Use This Formula to Know if Something’s Truly Worth Buying

We’ve all been there—standing in front of something we want to buy, asking ourselves: “Is this really worth it?” Maybe it’s a new gadget, a trendy outfit, or a weekend trip you didn’t plan for. The price might seem fair, the desire is real, but something feels uncertain. That hesitation is a good thing—and it means your brain is searching for logic in a spending decision.

Fortunately, there’s a simple mental formula you can use to determine whether something is truly worth buying. This isn’t about guilt or restriction—it’s about clarity. The more intentional you become with your money, the more you’ll have left for the things that really matter.

The Worth-It Formula: Time + Use + Joy ≥ Cost

Here’s the basic idea:

(Time You’ll Use It) + (How Often You’ll Use It) + (Joy It Brings)
Must Be Greater Than or Equal To the Cost

This formula forces you to slow down and weigh your decision against three key factors:

Practicality
Frequency
Emotional value

When combined, they help you assess whether you're spending smart—or just reacting emotionally.

Let’s break each part down.

Time: How Long Will This Last?

Ask yourself:

Will this item last a week or a year?
Is it a one-time use or something you’ll own for years?
Is it made of quality materials?
Will it age well or go out of style quickly?

The longer an item lasts, the more value it brings per dollar spent. For example, a $100 backpack that lasts 5 years is far more “worth it” than a $40 one that rips in 6 months.

Look for:

Durable build
Timeless design
Long shelf life (in the case of food or products)

Think of the purchase as a time investment, not just a price tag.

Use: How Often Will You Use It?

Frequency is one of the biggest factors in value. Something you’ll use daily offers far more return on investment than something you’ll only touch once a year.

Do this quick math:
Cost ÷ Number of Uses = Cost Per Use

Examples:

$90 running shoes worn 90 times = $1/use
$50 dress worn once = $50/use

If the cost per use feels high, you may be better off skipping—or renting, borrowing, or buying secondhand.

A low cost per use doesn’t make something essential, but it does make it smarter.

Joy: Does This Bring True Satisfaction?

Not everything needs to be purely practical. Joy has value too. A $40 dinner out with friends might not last physically, but the memories and enjoyment can still make it “worth it.”

Ask:

Will this purchase bring you joy beyond the moment?
Will you feel good after buying it—or regret it?
Is it aligned with your values or just an emotional fix?

If something sparks genuine happiness, and not just stress relief or boredom, it might earn its place in your budget.

But if it’s impulse-driven, temporary, or rooted in comparison—pause and reassess.

When All Three Align, It’s Worth It

Let’s run through some examples.

Example 1: Buying a $200 Kitchen Appliance

Time: Will last 5+ years
Use: You’ll use it 3 times a week
Joy: You love cooking and it makes meals easier

Result: Worth it. You’ll get hundreds of uses and lasting satisfaction.

Example 2: $75 Designer Hoodie

Time: Likely lasts a couple of years
Use: Maybe worn 10 times before falling out of rotation
Joy: It feels trendy, but you’re unsure if it fits your style

Result: Probably not worth it. High cost per use, low certainty of joy.

Example 3: $25 Book on a Topic You Love

Time: Timeless
Use: Read once, but possibly revisited
Joy: Anticipated enjoyment, personal growth, or learning

Result: Worth it, especially if it aligns with personal interests or goals.

Questions to Ask Before Buying Anything

Use this checklist when applying the formula in real life:

Will I still want this a week from now?
Can I afford this without going into debt or sacrificing essentials?
How long will this item serve me?
How many times will I realistically use it?
Am I buying this out of emotion or intention?
Is there something I already own that serves the same purpose?
Does this bring joy or just fill a temporary gap?

Taking even 30 seconds to walk through these can prevent unnecessary purchases and regret.

The 10-Minute Rule for Fast Decisions

If you’re in a store or facing an online flash sale, you can’t always take 24 hours to decide. That’s where the 10-minute rule helps.

Here’s how:

Pause for 10 minutes before buying
Step away, scroll something else, or leave the page
Ask yourself: “Will this make my life better in a month?”

Often, the space is enough to shift your mindset from want to reason.

Build a “Maybe Later” List

Impulse decisions fade fast. If you’re unsure, write the item down in a notebook or on your phone’s “Maybe List.”

Revisit it after a few days:

Still want it? Reassess using the formula.
Forgot about it? It wasn’t worth it to begin with.
Found a better version or realized you didn’t need it? You saved money and made a smarter decision.

The “Maybe List” lets you separate true wants from passing impulses.

Create a Monthly Budget for “Worth It” Purchases

Not every “worth it” item is cheap—and that’s okay. Having a small fund for purchases that bring value and joy gives you flexibility without throwing off your budget.

Tips:

Allocate a flat amount each month (e.g., $100)
Spend it on things that pass the Time + Use + Joy test
Don’t roll it over unless saving for something big

This keeps intentional spending stress-free—and removes the guilt of treating yourself wisely.

When It’s Okay to Walk Away

Sometimes, even when something seems valuable, the timing or circumstances aren’t right. That’s when walking away is the smart, empowering choice.

It’s okay to say:

“Not today, but maybe later.”
“This is great, but not essential right now.”
“I’ll revisit this after meeting my savings goal.”

Remember, you’re not missing out—you’re staying in control.

Knowing whether something is truly worth buying doesn’t require guesswork. With the Time + Use + Joy ≥ Cost formula, you gain a simple, powerful tool to guide your financial decisions.

The next time you’re tempted to buy something on a whim, ask yourself: