Comments on: Sensible Deductions

By: Carrie Wilson Link

Carrie Wilson Link — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 19:15:00 +0000

Sounds like my husband. Hate when he gets all reasonable on me. Hate. It.

By: Rebecca Smith

Rebecca Smith — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:49:00 +0000

I don't go through a late-year buying spree either. I usually only buy big ticket items (PC, all-in-one, office furniture) when I really need them. I'm pretty frugal when it comes to that stuff.

But stylebooks and dictionaries and pens and small things I get as I need them. They unquestionably make me a better copywriter, so I don't have to justify the expense.

Now go out and get yourself a nice new chair! Your clients (and your body!) will thank you.

By: Lindsay

Lindsay — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 21:25:00 +0000

For writers, I don't think there are too many necessities once you've got a decent computer and a printer/fax. Still, I think you can justify upgrades that make your office more comfortable or efficient (storage solutions, etc.). Ergonomics is definitely something to consider too (though maybe not as fun as shopping for shiny objects).

After my computers, the ergonomic chair is my most expensive piece of furniture in my home office (and, okay, most of the house too!). I had trouble with RSI, so I'm probably more conscious of ergonomics than most, but I think anyone who spends the day at the computer should invest in a really good chair.

I will say, for anyone just starting out, that it's more important to focus on making some money than jazzing up the office. You get to invest in new toys once you've proven you can bring in the dollars. :)

By: Eileen Coale

Eileen Coale — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 20:24:00 +0000

I budget it in to buy a new Mac laptop every 3 years. I absolutely hate downtime with computer problems, and after the 3-year mark, just as the AppleCare warranty expires, it starts to be a problem. I don’t spend much on anything else – an occasional box of pens or legal pads or a box of priter paper once every couple of years. Last week I splurged and replaced a telephone cord for $5 that had become hopelessly tangled, and it was almost as exciting as getting a new computer. But overall, my office expenses are very low.

By: leighzaykoski

leighzaykoski — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 14:41:00 +0000

I don’t do end of year splurges for tax purposes, but I did just splurge on some items for the office. I had been working on a wooden chair from an old dining set. Now I’m sitting in an adjustable leather office chair (nice to have my feet reaching the floor again). My desk is a regular old desk with a few drawers. I don’t print anything, so I don’t have a need for file space yet. It is kind of cluttered though – I have a VOIP phone, speakers, cable modem, pencil cup, mail sorter, and mesh basket full of office items all crammed on to the desktop.

Next up for me is a bookshelf that I can put near the desk to make things easier to get to.

By: writtenexpressions

writtenexpressions — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:52:00 +0000

I can’t say I feel a compelling urge to go buy stuff as the end of the tax year draws near. I bought myself a new desk and bookshelf when I turned my spare room into my office 2 years ago, but that was pretty much a necessity.

I am still using my old desk chair, which–like yours–does not offer executive level comfort. The hydraulics are shot, so every few days I have to re-adjust the height so I can see over the keyboard (okay, that’s a bit of hyperbole but isn’t that why they pay us the big bucks?). I swap it out occasionally in favor of sitting on my exercise ball. Maybe I’ll just make the switch permanently–better for my back, and no additional money spent!

By: Angie Ledbetter

Angie Ledbetter — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:20:00 +0000

No end of year splurging for me, and I’m pretty much a tight wad about most things. Sometimes, it’s just good for the soul to purchase a “want” instead of a “need.” Same thing goes for treating yourself well…hair, manicure, etc. A few times a year won’t break the bank.

PS A new chair is wayyy cheaper than back surgery, no matter when you buy it. 🙂