Have you ever bought something expensive, only to rarely use it and then wonder if it was really worth the money? If yes, you’re not alone. Many people fall into the trap of thinking that higher-priced items are automatically better, but that’s not always true. A simple trick called the “cost per use” method can help you make smarter purchasing decisions and avoid wasting money on things you don’t really need.

What Is the “Cost per Use” Trick?

The idea is straightforward: instead of looking at the total price of an item, think about how often you’ll use it. Divide the cost of the item by the number of times you expect to use it. This gives you the cost for each use, helping you see whether it’s a smart purchase.

Here’s the formula:

Cost per Use = Total Price ÷ Estimated Number of Uses

If the cost per use is very high, it might mean you’re paying too much for something that won’t be used often. If it’s low, you’re getting good value for your money.

Why Does This Trick Work?

This method shifts your focus from the sticker price to the actual value you’re getting. It helps you avoid impulse buys of items that seem expensive but are used only once or twice. It encourages you to consider how useful or versatile an item truly is, rather than just its price tag.

How to Use the “Cost per Use” Trick in Practice

1. For Clothing and Accessories:
If you’re thinking about buying a fancy jacket for $200, ask yourself:

• How many times will I wear it?
• If I wear it 20 times, then cost per wear is $10.
• If I only wear it 5 times, then the cost per wear jumps to $40, which might be too high for a piece you don’t use often.

2. For Gadgets or Appliances:
Consider a blender costing $100 that you plan to use daily for smoothies.

• If used daily for a year (365 days), then the cost per use is about $0.27.
• That’s a good deal for something you use so often.

3. For Subscriptions or Services:
If you pay $120 a year for a streaming service and use it almost every day, the cost per day is about $0.33, which is quite affordable.

Tips to Make the Most of It

• Estimate realistically: Think about how often you will genuinely use the item. Be honest!
• Think long-term: For big purchases, consider how many years you’ll use the item.
• Compare options: Use the trick to compare similar products and see which offers better value.

Final Thoughts

The “cost per use” trick is a powerful way to make smarter spending choices. It encourages you to think beyond the price tag and focus on the true value of what you’re buying. Whether it’s clothes, gadgets, or even subscriptions, this method helps you avoid wasteful spending and invest in items that genuinely enrich your life.