To Buy or Not to Buy

[FreeAtLast]

Last year we got a flat screen 65' with all of the trimmings. The thing that I had not considered was the increased electric bill that I would be receiving. That size generates much heat and then your A/C runs much longer to cool.

Had to move out a big wall unit which is still in pieces in the master bedroom. I really don't know if it was worth it.

They will probably be much cheaper and energy effecient in a few years.

[bongo2]

Each year, without any sort of planning, we find we will buy a couple of $2,000-or-so items that we want, but don't need. This means we're not as frugal as we could be, but it doesn't really make that much of a difference in our total spending (I have a larger family and spend $10k just on groceries, for example).

A couple years ago one of these items was a plasma TV, and I've been very happy. We don't get cable, but the local companies are kind enough to broadcast fabulus-looking (content is another issue) HD shows for free. Especially PBS. Every once in a while I just turn on the PBS channel and check out whatever's on to see the incredible picture. DVD's do look a little better on the HD set, but those blue-rays are starting to look a little tempting. . .

[DallasGuy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zantastic If you're not planning to upgrade to HD, I would save your money. As ProspectiveBum pointed out, Standard Definition will look noticeably worse on your flat panel than on your tube TV. BUT, if you watch much TV and upgrade to HD service, OMG what a difference in viewing experience! I LOVE my 46" LCD with HD! It was expensive, but absolutely worth the $ I spent.

Many people are under the impression that you need to upgrade to HD service to take advantage of viewing high definition programs on a HD TV. There are many high definition programs that are broadcast over the air and they're free....and there will be more and more of these programs as time goes on. I've seen some high def programs on PBS that blew me away on my 42 inch LG LCD.

If you decide to buy a new high def TV, I'd suggest picking out the features you want (plasma vs. LCD, 720P vs 1080P, size, etc.), determine your price point and then watch for sales. I got a great deal doing that...just waiting until the right deal came along.

[aaronc879]

If it's not broken, then there's no reason to replace it. I watch 40+ hours of tv a week and get by just fine on my $300 tv which I will keep until it breaks then replace it with the same thing.

[FinanceDude]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Enuff2Eat who said existing in "Peace and Harmony" is FREE?? Are you guys saying to buy peace, it will cost me $2000-$3000 in this case This is the second time Peace have cost me money. The last time to make "peace" with the neighbor costed me a $4000 fence so we don't have to see them...

Enough discussion.........put your man card away, and make the little misses happy...........it's ok, we all do it............

[Dave J]

Quote:

Originally Posted by aaronc879 If it's not broken, then there's no reason to replace it. I watch 40+ hours of tv a week and get by just fine on my $300 tv which I will keep until it breaks then replace it with the same thing.

That is how I have lived for over 35 years, and now that I have more than enough, I will treat myself to something I don't need every once in a while, as a reward for many,many years of living below my means.

I enjoy my big screen TV!