If you are working with a tight budget, you might be looking for ways to save. Unfortunately, buying some products on the cheap might end up costing you more in the long run. Here are five things you shouldn’t feel guilty about splurging on, so you can stick with your financial plan and still enjoy the best.
High Quality Clothing
Those cheap jeans might look fine, but if the stitching isn’t reinforced and the manufacturer used cheap fabrics, you might be replacing them before you know it. Instead, invest in high-quality clothing that will actually last. Sign up to receive promotions from upscale retailers, like discountrue.com nordstrom.com online coupons, so you hear about sales before they happen and save on good quality clothing. Don’t be afraid to use coupons online and in-store. You might be able to save a chunk of money on clothing that will stand the test of time.
Running Shoes
For most exercise equipment, finding used options can be a great way to save. For instance you can probably pick up a virtually unused treadmill on Craigslist or at your local thrift shop but running shoes are an entirely different story. Always buy a good pair that is made to be durable, and provide you good arch support. Not only will they last you a while but cheaper brands won’t hold up and can sometimes injure your feet or legs. Always go for a trusted name that you know works for your body. You might spend a bit more, but the shoes will last you longer and your feet will thank you.
Quality Furniture
Saving money with a cheap factory made Walmart coffee table might seem like a good way to save money, but unless you like buying new furniture every couple of years it will cost you in the long run. Try to find older, better made tables and chairs that won’t peel, have legs break, or rust. Garage and antique stores are actually great places to find these items for cheap. Don’t be afraid to spend a bit more though, if you want furniture to last you a lifetime. Think about it this way, if you spend $200 on a cheap dresser and it lasts four years that is $50/year. If you spend $800 and it last 50+ years that is less than $16/year.
A good way to tell if an item with drawers is higher quality is to pull out the drawer… if it has well fitting dovetail joints it is probably higher quality.
Optical Goods
Glasses and contacts can obliterate a budget fast, especially if you don’t have vision insurance. Unfortunately, ordering cut-rate optical goods might lead to discomfort, vision problems, and extra trips to the doctor later. For example, if you order eyeglasses online and you don’t measure your pupillary distance properly, it could throw off your focus and cause headaches. Always invest in high-quality optical goods sold by a professional optometrist butt you don’t need to buy the latest designer frames. In addition to getting a safe product and an accurate prescription, your frames and contacts might be covered under a warranty which can help if they are ever damaged.
Mattresses
A good quality mattress can make all the difference in whether you wake up refreshed or you feel like you didn’t sleep a wink. According to Web MD, “the mattress needs to support your body in a neutral position, one in which your spine has a nice curvature and your buttocks, heels, shoulders, and head are supported in proper alignment. If the mattress is too firm, it will push on those main pressure points and take you out of alignment… If it’s too soft, those pressure points won’t be properly supported, so your whole body flops back.” Both of these scenarios can lead to an achy morning.
By spending your money wisely, you can still live comfortably, while adhering to a strict budget. Use these tips to help you know when it’s OK to spend more, not less.