How do you justify buying something you want but don’t need?
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There is no need to justify anything. It is your money.
True, it is, but sometimes it’s not just the money perspective. There are other things I was thinking about.
You are right, we out in the time to make the money, we should use it anyway we see fit!!
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Budgets (formal or informal)!
- Have I covered all of my expenses? Yes.
- Have I properly funded my savings (retirement, emergency fund, other savings goals)? Yes.
- Do I have money left over? Yes!
Permission to spend granted!
Further before I buy something I'll write it down on a list and essentially not buy it for a period of time (7 days? 30 days, a year?). I'll come back to that list and gauge my interest again. Many, MANY times (most?) I don't care about the thing anymore so I don't spend the money.
Then I'll usually try to get the cheaper version (possibly used) of the thing first to make sure it still holds my interest in using it before I would justify buying the more expensive one. So many times the cheaper version does everything I need and I never need to buy the expensive version. When I do exceed the capabilities of the cheap version, and it is still holding my interest, I can then justify spending on the expensive (new?) version. Example: I wanted a bicycle to ride around the neighborhood for fitness and enjoyment. I looked at higher end brands and models, but first I bought a $200 Big Box Store Schwinn. I'm still using that same bicycle 6 years later with no need to replace it. One note, about two years into ownership I took it to an actual bicycle store for a tune up. The cost was about $80, I think. I wish I had done that on day 1! The bike's brakes worked much better and the gear shifting were MUCH improved! Prior to the service, I would regularly have the chain come off from bad shifts. The last time that happened was 3 years ago prior to the service.
I agree with te cooling off period. Although I might argue the length of time. If I wait a year to decide on something, I know it won’t have as much interest as it did before.
I think, personally, there’s a period of do it now or just don’t bother. For motorcycles I’d be hesitant to wait a year and then buy one, and try to learn. The lessons from the training are still fresh.
Thank you for the bike story. I’m glad you’re still enjoying the bike and getting use out of it!!
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You work your whole life to be able to afford a little frivolity. If you're just going to stand in your own way to deny yourself all but the essentials, that's no way to live.
We just met on the internet… how do you know so much about me already?? 🤨
I do understand where you’re coming from. The is probably the right answer.
Thank you so much!!
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I ask myself: can I afford it? Do I already have something similar? Do I see myself using it often? That last question is where you need to be honest with yourself, because it’s easy to find yourself neglecting a new purchase after the initial excitement wears off.
Depending on what the item is, you can sample or borrow/rent it to see if it sticks. You can also set a “waiting period” for yourself, and buy it if you still want it after that period ends. Sometimes the craving passes by then.
You have to find pleasures in life too, so if you can fit it into your budget and think you will get good use out of it, why not get it?
You have a nice day/night too!
That last question truly is the one that I get stuck on a lot. I think I will, then I don’t. Then I feel bad.
The waiting period is definitely a good thing.
Finding in pleasure in life is important for sure. We should be spending as much of our time as possible doing just that!!
Thank you for the response!!
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Hello again Lemmy! I have another question.
Context: I took a motorcycle safety class, was nervous but enjoyed it, researched motorcycles, found a few I liked, talked to a dealer about them but ultimately, I couldn’t finalize a deal, talked myself out of it basically
I was curious how others might justify a purchase that has no purpose other than wanting something.
For clarity, I don’t need anyone to justify me buying a motorcycle. I want to read about your thought processes for buying something you want
As always thanks for replying and have an awesome day/night!!
As long as my bills are paid and I have a steady income, if I want something, I'll usually buy it. If its something more frivolous or expensive, like the e-scooter I bought myself last year, I'll just wait for a good sale/deal. But if its something relatively cheap (like under $100), I usually just get it.
I don't want kids and I have no hope to ever owning a home where I live. Probably unlikely to retire unless I keep pushing at this job I have and hate but has a great pension. Might as well use my money while I can.
I have been trying to tighten up my finances though since, y'know, everything. But it's tough when I've become accustomed to spoiling myself.
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I agree with te cooling off period. Although I might argue the length of time. If I wait a year to decide on something, I know it won’t have as much interest as it did before.
I think, personally, there’s a period of do it now or just don’t bother. For motorcycles I’d be hesitant to wait a year and then buy one, and try to learn. The lessons from the training are still fresh.
Thank you for the bike story. I’m glad you’re still enjoying the bike and getting use out of it!!
I agree with te cooling off period. Although I might argue the length of time. If I wait a year to decide on something, I know it won’t have as much interest as it did before.
Obviously I'm not talking about everything having a 1 year waiting period, such as a $10 video game from Steam, but I waited close to 3 years before I spent well over $50,000 on solar panels for the house. Some large things just need time to work the numbers or gauge the value.
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That’s pretty straightforward as well! I’m sadly not wired that way but… I wish I was.Thanks for posting and the laugh.
That's literally what I thought the first time I saw someone snowboarding. There I was on my skiis and then zoom!
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As long as my bills are paid and I have a steady income, if I want something, I'll usually buy it. If its something more frivolous or expensive, like the e-scooter I bought myself last year, I'll just wait for a good sale/deal. But if its something relatively cheap (like under $100), I usually just get it.
I don't want kids and I have no hope to ever owning a home where I live. Probably unlikely to retire unless I keep pushing at this job I have and hate but has a great pension. Might as well use my money while I can.
I have been trying to tighten up my finances though since, y'know, everything. But it's tough when I've become accustomed to spoiling myself.
I’m in a similar situation, meaning, it’s just me. I have no one to answer to or take care of. If I want to do frivolous stuff I am free to do it.
Understood about both the job and finances. I would agree that the current state of things makes both a necessary evil to an extent.
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I make a simple calculation:
I divide X money over Y time.
I enjoy photography, and bough a fancy camera with a bonus at my last job.
In total I have probably spent 30k SEK on the camera and lenses, I bought it in early 2023, so let's say that I have had a year and a half to enjoy it, that is 18 months
30k/18months is about 1.7k/month so far, and in return I got thousands of photos, some of which can be found here:
Going to spend some time on your site! I so admire photographers. Skill I never tried to master, happy to see your work.
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That's literally what I thought the first time I saw someone snowboarding. There I was on my skiis and then zoom!
I truly envy your optimism and approach!! -
I agree with te cooling off period. Although I might argue the length of time. If I wait a year to decide on something, I know it won’t have as much interest as it did before.
Obviously I'm not talking about everything having a 1 year waiting period, such as a $10 video game from Steam, but I waited close to 3 years before I spent well over $50,000 on solar panels for the house. Some large things just need time to work the numbers or gauge the value.
Ok, fair enough. Yeah 50k on panels would definitely need more time for budgeting and planning.
Thanks for the qualifier!!
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Hello again Lemmy! I have another question.
Context: I took a motorcycle safety class, was nervous but enjoyed it, researched motorcycles, found a few I liked, talked to a dealer about them but ultimately, I couldn’t finalize a deal, talked myself out of it basically
I was curious how others might justify a purchase that has no purpose other than wanting something.
For clarity, I don’t need anyone to justify me buying a motorcycle. I want to read about your thought processes for buying something you want
As always thanks for replying and have an awesome day/night!!
Memory loss!
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Hello again Lemmy! I have another question.
Context: I took a motorcycle safety class, was nervous but enjoyed it, researched motorcycles, found a few I liked, talked to a dealer about them but ultimately, I couldn’t finalize a deal, talked myself out of it basically
I was curious how others might justify a purchase that has no purpose other than wanting something.
For clarity, I don’t need anyone to justify me buying a motorcycle. I want to read about your thought processes for buying something you want
As always thanks for replying and have an awesome day/night!!
I make a wishlist. In Excel. With a due date. For small things, six weeks wait.
For something like a motorcycle, six months wait.
Then if I still want it when that day comes I buy it
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This is a pretty classic way of looking at things. I just can’t seem to get to that point.
Well, I work on an ambulance and every single day I interact with people that have regrets.
Don't be one of those.
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I truly hope you beat the stats and get to enjoy all the food / beer for can for a very long time!!
I've at least beat my father... He checked out at 56 in '89.
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Memory loss!
this is the best answer we’ve had in this thread so far!! -
I make a wishlist. In Excel. With a due date. For small things, six weeks wait.
For something like a motorcycle, six months wait.
Then if I still want it when that day comes I buy it
This is solid advice! The discipline or cooling off period is definitely a good strategy.
Appreciate your response!!
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Well, I work on an ambulance and every single day I interact with people that have regrets.
Don't be one of those.
I will take this advice and try to be better about it. I can only imagine what you see / deal with in your line of work.
Thank you for doing what you do!!
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I've at least beat my father... He checked out at 56 in '89.
I’m rooting for you to be the destroyer of the statistics!!
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Hello again Lemmy! I have another question.
Context: I took a motorcycle safety class, was nervous but enjoyed it, researched motorcycles, found a few I liked, talked to a dealer about them but ultimately, I couldn’t finalize a deal, talked myself out of it basically
I was curious how others might justify a purchase that has no purpose other than wanting something.
For clarity, I don’t need anyone to justify me buying a motorcycle. I want to read about your thought processes for buying something you want
As always thanks for replying and have an awesome day/night!!
I'm a nut for buying crappy, used guns. All I see is an opportunity to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. I'm like that with many used goods. "What can I do with this thing?!"
Dialed it in a bit. Now I stop and think total cost of ownership. And that can be applied to many purchases. I'll talk guns, but keep other sorts of items in mind.
How much will the initial spend really cost? Taxes, fees, shipping, etc.? Was looking at a $105 shotgun just now. Total delivered cost? $150 or so. Yeah, not such a deal with that in mind.
What do I need to go with it? Ammo I don't have? Scope/sights? Sandpaper and stain? Sling? Butt stock pad? What will I spend to get this gun where I want it?
Bought a new, single-shot, 12-gauge Hatfield shotgun off guns.com. $129.99! I can do that! Taxes and shipping, another $20. FFL fee, another $20. Red dot sight with mount, another $130 (stupid cheap, but believe it or not, it's quality). Strap and shotshell holder I made from spare parts I already had, still, another $25 bought new. American flag patch nailed upside down? $2. None of this includes cleaning and oiling supplies. A $130 shotgun cost me $327. Not adding anything for stain and sandpaper and such. Also, added a butt pad I already owned. Call it $350 and several nights of work. TCO was 2.7x the initial price.
So that's my thoughts. Total Cost of Ownership. Keep it in mind.
