Saving money can be quite a hard task, especially when everything seems to cost millions. And so, you usually look for thecheapeststuff, so at least a little money would be left over after your purchase for the next one. Apparently, this action might be a relatively flawed one. When it comes to certain items, people say that you splurge on them once rather than continuing to do it over and over again.Today’s list is the handbook of what these items are. From towels to tires, there are plenty of things you shouldn’t skimp on. So, let’s dive in and make a mental note for the next time you’re in need of them, shall we?More info:RedditThis post may includeaffiliate links.
Saving money can be quite a hard task, especially when everything seems to cost millions. And so, you usually look for thecheapeststuff, so at least a little money would be left over after your purchase for the next one. Apparently, this action might be a relatively flawed one. When it comes to certain items, people say that you splurge on them once rather than continuing to do it over and over again.
Today’s list is the handbook of what these items are. From towels to tires, there are plenty of things you shouldn’t skimp on. So, let’s dive in and make a mental note for the next time you’re in need of them, shall we?
More info:Reddit
This post may includeaffiliate links.
Shoes. So many people in my life have told me to not spend money on shoes when I can, “buy the same thing at Walmart for 20 bucks.” I finally started buying some more expensive shoes in my mid twenties, and I found that they’re more comfortable and last way longer than the 20 dollar Walmart alternatives. If you have the money, invest in a good pair of shoes.
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Hiring movers. Every time I moved in the past I did it myself, with the help of friends and family, got frustrated, sweated all day, tensions ran high – movers make it SO much easier. It’s absolutely worth the extra expense. Your time and happiness are valuable. I’ll never go back.
Maple Syrup. Growing up, we always had that cheap “Pancake Syrup” stuff that’s basically corn syrup and food coloring. It never even occurred to me to buy ACTUAL Maple Syrup ($12 for a tiny bottle??) until I was in my 20s, and had it at a friend’s house.Guess what? That s**t is delicious and worth it.
It’s no secret that the high prices nowadays force people to come up with ways to save money – from simple budgeting to full-blownthrifty lifestyles.
So, when you’re inmoney-saving mode, it seems that buying the cheapest things is the way to go, doesn’t it? Well, in some cases, it might be, but others paying a little (or not so little) bit more can be cheaper in the long run.
Toilet paper.
I have to say towels, cheap ones don’t dry well or aren’t soft enough or both… Those who’ve used standard issue military towels understand.
Butter. I’ll still cook with regular butter but on bread I’ll only eat Kerrygold now.
Basically,qualitycosts more upfront, but over time, when you don’t have to keep replacing the cheaper item, even if it’s at a lowerprice, the expensive one turns out to be more cost-effective.Take the things presented on this list, for example. They were collected from netizens’ opinions expressed in a Reddit thread under the question: “What’s something you used to cheap out on until you tried the expensive version and could never come back?”While it’s true that most of the time it’s worth buying more expensive items (especially when it comes to things listed here), it also has to be acknowledged that sometimes people likebuyingcostly stuff for other reasons.
Basically,qualitycosts more upfront, but over time, when you don’t have to keep replacing the cheaper item, even if it’s at a lowerprice, the expensive one turns out to be more cost-effective.
Take the things presented on this list, for example. They were collected from netizens’ opinions expressed in a Reddit thread under the question: “What’s something you used to cheap out on until you tried the expensive version and could never come back?”
While it’s true that most of the time it’s worth buying more expensive items (especially when it comes to things listed here), it also has to be acknowledged that sometimes people likebuyingcostly stuff for other reasons.
Mattresses.
Steak. I grew up poor, all we ever had was chuck steak, first cut. I first tasted flank steak when I was 14, and thought THAT was great. When I was 21, however, I went to a New York City steakhouse, and had filet mignon. Oh, My God, it was delicious. Once I was making decent money, I go to the butcher and get a whole tenderloin sliced into 1 1/2" thick steaks to take home. Simple to cook, heavenly to eat.
Work boots.
For instance, there’s a phenomenon called the “marketing placeboeffect.” In a nutshell, it’s when a person’s brain perceives cheaper products as those with higher risk and lower satisfaction.There was oneexperimentconducted where participants were presented with wine and were told that it cost either $45 or $5. Then, when they drank it, both taste and brain activity showed that they viewed the more expensive one as better. And that’s just one of the experiments we mentioned that showed such results. There are more of them.So, basically, that’s why some people opt for more expensive stuff – they simply view it as a better option, even if it isn’t.
For instance, there’s a phenomenon called the “marketing placeboeffect.” In a nutshell, it’s when a person’s brain perceives cheaper products as those with higher risk and lower satisfaction.
There was oneexperimentconducted where participants were presented with wine and were told that it cost either $45 or $5. Then, when they drank it, both taste and brain activity showed that they viewed the more expensive one as better. And that’s just one of the experiments we mentioned that showed such results. There are more of them.
So, basically, that’s why some people opt for more expensive stuff – they simply view it as a better option, even if it isn’t.
Good quality, high thread count cotton sheets. People with eczema can relate.
Bread.
Tires.
Theadvertiserslove to exploit this phenomenon. They’re sure to use it when tailoring the brand to what the consumers expect and then have to guarantee that assumption isn’t ruined.
So, maybe the best thing to do is buy whatever you can and want to, and not worry about whether you’re falling victim to themarketingplacebo effect, impacting your mindset, or whatever else. After all, it seems we can’t fully win either way, can we?
Bras.
I used to use normal toothbrush then I used a good electric toothbrush.
Chocolates.After eating my first expensive chocolate bar, I knew there was nothing on earth that could make me eat those cheap over-sweet chocolate bars.
Dog food.
Olive oil.
Weirdly specific one but saddles. I had a cheap one for my first year taking up riding again at 30. My horse got sore, I struggled with my position for ages thinking it was me. Tried a different saddle and 90% of my issues evaporated.
Coffee.
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Garbage bags.
Sushi.
Cotton swabs. The cheap ones are so flexible and fragile and gets bent.
I can’t stress this enough: SOCKS.
I flew spirit airlines once.
Shampoo. Not the CRAZY expensive stuff, but definitely the higher priced ones. My hair cannot handle the Pert or Finesse stuff. It kind of worked out nicely since I buy half as much… it works twice as well! And my hair actually feels manageable.
Headphones. I used to burn through a cheap pair every few months until I got a nice pair. Not only is the sound better but they have lasted me years with the replaceable parts.
(Curly) hair products.
Basic shirts. I used to buy those $8 or less shirts because “it’s just a shirt”. Women’s clothing is always either too tight or too loose, the shoulders/waist/hip ratio can be awkward, and it’s always made with some thin material to encourage “layering” (and cut costs!).Unless it’s cold, I don’t want to layer my damn clothes. The quality of a soft shirt that fits and doesn’t see-through is a game changer. I’ll drop $20-25 on a nice shirt that lasts a long time and fits right before I buy any more s****y shirts.EDIT: For fellow shirt wearers asking for recommendations, I find that Eddie Bauer and LL Bean have great basic shirts for all genders. Eddie Bauer also has an outlet shop online at good prices! That said, I’m sure other Redditors also have great suggestions for places I don’t know about yet!
Dental floss. I hated flossing because I thought all dental floss just shreds apart and breaks. Nope, just the cheap brand I was buying.
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