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Saving money can be quite a hard task, especially when everything seems to cost millions. And so, you usually look for the cheapest stuff, so at least a little money would be left over after your purchase for the next one. Apparently, this action might be a relatively flawed one. When it comes to certain items, people say that you splurge on them once rather than continuing to do it over and over again.
Today’s list is the handbook of what these items are. From towels to tires, there are plenty of things you shouldn’t skimp on. So, let’s dive in and make a mental note for the next time you’re in need of them, shall we?
More info: Reddit
Hiring movers. Every time I moved in the past I did it myself, with the help of friends and family, got frustrated, sweated all day, tensions ran high — movers make it SO much easier. It’s absolutely worth the extra expense. Your time and happiness are valuable. I’ll never go back.
Shoes. So many people in my life have told me to not spend money on shoes when I can, “buy the same thing at Walmart for 20 bucks.” I finally started buying some more expensive shoes in my mid twenties, and I found that they’re more comfortable and last way longer than the 20 dollar Walmart alternatives. If you have the money, invest in a good pair of shoes.
It’s no secret that the high prices nowadays force people to come up with ways to save money – from simple budgeting to full-blown thrifty lifestyles.
So, when you’re in money-saving mode, it seems that buying the cheapest things is the way to go, doesn’t it? Well, in some cases, it might be, but others paying a little (or not so little) bit more can be cheaper in the long run.
As this Guardian article (rather an old, but still relevant) by Madeleine Somerville points out, many products tend to not be built for long term use, so, despite costing relatively little, they wear out quickly. At the same time, items with higher costs tend to be of higher quality.
Maple Syrup. Growing up, we always had that cheap “Pancake Syrup” stuff that’s basically corn syrup and food coloring. It never even occurred to me to buy ACTUAL Maple Syrup ($12 for a tiny bottle??) until I was in my 20s, and had it at a friend’s house.
Guess what? That s**t is delicious and worth it.
Basically, quality costs more upfront, but over time, when you don’t have to keep replacing the cheaper item, even if it’s at a lower price, the expensive one turns out to be more cost-effective.
Take the things presented on this list, for example. They were collected from netizens’ opinions expressed in a Reddit thread under the question: “What’s something you used to cheap out on until you tried the expensive version and could never come back?”
While it’s true that most of the time it’s worth buying more expensive items (especially when it comes to things listed here), it also has to be acknowledged that sometimes people like buying costly stuff for other reasons.
I have to say towels, cheap ones don’t dry well or aren’t soft enough or both… Those who’ve used standard issue military towels understand.
For instance, there’s a phenomenon called the “marketing placebo effect.” In a nutshell, it’s when a person’s brain perceives cheaper products as those with higher risk and lower satisfaction.
There was one experiment conducted where participants were presented with wine and were told that it cost either $45 or $5. Then, when they drank it, both taste and brain activity showed that they viewed the more expensive one as better. And that’s just one of the experiments we mentioned that showed such results. There are more of them.
So, basically, that’s why some people opt for more expensive stuff – they simply view it as a better option, even if it isn’t.
The advertisers love to exploit this phenomenon. They’re sure to use it when tailoring the brand to what the consumers expect and then have to guarantee that assumption isn’t ruined.
At the same time, some argue that opting for expensive things isn’t inherently bad. In fact, they say it should be encouraged. As this article by Anthony J. Yeung vocalizes, focusing on “being cheap” can negatively impact your mindset, leading you to sabotage yourself and set you up for a relatively destitute lifestyle.
So, maybe the best thing to do is buy whatever you can and want to, and not worry about whether you’re falling victim to the marketing placebo effect, impacting your mindset, or whatever else. After all, it seems we can’t fully win either way, can we?
Steak. I grew up poor, all we ever had was chuck steak, first cut. I first tasted flank steak when I was 14, and thought THAT was great. When I was 21, however, I went to a New York City steakhouse, and had filet mignon. Oh, My God, it was delicious. Once I was making decent money, I go to the butcher and get a whole tenderloin sliced into 1 1/2″ thick steaks to take home. Simple to cook, heavenly to eat.
Chocolates.
After eating my first expensive chocolate bar, I knew there was nothing on earth that could make me eat those cheap over-sweet chocolate bars.
Weirdly specific one but saddles. I had a cheap one for my first year taking up riding again at 30. My horse got sore, I struggled with my position for ages thinking it was me. Tried a different saddle and 90% of my issues evaporated.
Headphones. I used to burn through a cheap pair every few months until I got a nice pair. Not only is the sound better but they have lasted me years with the replaceable parts.
Shampoo. Not the CRAZY expensive stuff, but definitely the higher priced ones. My hair cannot handle the Pert or Finesse stuff. It kind of worked out nicely since I buy half as much… it works twice as well! And my hair actually feels manageable.
Basic shirts. I used to buy those $8 or less shirts because “it’s just a shirt”. Women’s clothing is always either too tight or too loose, the shoulders/waist/hip ratio can be awkward, and it’s always made with some thin material to encourage “layering” (and cut costs!).
Unless it’s cold, I don’t want to layer my damn clothes. The quality of a soft shirt that fits and doesn’t see-through is a game changer. I’ll drop $20-25 on a nice shirt that lasts a long time and fits right before I buy any more s****y shirts.
EDIT: For fellow shirt wearers asking for recommendations, I find that Eddie Bauer and LL Bean have great basic shirts for all genders. Eddie Bauer also has an outlet shop online at good prices! That said, I’m sure other Redditors also have great suggestions for places I don’t know about yet!
Haven’t seen this..
Vacuums/carpet cleaners
The cheap ones have awful suction, and are extremely prone to jams and wire tears. In my experience the cheap ones are a miserable experience to try to fix, I assume because most people won’t have a 60 dollar vacuum serviced.
Expensive vacuum? Designed not to break because if it does you’re definitely going to go back and use that warranty. Designed to be easily cleaned and serviced because they don’t want you doing warranty claims.
Have had a nice pet Dyson for over 10 years and it’s solid, very easy to service because all the parts are easily accessible and labeled.
Got a cheap Hoover and it died after a year. Hair was bypassing their crappy single stage filter and started to fry the motor, when I tried to self service imo it was intentionally hard to take apart and it appeared they cut a screw head off so I couldn’t access the motor without additional effort.
Edit: Dyson’s aren’t good anymore according to the 100 people who keep commenting the same thing.
Then the remaining commenters are dyson owners who love their dysons.
I regret mentioning brands on this comment.
Jeans. For most of my life, the only criteria I judged a pair of jeans on was “do they fit”. One day, I was talked into buying a ~$70 pair of jeans from an expensive clothing store and I was blown away by how comfortable they were. They look good, the material is softer, doesn’t squeeze the backs of my knees, etc.
I often wear shirts I bought from Goodwill for $2-5, but have not purchased a cheap pair of jeans in several years.
Dental floss. I hated flossing because I thought all dental floss just shreds apart and breaks. Nope, just the cheap brand I was buying.
Blender.
At 6am in the morning, a Danby will cause brain hemorrhaging due to the ballistic noises.
A Vitamix on the other hand..
This message is not sponsored by Vitamix.
Come on Vitamix! Give me free s**t!
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