A thought \u00e2\u20ac\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you have the opportunity, never buy anything brand-new. <\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Refurbished iPhone<\/a>, refurbished MacBook Pro,<\/a> used Leica cameras (M9, M Monochrome, Leica Q), refurbished Google Pixel 3<\/a>, used Tesla Cars<\/a>, and almost anything and everything technological (or even fashion-related).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why I only buy used cameras<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
This is the reason why it is best to buy used digital cameras, phones, tools, etc:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most people baby their electronics, cameras, and tools (or just use it for a little bit, then stop using it). <\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
This means when you buy used things, they are usually in tip-top shape (often the only downside are tiny cosmetic scuffs).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Furthermore, you get insane savings! For example, my friend Bellamy Hunt (japancamerahunter.com<\/a>) helped me save $1,000+ on buying a used film Leica MP<\/a>, instead of buying it brand new. Even when I bought my old Leica M9 <\/a>in the past, I saved thousands of dollars by purchasing a used “tester” unit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why I like to buy refurbished electronics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When I bought my 13” MacBook Pro TouchBar<\/a>, I bought it refurbished on the Apple website, maxed it out, and saved $1000+ on it! And it works perfectly!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I’ve never spent more than $2,500 on a car<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
All the cars I bought in the past (with my own money) cost less than $2,500:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- My first car [in high school]: 1991 Sentra 4-door XE 5-speed ($1,200) — ran like a champ (I later traded it in for $1000 in cash because it no longer passed California smog)<\/li>
- My second car [in high school]: 1991 Sentra SE-R 5-speed ($1,500) — ran like a champ (until my sister crashed it).<\/li>
- My third car [in college]: 1990 Mazda Miata (Red), no power anything ($2,500) — ran like a champ (except fixing the timing belt once) — and (unfortunately) my sister got into another accident.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
I never understood why anyone would spend $20,000+ on a car — or how they could even afford it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Anyways, I have found in my experience that you can save insane amounts of money on cars (especially slightly used sports cars) when purchasing on craigslist, or even from friends\/family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Value<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Ultimately I feel happiest when I feel like I got a ‘deal’ on something — when I get a lot for less money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thus, buying used or refurbished is one of the best ways to save huge amounts of money. You can probably save 30-40% money on something (that might only be 5-10% ‘inferior’ because of minor cosmetic scuffs). To me, this is the best deal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can you live a life where you buy nothing new?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Besides food, can’t most of the things we buy be used\/refurbished? Even with designer clothes– probably to buy it at a thrift store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The only stuff I really like to buy new (clothing) is things at UNIQLO, because everything is quite high-quality and cheap. I also like the new innovations they have in clothing (stretchy materials and jeans). My best investment recently is a black stretchy-blazer jacket, which only cost me around $60.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also with sneakers, I generally prefer to buy new NIKE sneakers — because it seems that used sneakers don’t perform quite as well as new ones. And it is tricky for me to find sneakers that fit me (I have wide feet, and wear a size 10.5).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The future<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Right now I’m living more nomadically<\/a> and don’t really own much. But moving forward, if I need to buy furniture — I will buy used IKEA furniture (and it is pre-assembled!). I will buy a nice used espresso machine. I will definitely get ‘hand me down’ clothing for my kids. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And if I need to really buy anything new (at least camera-related) I don’t really want to spend more than $800-900 on a new camera (this means, my new cameras can either only be smartphones or the RICOH GR III<\/a> camera). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would encourage you to buy more used things to save money, and to invest that money into more meaningful things (like experiences<\/a>, travel<\/a>, and adventures!) <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ideas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Some other ideas of good stuff to buy to save tons of money<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Used GoreTex rain jackets<\/li>
- Used noise-cancelling BOSE headphones<\/li>
- Used Leica cameras<\/li>
- Used leather products<\/li>
- Used RAW denim<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Or even another idea:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you have the opportunity, borrow things\/tools\/devices\/cameras from friends, or offer to purchase it from them (hopefully at a discounted price!)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
More turbo thoughts to come!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ERIC<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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