Managing expenses is hard. Our natural instincts lead us to want more and expenses follow along on the same path. To keep expenses in check, I’ve been asking myself, “Is it free?”

If it’s free, sure, let’s try it. If not, then… maybe.

Of course, it’s more common to ask, “Is it expensive?” or “Is it cheap?” While the intent is the same, the results vary. “Cheap” and “expensive” require judgment and subsequent grading on a spectrum of opinion. Different ideals produce different outcomes. What my wife thinks is cheap for a dining room chair is not what I think is cheap for a dining room chair. That being the case, “Is it cheap?” doesn’t always produce the desired result.

In contrast, the answer to “Is it free?” requires no judgment whatsoever. It either is or it isn’t. Everyone, regardless of taste and frugality, will give the same answer in the same situation. And a consistent response will lead to consistent actions promoting pre-meditated (and not impulsive) control of expenses.

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