diff --git a/src/activity_handlers.cpp b/src/activity_handlers.cpp
index d6b19b2ad42a7..aae8b2c3a2b26 100644
--- a/src/activity_handlers.cpp
+++ b/src/activity_handlers.cpp
@@ -3775,11 +3775,12 @@ void activity_handlers::spellcasting_finish( player_activity *act, Character *yo
             // spells with the components in hand.
             spell_being_cast.use_components( *you );
 
+            // pay the cost.  Allows ternaries based on having an effect or trait to calculate cost correctly
+            int cost = spell_being_cast.energy_cost( *you );
+
             spell_being_cast.cast_all_effects( *you, *target );
 
             if( act->get_value( 2 ) != 0 ) {
-                // pay the cost
-                int cost = spell_being_cast.energy_cost( *you );
                 switch( spell_being_cast.energy_source() ) {
                     case magic_energy_type::mana:
                         you->magic->mod_mana( *you, -cost );