I’m still not clear on how giving a pizza delivery person a $20 tip is going to make me feel like I’ve spent that money wisely. Or how it’s going to make ME happier. Sure, it will make the delivery person happier, but it’s not going to do a damned thing for ME. Giving a normal tip, on the other hand, will help to ensure that the next time I order a pizza it will be delivered promptly, and while it’s still hot. No matter how much I tip, there’s a limit as to how quickly the pizza can be delivered.
I live well within (or well below, depending on your viewpoint) my income.
Some people ask “Can I afford it?” others ask “Is it worth it?” The answer to the first question depends mainly on how much money you have. The answer to the second depends mainly on how much utility you will derive from the expensive thing versus cheaper alternatives. Salesmen tend to focus on “You can afford this.” the ones who are successful with me focus on “Here is why it is worth this much.”
Many people buy the most expensive house they can afford. I bought the cheapest house that met my needs. I was able to keep up the payments through two stints of being unemployed, and the mortgage is now paid off. It suits me: No HOA, nobody up in my business.
“What can I afford?” mentality is why many lottery winners are soon back in poverty.