Why being cheap actually sucks: Understanding true wealth and value
- Bobby & Lisa Campbell

- May 29, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 4
Many of us grew up in households where saving a few bucks here and there was a common practice. Clipping coupons, hunting for discounts, and opting for the cheapest options were seen as essential strategies for managing finances. While these habits can provide short-term relief, they often come at the cost of long-term wealth and happiness.
The Wealthy Mindset: Value Over Cost
Wealthy people understand that true wealth isn’t measured in dollars, but in time and freedom. It’s not about how much money you have, but about how long you can live without having to depend on a paycheck. The ultimate goal of financial independence is to live off cash flow generated from your assets, rather than relying solely on income from a job.
Creating Wealth Through Value Creation
Wealthy people don’t achieve their status by being cheap. They don’t clip coupons to create wealth. Instead, they focus on value creation. As Simon Sinek discusses in his book Start with Why, successful individuals and companies start with a clear purpose and create high value for others. When you offer high value, the market compensates you accordingly. This principle is the cornerstone of building true wealth.
High Quality vs. Low Price: The True Cost of Being Cheap
When businesses compete solely on price, quality inevitably suffers. Lower prices mean cutting corners, which leads to inferior products and services. This race to the bottom creates unhappy and non-loyal customer bases, who are always on the lookout for the next bargain. In contrast, offering high-quality products and services fosters loyalty and satisfaction.
By communicating the value of your offering, rather than just the cost, you can attract customers who appreciate quality and are willing to pay for it. This approach not only ensures better profit margins but also builds a sustainable business model.
The Benefits of High Quality
Offering high-quality products and services brings several benefits:
1. Customer Loyalty: High-quality offerings create satisfied customers who are more likely to return and recommend your business to others.
2. Brand Reputation: Quality builds a strong brand reputation, making it easier to attract new customers.
3. Reduced Apologies: When you focus on quality, you spend less time apologizing for poor performance and more time innovating and growing.
4. Long-Term Profitability: Quality attracts customers who are willing to pay a premium, leading to better profit margins.
Shifting the Mindset: From Cost-Conscious to Value-Conscious
Many of us were raised in middle-class households where saving money was a priority. However, to create true wealth, we need to shift our mindset from being cost-conscious to being value-conscious. This means investing in quality and focusing on long-term benefits rather than short-term savings.
The Path to Financial Independence
The key to financial independence is to build a value engine that generates cash flow. This approach allows you to live off your assets rather than your income. It’s not about being better than others, but about finding better solutions to live the life you want.
By focusing on value creation, quality, and long-term growth, you can achieve financial independence and enjoy the freedom and time that come with true wealth.
-Bobby Campbell

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