245 | The Master Stroke

Every spending decision has three phases.

The first is every moment before we buy - sometimes minutes, sometimes years.

During this phase, anticipation and hope often add to the magic, while obligation and dread risk hogging the mic.

The second is the precise moment we spend.

The magician loves this phase because it draws all the attention and, to the naked eye, appears to be "financial freedom".

But the third phase - the far side of the decision - is the overlooked master stroke.

Because an infinite loop of first and second phases falsely promises "freedom" that only post-purchase reflection can provide.

The freedom of knowing you'd spend the same way again or honestly acknowledging that you wouldn't.