RealTalkAJ

Value is one of those words that evolves with you.

What you once thought was “worth it” as a teenager might not hold the same weight as an adult with responsibilities, ambitions, and memories that shape how you see the world.

Over time, experience becomes a teacher — helping you redefine what’s truly valuable, beyond just money or possessions.

How do your views on value change as you get older?

My views on value changes as I get older because I’m learning that inflation happens formally and informally. You have control over your value as I become more ambitious in life. But one thing I find to be most constant is the fact nostalgia holds value in whatever age.

• Nostalgia is one of the lasting forms of value you will ever experience

Inflation happens formally and informally

Inflation as I understand it is when the value of your dollar becomes weaker.

It can be announced professionally via news.

That’s when preparing to spend money on a specific good reveals to you that the price isn’t the same anymore.

Literally, your dollar means less than what it used to be. I instantly think of Arizona Iced Teas.

I’m not sure if they’re the same price, but it trends at times for others saying how they don’t cost the same anymore.

The informal element is when the public decides items and service aren’t worth what they used to be.

Let’s take it back to the early and mid 2000s when these ugly (yet trendy) cartoon shirts were popular.

If you ask someone now in 2025 whether they see someone being valuable for wearing this or not, chances are they’ll say “no.”

My point is that you choose value on a social level. If your friends would support it.

Do they respect you for getting whatever the item is?

There’s not a bulletin board you check to find this out.

It’s a term I might coin called Cultural Marketing. We the people determine value too.

You Have More Control as You Become More Ambitious

Ambition changes how you assign value.

The more driven you are, the more intentional your spending — not just financially, but mentally and emotionally.

You begin prioritizing experiences, people, and goals that multiply your growth rather than drain your potential.

In your 20s, you might buy something just because it’s trendy.

By your 30s or 40s, you realize investing in tools, education, or environments that support your mission is worth far more.

This stage of life introduces a new kind of wealth — freedom.

The ability to decide what deserves your time, energy, and investment becomes the clearest sign that you’ve matured in how you view value.

Nostalgia Is One of the Lasting Forms of Value You’ll Ever Experience

Over time, you realize that value isn’t always measured in money — sometimes it’s measured in moments.

Nostalgia reminds us that even the simplest things can become priceless.

A childhood memory, an old song, a familiar place — these hold emotional worth that no currency can replicate.

As we age, we naturally crave reconnection with what once brought us joy.

This doesn’t mean living in the past, but rather recognizing how memory creates emotional wealth.

The longer we live, the more we realize that value is not just about possession — it’s about preservation.

What we remember fondly becomes an asset that shapes our sense of meaning.

Final Thoughts

As you get older, your perception of value transforms.

You begin to see inflation as both an economic and emotional reality — where time and energy gain more worth.

You realize that ambition gives you power over what you define as valuable.

And you understand that nostalgia offers emotional dividends that no paycheck can replace.

Ultimately, the true measure of value lies in how something enriches your growth, peace, and purpose — not how much it costs.