Do you buy more time? I do sometimes. When it makes sense.
I am not talking about paying late fees or penalties. These are reactive punishments for lateness and disorganization.
What I am referring to is investing in things that give me more time.
Here are just a few of my favorite recent examples:
1 – Amazon Prime
Shopping online in general is a huge timesaver. It saves time running errands. It saves gas. And in most cases, it saves money.
Amazon Prime is Amazon’s membership program. For $79/year, you receive unlimited FREE 2-Day shipping on most products. You also get $3.99 next day shipping for when you need something really quick.
$79 is not a trivial amount of money, but I find that I save much more in lower prices, taxes, and of course, time.
2 – Airtran Priority Boarding
Airtran recently started allowing you to pay an extra $5 to get priority boarding. Now, don’t get me started on the ridiculous fees that airlines are charging these days. (Fees to pick seats?!?)
But, for $5, you get to board early and potentially save yourself considerable time and hassle. Especially, these days when it is a race to the overhead bins or risk getting your bag involuntarily checked. That $5 may well be worth avoiding a trip to the baggage carousel.
3 – CLEAR Registered Traveler
Hate lines? Hate airport security? I can say yes, to both.
The CLEAR program allows you to quickly bypass the airport security mess. I live in Atlanta and while Hartsfield-Jackson is well run, it is the busiest airport in the country.
Being able to bypass the security traffic saves you time and gives you a bit more peace of mind when you are in a hurry.
(BTW, in case you didn’t hear… CLEAR is back! The service had a sudden overnight shutdown in June 2009, has been purchased and is preparing to resume service. And yes, they are honoring previous memberships.)
Buying More Time
Of course, these investments only make sense if the return in time is worth it for you. I only spend money on services if the time they save me outweighs the cost.
How do you buy more time?
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Simply buying on-line. I live in a very small village. Our nearest big city is a 40 minute drive, and doesn't stock many things anyway. We could (and sometimes do) drive the 2 hours to the shopping centre in Rome, but that just wastes time, petrol and patience...
Amazon (.co.uk for me here in Italy), office supplies, sometimes even wine and cheese....delivered to my door? For less than I would pay for petrol - not to mention the elevated blood pressure as I wrestle with traffic and parking... YES, PLEASE!
That's the great article! I just pass 'n read it, two thumbs up! ;)
Love #3! Many people underestimate the impact of where they live.
Love Amazon Prime. I will order off Amazon before I run down to the store.
I too am excited to see when CLEAR gets back up an running. Hopefully, the new company will get off to a smooth start. I have not seen any definitive dates yet.
Heather, that is a good one.
I definitely believe in investing in anything that allows you to take better advantage of your time. Portable Wifi is a great example!
Terrific tips. I resisted Prime until a few weeks ago and it has almost paid for itself already. As for CLEAR, if it comes back I'm on it - I thought it was an awesome idea the first time around.
I'm always looking for ways to save time and relieve stress. My most recent purchase to buy time was Personal WiFi for my laptop. I was tired of getting bad connections at places with free WiFi and having to pay for connections at some hotels. I've saved so much time by having my own device and I can connect anywhere that I need to.
1. Mobile Internet access + iPad/iPhone
2. Airline lounge membership
3. Living closer to the city! Where I am (Melbourne, Australia) the more rent you're prepared to pay the shorter your commute.
I dont I just get up earlier! Its my disorganisation thats the problem, losing things is a big one I buy boxes and files and a key box etc but then still dont use them. I heard they had a fob you can attach to keys, wallet, glasses so partially sighted people can find them dont know details though Jannine
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