[pdimitar]

Meh. I have no idea if I am smart or not -- the last several years proved to me I am definitely stupider than I thought -- but I know that with time I only started buying things I directly derive value from or in the worst-case scenario, I'll undoubtedly need during the next few months. No cutesy phone cases, no gadgets "because why not", no extra socks "because you never know", no new toaster because the current one just a tad too big etc. Almost no unnecessary purchases.

It's much more related to maturing on this or that axis than being smart IMO.

[jrflowers]

Buddy “I only buy things that I am convinced I need when I’m convinced I need to buy them” isn’t the demonstration that you’re immune to advertising that you seem to be trying to make.

Let me guess, when you are convinced that it is time to buy something that you need, you tend to buy from brands that you trust are of high quality or value — in a way that’s totally disconnected from and unrelated to any advertising or marketing efforts though?

[pdimitar]

You seem to have missed the criteria that I gave: namely that I buy stuff that I'll derive direct value from now or VerySoon™.

As for brands, obviously that's a thing but it's not always due to propaganda / ads -- often it's also about trying a few and sticking to what you have observed works best (or is longer lasting, or both).

[BlueTemplar]

You lost me at socks ! :O