It’s great to be frugal. Generally, saving money is a good thing. However, there are some situations where paying more for a better outcome is better.
Whether it’s for a better product or service, sometimes it’s better to spend the money instead of looking for a bargain.
One internet user has started a discussion by saying, “Ok, so I hear a lot of ‘best frugal tips’ suggestions – but how about your worst frugal mistake? Should’ve just spent the money, you know?” These are some of the best answers.
1. Greyhound Buses
One says that using Greyhound buses for long journeys instead of paying more for planes is a big mistake. They suggest that anyone who’s spent 18+ hours on a Greyhound bus will be able to relate.
Others describe how the journeys never seem to end on Greyhound buses, and there’s always a slow realization that there are still hours to go. One traveler stresses that sleeping on them is near impossible due to the frequent stops resulting in the lights coming on and loud commotion.
2. Not Hiring a Moving Firm
Someone talks about how they made the mistake of not hiring a moving firm when they moved home. So instead of coughing up $500, they took around 50 round trips over a month, carrying their belongings from one house to another. Many replying agree, while others insist it depends on how much stuff you own and how far you’re moving.
3. Using a Futon Instead of a Mattress
A tired poster says they made a big mistake when buying a futon instead of a proper mattress and bed. The replies vary, with most saying they agree but the odd one saying they sleep better on a futon.
One disgruntled futon owner’s reply says they bought one for cheap a few years ago, and it gave them the worst year of sleep in their life. They say it lost its spring after a month, the frame bent quickly, and it was incredibly noisy to sleep on.
4. Paying Cheaper Rent, Further From Work
In an unfortunate circumstance, someone who works in the city says they live 50 miles away from their place of employment because it saves them $400 in monthly rent. The mistake stems from the fact that they must pay $400 extra in gas every month to get there. So now, they save no money but live 50 miles further away from their job than they’d like.
Another smugly points out, “that would have been a pretty easy math equation to do ahead of time, ya know.”
5. Cheap Tattoos
A regretful person says that when it comes to tattoos, you get what you pay for. Paying more means the artist takes more care, is more hygienic, and generally has more skill in the art form.
Several others suggest that you shouldn’t write off getting tattoo work done by apprentices, however. Some say they’ve paid half the going rate for tattoos drawn by talented apprentices, and the results are lovely.
6. Power Tools
Many users agree that you should never go for the cheap option regarding power tools. Not only do good power tools last longer, meaning you don’t have to keep buying replacements, but they’re also easier on your hands and body.
Some keen handypeople point out that good tools you pay decent money for will last so long that you’ll be able to hand them down to your children and, in some cases, even your grandchildren.
7. Bras
Someone says that buying cheap bras results in the wire poking out and leaving marks on their skin. They suggest that having a good bra that costs a little more feels like being on a cloud in comparison.
Most users agree, but one does point out that good quality custom-made bras from a seamstress aren’t nearly as expensive as you might think. Another remembers a pertinent quote they once read: “Go into your closet, find your most expensive pair of shoes, and buy a bra that costs that much, and you will never regret it.”
8. Not Fixing a Broken Bone
A keen skateboarder describes how they fell off their board a couple of years ago and broke their wrist. They refused to pay the $300 required to be examined and have it set in the emergency room. As a result, while they have the full range of motion again, their wrist occasionally seizes up and causes them pain.
Most are shocked at this answer. They say you should never prioritize money over health. For example, one advises that not getting your bones set after a break can result in severe arthritis in later life.
9. Footwear
Several people mention footwear in various forms, saying you get what you pay for when buying shoes and sneakers. One says they purchased a pair of shoes for $5, which fell apart after three wears, and all they did was walk to the shops.
A second suggests not scrimping when it comes to running shoes. Don’t just make do with any old sneakers; pay the price for proper running shoes, or risk causing yourself injury.
10. Dishwasher
One user says they bought a cheap (but still brand-name) dishwasher, which doesn’t clean anything they put in it. Glasses that only had water inside come out dirtier than when they went in.
Many mention other white goods, such as fridges and washing machines. Suffice it to say; it’s probably better not to scrimp on major household appliances.
This thread inspired this post.
This article was produced and syndicated by A Dime Saved.
