Tip Of The Day: Getting A Electronics Warranty Is Not Always Needed

It's an age old question: "Should I take the warranty?" I wish I had a simple answer, but that all depends on the buyer and the product.

It's usually a good idea to get a long-term warranty on big ticket items like big-screen TV's and computers. You don't want to risk having to make a repair that costs almost as much as the item itself. But it's also important to consider the lifespan of the product. An iPod, for example, is only expected to last four to five years.

Most products come with a one-year manufacturer's warranty, which usually gives you the protection you need to avoid getting a lemon at the time of purchase. Also be sure to read the warranty carefully to make sure WHO is responsible for repairing your item.

Sometimes it's the store, sometimes it's the manufacturer and sometimes it's a third party which can become more of a nuisance than its worth.