I was talking with the better half about my buying some stuff for the office – new desk, new computer, maybe a new chair. He asked why the rush. To get the deduction, of course! Per usual, he grounded me with a simple-yet-brilliant notion – if you’re spending in order to save, are you really saving anything?
Okay, so I should’ve figured that one out myself, but let’s just say I’m attracted to new, shiny objects. Do I need a new computer? Not yet. The processor is slow, sure, but I’m typing and surfing the Internet. I’m not creating complex graphics files or storing and editing videos. Word documents are about as thrilling as it gets here. Oh, and the occasional photo. But I want one.
Do I need a new desk? My workspace is adequate, but the entire layout of this study is a mess. I have piles to the right of me on top of a huge file cabinet that can’t be opened unless I push my desk to the left a bit. To the left, the all-in-one and a pile of paper reams on the floor. Not hugely messy, but we can do better. I’d love an l-shaped desk that eliminates that nasty file cabinet. And can we please get some paint on these walls?
Anyway, the desk isn’t really a must-have. The chair? Definitely. Despite the cushion, I can feel the bolts that hold the seat to the frame. Not exactly an incentive to work late. And it makes a gawd-awful cracky-bang noise when I lean back on it. Someday I may find myself on the floor looking up.
How do you determine things you need versus things you want? Do you go through a late-year buying spree in some lame attempt to score a few line-item deductions?
No end of year splurging for me, and I’m pretty much a tight wad about most things. Sometimes, it’s just good for the soul to purchase a “want” instead of a “need.” Same thing goes for treating yourself well…hair, manicure, etc. A few times a year won’t break the bank.
PS A new chair is wayyy cheaper than back surgery, no matter when you buy it. 🙂
I can’t say I feel a compelling urge to go buy stuff as the end of the tax year draws near. I bought myself a new desk and bookshelf when I turned my spare room into my office 2 years ago, but that was pretty much a necessity.
I am still using my old desk chair, which–like yours–does not offer executive level comfort. The hydraulics are shot, so every few days I have to re-adjust the height so I can see over the keyboard (okay, that’s a bit of hyperbole but isn’t that why they pay us the big bucks?). I swap it out occasionally in favor of sitting on my exercise ball. Maybe I’ll just make the switch permanently–better for my back, and no additional money spent!
I don’t do end of year splurges for tax purposes, but I did just splurge on some items for the office. I had been working on a wooden chair from an old dining set. Now I’m sitting in an adjustable leather office chair (nice to have my feet reaching the floor again). My desk is a regular old desk with a few drawers. I don’t print anything, so I don’t have a need for file space yet. It is kind of cluttered though – I have a VOIP phone, speakers, cable modem, pencil cup, mail sorter, and mesh basket full of office items all crammed on to the desktop.
Next up for me is a bookshelf that I can put near the desk to make things easier to get to.
I budget it in to buy a new Mac laptop every 3 years. I absolutely hate downtime with computer problems, and after the 3-year mark, just as the AppleCare warranty expires, it starts to be a problem. I don’t spend much on anything else – an occasional box of pens or legal pads or a box of priter paper once every couple of years. Last week I splurged and replaced a telephone cord for $5 that had become hopelessly tangled, and it was almost as exciting as getting a new computer. But overall, my office expenses are very low.
For writers, I don’t think there are too many necessities once you’ve got a decent computer and a printer/fax. Still, I think you can justify upgrades that make your office more comfortable or efficient (storage solutions, etc.). Ergonomics is definitely something to consider too (though maybe not as fun as shopping for shiny objects).
After my computers, the ergonomic chair is my most expensive piece of furniture in my home office (and, okay, most of the house too!). I had trouble with RSI, so I’m probably more conscious of ergonomics than most, but I think anyone who spends the day at the computer should invest in a really good chair.
I will say, for anyone just starting out, that it’s more important to focus on making some money than jazzing up the office. You get to invest in new toys once you’ve proven you can bring in the dollars. 🙂
I don’t go through a late-year buying spree either. I usually only buy big ticket items (PC, all-in-one, office furniture) when I really need them. I’m pretty frugal when it comes to that stuff.
But stylebooks and dictionaries and pens and small things I get as I need them. They unquestionably make me a better copywriter, so I don’t have to justify the expense.
Now go out and get yourself a nice new chair! Your clients (and your body!) will thank you.
Sounds like my husband. Hate when he gets all reasonable on me. Hate. It.