The 'Would I Pay Cash For This?' Test: My Petty Little Rule for Big Purchases

I joined a vacation club. Yes, me — the same woman always preaching about not getting talked into stuff. I sat through the pitch, did the math, signed the paper. And I'm not mad about it. The only reason I'm not mad? One petty little question I now ask myself before every big purchase: would I pay cash for this, today, in twenties, out of my actual wallet? It's the rule that's saved me thousands on the no's and given me peace on the yes's.