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If you are frugal by nature, this article may not be for you. But if you are on the other end of the spectrum and have a little more spending money in your budget, then keep reading. Me? I'm somewhere in the middle. There are some things I am very frugal with, and others, like perfume, or my teenage son's shoes where I will drop a pretty penny to get the quality.
Frugality is an important virtue to cultivate when it comes to our personal finances. It can help us save up for big purchases that we might not otherwise make or put away enough money for retirement. And while it's true that being frugal will save us some cash, there are certain things in life where "cheap" just doesn't cut it.
A Wedding Dress
While discount dresses can be beautiful and well designed, many brides have found their once white gowns turned yellow just days after wearing them because something was wrong with how they were dyed or stored.
Photo by Scott Webb on Unsplash
A New Mattress
Mattresses are one of those things that people rarely think about until they need one. And then they realize how expensive they can be. However, a good quality mattress can last anywhere from eight to twelve years, so don't go cheap on this purchase, or you'll regret it down the road.
Sunglasses
Designer sunglasses can cost hundreds of dollars, but there's no question they are better made and protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Plus, you won't have to worry about them breaking the next time you step on a pair of sunglasses at the beach or poolside.
Cosmetic Surgery
I used to live in Palm Beach, the land of the cosmetically enhanced. Needless to say, if you always dreamed of having a particular enhancement done, don't be frugal about it. The chances are high that you will get a botched job and will have to spend more to get it right. Instead, make sure that the doctor or facility you want to get it done is reputable. For example, if you're looking to get a face-lift, do your research and ensure that the previous patients are happy with their results. The same applies to any non-invasive cosmetic surgery you are considering, like botox.
Running Shoes
While it's true, there are some good deals on running shoes at department stores. Unfortunately, the quality just isn't as excellent compared to what you'll find in specialty shoe shops that specialize in this type of footwear. So if comfort is important to you when it comes to how well supported your feet are while running (or walking), then try not to go cheap here since over time, poor support could lead to injuries.
A Laptop
A good quality laptop can last for years. Still, if you're looking to buy a cheap one from a discount store, then chances are it won't even make it through the first year without breaking down or having other major problems. So save yourself the headache and invest in something that will last.
Everyday Necessities
Another vital point is buying quality rather than quantity. You will definitely want to save money on groceries and household items, but if it's something you use every day, make sure it's high-quality. They last longer without chipping or breaking down easily, which can be more expensive in the long run.
I always try and buy quality items. I believe it pays.
ReplyDeleteAmen to all of these and I agree. You get what you pay for and some things you need to pay the going rate.
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous day and weekend, my friend. ♥
We need a new mattress. I actually got my wedding dress for so cheap! In Atlanta I went to get sized for a friend's wedding I was in. It was in their China part of town. Anyhow the lady couldn't speak English well. She kept making me try on wedding dresses. It was classical - pearl buttons all the way down. I fit in it perfectly, so I went to buy it. It was $140!
ReplyDeleteYes to every one of these, especially the new mattress. We went cheap the first few years we were together until we wised up and invested in a good mattress. We were like, Holy Cow! What were we thinking trying to save a few bucks on our first couple of mattresses. Our backs immediately felt better and we had such a better quality of sleep too!
ReplyDeleteRunning shoes for me for sure, I can't agree more...Also a laptop...
ReplyDeleteI am careful with money. But then on the other side I appreciate that having a good quality item is a must.
ReplyDeleteI too agree with you. A good laptop and running shoes for sure for me
ReplyDeleteWith most of the items you're listing I would agree that quality is more important than price - but I would still see if there's a deal to be had for that particular item, with a discount or a special sale. And I actually think it's groceries, in particular produce and other whole foods that I don't want to be frugal with. Quality matters most to me when it comes to what my family and I eat.
ReplyDeleteWe need to choose carefully and invest, no point being penny wise pound foolish. Laptop, running shoes and sunglasses are special for me.
ReplyDeleteA new mattress is definitely a full price buy purchase. Your quality of sleep is super important and you don't want to be cheap and end up not sleeping well.
ReplyDeleteAs I've gotten older, I would agree with the mattress 100000%!! Sleep is key!
ReplyDeleteI agree with a lot of these things - especially the mattress although there are some fantastic second hand wedding shops and it's far more ethical to reuse especially as many are only worn once
ReplyDeleteLaura x