One of the tag lines for Financial Peace University is "If you live like no one else, later you will be able to live like no one else." In this session Ramsey presents a few ideas on what this phrase means in practical terms. He teaches three keys to saving money on larger purchases by finding bargains.
Great deals can be found if you set out with the right intent to be truthful, to be harmless, and to create transactions that are good for both parties. The keys to good deals are:
1. Negotiate everything (that's everything)
2. Be patient
3. Get knowledge
I enjoyed this session because of the story telling. More or less it was about building the confidence to ask for deals. You always have to ask and cash helps. Dave loves cash. Cash presents a certain purchasing power still in this credit economy. I agree with Ramsey, although only in principle because I've never really had cash to swing the bigs deals.
My cynical mind asks "Yeah but how much cash do you really need to be able to reel in the big ones?" Also, Dave makes negotiating look really easy but how do you deal with situations where the other party is just as good of a negotiator as you try to be. I've been in and out of sales throughout my career and negotiating is an art for sure. There are principles that help but realistically, patience plays a major factor, more than the power of cash I believe.
The last big deal I reeled in was a refrigerator. We upgraded from a 35 year old to a 10 year old for $80. At an appliance refurb shop I would have paid $250 at least. The seller had it listed on craigslist for $100. I showed him $80 cash and he took it. It matches perfectly with the stove too!
1 comment:
Patrick,
It has been so awesome watching your heart change. You have embraced the principles that Dave is laying down!
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