Smart Buyer
Two ways to buy, one question: which really costs less? Go with your gut, then see the true totals. Free, with a new set every day.
Frequently asked questions
How do I compare a cheap item with a dearer one that lasts?
Work out the cost over the time you will use it: the price multiplied by how many you will need to buy. A dearer item that lasts is often cheaper, but only if it lasts long enough to pay back the extra.
What does a car really cost to own?
What it loses in value while you own it, plus everything you spend to run it: fuel, repairs and insurance. The price you pay on the day is only part of it.
Are no-cost instalments really free?
Not necessarily. Compare the cash price, including any discount you would give up, with the instalments plus any fee, and count what your money could earn while you hold it. Sometimes instalments win and sometimes cash does.
Does buying in bulk save money?
Only on what you actually use. Divide the price by the share that does not go to waste to get the cost per unit used.
Is an extended warranty worth it?
Compare its price with the chance of a repair times the cost of that repair. It usually costs more than that, since the seller expects to profit, but it can make sense when a single bill would hurt more than you can absorb.
Is this financial advice?
No. It is an illustrative learning game with simplified assumptions.
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