Calculate the boundary first
The formula 200 + 25,000 / 13 returns roughly 2,123 gold. The current gap at 1,800 is about 323, while one minute at 700 GPM adds roughly 700. Without spending, the reserve is ready by the push.
That arithmetic does not choose the action. It shows that a purchase above projected surplus deliberately cancels the second life.
Grade the quality of the first life
A component is valuable when it completes BKB, adds dispel, initiation or another new answer to the enemy draft. A small linear damage increase rarely equals a new strategic capability.
Ask a testable question: which spell, position or hero can this purchase now survive or kill? Without an answer, the reserve preserves more optionality.
Check the route for the second life
A post-death buyback matters when the hero returns quickly: TP to a surviving structure, Boots of Travel, close positioning or a base defense. Without re-entry, the reserve can become an expensive illusion of safety.
Money Meta shows coverage and projected gold without hiding this boundary. A second life is not only payment; it is payment plus time and access to the fight.
Replace the baseline with your inputs and get an answer for your scenario.
Data note. Every numeric example is a transparent baseline scenario. It is not presented as official publisher data and can be recalculated in the linked tool.