In my last post, somebody shared their thoughts on spending less on important things — that they wouldn’t spend less on their PC because it would make it slower—and I couldn’t agree more!

Over the years, I’ve noticed that not all expenses are created equal. Some purchases feel like a solid investment in my future, while others, well, they’re more like fleeting indulgences that don’t add much to my life in the long run. Figuring out the difference has been key to making great decisions — both financial and personal, if you will.

Take, for example, my laptop. When I bought it, I didn’t go for the cheapest model or the flashiest design. I chose one that would handle everything I need for work—coding, writing, and the endless array of digital tasks that come with being a ‘digital nomad.’ It wasn’t cheap, but it’s reliable, fast, and has been my workhorse for years. Every time I open it up, I’m reminded that this was money well spent. And yeah, it’s a MacBook Pro 💻

Or consider the phone I bought a few years ago. I’m no professional photographer, but I love capturing the places we live and the moments we experience. I don’t like to go for ‘the latest iPhone’, as ‘the latest’ badge has no value for me in general, so I’ve checked out the reviews on their cameras — and took the one with a great one, that proved similar quality as the latest model’s camera. Still using that phone btw.

And the money I’ve saved buying the cheaper phone I have used to buy a trip to see the northern lights (which I could capture with the new phone’s camera!)

But not all spending has been as rewarding. I remember the fancy kitchen gadgets I was convinced would turn me into a master chef. Spoiler alert: they didn’t. Most of them ended up collecting dust in a cupboard, and I’m back to using my trusty basics🤦 The money spent there could have gone toward something that would have actually improved my cooking skills—like a class or some better ingredients.

And then there’s dining out. My wife and I love exploring new restaurants, but we’ve learned to keep it in check. While it’s fun to splurge on a special night out, making it a habit drained our budget faster than we realized. Now, we save those experiences for truly special occasions, and honestly, it makes them feel even more special.

Find the Balance.

What I’ve learned is that it’s not about cutting out all the fun stuff or being super strict with money. It’s about recognizing where your dollars actually add value to your life. I’m happy to spend more on things that I know will bring me long-term satisfaction or help me grow in some way. But I’ve become more careful about those impulse buys that don’t really contribute much after the initial thrill wears off.

So, next time you’re about to make a purchase, ask yourself: Is this something that’s going to enrich my life, help me grow, or bring me lasting joy? Or is it just a quick fix that won’t matter in a few months? It’s not always easy to tell in the moment, but with a bit of reflection, it becomes clearer.

What about you? Have you made any purchases that turned out to be great investments in your life? Or maybe a few that you wish you’d thought twice about? I’d love to hear your stories and thoughts—drop a comment below!