Comments | frugal_fans: Pricy, but frugal

thebratqueen in frugal_fans

Pricy, but frugal

Jan 20, 2005 14:19

Being frugal isn't always spending the least amount of cash, it's about spending your cash wisely, and on what you want to spend it on.

Along that lines, sometimes the best thing we can do for our frugal lives is spend a lot now, so we can reap a lot of benefits and/or save a lot later.

So: what pricy but frugal things would you recommend?

( some of TBQ's behind the cut tag )

Comments 40

wesleysgirl January 20 2005, 19:25:48 UTC

We decided not to buy beef at the regular supermarket anymore. Now we only buy it, a few times a year, at the natural foods store where it's hormone and antibiotic free and grass-fed only. We spend a lot less money on meat this way, it's a special treat, and it's healthier both because of the quality and because we're eating less meat in general. (We replaced the would-have-been-red-meat meals with vegetarian ones.)

Buying energy-saving appliances, like front loading washing machines that use much less water. For that matter, it's almost always more energy efficient to buy a new refrigerator instead of accepting a used one as a hand me down, since older refrigerators in particular use a lot of electricity.

cheesygirl January 20 2005, 19:30:53 UTC

When making purchases I try to weigh the different advantages/disadvantages of each beyond cash value. For example, I like to buy pre-packaged pre-washed green salads because I'm on my own and the cost of buying veggies individually added to the time it takes to clean and prepare them (plus the idea that I loathe having to do that) makes it worth the extra money I spend for the convenience. Someone who doesn't mind the prep work or who has the time to do it would see the pre-packaged stuff as a waste of money.

The same goes for other "convenience" items. The cheaper route moneywise may cost you in time and labor and you have to think about if those are things you want to expend.

flaming_muse January 20 2005, 19:38:14 UTC

I agree *completely* on the spices, chocolate, and cheese. The good stuff has so much more flavor that I use much less.

Good quality shoes and other clothes that take a beating. Sure, I could get my clothes more cheaply, but I'd have to replace them far more frequently, which is more expensive in the long haul.

Energy-saving appliances, especially when they're items that will last twenty or thirty years.

Also, having one of those (usually free) services come in to show you where your house isn't as energy efficient as it could be. It isn't always cheap to put in insulation and so forth in areas that need it, but long-term energy savings make it worth it. Also, it's better for the environment.

Items that make me smile, like artwork. I'm happier when there are pictures on the walls and pretty objects around me. I could put the money other places, sure, but being happier every time I walk by a painting I love is certainly worth the expense. Don't underestimate how much liking your environment can lift your spirits.

wesleysgirl January 20 2005, 19:44:28 UTC

Also, having one of those (usually free) services come in to show you where your house isn't as energy efficient as it could be. It isn't always cheap to put in insulation and so forth in areas that need it, but long-term energy savings make it worth it. Also, it's better for the environment.

Yes! We replaced the windows in our 100 year old home a couple of years after moving in, and had insulation blown into the walls and attic space. Although at the time it was a major expense, in the long run we save money on heating and cooling bills and, like you said, better for the environment.

I'll third this kuzibah January 20 2005, 19:51:13 UTC

Between the new windows and the timer on the thermostat, we've saved a bundle on heating oil.

flaming_muse January 20 2005, 19:52:59 UTC

Yep! It depends on the house, though. My parents' house is from the 1890s, and when they had someone come in they said that their windows were so good that the newer ones would actually be less efficient, if you can believe it!

Thread 14

kristinholt January 20 2005, 19:50:55 UTC

One of my guilty pleasures is spending money on pens. Not just any regular ball point pens, but good quality gel ink pens.

I've decided it's my reward for getting back into college after a four year hiatus.

manycolored January 20 2005, 20:15:22 UTC

I totally agree. I do TONS of writing every day, and the right liquid ink roller ball or even razor point felt-tip makes a HUGE difference in how much cramping I get. They're pricy, but they make a huge difference in my comfort for many hours a day.

kristinholt January 21 2005, 04:55:44 UTC

Mmmm, pens.

I need a pen porn icon. :D

minim_calibre January 20 2005, 19:56:05 UTC

If one carries a purse, a good, well-constructed purse will save money over the long run, because the cheaper purses will tend to give out within a year.

In season, we spend a little more to get high-quality fresh fruit at the very nice grocery store, because the taste benefit outweighs the price difference. Rather than having a lot mealy, unsatisfying peaches, we have a few fat, ripe, sweet peaches in smaller quantities.

Good cookware, like a good purse, will also save money. It lasts longer and cooks better.