Everyone wants to save money. I get it. Sometimes you even pick up pennies in the parking lot just to make sure you have at least a cent more than what you did have before. You go to the dollar store, you find the most practical, inexpensive item you can to save money. You use it. Sometimes you get what you pay for, sometimes you get more than a good deal on what you bought.
I'm all about saving some money. Ask anyone- I hate spending money. The more I spend, the less I have. However, that doesn't mean that I won't spend money, either. Over the years I've learned that sometimes, just sometimes....you get less than what you paid for, and end up spending money on the same item over and over again. You'll just break down and buy the name brand item and cry that you'e wasted so much when you should've bought the real deal in the first place.
As my Daddy says, "I'm not rich enough to buy cheap things."
I started to think of all the things that I actually do buy name brand, just because they work better...or pay more for better quality. It's a tentative list, and by no means a complete one, but just off the top of my head, here's a list of things I'd rather spend good money on and keep around for a while than the cheap knockoff crap:
1. Premium Gas.
No, my car doesn't get better gas mileage when I use premium. However, my car seems to run better and smoother when I do use premium vs. the cheaper stuff. My car is 21 years old. I think it helps.
2. Bras
My tits will destroy a cheap bra. Also, considering the fact that my bra size is a helluva lot harder to find, they're usually more expensive when I do find them. I shop at Victoria's Secret for bras and underwear exclusively now. Not only do I find a comfortable, well-made, long-lasting bra in my size, but I also get deals and offers that I'd be stupid not to refuse. It actually saves me money in the long run.
3. Dish Detergent
I just found this out, actually. If you have a fancy dish detergent container like I do, don't use that Great Value bullshit. It will clog it up and make it look gross. Shell out the extra cash for something better.
4. Electronics
This should go without saying. Do you really want to call tech support for that off-brand tablet? Would they even speak your language? Do they have regular updates and patches? Stick with the name, baby.
5. Cheese
For me, the off-brand cheese taste like I'm licking cardboard or dried cat food. Ugh.
6. Pots and Pans
Years ago, I bought my very first pot and pan set. I destroyed it. I bought another one from Family Dollar. They don't hold up very well. I've replaced them so often now, I'd rather spend $300 for a good set...or if you're like me, spend $3k for the really awesome Bella Bridal stuff. I can stack the pots and pans on top of each other and cook everything at once without burning it.
7. Makeup
My face used to break out sometimes, and even when it didn't, it was either super greasy or dry as hell. I thought I had super sensitive skin....nope. It was my cheap makeup. I discovered Sephora and never looked back. My skin feels and looks a helluva lot better than what it used to. I just had to get the good stuff. This stuff goes on your face, so why wouldn't you want to take care of your money maker? You won't regret it. A few small palettes goes a very long way.
8. Running shoes
If you are a gym rat, don't buy cheap running shoes. They don't cushion very well, and they will mess your knees up and give you shin splints. I've had shin splints before....it was hell. Invest in some good running shoes that are only used for your running/gym routine. Buy two pairs if you are going to use them casually. And for fuck's sake, get the right size- that includes width and arch, too.
9. Batteries
They last longer. They also don't explode in your beloved, last of its kind cassette player, either.
10. Toilet paper
What would you rather use: cheap tissue that's super thin, and you have to buy a ton of it because it's cheap, and use a ton of it because you'll get poo hands if you don't? Or...a mega roll of Charmin and have a happy butt and clean hands?
11. Aluminum Foil
The cheaper stuff rips too easily. I have to have something that will hold up to my horrible cooking experiments
12. Mattresses
Better quality is better sleep. Sleep is important to you. So is your back and joints. Invest in a good mattress.
13. Paint
Generic paint could have lead in it. Get premium quality paint, get premium quality results. Lasts longer, too. This also goes for art paint as well.
14. Garbage Bags
The good stuff holds more and won't break. I've found I have to use a lot more of the cheap stuff...and the garbage seems to smell worse, too.
I'm all about saving some money. Ask anyone- I hate spending money. The more I spend, the less I have. However, that doesn't mean that I won't spend money, either. Over the years I've learned that sometimes, just sometimes....you get less than what you paid for, and end up spending money on the same item over and over again. You'll just break down and buy the name brand item and cry that you'e wasted so much when you should've bought the real deal in the first place.
As my Daddy says, "I'm not rich enough to buy cheap things."
I started to think of all the things that I actually do buy name brand, just because they work better...or pay more for better quality. It's a tentative list, and by no means a complete one, but just off the top of my head, here's a list of things I'd rather spend good money on and keep around for a while than the cheap knockoff crap:
1. Premium Gas.
No, my car doesn't get better gas mileage when I use premium. However, my car seems to run better and smoother when I do use premium vs. the cheaper stuff. My car is 21 years old. I think it helps.
2. Bras
My tits will destroy a cheap bra. Also, considering the fact that my bra size is a helluva lot harder to find, they're usually more expensive when I do find them. I shop at Victoria's Secret for bras and underwear exclusively now. Not only do I find a comfortable, well-made, long-lasting bra in my size, but I also get deals and offers that I'd be stupid not to refuse. It actually saves me money in the long run.
3. Dish Detergent
I just found this out, actually. If you have a fancy dish detergent container like I do, don't use that Great Value bullshit. It will clog it up and make it look gross. Shell out the extra cash for something better.
4. Electronics
This should go without saying. Do you really want to call tech support for that off-brand tablet? Would they even speak your language? Do they have regular updates and patches? Stick with the name, baby.
5. Cheese
For me, the off-brand cheese taste like I'm licking cardboard or dried cat food. Ugh.
6. Pots and Pans
Years ago, I bought my very first pot and pan set. I destroyed it. I bought another one from Family Dollar. They don't hold up very well. I've replaced them so often now, I'd rather spend $300 for a good set...or if you're like me, spend $3k for the really awesome Bella Bridal stuff. I can stack the pots and pans on top of each other and cook everything at once without burning it.
7. Makeup
My face used to break out sometimes, and even when it didn't, it was either super greasy or dry as hell. I thought I had super sensitive skin....nope. It was my cheap makeup. I discovered Sephora and never looked back. My skin feels and looks a helluva lot better than what it used to. I just had to get the good stuff. This stuff goes on your face, so why wouldn't you want to take care of your money maker? You won't regret it. A few small palettes goes a very long way.
8. Running shoes
If you are a gym rat, don't buy cheap running shoes. They don't cushion very well, and they will mess your knees up and give you shin splints. I've had shin splints before....it was hell. Invest in some good running shoes that are only used for your running/gym routine. Buy two pairs if you are going to use them casually. And for fuck's sake, get the right size- that includes width and arch, too.
9. Batteries
They last longer. They also don't explode in your beloved, last of its kind cassette player, either.
10. Toilet paper
What would you rather use: cheap tissue that's super thin, and you have to buy a ton of it because it's cheap, and use a ton of it because you'll get poo hands if you don't? Or...a mega roll of Charmin and have a happy butt and clean hands?
11. Aluminum Foil
The cheaper stuff rips too easily. I have to have something that will hold up to my horrible cooking experiments
12. Mattresses
Better quality is better sleep. Sleep is important to you. So is your back and joints. Invest in a good mattress.
13. Paint
Generic paint could have lead in it. Get premium quality paint, get premium quality results. Lasts longer, too. This also goes for art paint as well.
14. Garbage Bags
The good stuff holds more and won't break. I've found I have to use a lot more of the cheap stuff...and the garbage seems to smell worse, too.
No comments:
Post a Comment