Episode Details

I almost bought a camera I didn’t need.

And the only thing that stopped me wasn’t discipline, budgeting, or some amazing financial habit.

It was friction.

After a recent filming trip to Napa Valley, I convinced myself I needed a new camera. I had the use case. I had the specs picked out. I had the business justification. I was ready to buy it.

Then the seller made it slightly harder for me to pay.

That tiny inconvenience gave me enough time to go home, look at the gear I already owned, and realize something:

I didn’t need the camera.

In this episode of Growing Money, I talk about why making spending TOO easy can work against us, how we turn wants into “needs,” and why intentionally adding friction back into your financial life might save you more money than relying on willpower.

I also share the simple 48–72 hour rule I’m trying to use before bigger purchases and the opportunity-cost question that completely changed how I looked at this one:

Would I rather have another camera… or a plane ticket that could actually help me grow my business?

Sometimes the smartest financial decision isn’t “never.”

It’s just: not now.

Let me know in the comments: What’s something you almost bought, or actually bought, because you convinced yourself you “needed” it?