I know – you’re thinking “But Llama Money, what happened to all that talk about saving your stimulus check?”  After all, a smart llama saves found money, and I certainly consider myself a smart llama.  Well, do you remember my post about needing a new washing machine?  Yep, mine was leaking anytime warm or hot water was used.  Most of the time I wash in cold, but I like to use hot for my towels, and sometimes whites.  At the time my expected purchase price was $700 plus taxes and delivery.

How to upsell yourself

As I was doing my research, putting off my purchase, I stumbled upon an upgraded LG washing machine.  It’s one of those fancy Steam Washers.  At first I scoffed and said, “I’ve been washing my clothes with water for years, and I’ve never needed steam.  What a waste of money!”  A bit more reading later, and I discovered a cycle called “SteamFresh”.  After reading about this, I was sold.  See, SteamFresh is a cycle that basically irons your clothes for you.  Yes, that’s right, it irons for you.  Through some sort of steam-powered magic, wrinkly clothes go in, and non-wrinkled clothes come out.  I absolutely hate to iron, and resent all the time I waste on the chore.  I had found my dream machine.

Luxury comes at a cost

Naturally this machine ( LG WM2487HWMA ) cost more than the $700 unit I had orginally picked out – $1099 to be exact.  Add in the $200 pedestal ( huge back saver ) and taxes, and voila!  I’m at Best Buy watching my $1400 bill print out.  I did use my Best Buy credit card to get 18 months at 0% interest.  My current plan is to pay $100 per month and finish it off in 14 months.  In reality I’d be surprised if it takes more than 6 or 7 months to finish off the bill – I hate credit card debt.

I did my part to help the economy

That’s a joke, right there.  I hope you got it.  I had planned to purchase a washing machine, whether I got free helicopter money from the government or not.  The fact that I did was simply a bonus, and means my savings account can go on unharmed.  Win for me, win for best buy, and win for the US economy.  What’s not to like?