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[bee_beck]

I just read this very interesting article and was wondering if anyone wanted to discuss it.

Link to the entire article: http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/Savinganddebt/Savemoney/P107710.asp

Luxuries you can live without -- and should
$200

Comments

[prudies]

Interesting article! I try to always ask myself, am I paying for the brand name, or am I really getting something? Say with chocolate. I wouldn't buy super duper expensive chocolate, but I will pay a little more for scharfenberger or something. The quality is worth it.

Here's my current problem with buy "cheap." So many cheap clothes are made in sweatshops. And some not so cheap clothes, like those sold at Banana Republic. And I'm not trying to get on my soapbox about it either, but I really would like not to contribute to companies that pay they're workers crappy wages.

So I guess my point is that it's better if you can really investigate the company you're purchasing from. And I think to a certain extent with clothes, buying a few really well-made things might be preferable to spending a lot on cheap stuff.

[bee_beck]

I think you have a great point and I know that *you* put serious thought into purchases but I don’t think most people do (ahem, including me).

I don’t drink much wine. It just isn’t my thing but I have actually considered purchasing a very expensive set. For me it was because I thought they looked pretty. Damn, I just can’t get enough of pretty - I’m such a push over. I really have no clue if the brand is good but at $50 a glass I’m going to assume they were. Clearly I don’t need them. What sticks me is that I’ll probably say some snooty comment about the person who spends too much on an item *I* feel is not a necessity. Because it’s all about what I think matters, right? ;)

I’m so fucked up. I should just admit it.

[nyclaura]

And then take us - who love wine, and love to have people over for wine. We have sets of the Reidel stemware, a wine refridge, and probably over 50 bottles right now (of nicer to stellar quality). Some people would think that was SO stupid.

[prudies]

You sound normal to me! Maybe I'm fucked up too. You were considering getting wine glasses or wine? Hey, wine glasses are an investment! ;) And I'm all about pretty too. I haven't really purchased expensive glasses though, because I know there's a high probability Dave or I will break them.

Anyway, people put a lot of thought into marketing, and I don't think it's necessarily a bad idea to reward that!

[bee_beck]

I was talking about $50 wine glasses. I really wanted them and was totally telling myself they were a great purchase. Granted in that moment I was neglecting that fact that I just don't like wine and only drink a few bottles a year.

But yes, marketing companies should be rewarded. :)