Pineapples & Profits : The Art of Choosing Investments Over Costs

Investments vs Costs

A mentor once shared a story with me that completely reshaped how I view decisions in life and business. It wasn’t a lecture about stocks or real estate—it was about pineapples.

You see, whole pineapples are cheaper than pre-cut ones. But his wife loved the convenience of those perfectly sliced pieces, so he chose to pay extra. The result? Less time wrestling with a spiky fruit and more time spent enjoying the sweetness together. This same principle applied to pistachios: the pre-shelled ones cost more, but they saved frustration and time.

At first glance, it seemed wasteful, right? But when you look closer, it wasn’t just about the price. It was an investment.

The Difference Between Price and Investment

• Price: Something we view as an unavoidable expense. It feels like a hit to the wallet or a sacrifice of resources.

• Investment: A choice to allocate resources—time, money, or energy—toward something that offers long-term benefits or higher returns.

When my mentor chose pre-cut pineapple, he wasn’t just paying for convenience. He was investing in time, simplicity, and happiness. The extra dollars bought energy saved, focus redirected, and a moment of satisfaction.

The Pineapple Lesson: Convenience Over Cost

Think of it like this: How often do we get stuck comparing price tags without considering the value gained? Paying more for pre-cut pineapple isn’t about being careless with money—it’s about understanding what the investment adds to your life.

Takeaway: Spending more doesn’t always mean losing more. Sometimes it means gaining the things that matter—time, peace, and quality of life.

Practical Steps to Apply the Pineapple Lesson

1. Evaluate Outcomes

Ask yourself:

• What am I really gaining?

• Is it time saved? Less stress? A stronger relationship? Mental clarity?

Consider an example: Investing in a business tool might cost you upfront but save hours of manual work, freeing you to focus on scaling.

2. Invest Strategically

Instead of focusing on the lowest price, focus on the highest return.

• Invest in systems or processes that make life simpler.

• Build relationships that pour into you as much as you pour into them.

Think of your purchases not as expenses, but as building blocks for long-term rewards.

3. Think Beyond the Dollar

Cheap isn’t always best, and expensive isn’t always better. The key is to recognize when spending more now will save you more later.

• Hiring a professional might feel costly, but their expertise could elevate your work.

• Automating tasks can feel like an investment upfront but pay off in time and efficiency.

Faith-Based Insight

Jesus Himself taught the value of counting the cost and investing wisely:"Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?” (Luke 14:28).

This isn’t just about financial planning—it’s about being intentional with your resources. Every decision carries a cost, but the right investments lay the foundation for growth and purpose.

Conclusion: What’s Your Pineapple?

Understanding the difference between price and investment will revolutionize how you approach decisions. Whether it’s saving time, simplifying life, or strengthening relationships, sometimes paying more upfront leads to rewards that far outweigh the cost.

Challenge for Today:

What “pineapple” in your life or business is worth investing in? Is it a tool, a relationship, or a moment of peace? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’re turning costs into investments.

And don’t forget: At Gold Steth, we’re here to help you make smarter investments in yourself and your business. Join the community today for insights, resources, and support to help you thrive!