I discovered this subreddit when I was 18, now I’m 30. I’m far from from old, but I think I have some life experience that I can give some perspective to young guys reading this comment. Buying nice things or “BIFL” as a mentality has been amazing for me to get to a point where I don’t really buy a ton of stuff anymore. I don’t find myself shopping much because I was really intentional about finding the best products for my needs and saving slowly to buy them.

I like nice things that last not because it’s cheaper in the long run, but because it’s nicer for the long run. I bought a pair of redwings when I was 23, and wore them pretty much exclusively for like 5 years. I have friends who could have probably spent less money in total buying vans once a year for that span of time, but I was wearing a much nicer pair of shoes that entire time.

The BIFL influence also kept me happy with what I have because I love the stories all my things have to them. I hold onto stuff that I had to save for or be intentional in purchasing.

In summary, BIFL as a consideration when buying things is really good. There is no shame in loving your stuff when your stuff is worth loving. Buy less, buy nicer, buy it for life (ish).