Non binding resolution

[fbhjr]

So, despite my grousing, I actually have more money left after paying taxes then I expected. This is because I had put aside money as if I was earning my consulting fees for the whole year instead of just 2 1/2 months. And, I had taxes deducted from my paycheck when I had a real job for the first 3 months of the year and the severance pay they gave me.
I knew that would happen. But, better safe then sorry, right.

Of course, spending money like a drunken sailor, I say “wow! I could buy something cool.”
But, as always, there are more things that I would like to spend money on then I can afford. So, I’m trying to decide what to do. And, figuring I just paid to renew this account so I can do quizzes, that’s what I’d do.

My choices are:
CAD system. I have enough that I could get a decent PC and a copy of Solidworks. This would let me do design work from home and not have to go into other people’s office to do it. I do have a cheaper 3D CAD system, but it isn’t as good and not industry standard.

Couch. Our couch is 20 year old and those first 4 when we shared the apartment with a lot of other people were really hard on it. It has been slowly falling apart for years and it would be nice to have a place to sit in the living room that really is upholstered.

Car. Going to the moon or not, it is still 12 years old with 240,000 miles on it. Its electrical system is possessed by evil. But, annual repair costs are still under the cost of a new car unless I put a bit down payment on a new one.

More swords for Phoenix. My long swords have seen their share of fights over the last 4 years. Those new falchions are nice. We need more sabers, rapiers and backswords.

Save it. Hard to go wrong with that one. I may owe more tax money when the end of year 2009 stuff is done. Who knows what other expenses might come up?

Other? Let me know.

Keep in mind, I’m not going to decide based on this. I’m just looking at concepts.

[Poll #1510394]

Comments

[palusbuteo.livejournal.com]

I think a CAD System would be good as it potentially brings in money and would eventually pay itself.

At the same time, a new-used car would be a safer bet, litterally safer as your car is old and is falling apart. The more it falls apart the more expensive it will be to keep it on the road.

You could get a used couch at a salvation army or something, hopefully for dirt cheap but in better condition than the current couch.

As great it would be to buy new swords for the troupe...Didn't you run into this problem before with fire equipment and swords and (ex)members who felt entitled that they deserved a sword/that you were to buy them one? If you can get a really good deal on "beater" swords for us to practice with, that's good, but at this point members should be looking to equip themselves with performance swords out of their own pocket.

Saving it all together, is of course a worthy option, as one never knows what's coming - but here is where I'd argue for maybe a 'new' car, as again those repair expenses are only going to add up. Monthly payments will suck, but, better than a substantial repair bill and having the car in the shop for more than a day.

I'd save the $$ for a bit longer

[evrgreen.livejournal.com]

The CAD system sounds like a good investment, but if it looks like you may end up with a permanent job offer from the freezer folks in the near future, this may be an un-necessary expense. IF it looks like you'll be consulting for a significant time yet, then it is a good idea - and would be tax-deductible business expense (amortize as capital SW and PC/office equipment as recommended by tax advisor in MA). IF it looks like a permanent job offer comes in, then I'd look to use it towards a car.

I'd also keep an eye out for furniture sales.

Just my $.02...

[chris-warrior.livejournal.com]

wow... i've only been here three seconds and i'm already being opinionated in your space. ;)

the reason i said "car" is that being able to get around is key. i don't mean i'd rush out and get a car right this second, but i'd be saving money so you had enough to buy one the next time the car you have now has an expensive issue. course, i'd also be doing the research on what i wanted and where to get it at the price i could pay, but- ;)

[capt-amos.livejournal.com]

IMHO--
Save it until you finish totalling your 2009 expenses.
Then buy the CAD system or the car. The CAD will earn you money and the car will take you places to earn money.
Lots of good furniture comes up on craigslist around here...people move or get divorced or have estate sales all the time...I vote used couch.

Hope it works out! :-)

P.S. None of these are what I would do as a Drunken Sailor. :-P