I was just thinking-wondering?

FunnyCamper wrote:
best way to save on future purchases is to NOT buy until you need it then get the energy efficient, the best for your dollar, find it on sale and then replace whatever it is.

like lightbulbs. replace only with LED as the others fail. don't throw out a paid, good bulb, for a replacement.

I just was figuring this out on our heat pump. Dad's died after 16 years. got a new one and their electric bill went down like $35 a month. new energy efficient pump is saving him money vs. the 16 year old dying one but at the tune of $4500. So to save $35 a month to replace if it was still going strong would not be smart. It would take a little over 10 years of savings per month to cover that $4500. Why do that when the old one is paid for, working and ok?

My pump is 20 years old and going strong. when Dad mentioned his savings I thought, hmm...replace mine. then thought, heck no, not til it dies :)

So best way to save on purchases you think will help is wait til the old stuff dies, then replace as needed with good equipment/best money savers on the market.

Don't spend til needed. And while you are waiting to change things up when needed, BANK money to do that :)

The heat pump example may prove true but there are a lot of things in life where that process isn't as efficient as it seems. If you are dealing with a system or combination of parts where the failing component also effects the total of the remaining, it can be a false economy to wait until just one fails.

Example: Aging shock absorbers and suspension.