@rabmsn I appreciate your example and I agree that everyone is entitled to spend their hard earned money as they please. You are correct that another option is variable vs. fixed. Some people don't mind paying more for flexibility. Others want the highest cost savings while forgoing some flexibility. pros/cons to every approach. Most importantly, there are many places in the TS world where renting is superior to owning so the adage Location, Location, Location is highly relevant so understanding one's projected travel patterns is extremely important.
I want to make one clarification: Although a purchase in the HGV system will "lock" you into HGV properties, a purchase does not lock you into the Kingsland resort or room type because points are points. So it is more flexible that you suggest.
Using my example previously, let's theoretically say one paid for a 7000 point unit and saved $500 /week/year (instead of the $736 -$935 stated previously) since 1985 (35 years). That's $17,500 or at an assumed 5% interest rate in the stock market one would have had an additional $47,418 in their retirement. If one travels multiple weeks we can multiply those figures e.g. 3 weeks is $52,500 or at 5% $142,254 over 35 years. Of course one would back out the cost of the unit assuming (worst case) zero residual from this figure but one would still be ahead. If one wanted to stay at HHV in Waikiki or on Maui those savings are significantly higher - we stayed in a 3 bdrm penthouse in 2019 for about $1200 for a week. This unit rents for $5000/NITE. We'd never be able to stay in a unit like that if we were renting. We also couldn't afford to have our family join us.
My takeaway: Small savings add up over time. Renting is best for situations where TS savings are minimal/non-existent over renting, one doesn't care about oceanfront, view, larger units, and one is uncertain if they would repeat visit over 10+ years in a TS system (not just one room/site). And they want maximum flexibility and avoid the risk of selling/giving away the unit. There is no one right answer because everyone's situation is different. We travel to HI every year to various islands and timeshares have enabled us to stay in 2 bdrm OF units with our family at top quality resorts and save thousands per week.
