We all know that the easiest way to save money is to give up the small things. Like our morning coffees (Never giving this up!), fast food, or eating out all the time. Another (often forgotten) tip is to actually to spend more money to save money. I know this may sound strange but think about it, would you buy a car that is falling apart and/or un-repairable just because it was cheap? Yes, for a short term it may suit your needs, but eventually you would have to either A) replace the car or B) spend money on repairs. However, if you would have searched and spent a bit more to get a car that didn’t need many repairs and in generally good condition you could save yourself from a lot of unneeded expenses.
Another great example is when buying furniture. Most people buy ‘assemble yourself’ furniture that is made out of fiberboard. If the pieces break it normally is not repairable and must be replaced, unless you don’t mind broken furniture. However, spending money on real wood (or build your own pieces!) not only gives you a solid quality piece of furniture, it most of the time provides room for repairs. Thus making your furniture last longer.
BUT does the expression quality over quantity always apply? I believe it does not. I do not always think in terms of quality. Why? Because sometimes it is just more worthwhile to buy the cheaper option. I, myself, never buy a computer mouse for more than $2. Why? Because I can get one off eBay for less than $2 shipped, and they last almost as long as a mouse bought at full price.
Winter tires have also been another place where I have saved hundreds by buying used and cheap. Although some of the sets I have bought have only lasted one or two winters, I have still (having owned a car for 5 years now) yet to spend more than $600 in all these years for winter tires. My room mate spent more than $1400 on winter tires this year alone. Sure, they may last a few years but who got the better deal?
Mind you, this does not mean to go out and buy the most expensive model/brand name out there. It definitely is not always in your benefit to spend more. However, you would be a fool if you did not take the time to research into the items you are buying.
What do you think? Do you always buy Quality over Quantity? Vice Versa? Do you know of any other items that are better to buy cheap/spend more?
Most of the time I research my options with anything I really need to buy, and make a decision that way.
With electronics, I always choose quality. In that regard, I believe you get what you pay for. I’m the same way with skin products and shampoo, too- I have sensitive skin and can’t use cheaper products without it getting irritated, and buying more expensive shampoo actually saves me money in the long run, because it preserves my colour for longer. Cheap batteries drive me insane as well- the more expensive ones maybe cost an extra $3, and last 3 times as long.
I’ve gone with cheaper cigarettes for the past couple weeks. Saves me even more money, because they’re so gross that I smoke less. Stuff like socks and razors I always go cheap with- I lose them all the time anyway. Other than that, it’s really on a case by case basis.
Meghan recently posted..April: Budget and Goals!
Yes, I hate buying batteries. I try and stick to rechargeable items but then I get frustrated when I have to charge them. Guess I can never be happy haha.
I usually buy cheap. However, I do need to start focusing more on quality in certain areas.
Michelle recently posted..Our Kauai Vacation Recap
Quality wins time and time again. The key point is the mindset. If you think you cannot afford it, you will shoot yourself in the foot and go for quantity and end up spending more in the long run. So much for not being able to afford it!
Usiere @Financial Freedom Inspiration recently posted..Wetin You Carry?
So true when talking about big ticket items like vehicles and big appliances.
Nice post! I learned a lot of information from this post. It is important that you learn to save money. Not just because you can save for those tough times but because you can have a better grip of your expenses. One of the largest family expenses is the food budget. Thanks the effort you took to expand upon this post so thoroughly. I look forward to your future post. You can also know more about this from my blog Save Money from Your Food Budget.
Aaron G. Carr recently posted..How to Save Money from Your Food Budget
Nice post! I learned a lot of information from this post. It is important that you learn to save money. Not just because you can save for those tough times but because you can have a better grip of your expenses. One of the largest family expenses is the food budget. Thanks the effort you took to expand upon this post so thoroughly. I look forward to your future post. You can also know more about this from my blog Save Money from Your Food Budget
Thank you for the kind words. Once I get back to civilization I will be checking out your blog!