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No, because of the time value of money. Money now is worth more than money later. Having all of your toys today vs saving for a couple years to buy a home. [1] has a somewhat explanation but the same conclusion.

1. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/t/timevalueofmoney.asp



If I rent everything, and put my short-terms savings from renting (as opposed to buying) in the S&P 500, would I end up with more wealth in the long term, when compared to buying outright?

If the subscription economy has the effect of being a low-interest loan on anything, it's not a bad deal. One would be unwise to turn down a 0% car loan-- save your money, and grow it, instead of paying up front for the entire car. Same idea, but applied to the subscription economy.


Side note: There's a financing-related cost to a 0% car loan. It's whatever the surplus on the insurance that you're required to carry (because you have a loan) over what the true value of that insurance is to you.

I have a 0% loan right now on my LEAF. I'm likely to pay off that loan pretty soon as the value of that insurance (to me) is decreasing as the car ages, but I can't dump it unless the loan is paid off.




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