"How do I buy a time share?", you ask yourself.     

My answer, "DON'T"....     

My wife and I went to Florida about 15 years ago and in one of our less guarded moments, we purchased a time share about 3 miles from the entrance to Disney World.      

We didn't know that there were things working against this plan:     

1. The managing company offers an in-house trading plan. You can theoretially trade your week in, for instance, July 2008 for one when you want it, say December 2007.      

The only thing wrong is they charge $250.00 for this one time trade. Our neice wanted to use it once in another month so I called to arrange it. They told me of this $250.00 charge. I said she could not pay it. They let me trade for $70.00 so evidently it is just a salesman commission for answering the phone.     

2. The maintance fees are so high ($550.00 per year) it is cheaper just to rent a condo when you want one.     

3. We thought when we purchased it, it would be worth as much as we paid, or more if we ever sold it. It is worth nothing. In fact you have to pay some one to take it and try to sell it. After doing extensive research, we found a reputable business that took it off our hands and we were thankful they did. There is no charitable organization that will accept it as a gift. Not American Cancer Society, Not Heart Association, no one.     

Put your $10,000.00 in an interest bearing account (5% online) and take a trip to Florida on the interest earned. You'll love it.     

I wish someone had told me this 15 years ago. If it has been of benefit to you, check YES below. It doesn't pay me any money or anything. Just get "Top 1000 Reviews" behind my name. Boosts my ego; you know. Thanks