The Poor Man's Guide to Buying an LCD Television Set

If you're operating a tight budget or have a limited income, buying an LCD television set might not exactly be on your to-do list.  That doesn’t necessarily mean it shouldn’t be.

Today's LCD TVs are already selling at a faster rate than the traditional boob tubes, and with a little consumer research, you could be well on your way to finding yourself a great deal.  While you might not be able to buy that 47" behemoth you envisioned in your living room, you can still find an LCD television that meets your needs.  Here’s a quick guide for buying an LCD television set when your funds are limited.

The first thing to remember is a simple rule of thumb:  technology creates lower prices.  Bear with me here:  while new LCD or plasma televisions will cost a lot once they enter the market, they ultimately have a positive effect on the older LCD sets already available:  they drive those prices down.  If you consider how much money it would take to buy a PlayStation today than the day they first were released, you're on the road to understanding how to find a bargain.

If you avoid the newest technology and the frills that come with it, you should be able to find older models of LCD television sets that won't break your checking account.  You can still buy unused models, but try to avoid the freshest technology out there.

Second, understand where you have to make sacrifices.  The aforementioned size issue should be a no-brainer:  if you can't afford a 47" television, you simply can't afford one.  But the size of your screen isn't the only place you might have to make a sacrifice.  If you can get a bigger LCD television that doesn't have high-definition compatibility, you have to ask yourself which is more important:  high-definition or a larger screen.  If money's no object, you don't always have to make these decisions, but on a budget, you probably will.

Third, don't be afraid to explore places to buy your LCD television other than a store.  Used television sets can be found on eBay or places like Craig's List.  Just remember that in this marketplace, it's "buyer beware," so be sure to do as much research as you can.  Check eBay seller ratings to make sure you're working with someone trustworthy.