Heartspoken Moment: Always Count The Cost

Everything you own and every choice you make comes with a cost, either up front or ongoing. You should always count the cost.

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I’ll bet you are a responsible person.

I’d like to think I am too. I don’t usually spend money I don’t have, and it’s rare for me to splurge on things that would be a waste of money.

But am I always considering the hidden costs? Even I get something for free, I need to consider all the currencies in play, because money isn’t the only one:

•  Time. Is there time involved in the procurement or maintenance of my purchase? I may be able to pay for a puppy dog, but do I have time to take care of it? 
• Energy. I once purchased a spiralizer, thinking it would be just the tool for preparing healthy meals, but it was so much trouble to use that my meal prep took too long and resulted in my feeling frustrated instead of satisfied.
• Space. If I don’t have the space to use or store my purchase, I’ll either add to clutter in my home or be forced to get rid of something else first. This can cause stress, either way. If you’re paying for storage, this goes right back into added financial cost.
• Worry. If someone gave you a beautiful piece of jewelry, you might worry about losing it, having it stolen, or making sure it’s properly insured. The cost might well be worth it, but it’s still a cost.

So get in the habit of asking yourself these questions before making a significant purchase:

• Do I love it?
• Do I need it?
• What is it worth?
• What is it really going to cost?

The answers might surprise you.