Why Do We Rent Some Stuff but Buy Other Stuff?

Hello there! If you are new here, you might want to subscribe to the RSS feed for updates on this topic.

I read an interesting post at PBS earlier today entitled Why Do Brides Buy Dresses While Grooms Rent Tuxes?, and I must say, the question has been bouncing around in my head all day.

Not because the question is all that difficult, but that it got me thinking about all the other things in my daily life that I unknowingly buy because I’m “supposed” to buy versus rent what I’m “supposed” to rent.

Primarily, I’ve been asking myself:

Why do we tend to do things just because that’s the way it’s always been done or it’s always worked that way?

Is it because we’re just not self-aware enough? Perhaps we find it comforting to continually doing things out of habit? Maybe we just simply don’t want to rock the boat?

Could be lots of things.

As for me, here are a few things I came up with.

What I’m Buying that I Should Rent/Get for Free

Books. I don’t read books nearly as much as I did years ago (I blame blogs for that), but I still occasionally catch myself being drawn into a bookstore to scan the bestsellers. I do this when I’m bored or to waste time while I’m out shopping with the significant other. Instead, I should be turning to the local library.
Magazines. I have a few subscriptions to trade journals (mostly pharma and biotech related) so I can stay up to date with modern industry practices, but much of the content is now available online. Still, I enjoy my regular routine of breaking out a red pen and highlighting the main points so there is some value I can’t replace.
My girlfriend. After all, why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free. Scratch that idea. She occasionally reads the blog and I’m sure I’ll regret it later. (Please note the obvious sarcasm.)

What I’m Renting that I Should be Buying

My SUV. I’ve been leasing a SUV for just over two years now, and while I’m thoroughly addicted to new car smell, I probably won’t be doing it again in the future. I’m a 30+ guy with a girlfriend so the need for a pimped out ride just isn’t there anymore.
Computer related equipment. I noticed on my last DSL payment that I’m actually paying rent for the use of their wireless modem. Same goes with the cable company’s TV hardware. Perhaps there is a way to buy my own or switch to a plan where these fees, while minimal, can be eliminated.

As you can see, the list is pretty short considering I’m a fairly frugal minded person, but I’m curious if anyone else has run across the same question and made the necessary changes. If so, what were they?

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed, or follow me on Twitter or Facebook! Related Posts

Related Websites

Posted by Matt SF @ 4 July 2009 3 comments

3 Comments
Add Comment

Comments

Jul 5, 2009
2:12 am

#1 SJ :

I kind of disagree with you on the book issue… For the truly GOOD books that have lotsa insightful points and what not… I think it’s worth buying just to be able to take notes and digest the book better.

I am making two lists of books; 1 is To-Read, and the other is To-Buy =)

And also… the topic that got you thinking about this… Taken for the Economic Naturalist almost word for word =) But I think that to be a “To-Read” more than “To-Own” book. Opening my mind by reading it was real nice.

[Reply]

Jul 5, 2009
9:48 am

#2 Matt :

I see your point. The truly good ones are definitely worth owning. Perhaps I’m jaded because I hate boxing them up and moving them every few years! ;)

[Reply]

Trackbacks to this post.