My "OCD" Spending Philosophy

Buy Less

For designers, design and life are hard to separate. The principles we pursue in life are reflected in design; the principles we pursue in design reflect back into our lives.

I’m a big fan of minimalism in design: less is more, never excessive, add nothing unless necessary.

Within what I can control in my spending (I can’t dictate what Yanbing and the kids want to buy), I keep my things to a minimum. Whether it’s clothing, tools (like woodworking tools), or hobby-related items (like cameras, fishing gear), I keep them very streamlined.

I don’t aim for a lot of gear, but it has to be handy and well-used. This aligns closely with the products and philosophy of Patagonia (I only own two or three of their clothes).

Buy Better

Some people love buying cheap things, only to find they’re unsuitable, so they idle them, discard them, and buy more. They’re not limited by finances and can afford better quality but still opt for cheaper stuff. I know there’s no right or wrong here, but I can’t understand it.

I believe in buying the best quality within my spending ability.

So, what does buying better mean?

My friend Forrest shared a great perspective: choose to buy the item that makes you feel a bit of pain, as if it’s a small sacrifice.

I agree 100%.

He added: those “sacrifice” items often turn out to be the most frequently used and durable ones.

I wholeheartedly agree. That’s wisdom.

Buy What Fits

I’m quite “picky” when buying something. I’ll keep touching, trying, feeling, and playing until the item feels just right before I buy.

Regardless of how many highlights an item has, how good its features are, if there’s even a tiny flaw or something slightly off, I won’t buy it.

Take a pair of shoes, for example. If their overall design matches my taste, they’re very simple, and the weight meets my requirements. But if I feel even a tiny bit that they pinch, just a little, I’ll skip them.

This is based on my experience.

In the past, before forming this standard, I bought items thinking “a little issue won’t affect it,” but it was precisely this “little issue” that made me not want to use the item.

Buy Slowly

I’m not an impulsive buyer, but once I decide to buy, I decide quickly.

I have a shopping list in iPhone Reminders for things I want. I’ll check it occasionally or read reviews online; I’ll also occasionally look at them in stores, whether it’s products, things, or clothes, but I never rush to buy.

I’ll discuss with Yanbing, and sometimes even the kids, why I want to buy it and my standards. This way, I’m communicating with them and gaining their understanding.

Then one day, sometimes months or even a year later, I’ll suddenly feel like it’s time to buy. Then I’ll quickly place the order.

Where Am I Willing to Spend Money?

First of all, I don’t want to spend money on superficial things. Like brand name clothes, cars, and other items mainly for showing status. My favorite brand now is Uniqlo. In the US, my favorite car brand is Toyota—both great value products.

Education/Development

Around 2015, we had money from a company buyback, enough to get a small, older apartment. But after discussing with Yanbing, we decided to invest in the kids’ education.

This decision was simple. For the kids, education is the most important. Once they grow up and leave the house, it doesn’t matter where Yanbing and I live. We could rent in Shanghai or buy a small place in my hometown in China, both are fine. Education is crucial for our kids’ development and future. As a Christian family, putting them in a suitable educational environment also influences their life growth.

Even now, education is probably our biggest family expense.

Food

Spending money on food doesn’t mean buying extravagant food, but buying simple and clean food. There’s a saying: You are what you eat.

There’s a book called Eat Dirt that’s quite interesting, worth reading.

Hobbies

I’m willing to spend on hobbies. Of course, this is about positive and healthy hobbies. Life is short, and having something you enjoy, immerse in, and relaxes both body and mind, is truly precious.

My Strange Comforting Consumer Psychology

When I buy something expensive or feel like it’s not worth it, or make a similar purchase, I often find myself with a strange sense of comfort.

For instance, when the whole family eats at an expensive restaurant and I feel the pinch, but then we end up with leftovers just right for dinner, I think, “Oh, this is worth it; one cost, two meals.”

Once, on a trip with church friends, a vendor offered photos they secretly took of the kids diving. They were expensive, not worth the price. But I thought, if I buy all photos at once, it’ll make seven or eight families happy and joyful—that’s worthwhile.

In the US, there are some expenses where I feel the price is slightly inflated, but I can’t be bothered to argue. I think, during our chat, it’s like having a personalized English tutoring session. Thinking this way balances my mind.