10 Items You Should Always Pay Extra For

Expensive Mattress

A common misconception in our consumer focused world is that the only thing that separates the high and low cost of an item is the name on the label. While in many cases this holds true, groceries in particular, there are certainly products where quality suffers when you buy at the lower end of the spectrum.

This is where the line can be drawn between a cheap vs frugal shopper. A money conscious, frugal shopper knows when it’s time to spend a little more on an item because the long term savings are greater than the immediate price differential. A cheap shopper ignores this logic and only seeks to obtain the lowest cost possible at the time of purchase.

Here are 10 items where paying more will pay-off:

Mattress

We spend 1/3 of our lifetime laying on our mattress expecting to get a good night’s sleep. Paying a bit more for a high quality mattress that will last, allow you to rest comfortably and feel recharged the next day is worth the higher price tag.

Athletic Shoes

Whether it’s your running shoes or the kids cleats for sports, spending the extra few dollars for a well supported, sturdy built pair of shoes will pay dividends in healthy knees, ankles and lower backs down the road.

Couch

When you first venture out on your own, a cheap futon will suffice, but when you decide to furnish your grown-up home, keep in mind that the couch is the backbone of your living room décor. A well built piece of furniture will in many cases maintain it’s purpose and outlast a cheaply built one by many years.

Winter Coat

Again, buying quality goes a long way here. Unless you are the type of gal who must wear the lastest outerwear trends every year, spending a bit more on a timeless winter coat will save you money in the long run. Also, consider buying at the end of the season when prices have plummeted in an effort for stores to prepare for spring and summer inventory.

Wardrobe Staples

There are certain wardrobe items that everyone should have. A quality pair of black slacks, a blazer, and jeans. Spending a little more money (but still looking for sales) to get well tailored classics pays dividends. Not only will they last longer but you’ll feel more confident when wearing them.

Kitchen Knives

Chopping, dicing and mincing is an everyday part of life. Whether you’re preparing for a dinner party of 12 or just slicing up an apple for a quick snack, a sturdy set of knives are a must in the kitchen. Cheap knifes will dull, fail to hold an edge, can cause injuries and simply just don’t get the job done.

Paint

Painting rooms in your home or the exterior can rejuvenate a house. But if you’re using cheap paint, that feeling won’t last long. Bargain exterior paints can begin to bubble and crack while cheap interior paints will take multiple coats to get the results you want. Paying that slight price increase for longevity and quality is worth it here.

Diapers

No explanation necessary. Every parent knows that a quality diaper is the difference between baby wipe cleanup and a full on baby/changing table decontamination. Don’t scrimp here, for your own sanity and babies too. Also, cheap diapers don’t wick the moisture away as well which can lead to uncomfortable diaper rashes.

Tires

You know those things that keep your car from hydroplaning across three lanes of traffic in a downpour? Yeah, those. They serve a safety purpose and going cheap is never advised. Ask a reputable tire dealer what is recommended in your area, tires are expensive and what works in Phoenix is not going to be ideal for those who live in Seattle, so make sure you know what you need before buying.

Linens

It can be so tempting to grab $3 towels and $10 sheet sets from the store, but we must resist. After a few washes they’re pilling, fraying and look like the ones you currently use to dry the dog off. Splurge on the quality linens (or ask for them as gifts). We all need little luxuries in our lives and I’ve already asked for my satin sheets.

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