Why Buying Cheap Is So Expensive: The Minimalist Guide to Buying Less
- jennifercorkum
- Sep 16
- 4 min read
In a world obsessed with bargains, sales, and “fast everything,” it’s tempting to chase the cheapest option. But here’s the catch: cheap often costs more.
A $25 pair of shoes that falls apart every year is not cheaper than a $150 pair that lasts a decade. A budget appliance that needs replacing three times ends up costing more than the high-quality model you avoided.
Minimalism teaches us a better way: buy once, buy right. It’s a playbook that shifts your spending from short-term “deals” to long-term value. When applied consistently, it saves money, reduces waste, and creates more clarity around the things you truly need.
This post will walk you through the Buy Once Playbook, including how to set quality standards, how to use depreciation math to evaluate purchases, and how to calculate the true total cost of ownership (TCO).
Why Buying Cheap Isn’t Cheap
On the surface, going cheap feels like saving money. But cheap products carry hidden costs:
Frequent replacements. Items wear out faster, requiring more purchases.
Higher maintenance. Low-quality items break, clog, or jam more often.
Stress and clutter. Every replacement adds friction to your life and clutter to your space.
Environmental cost. Discarded items pile up in landfills, while more resources are used to manufacture new ones.
A minimalist approach flips the script: it’s not about buying less money, it’s about buying less often.
Step 1: Define Your Quality Standards
The first step in the Buy Once Playbook is setting your personal “quality standards.” These act as your filter when shopping.
Ask yourself:
Durability: Will this last at least [X years] with regular use?
Repairability: Can it be repaired instead of replaced?
Timelessness: Will it still look or function well in 5–10 years?
Brand reputation: Does the manufacturer have a track record for quality and service?
Reviews: Are there consistent positive reviews beyond just hype?
Example: If you’re buying a winter coat, you might set a standard of at least 5 years of wear, timeless style, and repairable zippers. Suddenly, the $300 coat looks smarter than the $100 coat that wears out after two seasons.
Minimalist tip: Write your quality standards down once, then use them every time you shop—it becomes your personal playbook.
Step 2: Use Depreciation Math
Depreciation math helps you compare “cheap now” vs. “quality for longer.”
Here’s how:
Cost of Item ÷ Expected Years of Use = Annual Cost
Example 1:
$40 fast-fashion shoes ÷ 1 year = $40 per year.
$150 leather shoes ÷ 10 years = $15 per year.
The upfront cost of the leather shoes is higher, but over time, they’re three times cheaper.
Example 2:
$600 low-end laptop ÷ 3 years = $200 per year.
$1,200 durable laptop ÷ 8 years = $150 per year.
The “expensive” laptop is actually the better deal.
Minimalist tip: When you start running purchases through depreciation math, you’ll see cheap deals differently—most aren’t deals at all.
Step 3: Calculate Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
Purchase price is only the beginning. The total cost of ownership (TCO) includes:
Initial cost. What you pay upfront.
Maintenance. Repairs, cleaning, upkeep.
Operating costs. Energy, fuel, or consumables.
Replacement costs. If it wears out faster, factor in future purchases.
Resale value. Quality items often hold resale value, reducing true cost.
Example: Buying a Car
Car A: $15,000 used sedan. Lasts 10 years. Low repairs, good fuel efficiency. Resale value after 10 years = $3,000.
TCO = $15,000 – $3,000 resale + $4,000 repairs/maintenance + $10,000 fuel = $26,000.
Car B: $25,000 new SUV. Lasts 10 years. Higher repairs, poor fuel efficiency. Resale value = $7,000.
TCO = $25,000 – $7,000 resale + $7,000 repairs/maintenance + $20,000 fuel = $45,000.
On the surface, Car B looks like a “nicer” purchase—but Car A actually saves nearly $20,000 over its lifetime.
This is why minimalists care more about TCO than sticker price.
This is a fillable worksheet. Enter your information directly into the fields to compare purchases.
Item: ___________________________
Purchase Price: ___________________________
Expected Lifespan (years): ___________________________
Annual Cost (Price ÷ Lifespan): ___________________________
Maintenance/Operating Costs: ___________________________
Estimated Resale Value: ___________________________
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): ___________________________
Step 4: Apply the Playbook in Real Life
The Buy Once Playbook works best for high-use, high-cost, or high-impact items:
Clothing & shoes: Fewer, higher-quality items that last.
Tools & appliances: Invest once in reliability instead of buying replacements.
Tech: Buy mid-to-high-end gear with long lifespans, not cheap models that break fast.
Furniture: Solid wood table that lasts 20 years > particle-board table that warps in 3.
Cars: Focus on reliability and efficiency, not flash and features.
The rule of thumb: if you use it daily or weekly, buy once.
Step 5: Avoid the “Luxury Trap”
Minimalism isn’t about buying the most expensive option—it’s about buying the right option.
Don’t confuse “quality” with luxury branding. Some luxury products are actually poorly made, designed to sell status, not durability. Always check your quality standards, depreciation math, and TCO before assuming a higher price = better.
Minimalist tip: The sweet spot is usually mid-tier quality—not bargain-bin, not luxury markup.
Benefits of the Buy Once Mindset
Financial clarity. Long-term savings by avoiding constant replacements.
Less clutter. Fewer items, each one serving a clear purpose.
Reduced stress. You spend less time shopping, replacing, and fixing.
Environmental impact. Lower waste and fewer discarded products.
Emotional satisfaction. Owning things you truly value, not cheap fillers.
Final Thoughts
The Buy Once Playbook is about shifting your money from short-term consumption to long-term value. By setting clear quality standards, using depreciation math, and calculating the total cost of ownership, you’ll stop being fooled by “cheap” deals and start buying things that actually save you money over time.
Minimalist finance isn’t about deprivation—it’s about freedom. And when you own fewer, better things, you spend less, stress less, and live more.
So the next time you’re tempted by a bargain bin, pause. Pull out your playbook. Ask: Will this last? What’s the true cost? Do I really need it?
Because the real deal isn’t cheap—it’s value.
Buy Once Worksheet
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