This is an IHeart podcast.

Welcome to Before Breakfast, a production of IHeart Radio.

Good morning.

This is Laura.

Welcome to the Before Breakfast podcast.

Today's tip is to think through when to make do and when not to. There is no point buying new things when the old things work just as well.

On the other hand, there is no point being constantly unhappy with little things either.

A little contemplation might help you figure out the right balance.

So as longtime listeners know, I am a fairly frugal sort.

I come down strongly on the side of making do.

I am driving a 12-year-old car because it still works. I find it incredibly annoying when I have to buy things like new socks and new underwear,

because in my mind, these things should last forever.

Now, there are some upsides to being willing to make do.

I can and have lived on very little money when that's been necessary.

I am not upset by mediocre accommodations when I'm traveling.

I am generally content because I am not thinking about what's wrong with what I have.

On the other hand, I have lived with things that it turns out are easily solved for a long time.

I spent a year recording this podcast while sitting on the ground in my closet.

It turns out that they make chairs.

So the question becomes when to make do and when not to make do.

This should somewhat be shaped by what anyone can afford.

If not making due means taking on debt, then it is probably a bad idea.

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