All-In-One, oh yeah

Today I reached my breaking point for not having all the technology I need at my fingertips. I have been an independent contractor for almost 1.5 years, and didn't want to go past buying myself a laptop and printer.

With all of the signatures and paperwork involved in what I do, however, I was finding myself constantly taking a journey to use fax machines and scanners. This takes up a ton of time, which I'm finding to be more and more valuable. (Guess what my answer was to Single Ma's lastest question???) Not to mention the occasion fee here and there. It's usually about $2-$5 each time, but these things add up. And it's harder to keep track of the receipts for tax write-offs.

So after spending time at/traveling to Kinko's yesterday and UPS Store today, only to find that their equipment isn't compatible with the Deposit at home feature, and realizing I was facing a 3-day wait for a commission check to be deposited into my bank (USAA), I decided that I had had enough. I found myself walking to the nearest Staples in downtown DC and buying a scanner. With a scanner, I could take advantage of Deposit at home, and no longer wait for the mail to get my checks there. And have to stay on top of it to make sure it was deposited, etc.

After several conversations with the friendly help desk at USAA, I finally decided on an HP all-in-one. It cost $129.99 and offered a $30 rebate. AND, I now have a fax, scanner, and printer in one little compact machine. Being extremely averse to technology, I was only motivated by future ease and convenience. But I managed to get everything hooked up before the S.O. got home. If I had known that such a simple purchase could make me feel so relieved and happy, I would have bought it sooner! $99 is a small price to pay for getting my deposits in the bank sooner and not having to go into the office at random times to fax or scan a document.

AND I even saved more money by carrying it home. It was a little awkward, but knowing that I wasn't paying an expensive DC taxi to take me 9 blocks was worth it. And it's about time I start seeing a return on all of this exercise that I've been paying for!