Oh I so agree with you on that.
Delay big ticket items if putting them on credit.
but some items...like a needed refrigerator should be bought within reason on cash. You don’t need the fancy, smart fridge thingy.
I just invested in tires for the car, wheel alignment, suspension check etc.
You are wise.
Tools, equipment, knives, necessary appliances, batteries, things you use in your life. Guns and ammo (not because you’re going to go out and fight anyone but because if it all goes totally south they can help keep you alive). The true necessities of maintaining life. These will be way more useful than cash in a bank.
We just bought a new washer for cash while our money’s still worth something (and while new washers are even available). Speed Queen, simplest model we could find. Don’t want smart anything.
Last year we put some money into fixing up the car in hopes of keeping it going until the used-car bubble bursts, if that ever happens.