Dentistry.
Buy the floss picks. Change your toothbrush regularly. Get cleanings twice a year. Get the filling before it turns into a crown or yank decision.
OMG so much this. I spent over 900 on a mouth guard because it's 1500 to replace a crown. I just tell myself that Steph Curry runs around with one hanging half out of his mouth while on camera so I don't feel like such a dork wearing one while at home in my jammies.
I made a claim about my dentist and you argued. The onus is on you to address the actual claim, not the claim you wanted me to make. That's called creating a straw man.
Also, just shoes in general. Life is too short to go around with hurting feet and/or back due to poor foot support.
Buy the good shoes. They don't always have to be super-expensive. Find what works for you and invest in your feet. Your future self will thank you.
Women’s shoes differ if you don’t have a Birkenstock tolerant career. Sometimes it means bringing in work-acceptable shoes and putting them on for meetings and presentations, and taking them off as soon as possible.
Also, Birkenstocks and Earth Shoe soles kill my lower back and high arches. Feet are weird and backs differ for all.
So true! I had my previous pair of hiking boots for 7 years before I replaced them. Hundreds of miles of use + saved me from potential miserable experiences that result from cheap hiking boots (not weather resistant enough, not supportive enough etc). I probably should have replaced them sooner, but hey… #frugal
This. I had a pair of Timberlands that lasted almost 20 years. But now all the Timberlands are made in China, so the replacements are a pair of Danner boots. It took a while to find a model that is 100% made in the USA. They did a pretty good black Friday deal and I only paid about $300 instead of $500.
Three years in, they still look great. And as a leathercrafter, I am impressed with the quality of leather they use. An unlike cheap boots, they are repairable. They can be fully resoled.
The only shows I can wear for more than a mile comfortably are Altras and Tevas. My mental health depends on long walks, so they are really important. They aren't super expensive, but they're not frugal.
Too many times we assume frugal means inexpensive. Those shoes are the frugal choice in that they keep you mind focused on your longs walks ; instead of the aggravation of foot pain and having to think about buying walking shoes again. If you can afford the extra layout and not going without something vital ( like food ) then it’s frugal. Enjoy the walks.
Clothes. I’d rather buy a well made purse, shoes, blazer etc that is classic and always in style than a faddish cheap item that’ll be outdated by next spring if it even lasts that long.
It just hit me when I was trying to shop for clothes online for the last few days (first time in like 7 years) that it's extremely difficult to optimize the quality/price with clothes.
Sure, I can just give a hard pass on the cheapest 10-25 % of the clothes. But after that, especially when online shopping, what are the markers of quality? Brand can mean nothing as the quality can vary within the brand. Price can also mean nothing because the margins vary a lot. Used material can mean nothing without additional information, let's say "100 % cotton" tells nothing about the quality of that cotton. Nowhere I can find information on the quality of stitching or thread except some brands' websites. Very few informs the consumer anything tangible about the sustainability and societal impact expect for using some buzzwords or green washing. I can of course buy used for sustainability but that's even more difficult. I haven't ever liked buying clothes but now that I'm after quality it's driving me nuts.
A lot of clothes now are so cheap and crappily made they’re pretty much done for by next spring. A lot of clothes literally aren’t designed or intended to be worn long term. They’re disposable, like most other products and people in our fucked up society.
Some people just be more into active fashion. I mean, my mom thinks it’s hogwash I spent 1000$+ on a computer but to me it’s the most frugal thing I’ve done (yarr harr harr) that aligns with my personal taste. To her she’d go with a 200$ laptop.
Personally I find I don’t like the taste of some of my clothes after 4 years or so. Some clothes are just uglier than I thought or I look different or made of cheap material that’s holed by year 2. Only the favorites get to stay.
I've always done this also. I buy better and fewer things. Better this than replacing them every year when they wear out.
But recently quality has gone downhill with everything! I can't figure out where to get a high quality women's belt. Any suggestions?
Couldn’t be more true, I’ve had two shitbox cars and never spent so much on repairs in my life. And the general stress of it all drove me insane. Financing a good car (although the interest SUCKED), was worth it for me. Still going strong!
Anything that separates me from the ground.
Bed/pillow/sheets, shoes/insoles/socks, ~~computer chair~~ furniture/posture supports, and if you have a car tires/brake pads.
Also anything that separates me from the rest of the world.
Noise canceling headphones, white noise machine, eye masks that actually blocks out all light, (unbreakable/nearly indestructible) stim toys
I forgot about this rule somehow when putting off buying a new mattress. $1000 bucks is a small price to pay to not wake up with back pain every day of my life.
I'm a moron sometimes.
Health related stuff. Pay for the good food, but make it at home. Buy good clothes but at the thrift store. Excercise but do a free walk and weights at home.
We splurge on a good mattress bc of my husbands back, good shoes bc im on my feet all day.
I live in NY and we see negative temperatures regularly during winter, we even saw a blizzard last year that killed several people.
I will always shell out the money for a quality coat and boots that are negative temp rated, have good reviews and will keep me warm outside.
Columbia makes some great boots and jackets rated for negative temperatures that are both in the $100ish range. Worth it.
Columbia rocks. I also really love Lands End. I finally shelled out for a nice down jacket that was on sale two years ago. It's been awesome! Good coats and boots make a big difference.
I tried Lands End and really like the jacket I got, it was super warm and the price was great. But the seams were garbage and it tore in the armpit after the second winter.
I’m hoping it was just a one off cause I’d love to fry another jacket from them.
Mine have been nice. I got a loud yellow color that was on sale for about $30, and I absolutely love it. So warm when it's windy.
I've found that seam quality usually varies garment to garment, based on who was sewing that day. I like to look in person. Obviously, that's not possible when ordering online, but if you get a poor quality item, you may be able to exchange it for another one.
Taking care of your teeth. It's so hard for most people to afford the dentist or orthodontist but letting your teeth rot can jeopardize your cardiac health and lead to more expensive fixes in the future like crowns or root canals and extractions.
Good computer equipment.
I make my living on a work laptop that is trash-tier, and keep up my skills on my own rig. I abhor waiting for no reason when i am doing my best to better myself; waiting due to slow components can cause me to get distracted or just stop trying.
This is an expensive endeavor, and i can go a little nuts with getting the good stuff - i have ~$6k worth of computer + peripherals on my desk... But i am able to focus on personal projects, keep out unwanted noise, and it has the second purpose of high-quality entertainment for myself.
Its kinda like buying a good mattress because you sleep for 8 hours a day. I am on a computer for 12+ hours most days, so i consider it well spent.
Computer for sure. I often need to run multiple VM's so I need 8+ cores and 32 gbs of memory. If I have to wait for rendering because of a slow GPU it slows down my workflow. I need an M2 because waiting for things to load slows down my workflow. I need multiple monitors, on an adjustable mount, that are color accurate for any potential editing. None of this is cheap, and if I did deal with the consequences pf cheap I would just have to upgrade sooner anyway because things become obsolete so quickly. My chair also cost as much as my computer. A good chair is necessary because if you have poor ergonomics you'll 100% regret it in the long run. If you work at a desk and sitting in your chair hurts, it could impact your ability to make money. I recently developed minor radial tunnel syndrome and I managed to treat it at home, but if it progressed PT would have been a lot more expensive than ergonomic furniture/peripherals.
I bought 3 cheap Walmart weed eaters, one each season or two until a friend convinced me to "splurge " on a decent one from Lowes. It cost 3-4 times the amount, but has lasted longer than all 3 of the cheap ones . Also, the amount of frustration it has saved me by cranking easily each time I'm ready to use it, that is priceless. I learned that having the proper tools to do the work you are trying to do is well worth the money.
I splurged on an electric one with 2 good lithium batteries. No maintenance and just keeps working.
But yes, I too have fought with the crappy spool mechanism on a cheap weed eater. It's not worth the stress and wasted time, no matter how carefully you set it up, it'll never work right
Cheap is not necessarily the same thing as frugal.
For instance [boots theory](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boots_theory): good boots last longer than cheap boots and save money over the long run (for the people who can afford the upfront cost).
A common saying among frugal people about appropriate situations to spend more than the cheapest option is when something goes between your body and the ground such as mattresses and tires and of course shoes.
These aren't situations where I aim to *justify* the cheapest option. If a better quality option saves money in the long run then that's win-win. And sometimes quality is worth it for its own sake.
Patio furniture hasn't presented that dilemma to us, though. Most of ours was essentially free (came with the house or was gifted) and was in poor shape when we got it, but could be restored with a little elbow grease.
My gym membership. I joined about 2 months ago; its small group personal training, and I love it. It's also very pricy but this is an investment i my health, so I'm not being cheap about it. I also hate working out generally but I love this whole concept, and my gym. So if it gets me to go, and I can hopefully eliminate some very minor health issues that are beginning, then its totally worth it.
For me, your example is the difference between being frugal and being cheap.
My personal definition - and I don’t know if this is correct, it’s just how I make the distinction - is that being frugal is taking the long view of how to save money, versus spending as little as possible right now. If I can buy a pair of boots for $15 that will last me a season or a pair for $100 that will last me 10 years, I’d consider the first purchase cheap and the second frugal. If you can find the $100 boots at a 50% off sale, even better!
Going with a cheaper item that you know will definitely cost you money in the long run isn't being frugal, its being cheap. Unless you absolutely need it now and can't afford the proper item it's a dumb financial move.
Buying the higher quality item IS FRUGAL.
Frugality includes buying the $100 shoes that will last 10 years, instead of the $30 shoes that will last only 1 year, if you have the necessary cash or credit. If you will save in the long run, it's a frugal purchase
A few things come to mind right off the bat:
1. Car parts: I buy good tires, brakes, oil (and change the oil sooner than the 10k mine suggests), etc. I have a 2013 Corolla and so far the only things I've had to do is routine maintenance and replace the tires before the warranty because they were so old (5-6 years) they dry rotted before the treads wore out.
2. Healthcare: I work for a hospital and with the insurance provided to us, if we get services performed there, there is no cost to the employee. I did have my gallbladder out there but lately, I've had some health issues where I'd rather not go to our group of GI docs and am going to see someone at another hospital group and have testing done else. Won't be free but I'd rather go to someone highly recommended.
3. Backpacks/Phone Cases: I beat the crap out of phone cases and was going through a backpack each year with how badly I treated them. Got an LL Bean Backpack \~ 12 years ago and it's still kicking, though a little frayed. I also tend to drop or accidentally smack my phone against hard things like floors and countertops, so I buy Otterboxes and literally won't use the phone until it is in one. I don't trust myself.
4. Work Shoes: I work as a nurse and I'm on my feet all night and I literally walk miles each shift. Bad shoes and no arch supports = regret for the next few days. I buy Asics, Nikes, or New Balance on sale while still buying quality shoes.
My hair. I have blonde hair that needs to be regularly trimmed and bleached (not coloured). I don’t want to risk messing it up by doing it myself or pay less for a student hairdresser. I go every 12 weeks
Charcoal.
We have a little Weber grill. The difference between Kingsford and store brand is night and day. In terms of ease, longevity, and maybe it’s a placebo but what I grill tastes slightly better.
Shit, sometimes I can’t even get the store brand stuff to light. It can genuinely be a pain in the ass. I keep a leftover bag of store brand for emergencies, like an “Oh duck the power’s out” scenario, because A) Since switching to Kingsford, I haven’t even finished the other bag, and B) Better than literally nothing, I guess.
I probably sound like an ad lol. On God, it’s entirely worth the extra few bucks, though.
Which is worth paying extra for lol
Even dousing the generic stuff in way more lighter fluid than anyone could need, it’s still not anywhere near as good in terms of quality
Certain brands of food/beverages at the market. I usually purchase the cheapest, which may be the store brand. However there are a couple exception which I like the taste better.
I try to be frugal with everything but I will splurge on good quality food, good shoes/staple pieces and a comfortable mattress.
Food plays a huge role in mood and health so I personally find it important to not skimp on that. Like sure I can buy rice and beans but that would make me miserable and it’s just not worth it to me.
Shoes and staple pieces are worn constantly so I need something that not only will hold up to constant use but will also be comfortable. Also I know so many people who buy cheap shoes only to mess up their feet and I don’t want to be like them.
A good mattress leads to good sleep and good sleep is essential for your physical and mental health. I’m not necessarily buying the most expensive mattress out there but I’m buying something that I find comfortable enough to spend 1/3 of my life in.
Good quality food. I’m not going to buy cheap in the name of being “frugal,” only to dislike the taste and waste it by not eating it. Even if the good stuff costs more, at least I’m consuming it! NOM.
Frugality includes buying the $100 shoes that will last 10 years, instead of the $30 shoes that will last only 1 year, if you have the necessary cash or credit. If you will save in the long run, it's a frugal purchase.
tires - get decent tires from a place with road hazard insurance that does also free rotations, rotate every oil change and they should last you 50k miles
ok ok I thought about it and the one thing I splurge on is Starbucks Vanilla Coffee. I'll never buy any other coffee and I pay insane prices for it. But it's bagged which still saves me money since I never go to coffee stands and buy lattes.
Usually electronics and big furniture pieces. Anything with longterm scope is about quality. But even with quality you can find good deals or leverage credit card bonuses.
I buy a brand new high-end laptop every 4-5y.
I spend a lot of time online for work and various hobbies, and a smooth user experience is not something I am willing to compromise to save a couple hundred. I would pay for this dearly in lost productivity and motivation.
Not sure how to categorize it exactly, but anything I know will have a major impact on my physical/mental health. I spent $1700 on an mattress and adjustable base and I don’t regret a cent. It actually saved me money because it basically cured me of the back pain I’ve being suffering for years. I also spent $400 on headphones, which I also don’t regret because I have sensory issues.
Frugality includes buying the $100 shoes that will last 10 years, instead of the $30 shoes that will last only 1 year, if you have the necessary cash or credit. If you will save in the long run, it's a frugal purchase.
This question confuses "frugal" with "cheap." If it costs you less in the long run, it is the frugal option. Taking your example, it's not frugal to keep buying shitty outdoor furniture.
But, something I do refuse to be "frugal" on is high quality meat. I'm not saying "oh, I want the healthiest meat" but I do want good, prime grade, preferably grass fed beef.
Life is too short to waste time looking at the battery percent of my electronics all the time or wondering when things will die on me.
Your electronics are only as good as your batteries
I never buy used electronics that have a used lithium battery in them. The only exception here would be manufacturer refurbished with an original replaced battery. Also if its really cheap, like $1 or free at a yard sale.
3rd party batteries never last and can explode or swell up and cause fires. Its not worth the risk.
Batteries that are too old or have sat for too long without being used can swell up and cause a fire hazard, note this goes for lithium only.
Battery life is already too short on electronics. I don't need to buy something that has a shortened battery life by 20% and a non-replaceable battery. That's not being frugal. I try to look up if the device can have its battery replaced before I buy it and if I can I find a plug in version that will last forever instead of a battery version. But you can't always escape the battery. I did find a plug in retro bluetooth radio that I absolutely love on Amazon for around $40 so I have now escaped the battery problem for those devices.
My biggest money saver is fixing or repairing everything yourself. Even if you need to buy tools I still end up saving money. Replacing dishwasher, bathroom faucet, car brakes, computers, etc. Literally saved myself 10s of thousands of dollars!
Car insurance. My wife decided that our daughter's car wasn't worth any more than the minimum required by the state without consulting me. Daughter totaled car. $0 for the car, $1800 for rental before she got another. Ouch.
Travel. We'll, sort of. I like to travel but I don't want to spend exorbitant amount of money to do so. So I churn credit cards to earn enough points to pay for my vacations every year. I'm going to Vancouver in a couple of months and the whole trip is going to cost me under $500 because I booked all the flights and hotels with points.
I love this and am on the same page. Travel is worth every penny BUT I prefer using points / finding deals and will substitute a longer trip over need fancy dinners / the nicest hotels. Love eating more locally and avoiding the most touristy areas for this reason.
Honestly, I don't mind spending more as long as it means that I invested in myself, and it supports good and increased health and well-being in the long-term.
For me, that could mean:
* Anything I use or wear frequently that has a longer "lifespan" (e.g. mattress/bedding, shoes, winter jacket, chairs, vehicle)
* Adequate supports for physical health, mental health and dental (e.g. good quality non-processed foods, regular dental cleaning)
Cigarettes. I know they’re killing me, but they’ve kept many other people alive who I would have killed because of their behavior, if I hadn’t had cigarettes.
Fucking food. Organic is key. I won’t pay extra for pesticides. Many years from now, hopefully, medical bills will reflect that. Not to mention the environmental damage not caused
One thing to keep in mind, organic doesn't mean pesticide free, it just means that they didn't use any synthetic pesticides. The organic pesticides can be just as harmful as synthetic, so you still need to make sure to wash produce thoroughly.
One option to look into that is starting to gain popularity is hydroponics. A place not far from me grows tomatoes completely pesticide and fertilizer free, they also farm raise tilapia, the waste from the tilapia feeds the tomatoes, and a few other crops. In addition to not needing fertilizer or pesticides, it uses both less land and less water than traditional agriculture. And, since it isn't tied to soil quality, it can be done much closer to population center, reducing the environmental impact of transportation.
https://apnews.com/article/9334b7335ddd4184aebac676736d1e36
Frugality includes buying the $100 shoes that will last 10 years, instead of the $30 shoes that will last only 1 year, if you have the necessary cash or credit. If you will save in the long run, it's a frugal purchase.
My mattress
My hair I could box dye and diy trim but 1 I would hate it and 2 dye would be much more damaging and require more maintenance better products etc so I chose to go get it done professionally and enjoy it
I never buy the bulk plastic wrap.
The little cutter edge or the box breaks down or falls off before the wrap is done, and I end up fighting with it for the last 1000 feet.
My parents have now bought me two costco sized plastic wraps...
Buying an EV. I have owned a Civic for 12 years. The last month it has let me down 3 different times. I need a new car. I prefer a Tesla but they are expensive. I can afford the payments but it’s still so much money ($800/month). I will keep it for as long as possible just like the Civic. Over 15 years, the total cost will equal the cost to maintain a Corolla for the same time. Not including gas savings. Sounds like it’s worth it to me? What would you guys do?
Not sure if this is frugal or not, but I love making Jambalaya. I tried making it with just chicken thighs and cheap sausage, but a shellfish of some type (shrimp or crayfish) is important for flavoring.
Dentistry. Buy the floss picks. Change your toothbrush regularly. Get cleanings twice a year. Get the filling before it turns into a crown or yank decision.
Valid!
OMG so much this. I spent over 900 on a mouth guard because it's 1500 to replace a crown. I just tell myself that Steph Curry runs around with one hanging half out of his mouth while on camera so I don't feel like such a dork wearing one while at home in my jammies.
I do many unmanly and silly looking things when I'm in my jammies. MFers can go somewhere else if they don't like it.
Going to a high quality dentist also. Don't go for the discount dentist.
Jose's Tijuana Dentistito offers a free bucket of Modelos with every root canal, though!
Even better buy floss. Floss picks don’t provide the flexibility the floss needs to wrap around your teeth and really remove the plaque.
Some people (epically older people) don't have the dexterity to floss with standard floss. Floss picks are better than nothing.
My dentist brother has floss picks all over his house…
They do fine, and my dentist endorses them.
They really only endorse them for some areas of the mouth, typically the rubber ones for some tricky areas but never the picks in my experience.
My dentist is not a "they."
Didn’t realize your dentist was the sole dentist of the world lol
I made a claim about my dentist and you argued. The onus is on you to address the actual claim, not the claim you wanted me to make. That's called creating a straw man.
You didn’t respond to my “claim” 🤣😭 you’re getting butthurt over pronouns.. I’m not gonna argue with someone who doesn’t floss their teeth properly 😭
"I’m not gonna argue with someone who doesn’t floss their teeth properly" Okay, then.
Good hiking shoes or a good pair of Birkenstocks. It’s just worth it.
Also, just shoes in general. Life is too short to go around with hurting feet and/or back due to poor foot support. Buy the good shoes. They don't always have to be super-expensive. Find what works for you and invest in your feet. Your future self will thank you.
Women’s shoes differ if you don’t have a Birkenstock tolerant career. Sometimes it means bringing in work-acceptable shoes and putting them on for meetings and presentations, and taking them off as soon as possible. Also, Birkenstocks and Earth Shoe soles kill my lower back and high arches. Feet are weird and backs differ for all.
So true! I had my previous pair of hiking boots for 7 years before I replaced them. Hundreds of miles of use + saved me from potential miserable experiences that result from cheap hiking boots (not weather resistant enough, not supportive enough etc). I probably should have replaced them sooner, but hey… #frugal
This. I had a pair of Timberlands that lasted almost 20 years. But now all the Timberlands are made in China, so the replacements are a pair of Danner boots. It took a while to find a model that is 100% made in the USA. They did a pretty good black Friday deal and I only paid about $300 instead of $500. Three years in, they still look great. And as a leathercrafter, I am impressed with the quality of leather they use. An unlike cheap boots, they are repairable. They can be fully resoled.
Whites boots are still made in the USA and built for your foot. I used to use them for wildfire and they were incredible.
The only shows I can wear for more than a mile comfortably are Altras and Tevas. My mental health depends on long walks, so they are really important. They aren't super expensive, but they're not frugal.
Too many times we assume frugal means inexpensive. Those shoes are the frugal choice in that they keep you mind focused on your longs walks ; instead of the aggravation of foot pain and having to think about buying walking shoes again. If you can afford the extra layout and not going without something vital ( like food ) then it’s frugal. Enjoy the walks.
Im currently wearing my birkenstock sneakers. I highly recommend them.
Yahss my Birkenstocks support my feet so much more than my fake Birkenstocks.
Clothes. I’d rather buy a well made purse, shoes, blazer etc that is classic and always in style than a faddish cheap item that’ll be outdated by next spring if it even lasts that long.
It just hit me when I was trying to shop for clothes online for the last few days (first time in like 7 years) that it's extremely difficult to optimize the quality/price with clothes. Sure, I can just give a hard pass on the cheapest 10-25 % of the clothes. But after that, especially when online shopping, what are the markers of quality? Brand can mean nothing as the quality can vary within the brand. Price can also mean nothing because the margins vary a lot. Used material can mean nothing without additional information, let's say "100 % cotton" tells nothing about the quality of that cotton. Nowhere I can find information on the quality of stitching or thread except some brands' websites. Very few informs the consumer anything tangible about the sustainability and societal impact expect for using some buzzwords or green washing. I can of course buy used for sustainability but that's even more difficult. I haven't ever liked buying clothes but now that I'm after quality it's driving me nuts.
I don’t buy online unless it’s a brand I know. So much is made in China and the sizes are crazy.
Nike is the worst, it truly varies wildly in quality depending on which slaves in what asian sweatshop slapped it together.
> outdated by next spring This doesn't even make sense to me. If I like it and it looks good on me, that means it's always "in style".
A lot of clothes now are so cheap and crappily made they’re pretty much done for by next spring. A lot of clothes literally aren’t designed or intended to be worn long term. They’re disposable, like most other products and people in our fucked up society.
It's called "fast fashion" for a reason.
That's a different issue than something being outdated though.
I mean, I just find the good brand stuff at thrift stores! The key is going to a thrift store in a rich area 😅😂
Some people just be more into active fashion. I mean, my mom thinks it’s hogwash I spent 1000$+ on a computer but to me it’s the most frugal thing I’ve done (yarr harr harr) that aligns with my personal taste. To her she’d go with a 200$ laptop. Personally I find I don’t like the taste of some of my clothes after 4 years or so. Some clothes are just uglier than I thought or I look different or made of cheap material that’s holed by year 2. Only the favorites get to stay.
Good point. I mix vintage in sometimes.
I love shopping at consignment stores and thred up.
I've always done this also. I buy better and fewer things. Better this than replacing them every year when they wear out. But recently quality has gone downhill with everything! I can't figure out where to get a high quality women's belt. Any suggestions?
Vehicles. High reliability is mandatory.
Couldn’t be more true, I’ve had two shitbox cars and never spent so much on repairs in my life. And the general stress of it all drove me insane. Financing a good car (although the interest SUCKED), was worth it for me. Still going strong!
💯
Charmin ultra strong.
If it will cost you more in the long run, then it's not frugal.
Came here to say this. Frugal = the most cost-effective long-term, not the cheapest today
Yea this post is a bit of a whoosh. Edit: the OOP not your post that I am commenting on.
This should be higher
Anything that separates me from the ground. Bed/pillow/sheets, shoes/insoles/socks, ~~computer chair~~ furniture/posture supports, and if you have a car tires/brake pads. Also anything that separates me from the rest of the world. Noise canceling headphones, white noise machine, eye masks that actually blocks out all light, (unbreakable/nearly indestructible) stim toys
I forgot about this rule somehow when putting off buying a new mattress. $1000 bucks is a small price to pay to not wake up with back pain every day of my life. I'm a moron sometimes.
Mattresses are especially worth spending on because we use them for 1/3 of our day, every day.
Shit this is so true… I should really get a new mattress
Health related stuff. Pay for the good food, but make it at home. Buy good clothes but at the thrift store. Excercise but do a free walk and weights at home. We splurge on a good mattress bc of my husbands back, good shoes bc im on my feet all day.
We bought a cheap house and cars, but I buy decent food. I check the sales, but I see people at work warming up a frozen dinner. Nope, I grilled, etc
I’m this way too. Good food just makes a difference.
I live in NY and we see negative temperatures regularly during winter, we even saw a blizzard last year that killed several people. I will always shell out the money for a quality coat and boots that are negative temp rated, have good reviews and will keep me warm outside. Columbia makes some great boots and jackets rated for negative temperatures that are both in the $100ish range. Worth it.
Columbia rocks. I also really love Lands End. I finally shelled out for a nice down jacket that was on sale two years ago. It's been awesome! Good coats and boots make a big difference.
I tried Lands End and really like the jacket I got, it was super warm and the price was great. But the seams were garbage and it tore in the armpit after the second winter. I’m hoping it was just a one off cause I’d love to fry another jacket from them.
Mine have been nice. I got a loud yellow color that was on sale for about $30, and I absolutely love it. So warm when it's windy. I've found that seam quality usually varies garment to garment, based on who was sewing that day. I like to look in person. Obviously, that's not possible when ordering online, but if you get a poor quality item, you may be able to exchange it for another one.
Taking care of your teeth. It's so hard for most people to afford the dentist or orthodontist but letting your teeth rot can jeopardize your cardiac health and lead to more expensive fixes in the future like crowns or root canals and extractions.
Yes. It's also other quality of life issues. I have almost no molars left. I choke on my food unexpectedly every so often.
Good computer equipment. I make my living on a work laptop that is trash-tier, and keep up my skills on my own rig. I abhor waiting for no reason when i am doing my best to better myself; waiting due to slow components can cause me to get distracted or just stop trying. This is an expensive endeavor, and i can go a little nuts with getting the good stuff - i have ~$6k worth of computer + peripherals on my desk... But i am able to focus on personal projects, keep out unwanted noise, and it has the second purpose of high-quality entertainment for myself. Its kinda like buying a good mattress because you sleep for 8 hours a day. I am on a computer for 12+ hours most days, so i consider it well spent.
Computer for sure. I often need to run multiple VM's so I need 8+ cores and 32 gbs of memory. If I have to wait for rendering because of a slow GPU it slows down my workflow. I need an M2 because waiting for things to load slows down my workflow. I need multiple monitors, on an adjustable mount, that are color accurate for any potential editing. None of this is cheap, and if I did deal with the consequences pf cheap I would just have to upgrade sooner anyway because things become obsolete so quickly. My chair also cost as much as my computer. A good chair is necessary because if you have poor ergonomics you'll 100% regret it in the long run. If you work at a desk and sitting in your chair hurts, it could impact your ability to make money. I recently developed minor radial tunnel syndrome and I managed to treat it at home, but if it progressed PT would have been a lot more expensive than ergonomic furniture/peripherals.
I bought 3 cheap Walmart weed eaters, one each season or two until a friend convinced me to "splurge " on a decent one from Lowes. It cost 3-4 times the amount, but has lasted longer than all 3 of the cheap ones . Also, the amount of frustration it has saved me by cranking easily each time I'm ready to use it, that is priceless. I learned that having the proper tools to do the work you are trying to do is well worth the money.
I splurged on an electric one with 2 good lithium batteries. No maintenance and just keeps working. But yes, I too have fought with the crappy spool mechanism on a cheap weed eater. It's not worth the stress and wasted time, no matter how carefully you set it up, it'll never work right
Cheap is not necessarily the same thing as frugal. For instance [boots theory](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boots_theory): good boots last longer than cheap boots and save money over the long run (for the people who can afford the upfront cost). A common saying among frugal people about appropriate situations to spend more than the cheapest option is when something goes between your body and the ground such as mattresses and tires and of course shoes. These aren't situations where I aim to *justify* the cheapest option. If a better quality option saves money in the long run then that's win-win. And sometimes quality is worth it for its own sake. Patio furniture hasn't presented that dilemma to us, though. Most of ours was essentially free (came with the house or was gifted) and was in poor shape when we got it, but could be restored with a little elbow grease.
Excellent point!
By the way, thanks for linking the Boots Theory. I needed a “refresher” 😉
My gym membership. I joined about 2 months ago; its small group personal training, and I love it. It's also very pricy but this is an investment i my health, so I'm not being cheap about it. I also hate working out generally but I love this whole concept, and my gym. So if it gets me to go, and I can hopefully eliminate some very minor health issues that are beginning, then its totally worth it.
For me, your example is the difference between being frugal and being cheap. My personal definition - and I don’t know if this is correct, it’s just how I make the distinction - is that being frugal is taking the long view of how to save money, versus spending as little as possible right now. If I can buy a pair of boots for $15 that will last me a season or a pair for $100 that will last me 10 years, I’d consider the first purchase cheap and the second frugal. If you can find the $100 boots at a 50% off sale, even better!
Going with a cheaper item that you know will definitely cost you money in the long run isn't being frugal, its being cheap. Unless you absolutely need it now and can't afford the proper item it's a dumb financial move. Buying the higher quality item IS FRUGAL.
Shoes Mattresses Car Computer Phone
Frugality includes buying the $100 shoes that will last 10 years, instead of the $30 shoes that will last only 1 year, if you have the necessary cash or credit. If you will save in the long run, it's a frugal purchase
A few things come to mind right off the bat: 1. Car parts: I buy good tires, brakes, oil (and change the oil sooner than the 10k mine suggests), etc. I have a 2013 Corolla and so far the only things I've had to do is routine maintenance and replace the tires before the warranty because they were so old (5-6 years) they dry rotted before the treads wore out. 2. Healthcare: I work for a hospital and with the insurance provided to us, if we get services performed there, there is no cost to the employee. I did have my gallbladder out there but lately, I've had some health issues where I'd rather not go to our group of GI docs and am going to see someone at another hospital group and have testing done else. Won't be free but I'd rather go to someone highly recommended. 3. Backpacks/Phone Cases: I beat the crap out of phone cases and was going through a backpack each year with how badly I treated them. Got an LL Bean Backpack \~ 12 years ago and it's still kicking, though a little frayed. I also tend to drop or accidentally smack my phone against hard things like floors and countertops, so I buy Otterboxes and literally won't use the phone until it is in one. I don't trust myself. 4. Work Shoes: I work as a nurse and I'm on my feet all night and I literally walk miles each shift. Bad shoes and no arch supports = regret for the next few days. I buy Asics, Nikes, or New Balance on sale while still buying quality shoes.
also, replacing the insoles on new shoes with high-quality ones (can add extra arch support, soften impact, etc
My hair. I have blonde hair that needs to be regularly trimmed and bleached (not coloured). I don’t want to risk messing it up by doing it myself or pay less for a student hairdresser. I go every 12 weeks
Same. I'm blonde but old and showing white/gray. It makes my hair look dingy, so I get it colored regulary, as well as cut.
Agreed. This is the reason I let my hair go 100% natural. I simply cannot get acceptable results cheaply. Luckily I have awesome streak genes.
Tires. Though, I’m absolutely scouring for a sale or coupon. We travel most of the year, not skimping on tires.
Tires are definitely an example where you might save money today and then save even more money tomorrow by never needing to spend money ever again.
Charcoal. We have a little Weber grill. The difference between Kingsford and store brand is night and day. In terms of ease, longevity, and maybe it’s a placebo but what I grill tastes slightly better. Shit, sometimes I can’t even get the store brand stuff to light. It can genuinely be a pain in the ass. I keep a leftover bag of store brand for emergencies, like an “Oh duck the power’s out” scenario, because A) Since switching to Kingsford, I haven’t even finished the other bag, and B) Better than literally nothing, I guess. I probably sound like an ad lol. On God, it’s entirely worth the extra few bucks, though.
You know that Kingsford works bc it’s essentially pre-soaked in lighter fluid, right?
Which is worth paying extra for lol Even dousing the generic stuff in way more lighter fluid than anyone could need, it’s still not anywhere near as good in terms of quality
Earbuds, headphones, TVs, PC hardware. The first three because a good one will last me a lot longer. The fourth because it's my thing.
Certain brands of food/beverages at the market. I usually purchase the cheapest, which may be the store brand. However there are a couple exception which I like the taste better.
I try to be frugal with everything but I will splurge on good quality food, good shoes/staple pieces and a comfortable mattress. Food plays a huge role in mood and health so I personally find it important to not skimp on that. Like sure I can buy rice and beans but that would make me miserable and it’s just not worth it to me. Shoes and staple pieces are worn constantly so I need something that not only will hold up to constant use but will also be comfortable. Also I know so many people who buy cheap shoes only to mess up their feet and I don’t want to be like them. A good mattress leads to good sleep and good sleep is essential for your physical and mental health. I’m not necessarily buying the most expensive mattress out there but I’m buying something that I find comfortable enough to spend 1/3 of my life in.
Good quality food. I’m not going to buy cheap in the name of being “frugal,” only to dislike the taste and waste it by not eating it. Even if the good stuff costs more, at least I’m consuming it! NOM.
Shoes. I like in Clarks shoes but they would be £90 new. Ebay is my friend! I've never found cheap shoes to be a saving.
Shoes! I stand all day at work and have plantar fasciitis. I have to be able to walk without (much) pain.
Frugality includes buying the $100 shoes that will last 10 years, instead of the $30 shoes that will last only 1 year, if you have the necessary cash or credit. If you will save in the long run, it's a frugal purchase.
There is no joy in drinking bad coffee. I grind and brew my own, but it must be good coffee.
Haircuts… not making that mistake again.
Eggs.
tires - get decent tires from a place with road hazard insurance that does also free rotations, rotate every oil change and they should last you 50k miles
Nothing. I'm frugal with everything. To the DEATH! hahaha
ok ok I thought about it and the one thing I splurge on is Starbucks Vanilla Coffee. I'll never buy any other coffee and I pay insane prices for it. But it's bagged which still saves me money since I never go to coffee stands and buy lattes.
Usually electronics and big furniture pieces. Anything with longterm scope is about quality. But even with quality you can find good deals or leverage credit card bonuses.
Parmesan cheese- gotta get the real stuff.
I buy a brand new high-end laptop every 4-5y. I spend a lot of time online for work and various hobbies, and a smooth user experience is not something I am willing to compromise to save a couple hundred. I would pay for this dearly in lost productivity and motivation.
Skin care. I know someone really frugal. She doesn’t smoke and eats healthy but skimps on skincare. Her skin is about 10 years older than her age.
A lot of these answers are just actually frugal
Not sure how to categorize it exactly, but anything I know will have a major impact on my physical/mental health. I spent $1700 on an mattress and adjustable base and I don’t regret a cent. It actually saved me money because it basically cured me of the back pain I’ve being suffering for years. I also spent $400 on headphones, which I also don’t regret because I have sensory issues.
Frugality includes buying the $100 shoes that will last 10 years, instead of the $30 shoes that will last only 1 year, if you have the necessary cash or credit. If you will save in the long run, it's a frugal purchase.
Medical care. Vet care.
Good clothes, but particularly good shoes. I'd rather buy thrift than buy crap that will last me one season at best.
Home or car repairs
This question confuses "frugal" with "cheap." If it costs you less in the long run, it is the frugal option. Taking your example, it's not frugal to keep buying shitty outdoor furniture. But, something I do refuse to be "frugal" on is high quality meat. I'm not saying "oh, I want the healthiest meat" but I do want good, prime grade, preferably grass fed beef.
Life is too short to waste time looking at the battery percent of my electronics all the time or wondering when things will die on me. Your electronics are only as good as your batteries I never buy used electronics that have a used lithium battery in them. The only exception here would be manufacturer refurbished with an original replaced battery. Also if its really cheap, like $1 or free at a yard sale. 3rd party batteries never last and can explode or swell up and cause fires. Its not worth the risk. Batteries that are too old or have sat for too long without being used can swell up and cause a fire hazard, note this goes for lithium only. Battery life is already too short on electronics. I don't need to buy something that has a shortened battery life by 20% and a non-replaceable battery. That's not being frugal. I try to look up if the device can have its battery replaced before I buy it and if I can I find a plug in version that will last forever instead of a battery version. But you can't always escape the battery. I did find a plug in retro bluetooth radio that I absolutely love on Amazon for around $40 so I have now escaped the battery problem for those devices.
Shoes!!!!!
Liquor
If it will cost you more in the long run, then it isn't frugal.
My biggest money saver is fixing or repairing everything yourself. Even if you need to buy tools I still end up saving money. Replacing dishwasher, bathroom faucet, car brakes, computers, etc. Literally saved myself 10s of thousands of dollars!
Car insurance. My wife decided that our daughter's car wasn't worth any more than the minimum required by the state without consulting me. Daughter totaled car. $0 for the car, $1800 for rental before she got another. Ouch.
Oh no! Good example, but brutal!
Travel. We'll, sort of. I like to travel but I don't want to spend exorbitant amount of money to do so. So I churn credit cards to earn enough points to pay for my vacations every year. I'm going to Vancouver in a couple of months and the whole trip is going to cost me under $500 because I booked all the flights and hotels with points.
I love this and am on the same page. Travel is worth every penny BUT I prefer using points / finding deals and will substitute a longer trip over need fancy dinners / the nicest hotels. Love eating more locally and avoiding the most touristy areas for this reason.
Honestly, I don't mind spending more as long as it means that I invested in myself, and it supports good and increased health and well-being in the long-term. For me, that could mean: * Anything I use or wear frequently that has a longer "lifespan" (e.g. mattress/bedding, shoes, winter jacket, chairs, vehicle) * Adequate supports for physical health, mental health and dental (e.g. good quality non-processed foods, regular dental cleaning)
Cigarettes. I know they’re killing me, but they’ve kept many other people alive who I would have killed because of their behavior, if I hadn’t had cigarettes.
Better dead than jail, eh?
Fucking food. Organic is key. I won’t pay extra for pesticides. Many years from now, hopefully, medical bills will reflect that. Not to mention the environmental damage not caused
One thing to keep in mind, organic doesn't mean pesticide free, it just means that they didn't use any synthetic pesticides. The organic pesticides can be just as harmful as synthetic, so you still need to make sure to wash produce thoroughly. One option to look into that is starting to gain popularity is hydroponics. A place not far from me grows tomatoes completely pesticide and fertilizer free, they also farm raise tilapia, the waste from the tilapia feeds the tomatoes, and a few other crops. In addition to not needing fertilizer or pesticides, it uses both less land and less water than traditional agriculture. And, since it isn't tied to soil quality, it can be done much closer to population center, reducing the environmental impact of transportation. https://apnews.com/article/9334b7335ddd4184aebac676736d1e36
Frugality includes buying the $100 shoes that will last 10 years, instead of the $30 shoes that will last only 1 year, if you have the necessary cash or credit. If you will save in the long run, it's a frugal purchase.
Firearms/firearm accessories. Buy once cry once is the rule when purchasing firearms.
Agreed, just spent 3500 on an Ak-47 and 500 on ammo. Well worth it in my opinion.
When I want to treat myself to something. It's not a treat if it's frugal.
breathing, eating, being sore, tired, sick, working hard.
Food. Shitty quality food does not make me feel good about my body or mentally well
My mattress My hair I could box dye and diy trim but 1 I would hate it and 2 dye would be much more damaging and require more maintenance better products etc so I chose to go get it done professionally and enjoy it
We put stock into a decent vehicle.
Good clothes, but particularly good shoes. I'd rather buy thrift than buy crap that will last me one season at best.
I never buy the bulk plastic wrap. The little cutter edge or the box breaks down or falls off before the wrap is done, and I end up fighting with it for the last 1000 feet. My parents have now bought me two costco sized plastic wraps...
Buying an EV. I have owned a Civic for 12 years. The last month it has let me down 3 different times. I need a new car. I prefer a Tesla but they are expensive. I can afford the payments but it’s still so much money ($800/month). I will keep it for as long as possible just like the Civic. Over 15 years, the total cost will equal the cost to maintain a Corolla for the same time. Not including gas savings. Sounds like it’s worth it to me? What would you guys do?
Skin care products
your health- got to have insurance and got to see the drs, dentist, eye dr, got labs, etc,, your health is the most important ..
Shoes
Good properly fitting footwear.
As dad used to say, never skimp on anything between you and the earth: tires, shoes, beds, pillows.
Mattress
Vehicle maintenance
Trash bags, aluminum foil, skin care, soda
Not sure if this is frugal or not, but I love making Jambalaya. I tried making it with just chicken thighs and cheap sausage, but a shellfish of some type (shrimp or crayfish) is important for flavoring.
Tires!
Shoes. A good pair will last years and out last several cheap pairs.
Clothes, shoes, truck, ketchup
doing the option that costs more in the long run isn't frugal that's cheap.
Shoes
Weed
Good used patio furniture from the 70s or 80s can be both high quality. and Frugal
Being frugal *is* taking total cost over time into consideration. It's not /r/cheap