Yours are perfect examples of what I call "decision points" (i.e., the amount below which an "one-off" spending or investment decision doesn't materially impact one's NW). Obviously the higher the NW, the higher amount the "decision points".
So for the average household, the decision point amount is probably in the 2 to 3 figures, but for the FIRE folks on this board, the amount is likely well into the 4 or 5 figures or even higher. So in that sense, we're all living in a la la land compared to the average non-FI/RE household.
Funny thing though, even though we're in La-La-Land, comparatively, I do find I'm still easily annoyed by some trivial expenses. For instance, I have a '67 Pontiac Catalina that's about to go in the shop for its annual checkover. It only gets driven maybe 800-1000 miles per year, and its belts and hoses look good, but I don't trust them, as they're getting up in age. Well, that kind of stuff isn't so easy to track down anymore, so the mechanic said if I ordered the parts, he'd put them on. Well, just between an upper and lower radiator hoses, a spring that goes in the lower to keep it from collapsing (apparently a common thing with older cars), an alternator belt and a power steering belt (a/c doesn't work, so no need for that belt), I was looking at something like $110!
Are simple maintenance parts really that pricey these days for most cars?! I realize the typical modern car uses one serpentine belt for everything, so naturally that's going to be pricier. But still...maybe it's longer ago than I think, but I swear I can remember when all those parts combined would've only been like $20-30!
Also, I guess being low volume parts these days, that probably raises production costs. After all, Pontiac quit building its own V8s since part way through the 1981 model year!
Still, I think it's odd that I can lose $10K when the stock market goes just slightly south, yet I'm quibbling over $110 in car parts!
I'll admit that sometimes I'm in the grocery store, and something I don't normally buy might catch my eye. My first impulse might be "I can't afford it" or "that's too expensive." But sometimes I'll catch myself and be like "Okay now, that extra $1.85 isn't going to bankrupt you!"
