Knowing the true cost of items would likely change the way everybody shops.
Do you want to know some things to consider when trying to calculate the true cost of a item? Then please enjoy today’s insightful post on that very topic.
Since we at A Step Above Style value your time (and because you already know why you’re here) we’ll jump right in.
Let’s begin.
Costs
When considering the cost of something we have to look beyond the price tag of the item.
This provides us a better understanding of what we can afford vs. what we cannot.
Unfortunately, most people only look at the price tag and think “I can afford that because I have more money in my account (or available on my credit card) than this item costs.
But in reality, our purchases actually cost more than what is on the price tag. Some ways are physical, while others are mental.
Example
Consider the question underneath the above picture.
While it may seem like a “loaded question” , it’s actually the way the average person looks at buying things.
At the time of this writing the Apple IPhone 15 pro with 128GB of storage costs $999 before taxes. This will get you the phone itself.
But ask yourself, is this enough for you to really enjoy the item? Probably not.
At a minimum you will need to activtate the phone with your cell phone provider which will become a reoccurring monthly bill. Failing to do this would turn your new phone into nothing more than a paperweight.
Additionally, most people will want to accessorize their phone or buy items to “protect their investment” of over a $1000. Items such as:
- Case for phone
- Screen Protector
- Charger with longer cable (so they can scroll and stay connected even while laying down or relaxing)
- Premium Apps that costs money and have a monthly fee (think Spotify Premium)
- AirPods
- Perhaps even a Apple Watch
- Etc.
This list may seem like we are stretching things out to make a point, but lots of iPhone users usually have most (if not all) of the aforementioned items.
Even without us putting a price beside each bullet point, you can see how the true cost is much more than just the initial $999 dollars found on Apple’s website.
One could argue that no one is making us buy all those other things, and that is true. The only one who “makes” us buy things in theory is ourself. We make that choice every time we make a purchase.
And that is why you are reading today’s blog post. Because it is you who has the power to make the best choices for your life.
It’s not about making a choice that is common amongst friends, but make the choice that is best for your life.
ASAS Words of Wisdom
The Time Requirement of a New Purchase
Every purchase we make will require our time. Using our existing example of a cell phone consider how it takes time to:
- Organize – getting phone numbers, apps, bookmarked websites, and etc. set up just the way you like.
- Repair – Ever waited at an Apple Store to get your phone fixed? Enough said.
- Maintain – Wiping off a smudged screen, taking the case off to clean dirt and grime, replacing a cracked screen protector.
- Replace – If your phone is ever lost or stolen, it will take time to go about replacing it, getting a substitute phone in the meantime, etc.
Not only that, but these purchases can take a toll on our mind.
These are the mental costs associated with owning items.
If you’ve ever lost your phone then you know exactly what the guy in the picture is feeling right now.
When we lose that new item we purchased (or if anything is wrong with the new item we purchased) often times it has a big impact on the quality of our mood.
It can stress us out and occupy our mind to the point we can’t think about anything else, or enjoy our day.
While not as apparent as a price tag, this is nevertheless a part of the “true cost” associated with an item.
Conclusion
Every new possession is a new responsibility. Every item in our home becomes a part of our lives. So we must ask ourselves, is it worth it?
We hope you found today’s blog post interesting, insightful, and inspirational.
Please take time to carefully consider the things we’ve shared with you today.
Additionally, we would love to hear any of your thoughts in the comments down below.
Until next time, y’all have a good one.
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