This winter, I spent a few months living and working in my hometown in the Midwest.
I spend all day working at a computer, but I decided that, rather than spend money on an adjustable office chair, I’d just use a kitchen chair at an old table.
You can guess how that “frugal” decision turned out.
After my back rebelled against bad ergonomics, I ended up spending hundreds of dollars more in medical bills and lost work time than I would have spent for a new chair.
And I had to buy the new chair anyway.
We all need these reminders from time to time that, while saving money is a good thing, sometimes it is the wrong decision. Sometimes spending a little money up front — whether for oil changes or hurricane shutters or ergonomically correct office equipment — really is the more frugal choice.
Skimping on maintenance, whether you’re talking about your house, your car or your body, can cost a lot more in the long run.
It’s sometimes hard to know when “getting by” is the right choice and when it’s the wrong one. I’ve been “getting by” with the old flatware from my college apartment, supplemented by some rejected sets from my mother, for 33 years. So far, no one has been hurt by the 1970s-era Kmart forks.
On the other hand, when I was young and foolish, I once went a year without changing the oil in my car. That “getting by” didn’t go so well. Eventually the engine froze up and required an expensive repair.
I’ve been “getting by” with the old awning windows on my house, supplemented with a few old metal shutters, for 15 years, and two owners before me did the same. So far, we’ve done fine. But we’re gambling.
Considering how I did with the chair gamble, maybe it’s time to get an estimate on hurricane shutters.
