Deciding what to buy has never been an easy task. The necessary essentials aside, people tend to get caught up when buying things like clothes, accessories and other products they feel they need to have. As a college student, this task is even more difficult. Many students manage a tight budget due to the costs of school and living. Quite frankly, most of us just need the essentials to get by. But as teenagers and young adults, we also tend to buy things for show. Flashy clothes, accessories, technology, while they do serve their intended purpose, are often bought to show off to others. This leads to the question, is it better to buy something for practicality or to buy for show? The answer is without a doubt, for practicality.
Why do people buy flashy goods and products when there are cheaper alternatives that are just as functional? Being able to afford and own luxury items boosts a person’s self-esteem. It makes them feel accomplished because they own a product or item that few others can own. It also helps them feel socially accepted because the societal norm is to look up to and be friendlier to those perceived to be wealthy or affluent. Luxury goods create a false sense of accomplishment, fueled by our attraction to wealth. Basically, to buy flashy products is to buy for the sake of feeling satisfied.
To buy for practicality, on the other hand, is to buy for purpose. This is what sets this method of purchasing items above buying for show. Items should be made and purchased solely for the use they were designed for. Yes, there may not be the euphoric rush and pleasure of buying something flashier, but in the long run, the satisfaction of knowing you’re getting the most out of a product for less money can be equally satisfying, because now you have more money in your hands.
The math is there. Brand name or flashy items can cost much more than their generic counterparts. For example, smartphones have become a relative necessity. But is it really worth shelling out nearly $700 for a top-of-the-line smartphone from Apple or Samsung, when there are phones that offer the same features as the iPhone or Galaxy for nearly half the price? The ZTE Axon 7, an Android phone that offers just as many features as the top-of-the-line models, is only $400. That’s $300 that can be saved or spent elsewhere. This can be applied to almost every product: watches, glasses, clothes, etc. No matter what we’re talking about, flashier products are generally a waste of money.
There are more benefits to buying for function than to buying for show. Buying for show gives mental and social satisfaction, which is good but not tangible or realistically useful. Buying for function brings financial satisfaction and assurance, which is much more tangible and important. People can live off the money saved by buying frugal, but not off the pride of owning a product made by Gucci or Chanel. Buying for function is less wasteful and makes your money last longer. It’s the secure option for the long run.
