Since starting this site, this is the third purchase I’ve made that was all about me. It’s not about you, or the Sheconomist, or bills, or nothing. This is all about me. If you’ll recall my first two purchases this year were a car and a new computer. This is shaping up to be an expensive year though I’m sure our economy-on-dialysis appreciates it. Though like my car and computer, I was not satisfied with the pricing listed online. My car would have cost $25,000 but I bargained my way down well below that. I could probably get an even better deal at a lower interest rate today, but I’m not a “looking back” kind of guy. My computer would have cost $1,200 from Dell or HP, but thanks to Costco and some patience I got everything I wanted and more for $700.
Demand is so high for the iPhone, there is no negotiating down the price of $199. That is partly due to the fact the price is subsidized. When the phone first went on sale last year, the price was $599, it remains that way today if you buy without a contract. However it was the monthly plan that really disturbed me. Not only must I pay $40 a month for voice (already did that), but you are required to pay $30 a month for the data plan. This version of the phone came out in July, but it took me 3 months to confirm I could get it for less. As much as I wanted it, I refused to pay $70 a month for a cell phone. I found a little known corporate discount with my company that go me in with a savings of $16 a month. I now pay $54 a month for my cellphone. How did I know it was little known? 3 other people on my floor have the iPhone and pay full price. They’re all working on getting the discount.
There was another benefit to this back door. One of the major criticisms of the new iPhone vs the old iPhone is the lack of online activation. Previously the iPhone owner could activate the phone via iTunes, the Apple music service. Now you can order the phone online, but you still must take it down to the store and have an associate activate the device. Very annoying for impatient people (like the people that would buy an iPhone). This is not the case for me, because AT&T and Apple understand how important it is for The Weakonomist to not have his busy schedule disturbed. Actually it’s probably because I’m a corporate user. I can’t test my theory without the help of others, so I’m asking readers if they are interested in getting an iPhone to try the corporate route and see if they can do it online too. The process was painless, activate an account in iTunes and call a toll free number. Reboot the phone and I was ready to go.
But what does an iPhone have to do with Weakonomics? I’m reading a book right now that has really opened my perspective on life. There are certain things in life worth more than money, these aren’t luxuries, it’s a matter of trade off. It is worth $15 a month (the additional amount I’m now paying) to have the time saving device in my pocket. There are certain tasks I do every day, for work (not job work), play and the website. I’m going to continue to do those things because I enjoy them, and being able to do it one the run or wherever I want is worth $15 a month to me. Time has become a precious commodity for me lately, and I wanted something that would free up time. This does that.
Now an iPhone might not be worth it to you, but what do you pay extra for to free up time? Do you have a text messaging plan because it’s more convenient to text than call? That saves you time. Do you go to the local grocery store instead of Wal-Mart for food? It’s usually quicker, but you spend more. These are just a couple of things people spend extra money for in the name of convenience. I do go to Wal-Mart, and I don’t have text messaging. If this sounds like a justification, it is. There is nothing wrong with that.
In these times of tightening belts though, it may be a good idea to look around at your life and see what conveniences you pay for that may not be worth it anymore. I can’t make suggestions because everyone has their own idea of what is and is not worth “it.” Make it a goal to cut out one thing that may not be worth the cost anymore, and see how good it feels.
If you’re interested in the iPhone you now doubt know why I’m such a big fan. So you won’t have to deal with me going all technology on you. If you want to know more about what I’m using it for just ask in the comments. Else, here is a link to the iPhone feature page on Apple’s website.
Just to see if I could do it, I wrote this entire post on the iPhone. No I won’t ever do it again, my hands hurt.
 By The Weakonomist |
The Weakonomist is the founder of Weakonomics. Clicking the picture of the puppy will tell you more about him. If you like what you're reading consider subscribing to the blog, following him on Twitter, and checking out the related posts below. Please consider a donation if you really enjoy Weakonomics. Also keep in mind that nothing I say can be construed as financial advice. |
Be First To Comment!