Dear Smartphone: Needing Newest

DEAR MS. SMARTPHONE: THERE ARE LOTS OF NEW PHONES COMING OUT THIS FALL AND I REALLY WANT TO GET ONE. BUT MY FAMILY SAYS THAT I DON”T NEED ONE AND I AM JUST SHOWING OFF. WHAT DO YOU THINK? Jeff, San Jose

Dear Jeff: I concur-This season brings a lot of phone upgrades. In marketing there are people known as early adopters- they are first to try out a new product and spread the word. If that’s you, go for it! Your new phone will have better security, improved picture taking, and, with a bigger screen, you might download more apps (see this link). But, take a minute: is your family trying to tell you something? Before you get that new phone, consider the upfront cost and monthly payments, whether you will be spending more time on the phone and less time with family, and whether the size and shape are convenient.