5 Things I shouldn’t have bought in 2009

With New Year’s celebrations out of the way, it is now time to start looking at the year ahead. So what better way to do so, then by looking back at what 2009 meant for me and learning from some of my mistakes!

Below are the five things I purchased in 2009 that are probably not that wise for my savings account or my future saving goals.

This doesn’t mean that I regret buying them, but more so that I think I may possibly come to find myself in a position where by I ponder – what was I thinking?

1. Nintendo Wii

I believe it has been on the market now for 5 years and we finally caved and bought one this Christmas. I have to say, it is loads of fun – but I am not the console gaming type of person so quickly feel bored. Good for social occasions though I am sure!

My advice is to look for some after Christmas Nintento Wii specials, I have already seen the exact setup we bought only 4 days after Christmas with nearly $100 knocked off the price.

2. Personal Training

Towards the end of 2009 I started going to Vision Personal Training two times a week. It was great and highly motivating; my trainer was an awesome bloke and really pushed me to the limits. My only minor regret however is that the cost for this personal training was very expensive, money that I could have saved for my overseas trip this year.

I am a big believer in putting health and fitness at the forefront of my priorities, but I have to draw the line somewhere with how much money can be allocated to this – so my advice to anyone thinking about getting a personal trainer? Join a large, convenient gym – organise to have 5 personal training sessions and then begin your routine they setup for you on your own to save the money.

3. Canon Digital Camera

Last year I was in Malaysia on business, sifting through markets and enjoying the humidity when I went through a phase of really wanting a digital SLR camera, you know the really big, clunky and expensive ones? Yep, I bought one. My aspirations told me that I could use it to take really great photos for Savings Guide – similar to the numerous photos you see in this post…

My advice to someone looking for a digital camera? Digital Camera Warehouse or something similar sells cameras at below retail prices, just Google them and they will appear!

4. A new Subaru

I really did need a new car, mainly because I wanted to release the equity in my old car before it was rendered useless – my rolling investment if you will (excuse the pun).

Looking back on this, I most likely could have done with just a small Toyota or something a bit more efficient, but instead I went down the boy’s toys path and bought a car with a bit of show. Hmm!

5. Books, Books, Books

I think I have an addiction to buying books, I just cant resist buying 4-5 at a time – they look so perfect and have so many great stories and ideas within them. A few minutes ago I decided to count how many books I bought for 2009, as shown on my bookshelf over my desk.

The total number? I have bought 46 books this year. Now imagine that the average cost per book is $20 or so, that was nearly $1000 spent on books alone. Reading is great, don’t get me wrong – but perhaps I should join a library this year?

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