You never know when you'll need to fix your computer.

It turns out I’d cracked my LCD screen and a guy at the Apple Store told me Apple could fix it for $750. Really? I could buy a new Mac for a few hundred dollars more.

As I left the Apple store I remembered I’d met a Mac consultant, Chelanie Israel (aka Miss Mac), a few years ago. I went home, called Miss Mac and told her about my cracked screen. She said that she could replace the screen but it would be cheaper to send my laptop to Powerbook Medic. Someone who gives up business to help a client save money is at the top of my list. After I thanked her one too many times—I was going to save $500—she said that if I needed help again, she knew I’d call. She’s right.

Whether you use a small computer support service, a national chain like Geek Squad, or even a local high school kid to fix your computer, keep your computer guru’s phone number nearby. You never know when you’re going to need help with your computer, especially if your klutz ratio is as high as mine!

Don't forget that you get what you pay for.

Before you spend any money on new equipment or on modifying your existing equipment, consider a few questions.

• Will the new equipment help you save time? A new cell phone may improve your productivity. A printer that prints more sheets than your current printer can cut your printing time and printing costs significantly.

• Can you afford to buy the latest, greatest, top-of-the-line computer or will you have to settle for a less expensive, less effective system? If possible, wait until you can afford the more reliable, better-performing system. You’ll save time later on. I still drool when I see people with the latest Mac. Guess I should have followed my own advice and not settled for my MacBook (although it works fine).

• Will you know how to use the equipment? If it’s going to take you six months to learn how to use something—or if you’re like me and you refuse to read manuals—be willing to pay someone to teach you how to use the equipment immediately. Either pay a high school or college kid to figure it out—trust me, they can do it—or use a professional service like Geek Squad.