Monday, June 10, 2013

Ignorance Is Expensive

Someone said, "Ignorance is bliss." Ignorance is defined as lack of education or knowledge. And, Will Rogers said, "We are all ignorant, just in different subjects." I just want to add that while ignorance may be bliss, it is expensive.

I talked to a long time friend today and she said they had to replace a window air conditioner. She didn’t know what brand it was or the efficiency. All she knew was that it cost about $500 dollars and another $125 to install it. While I talked to her on the phone, I turned around to my computer and did a quick research. I only looked at only one retailer and saw a model, name brand, with more capacity and a good solid efficiency rating for a lot less money - $100. So far as installation goes on window units, it is as simple as take the old one out and put the new one in. One person that knows a little can do it, and two people that know nothing can do it. She didn’t care.

My job used to be saving money and getting the best value.  If I had a hundred dollars for every time that I have offered advice on how to save on cars, trucks, heating and air conditioning equipment, and a lot of other electrical products, I wouldn’t be writing this blog. I’d hire someone to do it for me.

I do remember one woman that worked in the same office with me that was about to buy a rather expensive SUV. I mentioned that she could save money by going to see a particular dealer that was less than 75 miles away. She took my suggestion and saved $2,500 on an identical vehicle.  Wow!  That's one in a row.

On my last pickup purchase, I drove about an hour and half to save $6,000. Not a bad deal. The point is that in today’s information world, it is not necessary to be ignorant in a lot of things.

Maybe it is blissful to be ignorant. Until you run out of money.

PMO
©2013

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