Buying Decisions Are About So Much More Than The Price
April 28, 2026
“New!” “Improved!” “Limited time offer!” Such words are designed to get your attention and motivate you to “Act now!” Oftentimes, they’re very effective.
Using emotionally-charged words is a normal part of today’s marketing. More often than not, products are promoted not so much for what they do but for what they represent. Tesla, to pick just one example, appeals to tech-savvy drivers, those who care about sustainability.
There’s nothing inherently wrong with any of that. But are those reasons enough to buy a Tesla? As a steward of God’s resources, it’s important to consider several other factors as well.
Practical considerations
Whether buying a car or something else, an obvious first question is whether you can afford it. If you’ll need to finance part of the purchase, make sure the monthly payment won’t hinder your ability to give generously and save and invest adequately. It would be wise to shop around for the best interest rate as well.
Another point to keep in mind is that a buying decision is rarely just about the purchase price or monthly payments. For example, with a car purchase, how much will it cost to insure the car? What about maintenance and repairs? The True Cost to Own tool on the Edmunds website can help you compare such expenses among several cars you may be considering.
Other factors to look into include the car’s safety rating and warranty. Many purchases also lead to other related purchases. Sticking with our car example, since Teslas are electric vehicles, will you need to install special charging equipment at your house? If so, at what cost?
Be prepared
With an expensive item, such as a car, the more research you do before walking into a dealership, the better. Once you’re at the dealership, you’ll be presented with many reasons to “buy now.” It’s best to know how much you are prepared to spend before you meet with a salesperson.
Research indicates that the more involved you get with the product, the more likely you are to buy. Just picking up a sweater at a department store can have that effect. It’s the same with getting inside a car or taking it for a test drive.
Remember, patience is a fruit of the spirit. One of the wisest steps you can take is to walk away without buying to allow a little more time to think and pray about the decision.
The faith factor
Lastly, consider these words from the Apostle Paul: “‘Everything is permissible,’ but not everything is beneficial” (1 Corinthians 10:23). Is the product you’re thinking about buying aligned with your values? Could it make you think differently about yourself? Could it make others think differently about you?
Answers to those questions may be far from easy, but they’re worth considering. There may be some products that you can afford, but that could have a negative impact on some of your relationships.
Especially as stewards of God’s resources, purchase decisions are rarely about just the purchase price.
Matt Bell is the author of Trusted: Preparing Your Kids for a Lifetime of God-Honoring Money Management. He speaks at churches and conferences throughout the country and writes the MattAboutMoney blog.
This article should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. You may wish to consult a tax or financial advisor about your individual financial situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it okay to have debt?
A: Debt isn’t considered a sin, but it can become limiting and reduce financial freedom.
Q: How much debt is too much?
A: There’s no exact rule, but aim to avoid debt beyond a reasonable mortgage and pay off other debt quickly.
Q: What are some good first steps toward getting out of debt?
A: Stop taking on new debt and find someone you trust for accountability and support.
Q: What other steps should I take?
A: Keep payments consistent (even above the minimum) and add extra whenever possible to pay it down faster.
Q: Once I’m out of debt, how do I stay out of debt?
A: Stick to a budget and build an emergency fund to handle unexpected expenses.
