Even in a recession, luxury services can represent money well spent — if you use them the right way and know when to hire and fire.
PERSONAL TRAINER
Hire: To make life changes based not on losing weight, but fitness and healthy living. “The trainer has to make you a program the way a tailor makes a suit,” says Gregory Hachaj, who owns GH Personal Training.
Fire: If the trainer goes through the motions and fails to tweak the program as your body changes.
Pass: If you can go it alone — or can adopt/resume a health and fitness regimen you know works for you.
Alternative: Fitness buddies who keep you honest.
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ACCOUNTANT
Hire: If you have complicated finances or habitually file your taxes late.
Fire: When the accountant makes mistakes, cheats, fails to support you at an audit, or is inaccessible in tax season. When firing, “Get your paperwork,” advises CPA Aris Mitchell. “Accountants are supposed to keep it for at least three years.”
Pass: If you can do your own taxes without cheating yourself out of big deductions and exemptions.
Alternative: Tax prep services offer a cheaper option that may help you find extra deductions.
HOUSE CLEANING
Hire: When time saved by pro cleaners frees you up for important tasks.
Fire: When small talk replaces work, or you have to redo poorly done cleaning.
Pass: If you or your family can do it yourself.
Alternative: Pay a baby-sitter or nanny a little more to add cleaning duties. Or, cut cleaning from weekly to monthly or biweekly.