How Financial Escalation May Kibosh Plans
After a conversation with Sound Advice Ltd. to gain some insight about how much this project could run me in terms of expenses if the installation goes sideways, I discovered it could cost far more than previously expected.
I asked how much for installing a new stereo into my stock system would cost if I had bought the digital media player on my own and brought it in to be installed. They quoted me about $1000 because they will likely have to calibrate the new technology to be cohesive with the existing system.
I then asked them how much it would be if I started the installation on my own, then was met with a challenge and needed to bring the car in to be corrected. They thought about it and said, “hmm, about $1000.00.”
So Where Does That Leave Me?
In all honesty, I was very excited about this project, and I’m feeling like I am at a crossroads. I can either spend the money, and try the installation on my own, which could reward me with a new stereo system and either garner great frustration and a new learned skill… or I can posit that, throughout my research, I have gained the knowledge on how to do a stereo upgrade, what the potential costs and benefits are, and what resources I have access to in the community to make this a reality. Regardless of which path I take, I have learned a lot throughout the process of my inquiry project.
Moving Forward
How can I achieve a more favourable outcome in the future after spending weeks conducting the research to fulfill this inquiry project. Lets take a look at the actions or decisions I can make for the next time to set a more achievable goal:
- Gauge the financial stage I am at in life, appropriate to my academic and occupational position. Propose whether I am willing to drop a band on just a new stereo set-up, without the addition of speakers, a subwoofer, and an amplifier
- Propose an alternative plan (back-up plan) for when things start to become too expensive or extend beyond my realistic capabilities (this would’ve helped the process feel successful because I would have still met a goal, even if it was Plan B)
- Enlist the expertise of someone who has made a similar or exact upgrade to their stereo system in the same make and model as my vehicle. This would’ve allowed me to gain a better perspective for how the process could alter my existing, and favoured, multi-function steering wheel
- Access to disposable funds so that I don’t have to consider how the finances would impact my current position as a student and renter
Final Reflection
This inquiry project was very interesting and had some educational components to it. I learned how to manage and post on a website, how to research for products and processes, like removing the interior panelling of a car door. I do feel a bit disappointed that I won’t be able to install a new stereo system for my vehicle yet, but I do feel accomplished in knowing that when the time is right, I could get it done confidently because I know the steps and where to find more information. Next time I will consider a project that does not require as much of a financial sacrifice, or -ideally- no financial sacrifice. Perhaps I will come into a large sum of money and be able to complete my inquiry project of upgrading my VW’s stereo system.
Thank you for following this journey with me!
