How do you usually make your purchase decisions: what to buy, where to buy, new or used, and do you really need to buy at all?

Most of the time I postpone these decisions. When life is already set, there aren't many things necessary right away, so the first thing I do is put the thought to the back of my mind. Let it wait.

Some thoughts stay there and then walk away, some remain.

Regarding those I already think ahead. If it's just a nice idea, for example some tool that I'm proud to own, but which I would use once every couple of years and it's more reasonable to borrow, I put this idea aside for a while. If this item finds use and brings joy, but is not necessarily needed right away, for example, a modern iron to replace the simple one that my aunt gave me in 1998 when I first moved out of my childhood home, I will put it on a list and in time these things will com to me or lose relevance. The third category is the necessary items that really make everyday life better, for example, new boots, when the old ones are broken and my feet are wet, and I'm already starting to think about whether to buy used or new, what is the best model for me and where are the best places to buy.

If sometimes I need some small, specific widget, which is usually ridiculously expensive, I ask on social media first. Every time I am surprised that there really are people who have exactly the phone holder, yoga mat or skis that I need right now. And since they are new to me, I still get the "joy of a new thing", along with the joy that old things get a new life. And sometimes I am the person who has an object without a use and it finds new life with someone else.

What have you gained by thinking through your purchase decisions?

Definitely money – the better you think through your purchases, the less money you spend on things you didn't really need, and the more you spend on things that really make you happy. And if, for example, you look for clothes, tableware or furniture in second hand stores, you can add a touch of eras and styles to your life for what you pay a fortune in a design store.

Definitely also peace of mind. I always prefer high quality and long lasting items as I don't like them letting me down or having to look for new ones. By avoiding poor quality products, I save both money and the environment. For example, I bought a bicycle in 1997 with my first student loan, it was brand new, but "last year's model" and therefore had a huge discount, still paid an above average salary and still serves me perfectly both in the city and on hikes; I bought my current washing machine in 2005, my hiking jacket and pants have served me for over ten years and are still going strong. Only dishwashers have some magic, they don't last more than a few years.

Many people simply enjoy shopping and new things. How can that not appeal to you?

There is a lot of noise and people in the store, it is hard to choose and uncomfortable to try on clothes. So shopping is really more pain than fun, and only later will it become clear whether the time and money was worth it. Instead, I recommend going to a park or forest to lift the spirit – the happy hormones you get from physical activity and fresh air are stronger and last longer than the ones you get from the store, and you spend less.

What do you suggest where to escape when you feel the urge to buy something new (and possibly useless).

Relax, first don't run anywhere. If after a few weeks or months the specific desire is still there, start researching whether it makes sense to buy new and high-quality or old and stylish. Or there is someone that doesn't use it anymore and you can give it a new life. By the way, does anyone need my old fishing gear?

Be like  Mari Öö!

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