Thoughts about spending money
(like a new $2,000 laptop)
I recently made a pretty large purchase, a new laptop, which cost about $2,000. I definitely agonized over it and did research for months! It came down to a cheaper one for about $1,300 and the one I eventually got, and I went with the more expensive option.
For me, the guiding principle isn't necessarily about never spending money, but about maximizing the value of every dollar I do spend.
My previous laptop lasted a solid 6 or 7 years. My expectation is that this new one will serve me just as long, making the initial investment feel worthwhile in the long run. This mindset extends beyond just big-ticket items.
Consider my clothing purchases, for instance. The last new piece I bought was back in October 2024, during a trip (because I tend to buy more clothes when I travel!).
Similarly, I have only one casual belt, and it's the same one I bought when I was 18. It genuinely has never crossed my mind to buy a new belt, as long as this one works.
Personally the reason for all of this goes beyond money. Over-consumption is so wasteful!
Growing up, my mum always questioned why I needed to buy that object I wanted.
"What does this toy do that's different from the ones you already have?"
"Can you borrow this book from the library?"
"Are there alternatives that do the same thing?"
It's not that we were short on money growing up, it was just a mental exercise to make sure money was being spent for good reason, which is a lesson I've carried with me into my adult life.
There’s so much exposure to ads and influencers and messages to buy more and bigger and better, that it can be hard to resist both peer and societal pressure.
Which is why having a clear understanding of what truly holds value for you can be a powerful tool in making more intentional and ultimately more satisfying choices.