Do You Need That Book?
October 17th 2006 06:56
This week, I’ll feature a series on buying books, CDs, and movies. Before I can get into that, there’s a key issue particular to books.
When it comes to buying movies, music CDs, or video games, we understand these purchases to be wants (unless you’re job is reviewing the said items.) However, books are a different matter. There are books you need.
Waiting is a key principle to get a good bargain on some books, but others you’d best not wait on. Some books, you truly need as soon as possible:
1) Annual Books
It’s a great idea to get books that have annual editions as soon as possible, especially those used in your trade, such as, in my case, the World Almanac, or the Writer’s Market. In the case of the latter, every year numerous markets disappear while new markets emerge. If you’re serious about submitting your work, you can’t afford to wait until next year.
2) Financial Books
If you conclude you’re in a financially desperate situation due to your money management skills, saving $15-$17 by waiting to buy the book while continuing practices of mismanagement that will cost hundreds is foolish.
3) Self-Help Books
If you’ve got a serious problem, such as with weight or a marriage that needs resolution, take care of your emotional well-being and get the book.
When dealing with Must-have books, there are still ways you can save money. With annual books especially, I encourage using Overstock, Half.com, and Ebay to find the best deal possible. I’d also recommend checking out a retailer such as WalMart and Target when purchasing a popular book so that you can be sure you’re getting a good deal. Oftentimes, with the cost of shipping, you’ll get the best deal at an offline store.
The second thing you should ask is whether you need to own a book. Most books can be obtained either through your library (if a book is not at your local library, you may be able to obtain it as an interlibrary loan.) .
The third you need to find out is if a program truly works. Are there reviewers who aren’t paid by the company who will attest that this program actually works? many books provide good financial advice, but readers don’t change habits as the books are simply not understandable. So, you need to make sure this is a book that really is worthwhile.
Fourth, are you willing to change?. Clearly, we may recognize that something’s harmful to us (like cigarette smoking, overeating, or how we relate to others,) but we’re unwilling to change. If we’re not at a point where we’re ready to take action on a book’s advice, we’re wasting our money.
Sometimes, you need a book to meet needs and to have a better life. But, when you make that purchase, make it smart one. In the next part of the series, I’ll cover general book purchases.
When it comes to buying movies, music CDs, or video games, we understand these purchases to be wants (unless you’re job is reviewing the said items.) However, books are a different matter. There are books you need.
Waiting is a key principle to get a good bargain on some books, but others you’d best not wait on. Some books, you truly need as soon as possible:
1) Annual Books
It’s a great idea to get books that have annual editions as soon as possible, especially those used in your trade, such as, in my case, the World Almanac, or the Writer’s Market. In the case of the latter, every year numerous markets disappear while new markets emerge. If you’re serious about submitting your work, you can’t afford to wait until next year.
2) Financial Books
If you conclude you’re in a financially desperate situation due to your money management skills, saving $15-$17 by waiting to buy the book while continuing practices of mismanagement that will cost hundreds is foolish.
3) Self-Help Books
If you’ve got a serious problem, such as with weight or a marriage that needs resolution, take care of your emotional well-being and get the book.
When dealing with Must-have books, there are still ways you can save money. With annual books especially, I encourage using Overstock, Half.com, and Ebay to find the best deal possible. I’d also recommend checking out a retailer such as WalMart and Target when purchasing a popular book so that you can be sure you’re getting a good deal. Oftentimes, with the cost of shipping, you’ll get the best deal at an offline store.
The second thing you should ask is whether you need to own a book. Most books can be obtained either through your library (if a book is not at your local library, you may be able to obtain it as an interlibrary loan.) .
The third you need to find out is if a program truly works. Are there reviewers who aren’t paid by the company who will attest that this program actually works? many books provide good financial advice, but readers don’t change habits as the books are simply not understandable. So, you need to make sure this is a book that really is worthwhile.
Fourth, are you willing to change?. Clearly, we may recognize that something’s harmful to us (like cigarette smoking, overeating, or how we relate to others,) but we’re unwilling to change. If we’re not at a point where we’re ready to take action on a book’s advice, we’re wasting our money.
Sometimes, you need a book to meet needs and to have a better life. But, when you make that purchase, make it smart one. In the next part of the series, I’ll cover general book purchases.
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