Now let’s be realistic about your present circumstances. You stand before your paycheck that is fat and your empty bank account. You feel like buying that inexpensive toaster at Amazon Prime immediately. It is quite reasonable behavior for the one who is just beginning to accumulate.
But in fact, it is not true. Buying cheap stuff is the most expensive hobby you may have. You get rid of this trash every year, thus gradually ruining your bank account. It means that you have to pay monthly fees for ownership of the garbage.
Here is where “Buy It for Life” philosophy comes into play. It does not have anything in common with being pretentious and showing your cool toys. It is all about appreciating your time and future money. You pay more upfront in order not to pay taxes for garbage later.
For example, a pair of Red Wing Iron Ranger boots may shock you with their price, but they are going to last for ten years with regular two times a year application of conditioner. Your sneakers from H&M worth forty dollars are going to fall apart within a month.
Simple math here. Payment for once of three hundred dollars is better than paying fifty dollars six times. Though everybody knows it, not everybody can accept it. You should teach your brain to think in terms of cost-per-wear ratio.
And what about your kitchenware? Lodge cast iron skillet worth thirty dollars is going to serve you for decades if you apply conditioner to it twice a year. In turn, your Teflon pan bought at the dollar store is going to start shedding toxic coating into your eggs within a few months.
This way of thinking is applicable to tools, furniture, and even to subscription to software. Do not rent your life. Buy quality items that are worth something. It will affect the way you perceive the physical world.
Of course, nobody asks you to buy Le Creuset dutch oven at your first day of work. Ridiculous idea, indeed. But start small. Buy a quality water bottle, such as Hydro Flask or Nalgene. Stop buying plastic bottles that break after a week.
The idea of the entire thing is changing your mind. You are not just a buyer anymore. You are an investor in your personal comfort. Approach your purchases the way you approach investments in your 401k.
It takes some self-discipline to avoid going into clearance racks. Strange it may sound to spend months saving money to buy a pan. But in twenty years, you will feel like a genius when you will see how well that pan serves you. You will win a battle against planned obsolescence.
In addition, it gives you a sense of pride to own things with history. There is some sort of special feeling about scuffed leather bag or chipped mug. Plastic bin from Target is just disappointing.
Before you click “Add to Cart” button at the cheapest item possible, ask yourself one question. Is it going to help me in five years? If the answer is negative, then keep browsing. Your future self will be grateful for the upgrade.
Thanks for reading this post! – MyPlugin