I'm Louise Fletcher. As President of 
I'm Chandlee Bryan. As a career coach and resume writer with experience from Manhattan to Main Street, I help job seekers connect with opportunity by sharing news, trends and best practices. I'm the Managing Editor of Career Hub and run 
Before you make a purchase in today's tough times, regardless of what it is -- a new interview outfit, a leather portfolio, a hair trim, professional career services, a business book, or new shoes -- consider the following questions. By contemplating even one of these questions, perhaps you will reduce an expense here, cut a cost there, and keep a few more bucks in your own pocket during a job search. The next time you're ready to fork over your hard-earned money, ask yourself:
1. Is this purchase a need or a want, an extra or an essential?
2. Is this purchase a good value for the money?
3. Have I shopped for the best quality product or service for the best price?
4. Have I negotiated price, where possible?
5. Can I really afford this product or service at this time?
6. Is this purchase too extravagant for me and is there a reasonable substitute that better meets my budget?
7. Will the value of this purchase appreciate or depreciate?
8. Do I have the money to pay for this item, or will this purchase stress me, both financially and emotionally?
9. Can I do without this particular purchase?
10. Will this product or service help me be more efficient, productive, or competitive?
11. What, if any, is the ROI potential on this investment?
12. Will this acquisition make me feel better right now, but worse later when I realize how much money I spent?
13. Can I return this product for a full refund if I change my mind and decide I don't like it, don't want it, or don't need it anymore?
14. Have I talked myself into liking this purchase when I really don't care for it?
15. Will this purchase make a positive contribution to my job search?
Here's to making sound and wise buying decisions, now and in the future.
posted by: billiesucher
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