Everyone loves a good deal, but at a certain point you need to differentiate between being cheap and being frugal. There are certain items that you should simply not buy the lowest cost version of — it is worth investing in certain higher-priced goods if they will be of higher quality. And cheap goods can cost you more than just money; they can affect your health, safety and more.
Here are some items you should be willing to spend some extra cash on.
Classic Clothing Staples
For trendy clothing items, fast-fashion retailers such as Forever 21 and H&M might fit the bill, but when it comes to classic pieces, you should be willing to invest a bit more. When you go clothes shopping, think about each item that you are looking for, and decide if it is more of a “save” or “splurge” purchase. For example, a purse shaped like a cat may be cute now, but you will probably not wear it years down the road, so it’s a “save” item. A quality leather jacket, on the other hand, will probably never be out of style, so it’s ok to splurge. The same goes for most work-appropriate clothing, like suits and timeless dresses. Think whether or not you would have worn the item two years ago; if not, it’s probably not a classic item.
Kitchen Tools
Even if you barely cook, it is worth it to invest in high-quality kitchen supplies. Have you ever bought cheap plastic food storage? It stains, melts and may even be detrimental to your health. You could replace it every few months, or you could invest in glass storage containers that will last a lifetime. Pots, pans, spatulas and more will all become quickly run down when exposed to the heat of cooking if you do not buy more expensive brands. Don’t get stuck with the cost of consistently replacing tools and possibly putting your health at risk; research quality goods and spend the extra money on items that will last.
Tires
Buying cheap tires is more than just the financial risk of having to replace them frequently; it’s a safety risk for you and your passengers. Low quality tires often get damaged much more quickly than others. They will lose tread and internal belts will separate, putting you at greater risk for an accident. When it comes to something as serious as this, you must be willing to invest high-quality tires. Opt for tires made by a reliable brand and choose a model that meets your specific performance needs.
Shoes
Even if you sit at a desk all day, you are still wearing shoes, so make them comfortable. Not only are uncomfortable shoes painful, they can cause posture and back issues if there is not enough support. While a cheap pair of heels may be suitable for a one-time event, for sneakers and work shoes, invest in more expensive pairs.
