I used to always grab the cheapest shoes I could find, thinking I was saving money. But they’d fall apart in 6 months, and I’d just end up buying another pair. Eventually I realized a good, durable pair might cost more upfront, but they last years and actually save money long-term. It made me rethink other “cheap vs invest” choices in life. What’s something you’ve learned is worth paying more for? And how do you decide when it’s time to spend vs save?
What's something you've learned is actually worth spending more on?
byu/SlightlyWilson inFrugal
Posted by SlightlyWilson
18 Comments
Spices
Shoes, glasses, spices
A mattress. We spend practically a third of our lives sleeping, and I make sure that’s a non-negotiable higher quality “furniture item”.
Condoms.
tools, they last longer and are more comfortable during use.
Garbage bags.
Manicure kit. I used to buy a crappy cheap set for €5-10 about once a year only to have the scissors go dull and the tweezers not pinch properly. I finally caved and spent €80 on a nice kit and never regretted it once. It’s been 19 years, the scissors are still sharp, the tweezers tweeze, and the leather case looks and feels nice. And I’ve saved money, too.
My take may be different than most. I typically look for quality vs cost all the time. I really have to force myself to buy things, but when I do, I make sure it is exactly what I want/need. And I don’t splurge for more.
I hike alot so I need good shoes, so I have Merrils.
I birdwatch so I have Nikon binoculars.
Buying lesser quality might save money, but not if it doesn’t meet my minimum needs.
Paper towels. I can rinse and reuse a Bounty half sheet up to 6 times. A cheap paper towel falls apart as soon as it gets wet.
I always look at cost per use.
House paint, flashlights, batteries, dish soap
Tires, never cheap out on tires.
Don’t call me a moron.
Housekeeping
A good set of kitchen knives.
Toilet paper!
Jeans
Things that are between your body and the ground. Shoes, mattress, chair, etc.