Hit the pause button
Thinking about new flooring or hitting the road in an RV?
Instead of rushing into a major purchase, it’s worth taking a moment to hit the pause button. Allowing yourself a few days (or more) can help you determine if it’s truly what you want. It also provides the opportunity to reflect on your motivations for making the purchase.
- Do I have cash to pay for this expense?
- How many hours of work will this cost me? (Hint: Divide the total purchase price by your hourly wage to see how many hours you’ll need to work to pay for it.)
- Is this the best price I can get it for?
- How else could I spend this money?
- Do I have other large expenses coming up?
- How often will I use it?
- How much would this money be worth in 10 years if I saved it? (Hint: Try our free savings calculator to find out!)
When a special purchase falls beyond your usual budget, consider these ways to help you pay for it:
Review your budget
Review your other expenses so you know how much you can afford to set aside or borrow.
Request my Money Makeover >
Save for your goal
If your purchase can wait, it’s always a good idea to save for your goal. (See why naming your goal can help you save more here.)
Start my savings goal >
Credit cards
Using a credit card to pay for it can help you earn rewards. But make sure your rewards outweigh any interest you’ll pay if you can’t pay your balance in full each month.
Choose the best rewards card for you >
Use your equity
If you’re a homeowner, you might be able to borrow against your equity through a home equity line of credit or home equity loan. (Hint: Equity is the part of your home that belongs to you—not your lender.)
Learn More >
No equity? No problem
You can also consider an all-purpose personal loan.
Explore personal loans >
Calculators
Got goals? We’ll help you reach them.
Dupaco believes that when you know better, you do better. As a non-profit financial cooperative, we are committed to offering financial advice, education and tools to help you at every life stage.
