The Money Mustache Community
Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: onemorebike on May 11, 2013, 07:52:56 AM
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Curious what folks think of the effects of hedonic adaptation when considering it happens through an industry deal. ( read: new product, way below msrp) I'm wondering As I'm craving a new thing (a version of which I already own, but the newer, better version would add several years of awesomeness to life and I'd be able to buy it at a price that I could essentially sell it for three years from now and repeat the process.
Wondering how that sits with mustachians?
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Not exactly sure what you mean. Is this like getting a new iPad at a well below market price when your 1st or 2nd generation iPad still works like it did, but you feel like you're missing out on the faster processing and wireless speeds?
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Precisely, but with a more frequently used product. The other twist is being able to sell the old and up grade to the new at pretty much no cost - once the initial purchase is made.
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I can't think of a more frequently used object than my iPad.
I have a few Mustachian sins. I drink, I buy gadgets. I see it as a feature in my high assets, high savings financial situation. Without knowing your big picture outlook or the possible downsides, I can't comment on a single purchase.
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So the question is basically, if you can get something cool for free, should you turn it down to avoid hedonic adaptation?
For example, if my friend offers to let me stay in his tropical villa for a couple years, should I avoid it because I'd end up spoiled? Good question, and I have no idea.
On the other hand, should I purposely live the life of a homeless person for the reverse hedonic adaptation?
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Are you talking about a smartphone contract?
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It isn't quite free, it is like investing money into something that has no financial return but a high return on happiness, that can then be resold for the original investment after several years of happiness. :)
So the question is basically, if you can get something cool for free, should you turn it down to avoid hedonic adaptation?
For example, if my friend offers to let me stay in his tropical villa for a couple years, should I avoid it because I'd end up spoiled? Good question, and I have no idea.
On the other hand, should I purposely live the life of a homeless person for the reverse hedonic adaptation?
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Lol.
Are you talking about a smartphone contract?
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If you can sell it later for what you paid for it then why not?
I assume here you're talking about a car or a place to live.
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I'm guessing this is a bike thing? If you've already got a version of it, how much can you sell that for? Will that cover most of this purchase? I have a million guesses as to what it might be....powertap or GPS are my top two...
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Are you talking about a smartphone contract?
Lol.
I ask because I think the specifics matter in this case. If it's a Dodge Viper, you know you're in for a facepunch. If it's a table saw, maybe less so.