to get wealthy!

If money is no object in your life and you are loaded, you can stop reading NOW. Or if your planned splurge is new the new iPad, who am I to judge?

The iPad is Here! Now, when will the next iPad arrive?

For the rest of you, here is why you do not need a new iPad.

They are really expensive and less functional than a much cheaper laptop.

?According to Computerworld, ?the Wi-Fi models run $499, $599 and $699 for the 16GB, 32GB and 64GB tablets, respectively; the 4G device is priced at $629, $729 and $829.?

I was happy to read in the comments section of the Computerworld article other readers echoing my thoughts. Here?s a paraphrase of one of many similar remarks;

?For the spec Hounds that want USB, Full Size HDMI, etc etc. there?s a great product on the market it?s called a??????????Laptop, Pick up 2 along with Your choice of an Android Tablet, you will get all the ports, software and an Open OS. GOOD LUCK?

This commenter at Computerworld had the same take that I did. Maybe there is something to the idea of delaying the push for the newest and most popular gadget.

Be Strong and Don?t Let Advertisers Define You

I know what it?s like being swayed by advertisers. After watching an episode of Shark Tank, the reality show where wealthy business people help struggling entrepreneurs with an infusion of cash in exchange for equity in their company, I started to feel like I wasn?t doing enough. After all, I?m not a billionaire on television bidding for a piece of new companies. I don?t even have a fabulous niche product that could benefit from a financial partnership with Barbara Corcoran or Mark Cuban.

So what!

But that is the power of advertising, television, and the internet. Watch out for the influences that are omnipresent in your world.

Take the time to evaluate who and what is causing you to feel as if you do not have enough.

If you have a computer and a television and a phone, do you need more ways to connect? Okay, I get it, some people travel all the time and their jobs require constant access, and a laptop is too heavy and a phone too limiting. If this is your situation, then I?m not talking to you.

For the rest of you out there, force yourself out of the world of ?comparisons.? There will always be someone with more than you. As soon as you buy the newest iPad, within a few months there will be a newer and better one.

Attitude Adjustment

Here?s my favorite trick for coping with the ?Poor me, I don?t have the coolest of everything?syndrome.? Switch your attention from what you lack to what you have. I suspect that if you spent a few minutes listing all the wonderful technology within your grasp, you?ll realize you have abundance.

Most of you have access to these technologies:

• Computer
• Phone
• Television
• MP3 player
• Camera
• Video camera
• Gaming System
• Incredible software and applications to go along with the gadgets

Actually, I have almost (oops, I lost the MP3 player) all of the above, plus an extra desktop computer. So, am I a hypocrite telling you not to get the new iPad? Most of my technology items would be considered by the experts as ?obsolete.? None of the above are in any way ?new? and the video camera and television must be more than five years old. My theory, if it still works, why replace it?

Action Steps

Get a notebook and label it: ?(your name) Personal Finance? and keep it by the computer. Use it?for all of your personal finance thoughts, activities, and plans.

Make a conscious decision before running after the latest and greatest gadget. Is it worth sacrificing your long term financial goals; college, family, retirement, vacations, home ownership and more? Most folks don?t have enough money to buy everything they want.

Be deliberate in how you allocate your precious financial resources.

1. Make a pros and cons list next time you feel you must have some new item or tech treat.
2. Analyze whether the reward of purchase exceeds the cost.

?What Others are Saying

Do I Need an IPad? at Wealth Informatics

The ?Wow Factor,? Do You Overpay for it? at Money Crashers

Apple IPhone and Google Android; Who?s Winning Market Share at Financial Success for Young Adults

I Didn?t Buy and IPad and I?m Proud of it at Prairie Eco Thrifter

Barb Across the Web

Do you really need the new ipad?

image credit; znet.com

Source: http://barbarafriedbergpersonalfinance.com/dont-need-ipad/

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