Cheap products may seem like a bargain upfront, but they often break, wear out, or become obsolete very quickly. Replacing them repeatedly usually costs more over time than investing in a premium item once.

Take footwear, for example: a $50 pair of shoes might need replacing every two years, while a $360 pair of well-crafted shoes could last over seven years with proper care. When you break it down by cost per use, the higher upfront investment often proves more economical in the long run. This principle applies across the board, from the clothes we wear to the cars we drive and even the tools we use daily.

Yet many of us have been conditioned to focus solely on price rather than quality. We’re taught to chase bargains instead of value.

But consider this: if you had to choose a doctor, would you go with the one who’s highly skilled, experienced, and charges a premium, or the one offering the lowest rate? When it comes to your health, safety, and long-term satisfaction, quality should always outweigh cost. The same logic may apply to the products and services we rely on every day.

The real question is: are you investing in what lasts, or settling for what’s cheap?