Day Three Challenge - Form a Buying Checklist - COMPLETE

I found this assignment the most challenging so far. I turned to a Larry Burket resource for some help.

Years ago I had the privilege of taking Larry Burkett's financial counseling training class.  During that training we were given a list of prompts to ask ourselves before shopping, especially for larger items.  Despite the fact that I have the questions dutifully written on an index card, and have for years, I really have not been checking them before I make purchases.

I searched through Larry Burkett's Family Financial Workbook
and found the updated list of  "Think Before You Buy" Questions.   I also added my goals to the list and a few of my own prompts.

Here is my finished product:

Life Goals in "Sound Bites" (as suggested by Cox & Evan)
Glorify God
Best Friend with My Husband
Train & Nurture my Children
Promote Adoption & Orphan Care
Maintain Financial Freedom to be Able to Be Obedient to the Lord's Call on My Life

Always Shop From a List - if I see something that I want to buy that is not on my list, put it on a 7-30 day wait list (depending on the item) and see if I still need it after the "wait time."

Evaluate Every Purchase Before Buying:
1- Is it necessary?
        Can I do without it?
2 - Does it enhance God's work through me?
3 - Is it the best buy?
4 - Is it an impulse buy?
5 - Would my spouse agree with the purchase?
6 - Does it add to or detract from the family?
7 - Will it require costly upkeep?
8 - Does it depreciate quickly?
9 - Can I think of a creative alternative to this item?
         Either something I already own that I can re-purpose
             or something I own that I can sell to generate income
             to purchase this at a future date?
10 - How much is enough?

This is my "wallet" list to evaluate purchases.  (The goals are my own.  #1-8 come from Burkett.  #9 and #10 are my own ideas.  I'll post more about #9 in a future post!

Phew...I'm glad this assignment is over. 

Now on to an easier assignment....Create a Serene Bedroom