If you have to strain to afford it, you are probably better off not purchasing it. This being said, even very frugal people recognize the benefits of purchasing something of very high quality on occasion because the cost/benefit analysis suggests that in the long run it might be a better purchase. Example: Let’s assume you are an adult and need to purchase a pair of shoes that you plan to wear every day. You might be better off purchasing a more expensive pair that is of high quality (i.e. it will last longer), than purchasing the cheapest pair knowing that you will regularly have to replace them.