How do I convince my Mom to let me get a Sidekick2008?

Question

Okay, I've been wanting a sidekick since the Sidekick II came out. And I haven't REALLY wanted one until the LX came out. And Its been since it ever came out till today I still dont have a sidekick. The reason why my Mom won't let me, or HER reason is that it will distract me from school and life. Which I don't think is true. I just bought a 1200dollar laptop 3 months ago with my own money, and I got a phone that i bought as well back in april. And its crappy now I don't know why and my birthday is comming up in sept and last year i got cash because I didn't get what i wanted, and I dont want that to happen again. I can afford the monthly payments and the phone. Also she doesn't want T-Mobile anymore, and they extended our contract for no reason, and I want to keep T-Mobile because it will save me minutes all of my friends have t-mobile practically. And I will use flex pay if i have to, but I really don't think she will buy it. I don't have bad money management, i save a lot and make big purchases with a lot of time in between.

My plan: Tell my mom that if I use it to much or become to attached she can take it away even though its mine. My family can put together $100 and help me pay the phone with that money.

Answer 1

As a mom, I can say that we think of these things- responsibility, affordability, necessity and are you a deserving kid?  If there is a more affordable way to do it and funds are tight, you can't convince them of anything, but if you are a good kid who stays out of trouble and ... you get the point, then your plan sounds fair.  Go in with a simple request, but do not make it look like you are trying to control or convince.  Just lay out the facts and good luck.  Happy birthday, by the way!