# 5 Questions to Ask Before Buying

Source: https://www.theminimalists.com/before/
Published: 2018-07-13
Updated: 2024-06-12
Author: The Minimalists

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Before committing to the next purchase, ask yourself five questions:

**Can I afford to part with this money?** If you have to charge it to a credit card, you [can’t afford it](https://theminimalists.com/broke).

**Can I pay the actual cost?** Remember, the [true cost](https://theminimalists.com/cost) of a thing stretches far beyond the price on the price tag.

**Will it add value to my life?** It must serve a purpose or bring joy; otherwise, it does not [add value](https://www.theminimalists.com/add-value/).

**What are the alternatives?** In other words, is this [the best use of this money](https://www.theminimalists.com/money/)? If not, then use the money elsewhere.

**Can I get by without it for a while?** If so, wait. Who knows—maybe a day of contemplation will help you realize you no longer want the thing you wanted. (We call this the [30/30 Rule](https://theminimalists.com/3030rule).)

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