Gretchen Rubin of The Happiness Project champions the concept of "spending out." In a nutshell, Rubin asserts that sometimes it is important to spend more to get a good benefit, even if the spending seems frivolous. In this term at school, every day, I am appreciating my instance of spending out.
At my school, there are several parking lots. The lot that is furthest away is a free parking lot. Last year, on the rare day when I drove to school, I used the free lot. This year, I am commuting. To use the free lot, you need to arrive at school by 9 am or drive around hoping for a spot. Rather than stress about finding a spot, I chose to spend $50 on a semester long parking pass. My lot is only 50 years or so closer, but the ease of parking makes it completely worthwhile. Thus far, I have been able to score a parking spot immediately upon pulling into the lot.
Where are places you spend out? Have you ever regretted spending out, or do you find it is usually worthwhile?