Before You Buy It, Calculate the Cost Per Use | Money Saving Tips
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📌Reminder: Not every expensive purchase is a bad value, and not every cheap purchase is a good deal.
One simple way to make smarter buying decisions is to calculate the cost per use before you buy. It only takes a few seconds, but it can help you spend less on things you won’t actually use.
Calculate the Cost Per Use
Before buying something, think about how many times you’ll realistically use it. Then divide the price by that number.
For example, a $120 pair of shoes you wear 120 times costs about $1 per wear. A $25 shirt that sits in your closet after two wears costs $12.50 every time you put it on. Looking at purchases this way helps you focus on value instead of just the price tag.
This doesn’t mean you should always buy the more expensive option. It simply encourages you to buy things you’ll actually use instead of things that seem like a good deal in the moment.
Why this saves money
Many unnecessary purchases happen because we focus on the excitement of buying something new or the feeling that we are getting a good deal. Calculating the cost per use shifts your thinking from “Is this cheap?” to “Is this worth it?”
It can help you avoid buying things that end up sitting in your closet, kitchen cabinets, or storage spaces unused. Instead, you become more intentional about spending money on items that add value to your life.
Try this today: Before your next non-essential purchase, take 30 seconds to calculate the cost per use.
Ask yourself:
- How often will I realistically use this?
- Will I still want this a few months from now?
- Is this something that adds value to my life?
Sometimes the answer will be yes, and you’ll feel confident making the purchase. Other times, you’ll realize keeping the money is the better decision.