Whether it's a new car, a starter home, a high-tech entertainment system, a new laptop or anything else with a somewhat hefty price tag, making a big purchase is a big deal. It's exciting, of course, because you're buying something that's going to improve your life in some way, but it's important to plan for a big purchase. That way you can get your hands on what you want without throwing a wrench into your monthly budget -- because something like a new video game console is much easier to enjoy when you know buying it isn't going to set you back on paying bills or force you to eat ramen noodles every day for the rest of the month. Here are four things to consider when planning for your next big purchase. Unless you have enough saved to pay for a big purchase in one lump sum, you'll generally find yourself paying for your big purchase in installments over time.