Finally, beyond investing, the maxim guides daily choices. Quality boots, preventive healthcare, and a reliable car often beat cheaper alternatives once repairs, downtime, and stress are tallied. Membership models like Costco’s annual fee illustrate paying price to unlock recurring value via consistent savings and quality control.
In careers and negotiations, the same principle applies: choose roles that build scarce skills and networks—even at lower starting pay—because future earnings and options are the real value. When setting fees or salaries, lead with outcomes—time saved, revenue gained, risk reduced—so counterparts judge the value they get, not only the price they pay. [...]
