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Dogs, Babies and Carpet = Disneyland? |
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At the Tosetti household, an un-landscaped backyard and dogs equates a carpet that needs to be steam cleaned every 2-3 months. Add to that a six month old on the verge of crawling and the ratio goes up to a carpet that needs to be steam cleaned every 1 – 2 months.
Normally, this would not be a problem. Unfortunately, after getting my beloved Bissell tuned up a few months ago, it still just isn't working properly. I'm afraid it has cleaned its last carpet.
So here is my dilemma. A brand new steam cleaner isn't something I can justify purchasing right now. However, paying $25 to rent a machine and having to pick it up and drop it off in a 24 hour time period doesn't sound efficient or budget savvy either.
So, my dear friend (and Budget Savvy managing editor) Kevin Gibbons and I chatted about the smartest way to deal with my situation.
I could pick up an average steam cleaner for about $80 or for the price of just over three rentals. However, because of my pet, backyard and baby situation, we both agree that I should invest in a heavier duty machine. That investment could cost me up to $300.
So, my plan is to start setting aside money for the heavy duty machine. This will give me time to research the best machine for my needs and watch for sales. In the meantime, I will suck it up (pun intended) and spend the $25 to rent a machine as needed. The goal is to be in a position within three rentals to purchase my own machine.
Although writing about steam cleaners isn't as interesting as other items I have written about, it is key to the budget savvy philosophy. Save money on the things that aren't as important to you so you can afford to spend money on the things that are. By taking the time to think about what I need and the best way to go about getting it, I hope to save money in the long run. The money I save will go toward Dante's first trip to Disneyland!
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