By Sarah Mitchell · August 27, 2026
Slow Mornings Beat Hacks
When we started thinking about this problem, we assumed the obvious answer would be right. It usually is, in this line of work. But after spending a few months digging in, we came away with a different view — one that surprised us and shifted how we approach the day-to-day.
The first thing to understand is that most conventional wisdom on this topic was formed under conditions that no longer apply. Prices have changed. Materials have changed. What used to be a smart trade-off is now, in most cases, a false economy. Once you see it, you can't unsee it.
Our approach starts with a simple question: what does the total cost of ownership look like over five years? When you frame the decision that way, a lot of the "cheap now" options fall out of the running immediately. What remains is usually a smaller set of choices that are more expensive upfront but cost much less over the long haul.
There are exceptions, of course. If you're only planning to use something for six months, or if resale value matters more than durability, the calculus flips. But for the majority of cases we've looked at, the durable option is also the cheaper one on a per-year basis.
A word about brand loyalty: it's underrated in the era of endless choice. When you find a company whose products consistently last, sticking with them for future purchases saves you the research cost every single time. That compounds.
We'll keep updating this piece as we learn more. If you have counter-examples or want to share your own experience, drop us a note via the contact page. We read every message.