I have two short but seemingly contrasting convictions.
- Live simply
- Spend well when buying products
The first helps me to remember that life is not enjoyed through an abundance of things. Indeed, the older I get, the less I want the headache of managing more “things”.
The second may sound like a contrast, but in reality it supports the first. If you have a need, then make a purchase that will cost you more upfront, but save you time and energy in the long run. A good recent example for me is the socks from Icebreaker.
Now, I realize not everyone gets excited about socks. But I happen to be one who does: there are not many things more enjoyable than pulling on a good pair of socks. And I’ve never experienced better socks than the ones I’ve gotten from Icebreaker.
This is a company where you pay a premium price. I made my first purchase from Icebreaker 3+ years ago, a light jacket that cost over $300. That’s not an insignificant cost for a single income family of six. But it was a great investment: it’s the best jacket I’ve ever owned and is holding up very well.
Fast forward to Christmas 2015 and I receive a pair of Icebreaker socks from my wife. These are amazing socks. They lasted almost an entire year, which is far better than the average 10–12 weeks I might see from the kinds of socks you get in a pack of 6 at Costco. Not only that, but the socks from Icebreaker felt great all year. They begin to form themselves to your feet and, being a good part Merino wool, they rarely had to be washed and did not smell. At all.
So when it came to Christmas 2016, I insisted my wife get me another pair. She got me two, bless her soul. And I followed up on Boxing Day and purchased 3 more pairs. I’m tired of hunting through pairs of polyester bargain socks to find 2 with no holes in them. I’d rather pay $25 a pair than $15 for a six pack of junk that doesn’t last.
You get what you pay for.
