Ask HN: What do you perceive as worth spending money on?

#1

Post by bmcnamara82 » Fri, Sep 10, 2010, 3:16 AM UTC

For myself, I value spending money on non-fiction books, craft beers, well designed things, and experiences with friends and family.

What do you believe is worth spending money on? What is the right price for some of the items you value? How do you determine this?

Re: Ask HN: What do you perceive as worth spending money on?

#2

Post by dglassan » Fri, Sep 10, 2010, 3:39 AM UTC

ditto on the craft beers and non-fiction books. I spend money going out with friends every weekend to have a great time. I guess it's just a gut feeling, if I believe something is worth the price, I'll spend the money on it. Sometimes I'm wrong and pay too much for something that's not that valuable, but other times I feel like I purchase things at a great price that offer me a lot

Re: Ask HN: What do you perceive as worth spending money on?

#3

Post by trouble » Fri, Sep 10, 2010, 3:43 AM UTC

I think it’s worth spending money on travel, but the amount is determined by how long I have to stay in one place to afford a trip. If a trip to Europe means I have to save up for two years beforehand, chances are I’ll take it off my priority list in favour of less-costly trips that mean I can take time off my job every three or four months.

Other things I believe in spending money on include education (although I do think that my university fees are unfairly high), good food, make-up and shoes (makes a big difference to how I am treated by others, unfortunately), kitchenware that lasts forever, a laptop and phone that work without causing me to stress, and bright, colourful things that make me happy. I also like shiny things but the price is normally too high compared to how much I like them.

Re: Ask HN: What do you perceive as worth spending money on?

#4

Post by aspir » Fri, Sep 10, 2010, 3:49 AM UTC

I've discovered that opting for higher quality foods (not gourmet or a 100% organic diet, just slightly better than spam/ramen) is well worth the results in regards to short term energy and health. Let alone long term health. I just feel better with fresher fruits and vegetables and quality grains and meats. I used to swear by ramen, but buying cut rate flour noodles and stock separately is nearly as cheap, and I'm noticeable healthier. GIGO for meatspace, essentially.

Re: Ask HN: What do you perceive as worth spending money on?

#5

Post by aspir » Fri, Sep 10, 2010, 3:56 AM UTC

dglassan wrote: post #2

ditto on the craft beers and non-fiction books. I spend money going out with friends every weekend to have a great time. I guess it's just a gut feeling, if I believe something is worth the price, I'll spend the money on it. Sometimes I'm wrong and pay too much for something that's not that valuable, but other times I feel like I purchase things at a great price that offer me a lot

I agree. Sometimes being miserly just isn't worth it. It's a good way to alienate people if done poorly. It also begs the question of "What are you saving up for in particular?" If it's for a house payment or a large long term goal or to keep a balanced budget that's one thing; but if it's to simply save for saving's sake alone without an objective, it can become oppressive. It did for me, that is.

Re: Ask HN: What do you perceive as worth spending money on?

#6

Post by qq66 » Fri, Sep 10, 2010, 3:58 AM UTC

Rent - I need a great place to come back home to. Food - fresh, high quality food improves my life a lot. Car - my 30 30 square feet of personal space that I can transport to wherever I want.

Re: Ask HN: What do you perceive as worth spending money on?

#7

Post by davj » Fri, Sep 10, 2010, 3:59 AM UTC

Spend money on things you need. If you want it, and need it, w00t!

Re: Ask HN: What do you perceive as worth spending money on?

#8

Post by achompas » Fri, Sep 10, 2010, 4:02 AM UTC

Travel. Going out with friends and dates. Fresh, locally raised food. A good pair of leather shoes.

Oh, and that copy of Snow Leopard required to grab the iOS SDK. =/

Re: Ask HN: What do you perceive as worth spending money on?

#9

Post by andywood » Fri, Sep 10, 2010, 4:05 AM UTC

Good food, good neighborhood, books, hobbies. Or put another way - health, mental health, personal development, and fun.

Re: Ask HN: What do you perceive as worth spending money on?

#10

Post by lotharbot » Fri, Sep 10, 2010, 4:06 AM UTC

1) Tools -- must have a high ratio of time or annoyance saved vs. cost. For example, quality kitchen tools that will make cooking easier every day for the next 20 years are worth spending a bit of money on.

2) Games/entertainment -- must give me a lot of hours of fun for a low hourly cost (like 50 cents an hour or better.) Video games that I'm going to play to death fall into this category; movies at the theater do not.

3) Family -- I'm willing to give up an awful lot of money so my son can grow up with his grandparents (and great grandparents) around, and so I can hang out with my brothers and sisters as they all grow up and start families.