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People Are Sharing Examples Of Where Frugality Is Taken Too Far, And Things That Are Actually Worth The Money (30 Answers)
Especially during these times of extreme inflation, we’re all looking to save a few bucks anywhere we can. Whether that means clipping coupons, waiting to make purchases until what we need goes on sale or simply opting to buy less brand-name products, we can all find a few places to cut back. But there is a difference between being frugal and making purchases or decisions that won't actually help you out in the long run. A great deal can be exciting to find, but only if the product will last just as long or longer than the same thing at full price!
Reddit users have been sharing some situations where it is not worth it to be cheap, so we’ve gathered some of their most spot-on answers down below. From purchasing items that keep you and your loved ones safe to splurging on well-made products that will prevent you from having health problems in the future, be sure to upvote the replies mentioning things you agree never to skimp on. Feel free to let us know in the comments what else you refuse to be too frugal about, and then if you’re interested in reading another Bored Panda article noting even more “false frugalities” that aren’t worth it in the long run, you can find that right here.
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#1
Your kids. You had them now f*****g support them you cheap prick.
Asriel Dreemurr 3 years ago
It doesn't mean that you should skimp on essentials though, if you're in the financial position to do so.
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BatPhace 3 years ago
Frugal doesn't mean cheap, it doesn't mean neglectful. It's actually a great skill to teach your kids, this doesn't belong here, or they need to change the title.
Alaina Bleakley 3 years ago
I don't want to, that's why I don't have any. I wish other people who don't want to parent would follow example.
Hazel M 3 years ago (edited)
Good for you! I did want a kid, have one, love it, but I'm SICK of hearing people just go "oh it's horrid isn't it, haven't they just ruined your life?". No, she hasn't, I enjoy parenting and I feel like a d**k for saying so. Well done for going for what you know works best for you!
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Brenda Spagnola-Wilson 3 years ago
If you don't think you can be the parent you think they deserve, be the parent that is THERE for them and simply does the best you can in that moment.
Ronald Bradford 3 years ago
Remember, they'll choose your care home, how often they'll visit, how much they'll bring, and whether or not "heroic measures" are implemented.
StrangeOne 3 years ago
Invest in their health and their future. That is not spoiling. That is taking care of them.
Ya Ma 3 years ago
this is why in Asian countries cultures, you have to get married to have a family and have baby.
MyCatsTheRealPanda 3 years ago
Personally I know more married couples or long term relationship couples who had children that they should not have had. Being a single parent doesn't mean you are neglectful or cannot provide for your kids. Is it harder to do alone? sure but two people can be just as neglectful as one. Sadly often times even more so!
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swasti mukti 3 years ago
Raising kids could be expensive. But it's worth it when you do it right
Just saying 3 years ago
This goes for mothers too. I didn't plan on raising my grandkids because you want to act like you are 20.
RELATED:
#2
Anything where being frugal could impact negatively on your health. I'd rather throw the smelly chicken away than eat it and get sick.
Brenda Spagnola-Wilson 3 years ago
Yup! I've thrown away food when we barely had any rather than risk someone getting ill. Brother had salmonella at 5 and almost died. Just not worth it
Omi bub 3 years ago
This is one of the many reasons I love having cats. Try it on my cats first, they're sense of smell is amazing & they are fussy, so if they won't eat I know it's bad.
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Debby Keir 3 years ago
If you are not plannimg to use any meat within 2 days of purchase, then freeze it as soon as you buy it. Wasteful - agreed don't cause an illness, but a bit of forward thinking and you wouold't be in that dilemma. Very much a false economy - buying when you won't eat it within date.
Angela Bailey-Graflage 3 years ago
Agreed. Over half of the food I receive from my local food pantry is either expired or spoiled. The other half that is still edible are desserts. Making $15/hr may sound sustainable and great for shareholders but it's not even close to a living wage.
Load More Replies... StrangeOne 3 years ago
I try very hard to eat all the food we buy before it goes bad. If I don't think we're eating meat right away it goes into the freezer. Bread is trickier. We've gotten bread and within a few days it's moldy. I'm sure the grocery stores are just changing the packaged on dates.
Pamela Blue 3 years ago
I make all my own bread, and for some reason, it lasts LONGER than any store bought bread. I've also taken to cutting the loaves in half before bagging and freezing half, just to make sure it doesn't go to waste.
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Jodie daubenmire 3 years ago
Plan better, and don't waste food. People are starving, I bet they would have used the meat at a organized time.
Aubrey Mortensen 3 years ago
We write the day before expiration on the fridge for meat. If we get get close to the date and dont have a plan for it, we throw it in the crock pot with something to make it tasty and use it for lunches. Did it last night and made chicken taco stuff. Just got tired of forgetting and throwing out $10 every week 😞
Teresa Simmons 3 years ago
See if you can return it to the store. Bought chicken one day and tried to use it the next but it smelled terrible. Took it back to the store and got a refund.
#3
Anything that separates you from the ground. IE) Tires, bed, shoes etc
Michael Vickery 3 years ago
Yeah, better tired are good, but if you can't afford the expensive brands, at least put new tires on your car. Driving on bald, or old tires can be extremely dangerous.
mrsmir 3 years ago
A coworker of mine needs new tires, $800. Like, that’s my whole paycheck man!
Load More Replies... Jodie daubenmire 3 years ago
I'm a 33 year veteran Hospice Nurse. As a child we were taught, never to get cheap on shoes. I have a never, I have never had back issues, feet issues or other work related damage. Never get cheap with your feet. Or flashy. Good support, being fitted properly is key.
GamerChick5567 3 years ago
Especially tires. I've worked in the auto service industry for almost 7 years now and showing people why cheap tires aren't always the best choice is fun. You might end up spending a lot more in the long run on a 30k tire vs a mid range tire or better. Not to mention how many people skip alignments or rotations.
Typically, being frugal is a great thing. We live in a world where large corporations and the media are often pressuring us to believe that we need to buy more, more, more and that we’re out of touch if we don’t have the latest and greatest technology. I am all for shopping second hand, buying that produce that’s marked down because it has to be eaten within the next few days and taking public transit instead of driving yourself to be a bit easier on your wallet and the environment. But as with everything else in life, it is possible to go too far when being frugal.
If you’re putting yourself or others at risk, perhaps by eating food out of the garbage or by refusing to get that mysterious sound your car is making checked out, you might have fallen a little too far down the rabbit hole of frugality. Sometimes, it is worth it to just purchase something nice up front, such as a pair of leather shoes or a high quality chef’s knife, to ensure that it will last for years to come. Being frugal is not always about spending as little as possible. You also have to make wise decisions about where it is worth it to spend money, and you shouldn’t be making yourself (and everyone else around you) miserable by choosing to shower only once a week.
#4
Shoes. Good shoes are important.
BetterBitterButter 3 years ago
Shoes,coats/jackets,jeans these things I find worth spending for.
Mary August 3 years ago
The older I get, the more I'm willing to pay for a good pair of shoes.
AnkleByter 3 years ago
This one always confuses me, honestly. I put a lot of wear on my shoes, I will wear them until they develop holes and no longer function as shoes. But I don't spend a lot of money on them. Nearly every pair of shoes I have ever bought for myself has been under $40, and most will last me 5, 10, 15+ years. I have sneakers I wore in high school that I still wear today. People assume it's because I rarely wear them, but that's not true. I am outside part of nearly every day, in every type of weather, doing all sorts of things in my shoes. Low cost doesn't mean cheaply made. I received a pair of name brand sneakers from someone once that wore down about a year and a half later, my $19.99 ones I bought to replace them still kicking strong 7 years later.
Ahimsa Soul 3 years ago
It really depends on the way you walk and where you walk too. On my case, my shoes and boots look wonderful on the outside, but inside they are worn out and thus making wearing them uncomfortable. I had shoes last me 7 years! I had sandals last 2 Summers. Nonetheless, I think what we are trying to say is don't buy shoes because they are cheap, buy shoes because they are good. Usually, good lasting shoes/boots are expensive. 40€ in shoes gets you really nice, good shoes in Portugal. I spend usually that much. For me cheap, would be 25€-30€. And you can decent shoes for that price as well.
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Alice Landers 3 years ago (edited)
1000% owned restaurants and I would buy shoes for f/h or b/h standing on their feet they couldn't believe the difference how much better they felt at end of shift ! Happy employees have happy owners
Marilyn Russell 3 years ago
Always buy good quality shoes young people. You do not want foot problems later in life. You kind of need them a lot, every day.
Brian Stanton 3 years ago
“Good shoes” , they almost all fall apart, despite the costs. Depends on the upsale and marketing…. Ever read how much Nikes cost to make? Ive had plenty of good “dress” shoes. They are made to sit around. Use them and they wear out quick
Sapna Sarfare 3 years ago
also lingerie... pants, shoes and things that are a must.. spend a bit and make it last for a while
#5
A bed. Investing in good bedding will make you less susceptible to getting back pains
Victoria Anderson 3 years ago
Older mattresses were made symmetrically so they could be turned over, thereby doubling their lifespan. For some reason, now they're one-sided, last 1/2 as long, and are lumpy and creaky towards the end. Like WHY?
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Fabian Bernard 3 years ago
My mom always told me that, didn't see the point at first as I was sleeping in any random couch at 25. Bought my first good bed at 30, changed my life! But still, my back is now paying the bill of the young years at 42
Yugan Talovich 3 years ago
I've slept on tatami (hard Japanese mats) for most of my life, boomer with no back pains. If I spend a night in an American hotel, either I get horrible back pain, or drag the bedding onto the floor. (I make the bed in the morning. Room service has enough work already.)
My nick is out for Harambe 3 years ago
Japanese sleep on grass rugs and live long and healthy lives. Just saying
GoldfishCrackers 3 years ago
And mattress! I nearly died over the price tag of the first mattress I bought, but what a difference it makes in overall mental and physical health.
Edward E. Edwards 3 years ago
My bed is from the early 80’s (poor artist)... would Be stoked if I could afford a new bed!
#6
Tattoos. I'd rather overpay for a perfect tattoo than have a bad one for the rest of my life
a fruity dream of delusion 3 years ago
THIS. the sheer amount of dumbass tattoos i’ve seen here.. god. if it’s something that permanent, *make sure it is worth it*
Lucas Jackson 3 years ago
Face tats just scream mental illness to me and will always just look awful regardless
Becky Samuel 3 years ago
Wow. Lot of people suddenly getting very judgy over nothing.
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Yeah, okay. 3 years ago
There is a customer who comes into our shop, middle-aged lady, little plump. She is spear bald with garish flowers tattooed all over her scalp. I figure she's either got alopecia or lost her hair to chemo. Whatever the reason, I think she's stunning and badass because those flowers - while not the best tattoo I've seen, the artist could have definitely been better - are a walking middle finger to all the people who I'm sure have opinions on her baldness. She makes me smile every time I see her.
Brenda Spagnola-Wilson 3 years ago
My rule is if I'm wearing it for the rest of my life, then it's worth paying for the absolute best I can afford. It should have meaning to you and that alone says you want it to be exactly what you imagined.
jeff adams 3 years ago
Only tattoo your face if you never want to hold a job and do not consider ever being a fugitive.
Becky Samuel 3 years ago
Our local Marks and Spencers store (a very middle class clothing and food store) has a man working checkout. He has facial tattoos and flesh tunnels in his ears. The only thing making people with facial tattoos unemployabla are judgemental busybodies who refuse to see a human being because of a bit of ink.
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Edward E. Edwards 3 years ago
Wow. There really are some judgy c***s on BP. Who gives a f**k?... it’s not your body, and if it bothers you that much, don’t be friends with them, or look at them.
Der Kommissar 3 years ago
I see a lot of homeless young people with tattoos and piercings. Wouldn't it be a better idea to spend that $ on food?
When people are passionate about something, they often feel the desire to go as hard as they possibly can in regards to that passion. We see this when people watch a documentary and decide to go vegan cold turkey (cold tofurkey?) overnight or when individuals decide they must live a zero-waste lifestyle and attempt to immediately stop consuming. Typically, making drastic lifestyle changes such as these overnight will lead to burn out. Often, the person is unprepared for what they’re getting themself into and they put way too much pressure on themselves to be a perfect *insert whatever label they desire*.
When they inevitably cannot keep up with the new rules they have placed on themself, the person will likely abandon the venture altogether. The same thing can happen with frugality. A person may choose to start showering once a week, eating food out of dumpsters, refusing to turn on the lights in their home, and spending hours clipping coupons each week. But this will drastically lower their quality of life, and eventually, they will return to their old habits. When it would have been much more frugal, in the long run, to adopt reasonable habits and choose attainable goals that will allow them to keep up their pace of saving money.
#7
My wife likes to buy things on sale and tout how much money she saved. "I got this purse for 50% off! I saved $50!" "No, you spent $50." She also likes to shop at Marshall's, TJ Maxx, Burlington Coat Factory; basically anywhere the price tag says "compare to $xx.xx" on it. So this rug costs $89. It says "compare to $139!" on the price tag. OK, yes, $89 is less than $139. Problem is, I have no idea where that $139 number came from.
E Menendez 3 years ago
So true. If you were not planning to buy a product (such as a purse, rug, etc.) then you are spending money you weren't planning to. It doesn't matter how much of a sale it is, you just wasted money. Unless you leave it packed up to replace your current purse or rug when it wears out. I do this when I find something I like and it happens to be on sale - like a wallet, shoes, etc. If it is on sale I will buy it and keep it stored until I need it to replace. But no more than one extra.
jeff adams 3 years ago
I love the furniture store ads that tell me the more I spend, the more I'll save.
Load More Replies... Brenda Spagnola-Wilson 3 years ago
ALWAYS research items you're planning to purchase. Find out average prices in your area, but ask family & friends to check their areas. Hubby saved 50% when he bought the jewelry armoire I'd wanted for years. We're in Texas, parents were in Tennessee. Same item, same store, on sale in both places. But TN was cheaper, so he got parents to pick one up. Even different parts of the same town can have drastically different prices. It's not a deal if you weren't planning on buying it anyway.
Ahimsa Soul 3 years ago
Or as I learned as a teenager: they just doubled the price and then give you 50% off.
Cammy Cat 3 years ago
And u STILL just spent $89. And in most cases, they aren't needed or worth it. My little sister did a Ms. Teen America thing. Super light skinned and my stepmom got her this horrid orange suit because "it was the most expensive one they had, so it must have been best one". That sums my stepmom up pretty well
#8
Dental care.
Nothing worse than having a tooth f*****g *shatter* because the cheap dentist you went to years ago did the silver fillings (this was mid-2000's, what the hell?) completely improperly. One of them had a small space under it that just let infection go to town regardless of brushing. Had to get a root canal there. Then having to go and get all the fillings he did redone... Cost way more and was way more painful in the long run.
Go to a well-rated dentist, regardless of cost.
Luna Crow 3 years ago
Yes, *if* you can, do. I really wish the US wasn't so behind other countries on things like this. Many dental procedures are considered "cosmetic" and not covered, never mind that it can impact your health. I've gone to Mexico for dental work and saved enough money that I could afford to stay there and vacation for a while
Omi bub 3 years ago
Also dental health is strongly linked to cardiovascular health so skimping on dental care will give you expensive & life threatening problems later like heart attack, stroke, vascular dementia etc. Likewise maternal health. That's why pregnant women get completely free dental care in UK.
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David Paterson 3 years ago
Dentists have a rating? Not here they don't. Never go more than twice to a bad dentist, irrespective of the cost.
Ursula Johnson 3 years ago
Try the Healthgrades site for the US. Patients rate healthcare providers across the spectrum.
Load More Replies... jeff adams 3 years ago
I spent a small fortune on my teeth, and still ended up with dentures. Which now need repairing. Makes me wonder about my health care...
Brenda Spagnola-Wilson 3 years ago
I ended up losing my teeth after the acid levels in my mouth went through the roof while pregnant. Not even a cavity till then (28). If the dentist had done his job better, I wouldn't have suffered for 10 years
Cindy M 3 years ago
Pregnancy can wreak havoc on teeth. Growing humans can suck calcium like nothing else. Some dental policies over extra cleanings/fluoride during pregnancy, and it still only does so much
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LazyPanda 3 years ago
Yup. 100%. Also take note, dental issues as you get older bring massive regrets, pain, and bills.
Pamela Blue 3 years ago
Agreed. I'm 72, still have all my teeth and they're in good shape, because even though we didn't have much money growing up, my mom always made sure our teeth were looked after.
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Jill Bussey 3 years ago
UK is really suffering at the moment with being unable to get assigned to a dentist.
Sean JohnBull 3 years ago
This is the funniest thing I've read all day, and it's almost 4pm WAT. The UK is really suffering? Really tho!?
Load More Replies... Sar-kei Scyence 3 years ago
What’s the colour of the filling got to do with it. It’s just a bad dentist?
Aubrie Allen 3 years ago
My dad took me to a cheep dentist when I was 16. After never having a cavity ever, she said I had 15 of them. She drilled them, filled some, forgot others, and over the next 15 years all my teeth shattered because of her shitty dental work.
Kenny Kulbiski 3 years ago
Good idea but you're talking thousands not hundreds which a lot of us don't have laying around. Dental insurance is high premium, high deductible, with limited coverage. I've never seen a rating system for dentists or for that matter a " cheap " dentist.
#9
Car maintenance. Small things like oil changes and getting your tires rotated and aligned saves wear and tear and fuel costs. Plus, it's nice to know that couple-few thousand pound hunk of metal you're piloting at 75 MPH down the road is taken care of.
LazyPanda 3 years ago
Yes! Absolutely. Take care of your car and it will last. You won't have to trade in for a new one every 3 years...
E Menendez 3 years ago (edited)
This - I have a 2007 Toyota Yaris with 250K+ miles. Bought it new for $10k and never missed a maintenance and it still runs like a top. Not getting a new car until it dies (which doesn't seem to be any time soon)
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Slim Bluesbender 3 years ago
Few things are more satisfying than seeing your odometer go from x9,999 to x00,000 knowing you’ve saved $500 a month for those years.
Freya the Wanderer 3 years ago
People in my family drive cars till they fall apart. My brother had a Dodge Colt that broke 300K miles. My Ford is approaching the 200K mark and not slowing down!
Load More Replies... jeff adams 3 years ago
There is a (albeit temporary) sense of comfort and safety driving on new tires.
Brian Stanton 3 years ago
Often the dealerships charge less than the cost to diy an oil change. Also check for recalls that cover a repair too
GamerChick5567 3 years ago
This. Change your brake fluid every time you swap brake pads 3 or 4 years at the latest. Other fluids (coolant, power steering if it has it, by 100k or 10 years). Do them more often depending on if you drive in heat or heavy traffic. Follow the manufacturer rec on the trans. Also if the trans has a higher mileage do not use additives they can actually damage the trans. Also dont neglect your diffs or transfer case fluid on a 4wd vehicle! The previous owner never changed the t case on my frontier and they boi had water in it!!!
I have to admit, there are some things on this list that I myself am guilty of, such as washing sandwich bags and reusing them. But that has never hurt my quality of life. What would negatively impact me would be buying the cheapest winter coat possible and suffering through the snow and freezing temperatures just to save a little money. Or worse, buying a “cheap” coat and then hating it so much that I end up spending much more in the long run when I have to invest in another coat. It is important to know where it is worth it to spend and where it’s worth it to save. Some things, such as a winter coat, are worth investing in to ensure they last. Putting off going to the doctor or dentist to avoid paying a bill is also not likely to be worth it. If you wait until you’re forced to go to the emergency room when your health problems inevitably escalate, you will likely be suffering physically and financially a lot more than you would have had you made a routine appointment months prior.
#10
Anything going into your body - oral medication, contact lens etc.
Recently read an article about a guy that wore cheap contact lens he bought from a gas station for a year and is now blind in one eye.
If it's going into your body (or in your eye!) spend the extra $$ for your health
BetterBitterButter 3 years ago
Read so many stories about lenses that always had my mind set on glasses.
Omi bub 3 years ago
I really disagree about medication. In the UK you will pay 10 times for a branded over the counter medication or exact same drug in a generic name that works just as well
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River Daski 3 years ago
I decided to google this, it was a COLORED CONTACT!! From a GAS STATION?? Apparently he did replace them monthly and did take them out to disinfect but colored contacts are SO AWFUL for eyes even if they were made to your specifications, such as with a prescription, they can destroy your vision.
Carol Emory 3 years ago
But you shouldn't also have to go broke to buy them. A one month supply of my insulin costs $685 with insurance. I'd love to stay healthy, but there are people that skip insulin several times a week to make it last. We also need to get the pharma companies to make it more affordable and stop price gouging the public.
Deborah B 3 years ago
Add the caveat - don't pay for brand name pharmaceuticals if there's a cheaper generic. Legally they have to be the same thing. Do your research, and work out where the extra money makes a difference.
Shine Chisholm 3 years ago
The generics actually only have to be 85% identical. Usually that's good enough, but not always.
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Voodoops_13 3 years ago
Oral medication too? Whatever. As someone with a pharmacist in the family, go for the store brand and generics whenever possible. Exact same active ingredients & dosage per use, but usually 1/3 the price.
Seanette Blaylock 3 years ago
Since when do gas stations sell a prescription item like contact lenses?
Khara Mei 3 years ago
They would be zero power cosmetic lenses, not prescription ones.
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USMCFelicia 3 years ago
I personally wear soft daily contacts with no issues as long as you wash your hands prior and keep things clean you shouldn't have issues, but sometimes I take breaks on weekends and wear my glasses.
Susan Bosse 3 years ago
Contacts from a GAS STATION?? What in the AF? I hate he's blind but Jesus. What an idiot.
simply.Taz 3 years ago
Since when could you buy contact lenses at a gas station?? I've never heard of such a thing! smh
#11
Toilet paper. Cheap TP just feels like sandpaper.
percysowner 3 years ago
Also invest under $50 and buy a bidet. If you are handy they are easy to install, if not it's not that big a lift to pay a handyman to do it. It pays itself off in TP costs pretty quickly and if there is another shortage, you don't have to worry as much. Plus you are just so much cleaner.
E 3 years ago
The only thing I could think of after it said sandpaper feeling toilet paper was school toilet paper.
Cammy Cat 3 years ago
Single ply isn't a great deal when u have to use twice as much to get the job done...
RandomHumanBean 3 years ago
my school needs to read this. the teacher bathrooms have better tp than the normal ones :(
Microwaved Robot 3 years ago
TP is a Major Issue for me. I can not have enough TP in my house. My fear is that EVERYONE get the chittin's and no one can leave to buy more TP. What I usually have on hand is at least a years worth.
#12
People that drive across town to save a couple cents off a gallon of milk [don't actually save money]
Luna Crow 3 years ago
This is true, but also depends on the savings. I will drive across town to buy gas for a dollar less per gallon
Erin 3 years ago
But aren't you using the saved dollar driving to and from the gas station? It'd probably work out the same if you used a gas station closer to home
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Tim S 3 years ago
This is a big one. People seem to ignore the cost of driving when it comes to getting a lower price. And it's not just the cost of gas, it's the cost of the additional wear and tear on the vehicle, more frequent oil changes, etc. It's rarely worth it to drive somewhere else for a better price unless it's a pretty huge difference in price or it's a big shopping trip where you're buying a lot.
VodkaInMySweetTea 3 years ago
I have a friend who weekly drives out of his way across state lines to save 5 cents on gas. Umm...
tullotoe underfoot 3 years ago
How far is the state line? How big is the gas tank? How empty is the gas tank? What kind of mileage doe he get? If he is in IL, and is going to WI, IA, IN, or MO with under a quarter tank in just about any vehicle, 30 miles pays for itself.
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Huddo's sister 3 years ago
I know quite a few people who do this when they need to buy petrol. I just shake my head.
weatherwitch 3 years ago
My father used to drive to the next town for supposedly better fuel for his car. It cost him more in fuel to drive there, cost more in the price per litre and if it did anything good for his car, well as it was a diesel all the tiny short stop start journeys are incredibly detrimental to the journey so it never got the chance to even make a difference! Bonkers!
Bloobee bloobee bloo bloo bloo 3 years ago
And also, I don’t get that about couponing either. All the money and gas used to go from store to store to get all your deals. Not to mention the time put into it that you’ll never get back. What are really saving?
According to Tim Jordan, the man behind Atypical Finance, “There should be no deprivation when it comes to being frugal.” He explains that the true meaning of being frugal is about being intentional with your money. Frugal people don’t throw their money away on impulsive purchases that they will later regret or waste it on things they don’t need. But it does not mean that you should make yourself miserable pinching pennies and denying yourself and loved ones an occasional evening out, a car that has a working heater or showers that take longer than 2 minutes. “Determining what you value is the very essence of being frugal,” Tim writes on his blog. “You have to know yourself and what you do and do not like. It is the conscious decision to not spend money on certain things (what you don’t value) so you can spend money on other things (what you do value).”
#13
Pillows. I bought a good pillow and I've never slept better.
E Menendez 3 years ago
My husband is the same - he sleeps without a pillow like a monster.
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Bob La Capra 3 years ago
I waited for a good pillow to go on sale and snapped one up when it did. I liked it so much I bought another one at full price. Worth every penny
RandomFrog(He/They️️) 3 years ago
I remember growing up my dad splurged on super comfy pillows and we would sneak them into our rooms (more a joke, we could have afforded new pillows if we wanted) and replace his fancy ones with ours. Eventually he just bought us new pillows lol.
Jodie daubenmire 3 years ago
Not the propaganda pillow guys c**p though..they feel like disappointed old crack head.
Evelyn Haskins 3 years ago
Many many years ago now, I got sick of over stuffed and fixed-shape pillows, so I had my daughtrr and her friend break up some foam plastic into crumbs and put them in zip-up pillow cover,. Over 40 year later i am still using it, I hang it out every now and then to sunbake to keep it fresh!!
rodger coghlan 3 years ago
If you have a good pillow (ie. down-filled), throw it in the washer occasionally - i mean you been drooling on it every night since you got it. Oh, and dry it on air then on delicate
#14
For me, food. And I don't mean going out to eat. I do cook myself, but when I buy meat or fish I usually go to a store I trust and spend a few extra bucks on it.
Brenda Spagnola-Wilson 3 years ago
I'd rather have a smaller excellent cut of meat than a cheaper average (or poor) cut. In the end, you'll enjoy it more and it's better for you.
Kayjunmoon 3 years ago
Though the cheaper cuts are excellent for stews and soups.
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Debby Keir 3 years ago
If you are really broke, you can't afford to do that. Learn how to cook the cheaper cuts - many of them are tender and delicious cooked the right way. Think slow cooker - cheap to buy meat and cheap to cook in these times of electricity costs.
Katherine Heasley 3 years ago
Yeah. There are foods I'll skimp on, but others, I'll pay the price for quality and be happy about it.
Katherine Forest 3 years ago
I think the more you pay for meat, the better the animal was treated. Wise investment.
AnkleByter 3 years ago
That isn't even remotely true. People will *always* think certain cuts are worth more, that has no bearing on how the animal was treated. Although people can also mark up the price for animals they claim have been treated better (there's no real proof in most cases, and people just take them for their word). It's not at all the rule, or even close to it.
Load More Replies... #15
Eye surgery.
jeff adams 3 years ago
Good: Had cataracts removed. Wow! Bad: Got 2 detached retinas as a side effect. Bummer! Both surgically repaired for the same price, but one surgeon was a genius and the other a ham-fisted yo-yo. Therefor I recommend due diligence.
Hey! 3 years ago
My husband is getting surgery for cataracts on the first eye Friday. Our insurance only pays a portion but it will be worth it. I still don't understand why OHIP doesn't pay for it though.
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v 3 years ago
If you're talking corrective eye surgery such as Lasik, it may not be a good buy depending on your age and the type of correction being made. I checked into it about 15-20 years ago (30ish at the time) and was told I'd likely get 10 years out of it, 15 if I was lucky, and then be back in glasses/contacts.
the Return of Bruno 3 years ago
Don't listen to the snobby nay-sayers. You got cataracts? I can take care of them for 20% less! Like your eyes are too goood for steak knives!
Pamela Blue 3 years ago
How to say you live in the US without actually saying you live in the US.
AustrianGirl 3 years ago
You don't have to live in the US for that. If you get eyesight correcting surgery that is not considered medically necessary you have to pay for it by yourself, even in Austria where we have universal health care. It's cheaper to wear glasses and it's not guaranteed that the surgery works without complications - my eyesight will probably worsen again, meaning either an other sugary or glasses after all - for me there is no point in getting one.
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Robin DJW 3 years ago
I have progressive myopia (nearsighted), and had to get new glasses every year stating when I was 8. I was excited when Lasik came around. My eyes had stabilized by then. But it would not have been a good bet for me. I got the free testing from three different ophthalmologists. One said "Fine, let's do you tomorrow." One said, "Your cornea is a bit odd but you should be OK." The third one said, "I wouldn't touch your eyes for any amount. Sorry." Go with the most conservative. You only have one pair of eyes.
Lin Carmer 3 years ago
Similar situation. Just one retina detached. But needed scar tissue removed - 2nd surgery.
Sarah Gilbert 3 years ago
Sadly, I had one of the most prominent eye surgeon's perform my 2nd strabismus surgery and have had many regrets. At least I can laugh at myself as I fall down in PT due to balance issues related to my vision and the horrible headaches are mostly gone these 10 years+ latter. This doctor actually told me I would have 3-D vision. I knew better to trust him but didn't follow my gut instinct. This was supposedly the premier neuro-opthalmologist in Chicago in the mid 2000's. He no longer works here and good riddance.
If you haven’t already learned from your own experiences or from the responses you’ve read on this list, there are plenty of ways being too frugal can come back to bite you. Financial expert Jim Garnet, also known as “Ask Mr. G” spoke to NBC News about the dangers of being too stingy, and one of the first things he warns people not to do is ignore insurance. It may seem costly up front, but it will certainly be worth it when a rainy day comes around. “One accident, one major illness, one fire, or one death can literally send us to the bankruptcy court if we are not insured adequately,” Garnet notes. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to insurance.
#16
Frugal doesn't mean cheap. Getting a $300 pair of shoes that lasts you >5 years is frugal. Getting $50 ones that will fall apart after a few months not so much. Ditto with getting good roof shingles, etc.
That being said don't be frugal on vacation or when you're having a blast. That's not to say blow all your money in a night, but don't miss out on the time of your life because there might be a bargain around the corner.
Rachknits 3 years ago
This is why being poor is expensive, I don't have that kind of money to spend in the first place (not complaining, I'm happy with my income, I value different things but some people don't realise that when you're poor you barely have enough to buy cheap shoes, never mind good quality ones)
Amy Watson 3 years ago
Sir Terry Pratchett's "Boot Theory" of economics in a nutshell!
Load More Replies... Hazel M 3 years ago
Wisdom of Vimes/Pratchett: "good boots lasted for years and years. A man who could afford fifty dollars had a pair of boots that'd still be keeping his feet dry in ten years' time, while the poor man who could only afford cheap boots would have spent a hundred dollars on boots in the same time and would still have wet feet."
ERIKA H. 3 years ago
Most people don't have $300 to spend on a pair of shoes, so they have to spend less (not even close to $50) on shoes and other things. They know it'll fall apart and cost them more in the long run, but the reality is poor people don't have the money to begin with to even consider buying better quality. Being poor is expensive.
liam newton-harding 3 years ago
Vime's Boots Theory of Socio-economic Unfairness: you can't afford $300 for a pair of boots...you can afford $50, every six months...which means, at the end of 5 years you have spent $500 on boots ..and still have wet feet.
David Paterson 3 years ago
My previous shoes were $5 and disintegrated on second wearing. But I put $50 insoles in them and they lasted more than 3 years. My latest shoes are expensive $50 ones. Do not fall for the trap of buying pretty but uncomfortable $200 shoes. The three rules for buying shoes are comfort, comfort, comfort. Your feet will hate you if you don't.
RafCo (he/him) 3 years ago
I've had my $50 shoes for three years now. Though i am considering a new pair. They are in good shape, just looking worm out.
Brenda Spagnola-Wilson 3 years ago
Well made, long lasting items are usually worth the price. If you break it down to a yearly/monthly cost, you'll usually find it more frugal to pay more upfront since the item lasts so much longer
#17
Contractors to fix something in your home. Just because someone comes in a few thousand under everyone else quotes you with doesn't mean their work is equally as good
Brenda Spagnola-Wilson 3 years ago
Check average prices, ask for references, check with the BBB. Quality work is worth paying for
Bobby 3 years ago
With BBB also be aware there are 2 scores. The actual BBB score which doesn't really take customer experience into account and then the average of customer reviews. I worked for a joke of a place once that had all their ducks in a row and were a+ rated but customer score was horrible
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Ahimsa Soul 3 years ago
People who cannot afford buying a new house and rentals are ridiculously expensive! In Portugal, it's just horrible, now!
Load More Replies... Microwaved Robot 3 years ago
Always get Three Quotes and check their reviews and talk to those, if you can.
#18
Car seat. You don't have to get an expensive one, but if you buy it second hand, you don't know if it was ever in an accident.
Brenda Spagnola-Wilson 3 years ago
Yesterday my son, his pregnant girlfriend and their 14 month old son were in a bad hit & run accident. Car was totaled but they are OK. Grandson was in his NEW car seat.car hit his side, but he was spared injuries because his car seat saved him! I thank God we bought it 2 months ago! Best $$$ I ever spent
Shine Chisholm 3 years ago
My kid was mildly irritated by the accident that totalled my car. It is amazing what a good car seat can do.
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E Menendez 3 years ago
This is something people don't realize- second hand car seats are dangerous because you don't know the "history".
Anon822209 3 years ago
I confess I bought a second hand carseat, but it was from someone I knew and trusted. Random person from Marketplace? Um, no. Even minor accidents, even accidents that happened when the child wasn't in the car, can imperceptibly weaken the safety features of a carseat and you'll have no way of knowing until the worst happens.
Jody Whitmarsh 3 years ago
Second hand stores don't take baby stuff like that anymore because of the lack of guarantee to safety. If you do receive second hand carseats, strollers, or the like, make sure you know the full history of the equipment and that it is coming from reliable people.
Ronald Bradford 3 years ago
And car seats for Baby "expire," because "living" in a car is pretty detrimental to the materials.
Captain Awesome 3 years ago
Same goes for motorcycle helmets. Buy once, buy new, get the best you can afford. Your brain is worth it. NEVER BUY A USED HELMET. And replace immediately if you crash or drop it.
RandomFrog(He/They️️) 3 years ago
I have barfed in my childhood car seat more times than I can count. Every road trip to grandma and grandpas house, and every time I got sick driving made me more prone to puke
Spocks's Mom 3 years ago
That is a horrible and vicious cycle. Your trauma is valid.
Load More Replies... Bobby 3 years ago
And if you don't know how or can't install it yourself, check out https://cert.safekids.org/ many of the people under find a tech are willing to do installations free of charge
AnkleByter 3 years ago (edited)
Most fire and/or police stations in the US (other countries as well, so I have heard) also have someone that is certified to either install or inspect your installation. Not all of them do, but the vast majority in the US do. Also if anyone says they charge for installation, don't...it's not something that should cost you anything and they likely aren't installing it correctly in the first place, they just want money.
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One thing that can take up the bulk of many of our budgets is food. But it’s another thing that we should be wary of becoming too cheap about. Cathi Brese Doebler, author of Ditch The Joneses, Discover Your Family, told NBC News, “If you spend less money on food, but the food is unhealthy, you can impact your health over time. This can lead to long-term health problems and more visits to the doctor," says Brese Doebler. "Many healthy foods can also be affordable foods." A lot of being frugal comes down to thinking about the future as well, not simply opting for the cheapest choice at that moment. It’s much easier to keep your body healthy than to try to fix or eliminate issues later down the line.
#19
I knew a guy who bought lottery tickets because if he ever won, "it'd be the smartest investment he could've ever made". How can you be right and so stupid at the same time?
Brenda Spagnola-Wilson 3 years ago
Hubby gets 1 every week. He won $8 last week & you'd have thought it was a million! 😄 Do it for fun, but don't depend on winning.
v 3 years ago (edited)
I will never understand why people denigrate the lottery as a tax on poor or stupid people and never say a thing about tithing. There are likely far more people who give 10% or more of their income to their church on a weekly basis and get absolutely no return and nobody cares. The same person spends $6 on a lottery ticket each week and they're raked across the coals for being stupid. At least with the lottery they have a chance of getting something in return.
Michael Trepanier 3 years ago
Depends on the church. I no longer attend, but I was raised in a church that put most of that money back into programs for the community around it. Neighbours who were not members sent their kids to Vacation Bible School while they worked, AA meetings were held there as well as sex offenders anonymous among other things. If the money goes into the community you are tithing for a healthier neighborhood. Though unfortunately churches like that tend to be the exception rather than the rule
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Livingroom Panda 3 years ago
gah, the broke philosopher. im gonna see that paragraph in my dreams
Michael Largey 3 years ago
"Government lotteries are a voluntary tax on ignorance." - Thomas Jefferson
The Darkest Timeline 3 years ago
It’s harmless if you’re spending only a few bucks a week and you have that money to spend
#20
Winter boots and coats. Don't go too expensive but you really don't want something falling apart in the middle of winter
C C 3 years ago
I've had the same Land's End winter wool coat for at least a decade and it's still worthy of the expensive price tag. Live near the great lakes so it can get mighty cold
AliJanx 3 years ago
Check out Lands End, LL Bean and Orvis at the end of the season. Sometimes you get high quality, great coat at a great price. The colors can be a bit wonky at times, but my everyday coat doesn't need to be high fashion. Needs to be WARM. Also, Lands End gives temperature ratings. Helpful!
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Brenda Spagnola-Wilson 3 years ago
Bought a full length blue wool coat while visiting The Czech Republic. Paid $100 USD in 1992. Finally had to buy a new coat in 2011. Worth every cent!
Miss Cellania 3 years ago
I inherited a down parka 30 years ago, so it's no telling how old it really is, but it's just as warm as it ever was.
Ruth Hempsey 3 years ago (edited)
In the 70s when my kids needed to replace lost or worn out gloves etc in the middle of a Canadian winter, the department stores, in January, had literally no winter wear at all. They were all STOCKED up after Xmas with the new SUMMER CLOTHES! I had to traipse from mall to mall, hunting down gloves and toques and bought items one set here, another set there as they were in clearance bins. Absolutely ridiculous. That's when I found a good knitting pattern for toques and made them - still do - but gloves were another matter. Stores aren't quite so bad these days but no winter wear in January with 5 months left of winter? Crazy.
AnkleByter 3 years ago
I Have a winter coat I bought at Steve and Barry's in 1998, cost me $19 at the time (on sale from $29, lol). It's still going strong. The $150 coat someone got me two years ago from some name brand place that escapes me (I'd have to check out in the barn, that's where it is), zippers broke, strings frayed and broke, liner came detached, pocket has a hole....It's a junk coat for junkin around in now. Again, high price doesn't equal quality, it never has. That's just some shpeal companies want you to believe.
Jp@nda 3 years ago
Oh my God, Steve and Barry's lol! That store really was the best, i used to be a manager of one here before they all closed down. On black Friday everything went to$8.98 and i still got my 40% off on top of that. First thing gone were the coats
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IamMe 3 years ago
One thing I've learned from having kids. Make sure all their winter gear has metal zippers. No matter how much you spend on a coat, those plastic ones will break before spring. Usually, in February, when the stores start selling bathing suits and sandals for some unknown reason. Also, stock up on gloves and mittens. Those things go missing more than socks!
Manuela Langer 3 years ago
Bought a lamb fur jacket app. 20 years ago. Had to replace the buttons a couple times over the years, but other than that, it is still as warm as ever and has only gotten more beautiful over the years aquiring the kind of creases that say "vintage".
#21
*Roofing shingles.*
If you're replacing your home's roof, roofing shingles come in all quality grades for duration (10-year, 20-year, 30-year, lifetime, etc.)
Since most of the cost is in the labor, prep and clean-up, it pays to buy the better quality, long-lasting shingles so you don't have to do the job again. Plus, it's a selling point when you put the house on the market to have a superior, long-lasting roof.
Brenda Spagnola-Wilson 3 years ago
Don't underestimate the value of an excellent roofing product AND installation, especially when it comes to resale!
PleasantCrocodile 3 years ago
I don't mean to be picky, but what's pictured here are roof tiles (which do last WAY longer than shingles if you live in the right climate for them.)
Marilyn Russell 3 years ago
I wish I could have afforded the $30k for a metal roof on my house. I just hope I’m not around to have to replace the shingles again.
We hope this list is inspiring you to be a bit more frugal if you can, but not too frugal. Don’t let your desire to save money negatively impact your life or your health, and know when it’s worth it to splurge to save yourself time, energy and even money in the future. Keep upvoting the responses mentioning things you’re willing to spend money on as well, and feel free to share any other “false frugalities” you refuse to get on board with in the comments. Then if you’d like to check out Bored Panda’s last article on this same topic, you can find that right here.
#22
It doesn't pay to cheap out on cooking knives. It's amazing how much more you enjoy cooking when cutting ingredients isn't an infuriating process. You can get by with cheaper pots and pans but buying at least one decent chef knife makes a huge difference.
I should say knives are less of a thing to be really cheap about than frugal. You can get some great knives for $25-50. I'm not getting snobby about needing a $500 Japanese steel knife hand forged in a volcano, you just need to find ones that work for you. And pans are more important to the quality of your food but I find many of my friends and family don't consider a knife as important as the cookware. As others have pointed out a [bad] knife can still be made sharp but I still think it's well worth spending a little money for a knife that will last and make cooking less frustrating.
RafCo (he/him) 3 years ago
Not gonna lie. I love my $200 hand forged Japanese Santoku knife. I also have a hand forged Japanese pairing knife that is lovely
Frank S 3 years ago
Please also keep in mind that a dull knife is as, if not more, dangerous than a properly sharp knife.
Tess 3 years ago
More. Definitely more. Dull knifes slip, which is never fun.
Load More Replies... Mary August 3 years ago
More important than the price is that it is sharp. You can sharpen cheap knives too.
Not A Panda 3 years ago
Meh, the knife I use most because it's the nicest to use cost me 6 euros. Stays sharp, cuts with ease.
Ace 3 years ago
Knife snobbery. Keeping your knives sharp is what counts, and sure, some cheap ones may bot be able to hold an edge for very long, but if you know what to look for you don't need to pay a fortune for decent kitchen knives.
AnkleByter 3 years ago
Yep, none of mine are fancy or super expensive, but they hold up, sharpen well and do their jobs. I've seen people who use really expensive knives have them dull down way faster than mine and after sharpening them (likely the wrong way, lol) for years, they have to replace them. That's a huge part of the problem with knives, people sharpen them all wrong and it wears them down faster than it should.
Load More Replies... Evelyn Haskins 3 years ago
Good pots, Good pans, But cheap knives can last as well and highly expensive ones, Just look to the quality NOT the price, Beware of bad handles!
Judith von Batt 3 years ago
I have a very nice knife I bought at a junk store for $1. I have other, more expensive knives, but the junk-store knife is better for almost every kitchen chore.
#23
Clothes. I'm not saying spend more than you can afford, but I think it's worth it to spend a little more up front on the things you wear a lot (for me, it's khaki pants and button down shirts), and have basics that last, rather than getting the cheaper stuff and have it c**p out quickly. You wind up spending more in the long run when you buy cheap clothes.
Luna Crow 3 years ago
Two words: thrift stores. If you know where to look, you can get quality clothing for a fraction of what you'd pay for new cheap clothes
Jody Whitmarsh 3 years ago
Thrift stores in higher end neighborhoods are amazing.
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Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 3 years ago (edited)
Clothes are so outrageously expensive anymore and a lot of them aren’t even made that well. Thrift stores, vintage stores, second hand stores have been a true life saver for me when it comes to saving money on clothing. Yes, it may take time to sort through everything but I have found some amazing designer pieces, gorgeous vintage pieces, and one of a kind pieces for a fraction of the cost.
Brenda Spagnola-Wilson 3 years ago (edited)
When I first started working, I didn't have any "nice office" clothes. Every month or so I bought 1 or 2 good "separates". After a while I had a decent amount of good pieces that lasted for years. Worth buying quality because it lasts.
RafCo (he/him) 3 years ago
I like to go to Joseph A Banks when they have clearance sales. You can get nice shirts and pants for fairly cheap.
AnkleByter 3 years ago
Most of those more expensive clothes people tout as being "made well" are made in the very same factories as their less costly counterparts, from the very same materials. Not ALL, mind you, but quite a few of them really are. People knock "generic" clothes all the time, without realizing that the brands they are touting are made by the same people, just sold under a different label, and priced much higher.
v 3 years ago
Depends on what you're actually calling well made. Old Navy, Gap and Banana Republic is one of the best parent company examples. Buy a polo from each and you will see and feel a marked difference in quality and normal wear/washing will see the Gap shirt last longer than the Old Navy shirt and the Banana Republic shirt lasting longer than the Gap shirt.
Load More Replies... Evelyn Haskins 3 years ago
Retires, I get the cheap stuff and wear it for 10 + years. If it still fits.
Connie Bonneville 3 years ago
I bought my son some really nice clothes and he saw how much I was spending and asked I was sure I could spend that much money. I was like Absolutely! You're so worth it. He's really taking pride in his appearance now. It's nice to see.
#24
I always buy really expensive underwear and make up for it by buying really cheap bags of socks. And before you get all excited, I'm a dude and we're talking boxer briefs. Good underwear is one of those things that can make a difference in how comfortable you are all day long.
jeff adams 3 years ago
But if you get hit by a bus, who's going to look at your socks?
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Sekrets 3 years ago
If I learned anything from the army it's that clean, quality and fresh socks are literally all you need. Everything else can be unwashed and covered with dry sweat making it stiff, salty and able to stand on its own "two feet". But if you have fresh socks everything is fan-f**king tastic.
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 3 years ago
Good socks are so worth it especially if you do a lot of sports and outdoor activities.
#25
Tools.
Luna Crow 3 years ago
Depends on the tool. Some of them are going to get beat up no matter what. With power tools though, definitely invest in a reliable brand
iseefractals 3 years ago
It really depends. For things like socket wrenches and other hand tools you want to find something with a lifetime guarantee (like craftsman) those are things that get passed down from father to son, and there are 100 year sets still being used everyday (my Wrenches and sockets originated with my great grandfather in the 20's) With power tools, more often than not, the middle of the road stuff tends to be the most capable and durable. Donut media channel on youtube has a series testing various types of tools from proper use to "aw F*CK" highly recommend.
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Serial pacifist 3 years ago
Ok, I don’t want to be the scrooge, but going down the list this thread is becoming meaningless because it is basicaly coming down to everything that you shouldn’t buy cheaper because of quality difference that comes with the price difference
roses are red 3 years ago
First time using a tool, buy the cheap one. If it breaks and you will still need one, buy a much better one. Same with hobbies, buy the cheap stuff to start while you are learning, and see if it's the hobby for you, then buy the good quality craft etc.
Lily Mae Kitty 3 years ago
just go to estate sales for tools and a lot of other stuff on this list actually. Old guys with money spend stupid money on that stuff and take good care of things.
Ronald Bradford 3 years ago
Get a full set of Harbor, a couple "important" pieces of Hyper Tough, a Kobalt or Craftsman "main piece," then replace whatever you wear down or break with Proto, Snap-On, or whatever.
Erik Ivan 3 years ago
Yes, and also no. Kind of depends of what tool it is, and why you need it. A full pro cordless drill will be wasted if you live in an apartment and only need to make a couple of holes for haning paintings. On the other hand, the cheapest cordless drills are totally useless. Other tools - like wrenches - are more clear cut since they don't have things like batteries and electronics that can age and go bad. Just buy the beat you can afford.
#26
The majority of people who coupon [end up spending more]. You're buying items that you probably didn't need, won't use, only because they're cheaper with a coupon.
Domo KO 3 years ago
Meh I'd like to see the statistic behind this. My opinion is anecdotal but everyone I know that uses coupons actually uses it for things that they need or they know they're going to use. I don't see someone, who's looking to save money, waste it by getting something they're not going to use.
Anon822209 3 years ago
I think the post is referring to those "extreme couponers" who buy things like 673 tiny packets of gum because they're $0.01 each. Ok, but what are you going to actually DO with it all?
Load More Replies... Whitefox 3 years ago
My dad calls this "spaving" spending money to save money and taught us to be weary of doing it. We only use coupons if we intend to buy the item any way. on another note.. if you are in the US and have commercial ins. and are on expensive medications. Look up coupons on-line. Many manufacturers charge so much because medi-care will pay that, but private ins will not. My insulin went from $300/mo to $75.
LoneTomato 3 years ago
I worked in pharmacy for a long time and would always look up these coupons for our patients (but a lot of other staff won't unfortunately). I wish more people knew about this or would actually try the coupons and free discount cards
Load More Replies... Brenda Spagnola-Wilson 3 years ago (edited)
Used wisely, coupons can save you big money. Know who regularly has the best price for an item (keep a "book" of standard items used & the normal price at local stores for comparison) before using a coupon. Keep track of each stores sales cycles and use coupons to stock up when prices are at their absolute lowest. My stockpile kept us fed for almost 5 months when hubby had to have surgery years ago. And just because its on sale doesn't mean it's a bargain if you don't need it/use it.
Lucas Jackson 3 years ago
Na deffo not. Why would you cut a coupon out for something you don’t need?
IamMe 3 years ago
Working at grocery stores I learned, store brands, and regular sales, will almost always be cheaper than name brand with a coupon. Especially, when a lot of coupons now only work if you buy 2 or 3 of an item that most people would only need one of. It'll go on sale for less, before you need to replace it. They are designed to get you to spend money on things you weren't going to buy.
the Return of Bruno 3 years ago
So not true! In fact, coupon shopping probably REDUCES impulse buying. Even so, what you buy is consumable; you don't throw it away or use it less often. Oh, you got 2-for-1 Doritos? You just won't buy Doritos next week. Who eats when they're not hungry, but instead only because they got a good deal? (Unlike, say clothes shopping, when getting new clothes means you're some other clothes you've already bought are going to fall out of rotation.)
Sekrets 3 years ago (edited)
Idk my wife coupons heavily and will get items we don't need. We keep it and end up using it months or years later. Things like toothbrushes, toothpaste, canned goods, body wash and shampoo. Diapers too. We had couponed diapers for our 2nd child from our first child years later. Edit : don't forget things you get that make you money. My wife once got paid to buy a portable air conditioner and turned around and sold it for $80. There's literally free money everywhere you look.
Ruth Hempsey 3 years ago
Nope. I get coupons in the vitamins I'm supposed to take for AMD, age related macular degeneration which leads to blindness, and they save me a bunch. We put coupons for stuff we don't use in the recycle and that's what most folks do, unless they absolutely must buy the coupon foods because of not being able to afford the the goods without coupons. Check out how people live hand to mouth before making assumptions. Food banks are overwhelmed, haven't you heard?
#27
Computer power supplies.
cogadh 3 years ago
Eh. Not so much. Absolutely, don't cheap out and get the questionable no-name model, but those top of the line branded models are really no better than any other model that has the same performance rating. Most of the time you are only paying extra for the paint job or the cable options, not the power performance or reliability.
Jihana 3 years ago
Not true. A few years ago I had 2 or 3 really bad years where the power supplies for my PC died almost exactly 6 month after I bought them. Always bought the same brand because I thought I just had bad luck. The constant dying only ended when I bought a more expensive one.
Load More Replies... idk 3 years ago
as someone who has built multiple computers, This is solid advice. There's no point in spending an extra $20 on your CPU instead of your power supply if it means your power supply is gonna fry it anyway. But you still don't need the most expensive brand name stuff. just something with a good power rating from a reputable brand. I fried my first build with a no-name PSU. I've used EVGA units since. Not the most expensive but they've never failed me in my 20 years.
Ronald Bradford 3 years ago
ABSOLUTELY! Don't go crazy but do understand that if you have something that exceeds your needs now it won't even break a sweat and it'll be ready for your future upgrades.
#28
A suit.
Granted, you don't have to go spend a couple thousand dollars (though you can, and you'll notice the difference), but don't go buy one off the rack at Macy's. Spend the $600-700 to get a perfectly tailored suit. You will feel so GD confident walking around in that thing, it is absolutely ridiculous.
And beyond that, I tend to spend the money necessary to get a high quality item, if 2 cheaper alternatives are more expensive than one quality one. The idea here being that, if I'm going to have to replace this item because I bought cheap, I'm better off buying one I won't have to replace.
Things like: clothes racks, umbrellas, kitchen utensils/pans/knives, tools for the house, electronics.
kath morgan 3 years ago
Buying the off the rack suit and getting it altered probably still works out cheaper.
AnkleByter 3 years ago
This is advice likely coming from someone who is far above the median income level wherever they live and pretty disconnected from the people around them, too. I don't know a single person that can afford to plunk down $600 (let alone more) on a friggen suit. I don't know a single person that gains all their confidence from their suit, either. That's just a bizarre way of thinking, imo. Even people that wear suits pretty much every work day (that I know, anyway) wouldn't pay that much for a suit.
K. Anderson 3 years ago
People have different lives. I know numerous people who could or would do this.
Load More Replies... Katja Katze 3 years ago
Sounds like advice from the past to me. My mother bought me an expensive outfit to wear to job interviews or important events. I've worn it three times at most. Fashions change, body shapes change, occasions change and your own style changes too. Tailor-made suits are only worthwhile in certain professions.
Ruth Hempsey 3 years ago
This is true I think. My husband and I both had a wardrobe of good quality work clothes that in his case are just hanging in the closet since he retired. I went through mine and donated most of them to a charity that helps women get into the work force by providing the right things to wear to get a good job. It bothered me how much I'd spent on them not to get the use out of them but at least I hope somebody did. One of these days we'll get to the men's stuff too I guess. Some business wear is really just a uniform you don't or wouldn't wear normally so it's just the cost of having the job you want. 🤷♀️
Load More Replies... Mimi M 3 years ago
I love BP for the curiously irrelevant pics. Someone wanted to get to lunch quicker.
Hey! 3 years ago
My husband has been wearing suits since he could walk. He keeps his ties until he goes to bed. He owns 7 complete suits, 45 shirts and ~ 30 ties. Every year he replaces a suit, cleans-up his shirts (i.e. give away) but mainly keeps all his ties. When he buys a suit, he'll buy shirts and possibly a tie or two.
Tenacious Squirrel 3 years ago
It’s a LOT more than that for a “perfectly tailored” suit most places - assuming they mean actually tailored to your body. You can get them cheap in some countries (like Vietnam, but understand the possible slave/child labour, they may even make it in somewhere like China but claim it’s made locally). It’s usually more than $600-700 for a basic cheaper end suit on a sale rack here, whilst they’re claiming you get a fancy tailored one for that - absolutely not. I’m in Australia, I’m using USD as the reference as I assume that’s what the poster used.
Biofish23 3 years ago
So I just checked. I'm in the US, Macy's, which is a pretty standard department store, has some men's suits on sale right now for $99. You absolutely can buy a decent suit for $600-$700 in a men's wear store that will include alterations to tailor it to you. A fully custom made suit would certainly cost more.
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James Arvidson 3 years ago
A cheap suit tailored well will look better than an expensive one not fitted right. Plus, you don't wear a suit often unless you are in a profession that pays enough to afford suits. Then spend on quality if you wear on often. That cheap suit can help you get the better paying job in a lot.of industries.
William Walsh 3 years ago
For my Moms funeral, I picked up a suit at salvation army. She would have approved.
#29
Musical instruments. Especially if you are a beginner! Good quality helps you play better.
RafCo (he/him) 3 years ago
Bad advice. You want something that won't warp and sound like c**p, but you don't need to buy a grand piano to start learning. Buy an Epiphone before you invest in a Les Paul. A quality acoustic guitar will be around $150. You will hear the difference if you buy a $1000 guitar, but you will still suck at playing it for a few years.
Jen Hart 3 years ago
I'm thinking of musical instruments in general; many people start learning in elementary or middle school, before they may be good at taking care of the thing... so medium-low quality would be the way to go.
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Ba-Na-Na 3 years ago
But if you don’t keep playing or just hate the instrument… you’ve like, wasted a bunch of money. Why not see if it’s something you’re interested in long term first?
Bobby 3 years ago
I think they mean don't buy the cheap but pretty instruments all over Amazon. Those are horrible and will make you not want to play. Instead of that really pretty lacquered sax for 100 on Amazon get the used Yamaha that's scratched up and not shiny at all from your local band store for 200. Yeah it's twice the cost but you'll actually be able to play that one
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William Tinsley 3 years ago
Yeah I've been playing stringed instruments for over 25 years and I actually recommend learning on something cheap. If you can learn to play that it'll be all that easier to play well on something higher end after a couple of years
Argle Bargle 3 years ago
I was so excited to play my upgraded violin after playing on a piece of junk when I began. My playing improved out of sight. I just splurged on new strings yesterday, and I cannot stop playing. So mellow and fresh. Bet you can relate
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harpling 3 years ago
Better yet: find a place that will rent good quality instruments. I tell my students not to bother actually buying a harp until they've decided for absolute certain whether they're going to continue playing for a very long time. Harps are incredibly expensive, even cheap ones. Fortunately, there are several harp companies that have rent-to-own setups for students.
The Darkest Timeline 3 years ago
As a band director, I can tell you there is a bunch of garbage out there. $100 trumpet or $230 saxophone from Amazon or Walmart? Complete waste of money. They break and bend easily, are poorly made so often work improperly leading to frustration and failure. You’re best off finding a decent QUALITY used instrument for about the same price as the new one off the internet. Then, if you continue, you can upgrade to a better model but even then, there are good used instruments available.
David Paterson 3 years ago
Agree. Don't buy the cheapest violin, piano, cello, harp, drums, etc. Unfortunately, more expensive instruments sound better. Learning to play on an instrument that produces an unpleasant sound is a huge mistake, it will become a chore rather than a pleasure. That said, I do know a violinist who bought the absolute cheapest violin and immediately replaced the strings, bridge and pegs with top quality components.
UpQuarkDownQuark 3 years ago
This was true 30 years ago, well made cheap instruments abound these days. I bought a $169 Telecaster-style guitar from Rondo Music, spent a $100 on a new nut and setup, and it plays like a dream. I constantly get compliments on my guitar tone. I’ve been playing for more than 30 years. Taking it to a good guitar tech is the real key to a playable instrument, expensive or cheap.
GadgetGirl 3 years ago (edited)
No. Band teacher wanted us to buy the most expensive retail instrument for kiddo to learn on. We did not. 4 months later, kiddo broke both wrists and couldn't play anymore. During the long recovery from that, different interests took it's place. Expensive is for a definite, lifetime hobby. Not just learning it well enough to see if you like it. Edit to add: the instrument doesn't help you play better. Practice does. I promise the keys on the expensive instrument are in the exact same place as on the cheaper one.
Bobby 3 years ago
The funny thing is, at least my experience with woodwinds, cheaper student models are more forgiving on embrachure than professional models so they are easier to learn on
Load More Replies... Shine Chisholm 3 years ago
My kid started playing cello at 3. One of her classmates (they had both individual and group lessons) had a cello made out of plywood. That student hated practicing, and I don't blame her! My kid's instrument was expensive rent to own, but after 9 years she's in the youth orchestra still loving it.
Shine Chisholm 3 years ago
To clarify-- cellos come in different sizes, and this rental place transferred equity when we sized up. She went from a 1/10 size (it was SO CUTE) and is now on a 1/2.
Load More Replies... Bloobee bloobee bloo bloo bloo 3 years ago
Not true. My 12 year old started playing the trumpet last school year with a loaner from the school. This year I decided to splurge and get a professionally refurbished rent to own $1000 trumpet and literally the only difference is how bright and shiny her new one is
Bobby 3 years ago
With wind instruments embrachure is very important. Student instruments tend to be more forgiving that intermediate and professional in this regard. If he sounds the same in both horns he likely needs practice on embrachure. A 1000 horn should sound brighter than the loaner, but I'll also say that a surprising number of loaner trumpets that schools use are of a very good quality. Some of those old Conn and Selmer horns from like the 50s and earlier were very solid instruments
Load More Replies... #30
When you start sharing toothbrushes, it doesn't even save money, they just wear out twice as fast!
Miss Cellania 3 years ago
Don't share toothbrushes. That said, you need to find a sweet spot price-wise so that a toothbrush is nice enough to use often, and cheap enough that you don't mind replacing it every six months. I also keep a supply of very cheap ones for guests, travel, and emergencies.
Captain Awesome 3 years ago
Toothbrushes are cheap. Don't be a twat and share. That's just foul.
Matthew Stark 3 years ago
What Nancy said... Seriously, who does that? I've never known anyone in my nearly 6 decades that had done that.
What do you think ?
Hugo Farr 3 years ago
Bed Sheets. Get the soft stretchy kind. MUCH nicer to sleep on than a hard smooth fabric.
Hey! 3 years ago (edited)
The last sheet set I bought were 100% Egyptian cotton 300 thread count. We are no longer sleeping in the other sets we have. I just keep washing these over and over and my husband puts them back on the bed. OMG, you never want to get out of there!
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Katja Katze 3 years ago
I think it's important to think about where your priorities are. If you rarely and do not like to cook, it is nonsense to spend a lot of money on good kitchen utensils. Anyone who loves fashion and likes to keep reinventing themselves in terms of fashion doesn't need tailor-made clothing for eternity. If you like to chill on the couch and go jogging once a year, you don't need expensive running shoes. If you want to test whether you enjoy playing the guitar, it is best to start with a cheap model. Unless you're a DIY enthusiast, even the most expensive tool won't change that.
DC 3 years ago
Nice username (first girlfriend's name was Katja ... und Katzen lieb ich sowieso mehr als jede andere Lebensform ... weilse lieb sind ... die Aktuelle allerdings heißt Gina, hübsches Biestchen, die ...), ... anyway, a TOO cheap guitar may be hard enough to play to discourage people. A well set-up, used middle class model would be my way to go, rather than buying a similarly priced new one of the lower end of the spectrum. But, that gotta be clear - we NEVER could get such good instruments for that little money like it is today.
Load More Replies... Captain Awesome 3 years ago
No one mentioned razors. The ones with the cartridges are a crazy waste of money. Sure you get a new one for $20 or so, but the refills kill you. Get a good safety razor (can be done for $40), but the blades are way cheaper.
Gavin Johnson 3 years ago
Anything that keeps you dry, warm, comfortable or safe, pay as much as you can justify. When the situation demands it you’ll be better prepared if you are dry or if you have had a decent nights sleep. When wild camping we were taught to keep our sleeping kit and some socks bone dry., after a tough day in inclement weather a dry bed and warm socks can revitalise you. The same applies across your whole life, better housing, better pillow, better bedding, you are just better equipped if you are not battling against cold or water. The minimum is a dry bed wherever you are.
DC 3 years ago
Param Pants. Although considered for nighttime use, it's gonna be a short night, or a morning with a lot of laundry. But they're cheap. After all, Molicare, costing like a third more, have a better ratio between price and performance. Also, however reliable these are, none are good enough to never fail - one of those undersheets, should be in place. Even if you not actually wet your bed, but have, say, a cat - ever tried to rid a mattress of cat vomit? Won't work. Buy a new one and be prepared ... cats vomit in places you didn't even know you have!
Hugo Farr 3 years ago
Bed Sheets. Get the soft stretchy kind. MUCH nicer to sleep on than a hard smooth fabric.
Hey! 3 years ago (edited)
The last sheet set I bought were 100% Egyptian cotton 300 thread count. We are no longer sleeping in the other sets we have. I just keep washing these over and over and my husband puts them back on the bed. OMG, you never want to get out of there!
Load More Replies... Katja Katze 3 years ago
I think it's important to think about where your priorities are. If you rarely and do not like to cook, it is nonsense to spend a lot of money on good kitchen utensils. Anyone who loves fashion and likes to keep reinventing themselves in terms of fashion doesn't need tailor-made clothing for eternity. If you like to chill on the couch and go jogging once a year, you don't need expensive running shoes. If you want to test whether you enjoy playing the guitar, it is best to start with a cheap model. Unless you're a DIY enthusiast, even the most expensive tool won't change that.
DC 3 years ago
Nice username (first girlfriend's name was Katja ... und Katzen lieb ich sowieso mehr als jede andere Lebensform ... weilse lieb sind ... die Aktuelle allerdings heißt Gina, hübsches Biestchen, die ...), ... anyway, a TOO cheap guitar may be hard enough to play to discourage people. A well set-up, used middle class model would be my way to go, rather than buying a similarly priced new one of the lower end of the spectrum. But, that gotta be clear - we NEVER could get such good instruments for that little money like it is today.
Load More Replies... Captain Awesome 3 years ago
No one mentioned razors. The ones with the cartridges are a crazy waste of money. Sure you get a new one for $20 or so, but the refills kill you. Get a good safety razor (can be done for $40), but the blades are way cheaper.
Gavin Johnson 3 years ago
Anything that keeps you dry, warm, comfortable or safe, pay as much as you can justify. When the situation demands it you’ll be better prepared if you are dry or if you have had a decent nights sleep. When wild camping we were taught to keep our sleeping kit and some socks bone dry., after a tough day in inclement weather a dry bed and warm socks can revitalise you. The same applies across your whole life, better housing, better pillow, better bedding, you are just better equipped if you are not battling against cold or water. The minimum is a dry bed wherever you are.
DC 3 years ago
Param Pants. Although considered for nighttime use, it's gonna be a short night, or a morning with a lot of laundry. But they're cheap. After all, Molicare, costing like a third more, have a better ratio between price and performance. Also, however reliable these are, none are good enough to never fail - one of those undersheets, should be in place. Even if you not actually wet your bed, but have, say, a cat - ever tried to rid a mattress of cat vomit? Won't work. Buy a new one and be prepared ... cats vomit in places you didn't even know you have!
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