Throwing money at a problem works, when you are actually throwing money at the problem and not at a symptom.

For me currently, my car is a good example.

Problem: I need reliable transportation.

My car is almost old enough to vote here in the US and while it has been a reliable ride now things are starting to fail left and right. I could spend money replacing the parts that break as they break. Or I could simply replace the car.

My solution: Just replace the car. More expensive short term, but it’ll be cheaper and far less headache long term.