"Do You Really Need It?" Locking Money Clip

Last crawled date: 1 year, 11 months ago

The “Do You Really Need It?” Money Clip is a constant reminder to each of us to consider if what we are about to purchase. Any time a shopper tosses a children’s toy into the shopping cart on a whim or adds a candy bar to the bill at the gas station, they will reach into their pocket for cash and have one final reminder to consider their New Year’s budgeting resolution. To contemplate why they are spending this money. To ask themselves, “Do I really need this?”

This model is designed for simplicity of use and simplicity of manufacturing. The base of the money clip functions like any other money clip; it pinches a wad of cash to hold it in place. The moving Guard piece clamps down over the end of the wad of cash, further preventing it from sliding out while also making it one step more difficult to retrieve cash. Then the Lock is slid into the default position, which is of course the “NO” answer. When the lock is in this position the Guard can’t move and the money is difficult to retrieve. This extra money-spending deterrent functions as a reminder that cash is about to leave your hand. That is your prompt to ask yourself the golden question: “Do I Really Need It?” Either keep the Lock at “NO” and put the item back on the shelf or slide the Lock to “YES” and retrieve your money.

Anyone can download and 3D print this object with a desktop 3D printer with sufficient results. When made with ABS or PLA plastics the money clip will be very cheap. After all, one shouldn't have to spend lots of money in order to save money! If the product isn't easily obtainable, nobody will be using it and the ones who need it will have one less chance to cut their spending! The availability of a high quality 3D printer will expand print options, color options, and material options. The entire assembly could be printed as one piece and then the Guard and Lock would be snapped off of their fixtures and into place. The text color could be customized and the STOP sign could be made red and white. The whole product could even be made from a high grip rubber-like material to make your money more difficult to even pull out of your pocket!

I really believe that this money clip can help people budget better and is an easy contender for this contest’s winning design. Sometimes the smallest items, the tiniest reminders can change decisions, strengthen resolve, and change lives. Please consider the “Do You Really Need It?” Money Clip as a finalist for the Make the Unmakeable Design Challenge.