Many people want to save money, and there are intelligent ways to do it. However, there are some things that you should never cheap out on for multiple reasons.
First, it can be argued that it isn’t worth it because you will replace that item sooner and possibly often.
We went to a popular internet forum to determine the ten most important things people confess they won’t cut costs on.
Here they are.
1. Mattresses
The most popular response to this question is a mattress. One user claims a good-quality mattress can be an investment that pays off in comfort and health. On the other hand, cheaper, low-quality ones likely do not provide the support your body needs at night, which can lead to many health problems.
Another response details that even an expensive mattress can boil down to just a few cents a day while adding quality of sleep affects all parts of your life, especially considering that a mattress should last about ten years.
I can personally attest to this one, as I slept on a hand-me-down mattress for years before investing in a high-end one. As a result, my nights became restful instead of restless. It truly changed the way I live.
2. Home Appliances
Going cheap on home appliances can be tempting, especially if you need to replace your whole kitchen. However, there are several reasons why this is not the wisest option.
Someone explains that investing in good-quality appliances can save you money in the long run by reducing energy costs and requiring fewer repairs. Home appliances are one of the areas where it makes more sense to invest in more energy-efficient options.
3. Safety Equipment
Just as your choice of mattress can affect your health, so can safety equipment. Therefore, selecting durable items like helmets and smoke detectors is essential.
As one user states, investing in high-quality, reliable products regarding safety is crucial. Someone else simply responds that anything safety-related should be on the list.
4. Tools
Those who use tools for their job or regularly around the house must have ones you can trust and rely on. Someone answers cheap tools may break or malfunction more efficiently, which can be frustrating and costly in the long run.
Another user states most cheap tools and power tools aren’t much more affordable than the good ones, and you’ll spend more replacing the cheap ones than getting the good ones first. Finally, one testifies that buying cheap once purchase quality second. My theory to buying tools. If I need it a second time, buy something worthwhile.
5. Extreme Sports Gear
Along the same lines as safety items, extreme sporting gear should always be of quality if you value your life. Choosing to purchase the cheaper item, if it is not reliable, is a good way to get yourself injured. Or worse.
As one responder suggests, cliff climbing gear, parachutes, diving gear, or any extreme sports gear is something that you should not cheap out on.
6. Toilet Paper
One of the most common responses to this question is toilet paper. The difference in the rolls you purchase is usually only a few dollars. One user explains that the cheap stuff is scratchy and you need more, so it is not much more affordable. Another says this is in their top three answers to the question, adding there is “nothing worse than shreds getting stuck.”
7. A Car
Purchasing a car is a considerable expense, to begin with, so I can understand why it might be tempting to go with a cheap option. However, similarly to mattresses and home appliances, this investment is meant to last years before it needs replacing.
One commenter details the reasons behind their response monthly car repairs start to add up, and you end up just being better off with a car in better shape. While several people agree that a vehicle is a substantial investment not to cheap out on, others feel it is a bit of a grey area.
As someone explains, this one is complicated because the amount you spend does not necessarily correlate to higher quality, more reliability, or cheaper repairs.
8. Shoes
Another popular response is shoes. One responder explains that they feel it is essential to spend money on anything that goes between you and the ground, such as a mattress, shoes, and car tires.
One individual explains that footwear is vital for protecting your feet and supporting your body, especially if you are on your feet for long periods. Cheap shoes may not be made with the same level of craftsmanship and may not provide the necessary support and protection.
A second user confesses they used to “hemorrhage money” by buying cheap work shoes despite having the cash for better. A third delivers essential advice that they once received from their grandad. He always told them to buy the best shoes and beds they could afford because when you’re not in one, you’re in the other. Finally, another user adds if your feet hurt, everything hurts. Therefore, “Never skimp on shoes.”
9. Computer Power Supply
We rely heavily on our electronics in this day and age. While you can cheap out on some personal computer parts, purchasing a quality computer power supply is suggested. One commenter advises practically anything else in your computer; you can upgrade later. But a cheap power supply can damage everything else in your system if it fails.
A second agrees, stating this is the only thing you cannot cheap out on. A final user explains that so many people waste hundreds of ram, storage, and other pc parts but cheap out on the PSU.
10. Office Chair
Along the same lines as the suggestion of buying a good mattress, an office chair makes the list of things you cannot cheap out on. One person includes a list of several items along with an office chair, stating, “everything you use often, consider upgrading, as they all will contribute to your quality of life.” Someone else advises that chairs are important, while another says you can’t put a price on a healthy back.
This thread inspired this post.
This post originally appeared on A Dime Saved.
