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 lucky enough to be able to budget for things I want. If it’s in the budget, no justification is required. If it’s in the budget but expensive, then I just have to figure out if I want it more than the other things I want (or will want) that I won’t be able to afford as a result.
Agreed, being financially secure in your decision to buy something makes sense. Weighing it against other items is also a smart take!
Thank you!!
Honestly, desire is a justification on its own. If you have limited resources, then it’s really about whether you can afford to prioritize those desires or not. For those with enough money, desire is enough of a reason to justify a purchase.
Without enough money, the question is whether the desire outweighs other more practical ways that money could be spent. When I was depressed sometimes I would make irrational spending choices because it helped me feel good and even helped me pretend I was not as poor as I actually was, by spending the money irrationally I could create the illusion of having more money than I had. This was a dangerous game, though.
Right, I agree, no one should spend money frivolously (generally speaking). It’s easy to go down a rabbit hole even with a hobby. Then you have to deal with the fallout of that.
Thank you!!
If I want something then I generally categories it in 1 of 3 ways. it is must needed, it will significantly improve quality of life, or it is just for fun.
If it is must then no choice buy or lease.
If it will improve quality of life then how much does it cost. there is no real formula but if it is less than my 1 day’s income then I’ll mostly buy it. Eg. Flying instead of taking 17-20hr train ride.
If it is just for fun then it has to be significantly cheaper than my 1 day’s income plus it should bring some enjoyment. Eg. going on fun trips, etc.
Edit - I’m currently mostly living on paycheck to paycheck + 3 months reserve in case of emergency. But if you are making much more and are able to save then of course go ahead and buy it.
Thank you so much for responding. I like how you categorized things. Makes complete sense regarding how you justify purchases.
I will consider this with other purchases. I hope all is well and thank you so much for the response.
If it brings me pleasure it is something I need, as I need to enjoy my life. On something like this I would just think about whether the cost justifies the amount of pleasure it would bring me. If I know I would get tired of it after a few weeks, I’m not going to blow thousands on it. If it’s a major enhancement of a hobby I’ve had for a long time which deepens my ability to enjoy it and I’m not risking anything else by spending the money, then it’s a decent investment in my happiness.
True, your points are valid. On some level I think I actually struggle with finding pleasure in hobbies and life these days.
However generally speaking purchases should bring pleasure/happiness. Purchases that aren’t daily necessities… as I don’t get excited purchasing frozen vegetables 😆
Thank you so much!!
