Do I really want this?
If it were $25, yes, absolutely, in a second, but it’s twenty-five HUNDRED dollars. Just a couple of extra zeros…
I’m talking about a painting that I saw this weekend at an arts festival. The painting was a closeup of a hummingbird, and it really spoke to me. I think it really captured the essence of the bird, and since I love watching hummingbirds it was like having one hovering in front of me to watch. I got the the artist’s card, and will keep it for a few months before deciding. I figure I’ll either have forgotten the painting by then (in which case it’ll be obvious that I didn’t really want it) or will have found a way to buy it if it’s still available. I guess it helps that I can’t really think of anywhere to put it, and a painting like that doesn’t belong tucked away in a closet.
In addition to asking if I really want something, I usually ask if it’s worth it to me to do the work necessary to get & keep it. And like my husband pointed out recently, if you aren’t sure, it’s likely that the answer is no. It’s just that sometimes the only reason I’m not sure is because of the other things I want to do with the money instead. In those cases it becomes a matter of priorities.
March 4th, 2007 at 6:57 am
Although it is hard to justify spending $2,500 on a painting, is it something that you would regret NOT buying on down the road? And could you negotiate the price? I saw a piece at an art show approx. 6 years ago…it was $1,300, and because of the price, I didn’t buy it. I have regretted that decision ever since!
March 4th, 2007 at 8:58 am
I agree with the other comment. I have found about 4 pieces that just spoke directly to me, and I learned just to buy them. I look at these pieces every single day, and they still bring me joy. They make my home happy, make me feel good and the cost isn’t even an afterthought…good luck, let us know what you do.
March 4th, 2007 at 9:37 am
Hm, I’ve spent more than that on a painting before, and don’t regret it for a second, but when I did that there wasn’t anything else that I needed the money for, which is the problem.
March 7th, 2007 at 1:11 am
I think the question is can you afford to pay cash and still have enough for 6 months worth of emergency savings?
If the answer is no, then you should definitely not be buying it.