This is a page that doesn’t necessarily talk about what to buy, but more about how or when to buy things. It is something I intend to update from time to time with advice.

Appliances (bikes, guns and any specialized gear): I love the hours and often the selection of box stores. But, some items deserve service. I can tell you that retailers that participate in the activities that they are selling are way more knowledgeable and have a vested interest in having repeat customers. Keep your local experts around by supporting them.

Books: 1) If you are going to read it in a timely manner (less than a couple months) and it is available, and you don’t need it for future reference I would get it from the library 2) If the book is long or you are going to read it multiple times (unlikely) then I would buy it used if you can find it 3) With the decline of book stores, then best bet is to go online.

Extended Warranties: I have never had a time that I said to myself, I am glad I got the extra warranty. Generally speaking, I think these are value add sales to the consumer that are not worth the cost. I have had things that didn’t work out of the box and I have had things fail but never things that did so randomly.

Farmer’s Markets: I love farmer’s markets. In my climate, crops are really only plentiful from June-October. That means the rest of it is beanie babies, kettle corn and massages. Nothing wrong with that, but it is not a sustainable way to buy groceries. I like to go an purchase things that I am going to can or preserve or pick up something special.

Hardware: I am pleased to say that this is still a place the box stores are at an extreme disadvantage. The selection is better and so is the service. It’s one thing to buy 5lbs of deck screws at the box store, but another to find the right bolt length and thread pitch.

Made in the USA: Is a Nissan assembled in Tennessee a Japanese car or a Chevy assembled in Mexico an American car? Despite what we might think, this country still makes a lot of things. With all things equal, I would prefer to buy Made in the USA always. That being said, finding something that is more than assembled here is difficult. Buy the best you can afford, despite the origin.

Paint: I often get the question of who makes the best paint because of my years in the industry. I think this answer can vary, but I always say Sherwin-Williams. When it comes to exterior paint, they have the technical know how and they do testing in my climate. All paint looks good initially, but even a year can make a difference between the good paint or bad. Buy paint from a paint store, not from a box store or hardware store. The best grades are sold at the specialty store.

Restaurants: It takes a very special place (and usually pretty expensive) to impress me. Fast food and things have a purpose, to shove something in your face with as little time as possible. For best results, I would rather cook and eat at home than spend $100+ and expect to be satisfied. Learn to plan and cook.

Renting: Buying doesn’t always make sense. I find with small things like tool rental renting twice covers the cost of the tool. But, there are some things like sporting equipment where there are too many choices and sizes to buy without trying. Things like skis come to mind. Proper setup, maintenance and storage are all supporting reasons for renting rather than buying. Ask yourself, are you going to use this enough to warrant the purchase?

Techno-junk: It probably seems self evident, but this is best found in second hand shops. I find stuff for pennies on the dollar of it’s original cost. I have to acknowledge that finding ‘deals’ comes with more risk and may have hidden costs like missing parts, etc. But it is the cheapest entry point.

Woke Brands: I absolutely agree that your consumer habits should support your personal outlook. This is the reason I own no Levi’s and haven’t stepped foot in a Dick’s Sporting Goods in years. That being said, I have bought items at REI in the last year and I have an Apple phone and I drive a Ford. I can’t say with absolute certainty about all stances but there is a difference between brands that don’t affiliate with other controversial brands and those that campaign against our rights. Do your research and choose carefully.