Cheap versus Good Value
Posted by Gail | Filed under Smart Shopper
When you’re trying to save money, there’s always this debate about the difference between buying cheap and getting good value. There are some things that you should never buy cheap. Both my children have weird feet so I always buy them good quality shoes and boots. I found that if I went with the discount department store option I’d save money but they ended up not walking properly in them. And I don’t skimp on outwear; I hate that cold that turns you numb!
There are definitely things that I’d never pay big money for because I know I can get a cheaper version at a discount department store or even at the dollar store: gift bags, those scarves and mittens that seem to just disappear into Nowhere-land each winter, and novelty items that I’ll use only once or twice.
When I’m trying to decide whether to go with value or go cheap, it isn’t really about what I pay for a thing, but more about how much I pay per use. So if I’m going to use something a lot, and I need it to last, I’m prepared to hunt around for the best price on something that’s of higher quality. If it’s a once-and-done use – or there ‘bouts – hey, cheap will do fine.
While the old adage, “You get what you pay for” is hauled out a lot to justify spending more, sometimes it’s just an old adage. I’d no more pay $500 for a handbag with a name on it than punch myself in the face. And while you can try to convince me that the quality is better, when I hear that those handbags are being made in the same factories by the same people as the discounted versions that sell in less-expensive stores, I don’t see the point. Besides, it is the very people who have a $500 purse who also have 4 or 5 purses of equally “quality.” There’s $2,000-$2,500 I’d rather contribute to my kids’ educational savings plans or my own retirement savings plan.
As for laying out big money on items I only use on occasion, I don’t see the point. So that power-washer to get my deck clean in the spring? I can borrow that from my girlfriend Annie, and offer her a lovely tin of tea in return. Usage cost: $6. Annie is happy to share and I’m happy to have a cuppa with my friend after a day of power-washing.
I know that we’ve gotten into the habit of having every convenience at our finger-tips, but if you’re going to have to shell out big bucks for a once-a-year use item, I don’t think you’re actually getting value for your money, no matter how long that sumthin’ lasts. And if everything has to be name-brand because you think that paying more will mean you’ll get more, you may be deluding yourself.
What are your “value” items: things you won’t spend a lot of money on? And what won’t you scrimp on because you believe that cheaping out just won’t cut it?
January 24, 2013 at 7:38 am
I use dollar store gift bags, boxes, tissue, bows, tins, seasonal decor, children’s craft supplies, flower pots, tinfoil containers, and plastic trays or plates that I’m using to make up gift packages of treats.
I never scrimp on health products, makeup, creams and lotions, clothes, food, yarn or home items that I expect to use for many years.
January 24, 2013 at 7:39 am
Value Items: gift bags/wrap/decorations, cards, books, most groceries
Won’t Scrimp on: haircuts, greek yogurt, quality shoes
January 24, 2013 at 8:17 am
Hardly ever buy gift bags; I have so many stock piled that have been given to us, why not reuse? Same as tissue paper. I hate spending money on throw away items.
The more money we save and earn, the less we’re spending (although my husband did buy his ridiculously large screen tv over the holidays.) I would love to be as frugal as Mr. Moneymoustache. But my family resists. And I’ve spent money on frivolity myself.
I buy my outerwear at great discounts. I happen to be in the right plac at the right times I guess. Columbia jackets and snow pants? Priced at $400 a piece? $60. For both. $180 down filled coat? $9! I don’t pass up deals like that. Worth a trip to the outlets twice a year. Otherwise my clothing is second hand. I take care of my clothes (wash inside out and hang to dry everything). They last and tend to look better than when I bought or received them. Can’t get the Lulu thing. Used to be made in Canada, was pricey, but good quality. Now, even pricier and made in Indonesia. Why not buy a nice Josef Ribkoff designer piece for less, that’s designed and made in Canada?
To each their own.
January 24, 2013 at 8:18 am
I seldom buy cheap clothes, but I always shop sales of decent quality companies like LL Bean or Talbots. I do shop at the Paws and Claws Thrift store as well, who doesn’t love a 95 percent discount!
I buy great crystal at antique stores, and good food whereever I can. Grow lots of my own. We don’t skimp on restaurants, but we don’t go out very often either. Maybe once every 2 months or 6 weeks.
Liquidator world has great prices too, on food and goods, pet food as well, but watch expiry dates.
Check tool rental places for seldom used items, you can rent power washers, chain saws, and an amazing variety of tools that you wouldn’t use much. Who needs them taking up space and taking up your time and money to maintain?
Costco is a favourite for quality and price.
I agree about the purses. I went to Hong kong and bought a knock off for 10 bucks, everytime I take it out people oo and awh over it. You have to be nutty to spend hundreds of dollars on a cloth bag!
January 24, 2013 at 8:27 am
I haven’t really found much difference between higher priced and mid-range products in very many things. The extra money often pays for options i don’t want and more things to go wrong.
That said, I like the general principle of buying the second least expensive model in a good brand for major purchases. Once I figure out which one I want, I usually just wait for it to come on sale.
Most of my shopping for stuff is done at second hand shops, so the cheapness is often readily apparent. If something was utter garbage when it was made, it likely didn’t last long enough to make it to the second hand shop and if it did, the cheap quality is very evident by then.
January 24, 2013 at 8:51 am
Won’t scrimp: shoes and my hair. On purses, I have two – both Italian leather, Italian made. My first Italian leather, Italian made purse lasted me 15 years – all I had to do was take it to the cobbler once and get it restitched. Furniture – I have saved to get quality Canadian-made pieces that will last a long time – some I have even got custom made.
I go to auctions to get quality crystal, pottery, serving platters etc at incredibly low prices, which I have stockpiled and given as gifts as the occasion arises (friends’ kids are all getting married now). My best buy at auction was a very large Baccarat crystal vase for $50. Clothes – I have some quality pieces, but for summer kick-around stuff, I often go to Value Village or the Salvation Army store to get shorts and tank tops.
Scrimp – gift bags, wrap, cards, and I watch the grocery store flyers like a hawk to as much of my groceries on sale as I can. I haven’t bought Christmas giftwrap in years. We recycle gift bags until they look too awful to give to anyone. A friend of mine cuts up the Christmas cards she gets each year and turns them into next year’s gift tags which I think is pretty cool.
January 24, 2013 at 8:51 am
Value = good sheets for the bed. They don’t have be thousands of dollars but I will spend from $100-$250 for the good King Sized ones.
Cheap = towels. We buy them in bulk at IKEA for dirt cheap. Turns out we actually prefer scratchy towels to soft ones and they’ve actually held up really great over the years.
January 24, 2013 at 9:35 am
“I haven’t really found much difference between higher priced and mid-range products in very many things. The extra money often pays for options i don’t want and more things to go wrong.”
I find this is often very true – there’s a difference between the low priced product and the mid range product, but the high end one is often just adding a designer label.
For me, one area where I will spend on the expensive stuff is workout clothes. I run, a lot, and there really is a big difference between, say, the Old Navy running tights and the Mountain Equipment Co-Op tights, both in function and in comfort. And in how long they last when they are getting washed constantly! The MEC tights are worth the investment. But I still watch for them on clearance! And I avoid things like Lulu or Nike, which do tend to be high quality but have a ridiculous markup on them just for the name.
January 24, 2013 at 9:36 am
We buy all of our name brand sheets at Winners and generally end up paying half the price…..Everyone is a Winner then ;>
January 24, 2013 at 9:39 am
Value:
-furniture (I’m slowwwwly replacing my second-hand things with good quality I’ll-like-this-forever stuff)
-deoderant (it has to be unscented, and that costs)
-shoes (plantar fasciitis. ugh)
-yarn (who wants a scratchy scarf?)
Cheapo:
-socks and underwear. As long as they’re comfy, that’s good enough for me.
-exercise clothes. Walmart has a line of exercise wear. I’m just going to sweat into it anyways.
Hmmmm, maybe I need to work on adding to the cheapo list! Would probably be better for that bottom line.
January 24, 2013 at 9:40 am
I LOVE this topic! I think it’s the cornerstone of self-awareness and spending your money wisely to be a money “genius” (as opposed to moron).
It relates to things that are important to you (cost per use) and functionality (name brand vs common brand). Some of the examples posted show this point very well!
My examples are shoes and TV. I don’t focus on name brand shoes, but quality shoes that either offer good support for walking (as I live downtown and walk alot) to well-made dress shoes as they last longer for my job.
I spent more on a TV (although the previous year’s model as it is less than the “latest model) as I truly enjoy watching movies and those nature/geography/science shows that are fantastic in HD. As a cost per use over many years and tying in the enjoyment I receive, it is worth it.
Again, great topic!
January 24, 2013 at 9:53 am
I go to the dollarstore for all sorts of stuff! and when it comes to clothing I spend more (but still usually wait for sales!) for high quality basics. I spend less on stuff that is very trendy because I know I will only wear it for one season
January 24, 2013 at 10:28 am
Like many commentors here I too will use the dollarstore for gift bags, tissue paper, and notebooks go cheap.
I don’t skimp on shoes, especially runners as I tend to wear those the most nearly daily and good winter boots as I now wear those daily. And then the other item I don’t like to go cheap on is bras! Cant really as my size now is runs larger than what carries in stores like LaSenza & Victoria Secret. I have found some solid although pricer than those stores I mentioned alternatives. That have the full support I require and they have lasted me much longer.
January 24, 2013 at 10:31 am
i buy quality food. Clothing as well – while you can find some good sales out there, cheap clothes look cheap. You’re deluding yourselves if you think otherwise. Now, it may be that it’s not important to you, and that’s fine, but I’ve never met a person who has decided to buy a few choice clothing items and not liked the way they feel and look.
Frugality should not be an excuse to give up and frump about!
January 24, 2013 at 10:43 am
I have to wear suits to work – yes, I know, but court requires it. Cheap suits look cheap. If you shop right, though, you will pay about half the original price.
White t-shirts? I go through those so quickly that if they weren’t cheap, it’d be a shame.
Good quality winter boots are worth the money – I love my Sorels.
Also, brand name laundry detergent? Need.
January 24, 2013 at 10:46 am
The things I will spend my money on to get good qulaity are furniture, clothes & shoes. I have owned far to much “build it yourself” furniture to save a buck, only to have to replace it a few years later because it had broke. Now we buy good quality, hard wood furniture. I find that most clothes at discount department stores & lower quality chain clothing stores use fabrics that are to thin or don’t wash well at all. I have found a store that has very good quality clothes (most are made in Canada – plus!) at reasonalbe prices, so most pieces I own I buy thru them. For shoes, I have learned that if I buy a cheap “trendy” shoe I will wear it for 1 season. If I buy a slighlty more expensive and more classic style, I wear them for years. Oh and greeting cards. My family are big on sending cards and I hate, hate, hate sending dollar store ones! They usually look & feel cheap to me.
I also tend to go cheap on the same things the above posters mention (gift tags, kids craft supplies etc.) I also buy store named grocery staples (they all taste the same to me anyways!)
January 24, 2013 at 10:49 am
I won’t go cheap on my kids shoes and winter suits. Nor my winter stuff either.
I can buy generic lotion and bubble bath, but I won’t buy cheap products/ God knows where it came from to put on my skin. I prefer brand name shampoo – the generic stuff never seems to foam properly and I always end up using more of it and having to buy more sooner. I don’t buy the expensive stuff like Clinique.
I usually buy cheap clothes – but they never last. I probably should invest in quality clothes that will last longer, but I’m not a clothes kinda gal so I don’t really care. I don’t buy quality purses either, but I should because they don’t seem to last either.
I did buy an expensive wallet when I was 20 with money from my first real summer job. I paid 50.00 for it and it was a Guess. Well, it’s lasted me 15 years! I still use it and it’s getting worn, but I cannot justify purchasing another one!!!
We bought a cheap sound system when we moved into our home. It sucks.
Great topic!
January 24, 2013 at 10:55 am
Like many have said, the dollar store is an awesome place to get a good deal on wrapping items as well as kitchen utensils and those mesh laundry bags to wash delicates and lingerie in. I have seen those for $5.00 ea at a “specialty” store!! I do find though that it can be a dangerous place for me as I ALWAYS pick up things I didn;t intend to; sometimes things I need, sometimes things that are just neat, becuase it is likely it won;t be there next time. I try and only go in with a $20 bill – I can only buy until I run out of cash!!
As for value items, furniture like couches, dining chairs and matresses have made it to the top of my list. You definitely notice those things failing fast as they are so well used, and proper support is good for your health (something we don’t always like to think about because of the cost). I also make sure to buy decent quality clothing and bras – if it falls apart after 5 washes it wasn;t worth anything. But I wait for good deals and sales, and I buy the majority of my clothing in the US as they have better qaulity, sizing and selection for curvy girls, especially undergarments! We get ripped off by Canadian retailers!! US companies also offer better deals and discounts – earlier this week my favorite retailer had a 60% off everything online only sale and I was able to pick up a bathing suit and some basics for $200 including shipping to Canada (in Canadian $). Sometimes the shipping charges are steep, but in this case, it would have cost me that much just for the bathing suit here so I call that a deal.
January 24, 2013 at 10:58 am
Don’t skimp:
1. shoes
2. purses (but not $500), like the quality of Coach ($125 mark), but I do have 5 (I’m going to sell 3 and just keep 2, fall/winter and spring/summer
3. food (find the no name stuff is crap) and like to have a takeout/restaurant food once a week
Skimp:
1. Everything else… 2nd hand, barter, etc
January 24, 2013 at 11:03 am
I like buying Canadian Made!! I like knowing the process of how things got to our stores. I like things with less packaging!! I don’t like to thing about where my trash is going! Christmas paper doesn’t breakdown in the landfill for a very long time. I don’t mind spending more for a better future, cleaner air, ect…
January 24, 2013 at 11:06 am
I seem to be the only one going cheap on the hair. I wear it short and spiky (kind of Jamie Lee Curtis-ish). I get it cut every 4-6 weeks so it has to be cost effective, so it’s First Choice for me. In Ottawa’s deep west end (geek central) several locations offer a “high tech discount”, I guess it’s aimed at the high population of engineering types. It’s not advertised, so when you pay and they ask if you have any coupons I just ask for the discount. Hey, even on a cheap haircut, 10% off mostly covers the tip. Lately I’ve also had $2-3 dollar coupons to add in as well. So my last two cuts have been under $12 each. I have friends and work collegues who spend an absolute fortune on their hair. I’m just not that interested in hair, and have found an a low maintenance , cost effective style that still looks professional.
On the value side I buy quality hair gel to hold up those inexpensive spikes. It’s one of the few areas where I’m brand loyal, so when it goes on sale I stock up.
January 24, 2013 at 11:14 am
Like others, there’s no scrimping on shoes or bras-support, comfort, and durability is well worth the price! (I buy very few of these items-I have 1 pair for exercise, 1 pair for work, 1 pair of Birkenstocks and 1 pair of casual shoes-so I buy ones that will last. The last pair of work shoes finally died after 5 years of almost daily wear). Same goes for furniture-we’ve had our bedroom set for almost 12 years (new mattress of course) and it still looks great. Our pricey Lazy Boy sectional still looks new after 5 years, lots of use, pet hair and a busy toddler.
I scrimp on kid clothes-most of my guy’s are hand-me-downs or from the consignment store. He doesn’t know the difference, they all look brand new (or darned close) and cost a fraction. I actually was given a gift card to the Gap when he was born and was appalled to find that a pair of jeans for a 6 month old cost $35! I don’t usually spend $35 on jeans for myself! I have found Gap jeans at the consignment store for $6-the only difference is someone else wore them 6 times before he outgrew them! I got his snowsuit which I would have been hard pressed to differentiate from a brand new one, for $35. That left me some cash to buy good boots to keep his teeny toes warm. As Gail said, I’d rather save the money in his RESP than for his clothes. I know people who complain they haven’t got savings for their kids education yet, but they shop incessantly so their kids will look like fashion plates. To each her own I suppose.
January 24, 2013 at 11:23 am
Great Topic Gail!
Skimp-School supplies, gift wrap etc, office supplies, odds & Ends (dollar store)
Splurge – I need Good Bras and after spending $100 and up for the support I need, I’ve found a great IMO “bargain” for Bra Shopping.
@Ange B (and anyone else looking for Real Bra Sizes) look up BreakOutBras.com
They know their stock, they carry EVERY size and the shipping is always free. The prices for the same ones I was buying before are about $65 and they have Sales all the time.
January 24, 2013 at 11:27 am
I always focus on quality and cost per use. I would rather have quality clothing and less of it than a closet full of cheap crap. If you shop sales and stick with more classic pieces you may even actually save. The one thing I will pay top dollar for is a bra, not uncommon to spend $150 but it lasts a good 5 years if cared for properly.
There aren’t many things I buy cheap versions of because I find if you are patient and shop smart you can get quality for a low price and stay within budget.
January 24, 2013 at 11:44 am
Cheap Out on:
Haircuts -honestly my hair looks the same whether 200 or 5 dollars or do it myself, so learned a simple cut on youtube and do that – there is no difference but I would not say that goes for everybody – just my pathetic hair. I also color at home. I bought a high end color kit that I loved so much I wrote the company (expecting nothing in return). They sent me, I kid you not, 1200 dollars worth of products free of charge. The results with these products are amazing and organic! Once all these are used up, I will be spending a grand total of about 40 dollars every two months on haircuts/coloring vs my old total of 250 in same period.
Laundry detergent – I make my own but using good brand ingredients – I have spent 14 dollars in past 8 months (less than 2 dollars a month on detergent!)
Cards and Gift wrap – buy Christmas after season ends and birthday etc at Dollarama
T-shirts – a t-shirt lasts me 5 minutes before I stain it so I buy at Old Navy for about 5 dollars or less during the sales.
Would NEVER skimp on:
Costmetics and Shampoo – I need to know what’s in there, and with a good eyeshadow with quality pigment, I can get away with one per year!
Winter boots – that doesn’t mean I don’t wait until they are 75% off to buy them but I put in the effort to get a good pair.
Pet food – the return is better health and happiness for my fur babies
Meat and Seafood – I buy very little so it doesn’t pain me to buy the best quality I can find
Coffee – I really can taste the difference.
Cookware – I swear by Le Cruiset and Greenpan – However I expect in the long run I will have spent much less than most on cookware. Since cooking is my passion, it is really worth spending the money to make my hobby as enjoyable as can be. That doesn’t mean I don’t shop around for best deal (would NEVER buy in a kitchen shop! Ebay all the way).
January 24, 2013 at 11:53 am
Cookware is a good one – so much better to use high quality cookware, but it’s also fairly easy to get high quality stuff at deep discounts. Winners often has good stuff inexpensively if you aren’t attached to the idea of having a ’set’, but are willing to buy one good piece at a time.
January 24, 2013 at 11:54 am
My husband has unfortunately “inherited” his family’s habit of buying the cheapest rendition of something at first. When he finds that one woefully inadequate, (surprise, surprise), he will buy a second cheap one of another brand. He will gradually move up until we have 3 or 4 of them, claiming he will sell the cheaper ones which he never does. When I met him, his family had 3 of everything and none of them worked very well. Over the years, he is getting better, and researching more carefully but still tends to buy an inadequate one on the first try.
I am very much a fan of buying good quality when its something that you use on a daily basis. Never regretted a cent I spent on my KitchenAid stove. I buy good quality food and cook from scratch on a regular basis to save money. I just wish I could convince my significant other to think about how often something will be used and how important it is to him that it work really well for him on the first try.
January 24, 2013 at 11:56 am
@Julie Bo, thanks for reminding me, I will save up to buy the super high thread count cotton sheets.
Spend the $: shoes, underwear, beds, BABYSITTER.
As for the $500 purse, you’re paying for the name, not the quality. If that’s important to you then I don’t see the problem. I like looking like I know what I’m doing and I don’t look like that until we’ve paid off all our bills.
January 24, 2013 at 12:10 pm
I don’t get the $500+ purses. My belief is I will never spend more on a purse than the amount of money I will reasonably carry in it. I have never spend more than $40 on a purse and they always last me about 2 years. They look good too, many people comment on my purse.
And I don’t see the point of having more than 1 at a time. All that effort to switch my stuff over. Ugg. No thanks.
As for quality, I will pay for good quality sheets, pillows, and mattress. My sleep is worth it.
January 24, 2013 at 12:22 pm
Random comment but I always laughed on TDDUP when Gail would say “A discount department store!?” when going through expenses with couples. I still laugh just thinking about it.
January 24, 2013 at 12:47 pm
I think value is in the eye of the beholder. I don’t buy cheap for the sake of buying cheap anymore than I buy expensive for the sake of expensive. I’ve knowingly overpaid for things that I can get cheaper elsewhere, if I’ve decided the convenience / ease outweighs the cost. Obviously I can only advocate this if you are on top of your spending to begin with. I think buying a purse with a brand name on it has value to some, and if they can afford it good on them. Value and ‘cheap’ are very subjective things. For example, I know roughly where Gail lives (not stalking, just she made a reference to it!) and for her it’s a great choice. For me, even though it would be 1/5 the price of my toronto home and twice the size, the location is of no value to me. So it’s subjective. Some people get a comfort out of buying brand names that others don’t; that’s just the way people are.
January 24, 2013 at 2:17 pm
I “cheap out” on a lot. Best deals have been buying antique furniture years ago. still love it and it increases in value ie a sidetable (actually a lovely little wash stand) I bought for about $80 30 ?? yrs ago is now “worth” over $400. Not that I would sell it but at least my kids will make a decent amount once I’m gone!
Other savings are anything I would normally buy that is on sale …food, clothing, household items etc. I recycle and reuse where possible.
I do like decent quality undies …but think Jockey not Victorias Secret! Good shoes are a must ..I don’t have a lot but since I have weird feet it is a necessity ..usually try to hit a sale when I go shoe shopping. I bought the cheapest house in an really good neighbourhood – suits me just fine. I don’t own a car – don’t need one.
I have learned to cut my little dog’s fur – it was costing me more than I spent on my own hair! Its not perfect but presentable.
January 24, 2013 at 2:39 pm
Things I’ve learned NOT to cheap out on…(the hard way)
Vacuum cleaners. Went through about 4 cheapies before I bit the bullet and bought my Dyson. Oh my…the quantity of crud I sucked out of my carpet on my first go round with it was amazing. Your carpets will look nicer longer if you are actually getting the dirt out of them.
Furniture. Two futon couches and a faux leather couch from sears…and I’m done! The futon couches were terrible with the futons slipping off the frame onto the floor, the faux leather is now almost completely worn off the section of the couch (most frequented part of the couch)…the other side of the couch still looks new. Little pieces of black faux leather all over the living room….(good thing I have my Dyson!)
What gets me upset is buying a 15 – 20$ shirt from The Gap, and after washing it a few times, it’s pilled and looks terrible…and the fabric seems cheap. I have been buying long sleeved shirts from Costco in all different colors and they don’t pill, keep their color, and last a long time…and they cost 10$. These are my “life” clothes…a few are stained, and I wear them while I’m cooking or gardening, the better ones are for running errands, appointments etc. Then I have a few going out shirts and outfits that I only wear on occasion.
For my kids, I’ve been buying cheaper shoes, because they usually outgrow them before they wear them out….but now my son isn’t growing as fast and his shoes are falling apart while they still fit…time to find better quality shoes. For me, since I wear a pair of shoes for 3 years I buy a quality pair.
I will never, ever, buy a $500 purse. My husband got me a $500 pendant once…and I absolutely loved and treasured it. Then the chain broke (I cheaped out on the chain) and it fell off somewhere and I’ve kicked myself ever since, and will never allow myself to wear something that expensive again. I didn’t want to spend the $200 for a sturdy chain…..
January 24, 2013 at 2:59 pm
I will spend good money on quality items like clothing, shoes, some foods need to be name brand (ketchup for one).
I have a knapsack I paid a lot for. I have used that straight, daily and traveling for over 10 years now. The lining is finally starting to fall apart and starting to wear at the bottom.
However I have shirts I paid 3 dollars for.
I recently bought an expensive Arcteryx Goretex jacket (shell), it was on sale so I lose the lifetime warranty. But my cheap rainjacket soaked through on a walk in the rain. West coast living means lots of rain and since I use Transit I am in the rain a lot.
Totally worth the cost, the jacket is stylish, bright and completly waterproof and will be for years to come.
My boyfriend does not like to spend that much money on himself so he ends up buying a couple pairs of shoes over the year because they fall apart.
Usually cheap is the way to go, but when it comes to comfort totally worth the cost to buy more expensive.
January 24, 2013 at 3:02 pm
I do hair cheap, too, nice to see I have some company! I have long straight hair and do my own bangs. I do a better job than I’ve had at some salons on those. I go down to the barber, Mr. Chin, and he does a nice job on the rest every few months. Someday I may want a more grown up haircut, but for now that’s good. My female family members spend an average of $100 a month on their hair, I spend $4. plus shampoo. They look nice, but so do I.
January 24, 2013 at 3:29 pm
@VJ What high end colour kit are you referring to?
January 24, 2013 at 3:32 pm
Almost nothing at all *ever*. I grew up a broke punk rocker and I think that minimalist lifestyle and mindset has stayed with me ever since. The most expensive things (other than trips/vacations) I’ve purchased in my life are a PS3, a 48″ TV, and a really warm winter coat. (A genuine shearling B3 Bomber jacket–it makes me very happy.) Yep, don’t even own a car–I walk to work. I do have a license though. …And before anyone goes thinking it’s sad or that I’m super cheap, just know that whenever I look around at some of my tubby coworkers, I’m very glad that I walk. Who’s the one really being cheated there?
The whole notion of things doesn’t appeal to me anymore. What I do have, I ride those suckers ’til the wheels fall off. If a piece of furniture begins to look old, I repaint it. If the coffee maker’s looking a little old and grotty, it gets a thorough disassembly and cleaning. None of my cooking pots match. My computer looks like a Frankenstein–made of salvaged bits from here and there.
Quality isn’t important to me. Functional is. I don’t care what brand a can opener is, what colour it is, how old it is, etc. As long as it opens the can, I’m a happy camper.
January 24, 2013 at 3:32 pm
This has given me a lot to think about…… seems now that I’m older and have replaced my “hand me down” furniture/housewares etc. with quality stuff I don’t really cheap out on much. However, I NEVER EVER pay full price. If anything is bought, it is on sale or a super deal at Winners etc.
I do spend quite a bit on my (and my daughters) hair – from cuts, highlights, shampoos etc. but I have a budget for that and accrue each month.
I must have excellent quality sheets/pillows/bedding (I spend at least 12 hours a day in bed); cookware, Tupperware and other kitchen needs, I too am a Jockey fan although their quality is not as good as it used to be 15 years ago. Oh, also good quality 100% cotton nightshirts are a must for me – though even on sale the price makes me sigh a bit..
Things I cheap out on or buy at $ store – like others – mesh bags, gift bags, tissue paper, envelopes, calculators (mind seem to have legs..), birthday candles.
I will pay a premium for of all things – Christmas wrapping paper. I figure it sits under the tree for weeks so I like it to look pretty; but more so, I hate paper ripping as it cuts, is see-through, or while wrapping a box the corners rip. Errrg!! I used to buy Regal paper all the time when I was a rep, still buy some but the variety is not as big as it used to be. We’ve purchased some at Costco the past 2 years and I have like it – one was even reversible!
@Sylvia – thanks for the tip, I will check them out
Also, if you know your brand and size I’ve found eBay to be a good place for them – new with tags of course..
January 24, 2013 at 4:01 pm
@Kristie – what model of Dyson did you buy and is it very noisy or heavy? I agree a good vacuum is worth the price. My parents swear by Electrolux, we had an Oreck – was AWESOME – the carpets looked brand new, but it was noisy as all get out
January 24, 2013 at 4:08 pm
I use dollarama for lots such as cards, wrap, kids craft stuff, party supplies, general household goods. I’m always amazed what I can get there. My thinking is if its a 1 time use item I don’t want to spend a lot
As for what I won’t cheap out on-kids shoes. I will go hand me down or secon hand for clothes but Not shoes. Too important to their comfort and development.
Furniture. We are now starting to realize that long term, cheap is not better. Right now my front living room is empty while we save for quality furniture that will last
Child care. My kids go to a daycare centre that us more per day then some other daycares would. But for many different reasons we choose to pay more for what we think is quality care.
Beer. I like my imports and will pay
More for good beer than cheating out for a 24 for 24 deal. If I’m going to dip on a Sud I want it to be tasty.
January 24, 2013 at 4:36 pm
Cheap: Canned goods, leg wax DIY
Expensive, but Worth It: Pet food (high quality ingredients, not fillers and “bone meals”)
Winter Boots, Dishwasher detergent (makes SUCH a difference) and Healthy Snacks.
January 24, 2013 at 6:24 pm
I try not to cheap out on anything, other than things that are naturally very inexpensive, but I try to only buy what I need, (ie. wait until I really need milk, and then buy 1L organic.) Slowly going through wardrobe and as things wear out / don’t fit, not replace them until absolutely necessary but when I do, buying it well (ie., all my cheapie black tees died, bought one black Icebreaker tee.) Same with pretty much everything I own.
So far it’s been working, and I don’t feel like I’m giving up anything at all. I have fewer things but slowly each is the absolute very best.
January 24, 2013 at 8:20 pm
What I cheap out: canned goods and dried goods, i wait ’til they go on sale and stock up. t-shirts as I ruin them within a few wears.
I do buy second hand clothing and things at yard sale ( my coffee maker was bought 4 years ago for 2.00 and is still kicking I think its about 30 years old…)
I buy quality footwear and winter coats, plus good kitchen knives and pots…
January 24, 2013 at 8:21 pm
Why can’t one have quality and low cost all in one? I’ve been doing it for years.
I never pay full price for anything. Dollar stores are a no brainer! I bought a weighty stainless steel over the door hook for $3 and saw the same one at Lowes for $17!?
Sears and The Bay outlets are tops for quality furniture ($800 for a Natuzzi full grain leather sofa bed bought 10 years ago still in excellent condition) appliances (Rowenta iron for $40 also 10 years strong!) bedding, hello! 50% – 70% the last ticketed price. Footwear, Sorel boots for my son $22 bucks!
Don’t even get me started on thrift stores like Talize, there are so many wasteful people in the world, I love it because I come along and scoop up the Donna Karan, Coach, NorthFace, Cole Haan etc items they thought they wanted but ended up donating in pristine conditon or with the tags still attached!
What about Kijii? People sell quality items on there everyday, my co-worker has gotten a number of Bombay pieces for a sweet deal.
Food? Toiletries? Hair products? I always find on sale you just have to be diligent in checking your flyers and don’t forget about price matching to save that gas!!!!
January 24, 2013 at 8:46 pm
@Sue – the hair color brand is called Couture Color – I order from Sephora_ in multiples to get free shipping and then take advantage of all the freebies of the week.
To all that mentioned their Dyson, I agree. I have had mine since 2007 and will never ever use another brand again. the machine is awesome and the customer service is awesome. I expect to not have to buy another vac for many years.
January 24, 2013 at 9:06 pm
I’ve had central vac in my home for 10 years (came with the house) and I have hated it for 10 years. I had been hankering for a Dyson for Years, but just couldn’t bring myself to spend the money when I had a servicable (but crappy) central vac system.
This year, for christmas Santa brought me a DYSON!!! I am the Vacuum queen. I absolutely LOVE the thing and it really is amazing how much crap it manages to suck up.
a Dyson is a splurge but totally worth the Investment.
January 24, 2013 at 10:43 pm
I am lucky that I do not want a lot of stuff. As a young woman I saw a play in London England and the central character came leaping onto the stage stating that there had been a big fire, all her things were burnt to the ground and that she was FREE- that statement made a profound impact on me.
I go to the UK every 2-3 years to see family- i do a power shop there because the clothes are so nice and much more reasonable and then buy nothing in between. I handwash my working clothes and they are fine for years.. I buy a card for $100 for haircuts at great clips which gives me a free haircut then I always use their coupons which arrive in the mail so my $100 lasts at least one year.
I buy the middle of the range appliances, very good shoes but a few pairs and buy very good food not necessarily organic but I will not put junk into my body. I always save something even if it is just a little from each paycheque
January 24, 2013 at 11:08 pm
I bought a dyson last summer. I hated spending so much money on a vacuum, especially on credit. I took the 6 month no interest option. I paid it off in less than 6 months. I got the dc 37. It’s not their cheapest or most expensive model. This is one purchase I’m glad I made. I live in a old, dumpy, apartment with w/w carpet and saw the difference immediately. It is something I would not buy used.
January 25, 2013 at 12:21 am
My husband bought a used ugly brown filter queen vacuum 17 years ago with money we got for a wedding present. I freaked, it was so ugly…. It is the best and it is still going strong! I have one hand bag. I buy good sheets and am going to buy a real bed. 17 years, just a metal bed frame. I cut my own fringe. My husband likes to research before he buys anything, making sure it is going to be good value. Good running shoes, scratch and dent appliances.
January 25, 2013 at 12:35 am
I do buy the fancy $500 purses, but that’s only when I can treat myself after I’ve saved up for them on top of saving about 40% of my income.
Other things I will spend the money on for the quality are practical shoes that don’t hurt, mattress/bed, sheets, makeup, food storage, and tea
Things I will scrimp on: haircuts (from a haircutting college), gift bags/cards, dry/canned food – will buy no name/generic.
January 25, 2013 at 1:47 pm
@Sylvia too funny about hating the built in vac…I too have a house that came with one…and I’ve hated it for 6 years…never use it. I still use my barely holding together sears special that cost less than $125 10 years ago…..I will replace it this year…will have to….but hate the built in…would never buy one after having one come with our house!
January 25, 2013 at 7:16 pm
It is possible to save on beauty products… Paul Begoun-Cosmetics Cop- reviews products from Wet n Wild to Shisheido and I have been very happy with the inexpensive recommendations. You can usually find her latest book of reviews at the library, or go online to her site.
January 25, 2013 at 11:57 pm
Love the Dyson and central vacuum system commentary; it gives me a good laugh as I remember the old beater we had when I was young. My mom spent some ungodly amount and that thing lasted forever! Heavy as could be, but it did the best job & I wish, today, I still had it.
I will spend good $$ for great shoes (but always on sale and with an additional % off coupon). I have a shoe collection that includes some real leather pairs I had made years ago; they require a visit to the cobbler from time to time but I wouldn’t exchange them for anything!
I won’t scrimp on coffee either! Cheap coffee isn’t worth it, as far as I’m concerned.
I do the thrift shop routine every couple of weeks and like others, I’ve found beautiful suits for work with tags still on them! I do a happy dance and go home with a huge smile on my face! I buy nearly all my books there too; they go for .50 to $2 maximum. I’ve also purchased awesome purses, small pieces of nice furniture, and throw rugs there. And…I won’t spend over $3 for a t-shirt-I go through them like water. I work hard to find bargains!
January 26, 2013 at 8:07 am
Speaking of expensive purses….I have an authentic Gucci purse paid almost 200.00 for it in 1988…(bought it at Gucci in Hawaii on our honeymoon…my BIG splurge)…anyhoo, whenever I have used it (not that much because it is smallish…it still looks virginal) no one has given it a second look BUT, if I use my wal mart or zellers purse I am always inundated with compliments on my “great” bag….LOL…that always gives me a chuckle…goes to show that alot of times people tend to oohhh and aahhh over the high end designer stuff just because they KNOW it’s high end designer but if they didn’t know it wouldn’t neccessarily be the one chosen over the bargain brand…
January 26, 2013 at 9:23 pm
I don’t pay big money for hardly anything. Most things that you need for daily use can be purchased from the dollar store and as many said, things like gift bags and tissue paper can be reused. What will I invest good money in? Oddly, cookware. I use it all the time, it can actually be harmful to use cheap (flaking, etc.) and I more than get my money’s worth after several weeks. If I do have a weakness, it would be technology. That though, I research for weeks before I buy trying to find the best deal, taking into consideration things like warranty, quality, and price.
January 26, 2013 at 10:46 pm
I’ve been poppin’ tags – as Macklemore would put it. I have no qualms about buying clothes from Talize or Goodwill. I often find brand new brand name clothing with the tags still on. My teens and their friends go too, looking for vintage and big names for a fraction of the cost. And I donate our stuff right back for another discount coupon.
I don’t scrimp on groceries, but I shop the flyers and plan meals around the week’s specials. We all brown bag it for lunch, so we have one take out night a week as a treat. But we rarely eat in restaurants because its about $100 on average. That’s a lot of money!
I also don’t scrimp on appliances, shoes for the family and winter gear.
January 27, 2013 at 5:18 pm
My house, (not the stuff inside the actual house). I still stayed within my original budget but I turned down cheaper houses that were in areas that were less safe or had questionable aspects upon inspection.
January 29, 2013 at 5:34 pm
Gail – Where can one buy fancy-pants tea in a tin for $6? I can’t seem to find it for less than $12.
February 3, 2013 at 3:34 am
I agree there are things I will cheap out on and other stuff that I refuse to.
Bras(Changes store)
shoes
outer wear
make-up(I like knowing what’s in it)
Shampoo and conditioner – colour safe
My BlackBerry, I refuse to switch to another phone. I like my keypad
Purse, mine is a Package-safe. Bought it 4 years ago and it still looks great
One of the big ones is dress clothes for both hubby and I. A good suit or dress in a classic style and colour will last for years if looked after. I have a full closet but many of the clothes are 5+ years old. I keep telling my husband I it is easier to loose weight for me than to replace all the clothes I have saved to buy. Might be that I hate shopping for clothes. I kept thinking ever time that I seen Gail go through a closet on her shown that she would have a fit if she went through mine. I am sure though my husband would be happy pointing out that I have jeans that were bought when The Liberals were in power.
I still use the pot set my husband bought 20 years ago because I have never found anything better and much of my kitchen was either mine before I moved in or bought as wedding gifts 10+ yrs ago. I guess for many things I feel if it still works why replace it.
February 6, 2013 at 10:17 pm
Subjective topic…
interesting read regarding central vacuum; appears that the brand of the system is not very good quality. (if interested ; a powerhead for the system which will last at least 20 years is Lindhaus with excellent power/cleaning)
Save up money to invest in quality,spend time to research products/levels of workmanship/value for price,learn to be able to identify quality when you see and feel it…
Just a few that come to mind:
Good value to invest in quality constructed:
Bed, bath and kitchen linens= items made in Turkey, Portugal,Italy
Outerwear
Footwear
Knives,cutlery
Furniture
February 15, 2013 at 4:48 pm
VJ, would you be so kind as to share you laundry detergent receip? Thanks!!
March 28, 2013 at 1:34 am
Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you
knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter
updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.
April 12, 2013 at 2:08 pm
amazing post, good work!