I have added a new category called ‘SODCD’ which means “Stepping Over Dollars Chasing Dimes”. Picture a greedy person running down the sidewalk drooling chasing one rolling dime while it’s bouncing over stacks of money. I see so many decisions now with the intention of saving a few dollars that actually end up costing much more in the long run.
One of my coworkers has been without a desktop at home for over a month because the motherboard died. The place she bought it from said they have to send it to ASUS to get a replacement or confirm that it’s broken. There is a $35 fee if it’s not broken. For $70 she could have had a new motherboard a month ago and been happy. She has been on the phone with various people for this month trying to get the problem resolved. To her it’s worth saving $35. Would you spend a month trying to get a “free” motherboard or would you spend $70 for a faster one right away? How much is your time worth?