The distinction between necessities and wants can be very difficult to distinguish in this wonderful world of technology. This distinction is important when attempting to make wise decisions and keep a budget. For example, my current laptop is pretty old and I'm in need of a new one. But my budget is $100 or less. Well, that is surely enough to get a good laptop, but I can't see myself buying another laptop that has a slower speed than my current one. Plus, I would really like Windows 7 to be on the computer. My pickiness or rationale, thus causes my dilemma. A dilemma which requires a large amount of patience. Well, at least patience for me.
Now online shops like ebay are great because the auctions start low. My problem is that other people are willing to spend way more than what is in my budget. Why? I have no idea. So the waiting game begins. Sometimes my patience pays off though. Especially when I'm working with impatient people. They want something sold NOW and are willing to accept my budgeted proposal.
For example, My husband needed a new phone for his job. Great! The problem was that he wanted a touchscreen smart phone that had no scratches/cracks AND have over 16 hours of talking time. Well, if you have done any research, these requirements would cost well over $200. Clearly not in our budget. Not even in my brain! On a side-note: I cannot see how people are willing to spend over $200 for a phone. Call me old fashioned, but that kind of money could go towards paying for food, rent, or even utilities-the true necessities if you ask me. With LOTS of patience and researching on my end, I was able to get an older touchscreen smartphone that didn't have as great of talk time from an inpatient person and replace the battery with one that would. It works like a Galaxy S3 at the cost of a more simpler Gravity 3 type phone. It took like 8 months, but hey, he has a new phone now.
This waiting game can really be difficult. I understand why patience is sometimes referred to as long-suffering. I'm not sure how I got sucked into the mentality of "I need it NOW," because I really don't need it now. I'd like it now. I can manage and make do until then, it's just not as easy. Sometimes this mama needs a reality check and remind herself that waiting isn't so bad. I mean, having patience has its perks in the end. In some ways though, it's great that everyone isn't all that patient! :P
