His list includes:
Toilet Paper
Trash Bags
Running Shoes
Food
Bed Sheets
Office Chair
Silverware
I thought this was interesting, because I agree wholeheartedly on some of these and disagree on others. It made me realize that what is worth splurging on is a personal matter. What one person can't stand to go without, another person can be totally fine without.
I stopped buying trash bags three years ago, and have never looked back. I like recycling my grocery bags to use for garbage bags and although they fill up quickly my garbage can is right by the door so it isn't a big deal. I can see that in the future this toleration might change, but for now it works. I buy bed sheets on clearance from Target, or at Costco, TJ Maxx, Ross, etc. and prefer jersey to any other material so thread count is not an issue. I never pay more than $20 for a set! Silverware being on this list is kind of confusing to me... maybe one of you can explain why this would be worth the splurge? I have hand me downs from my parents and they are not gorgeous but they do what they are supposed to so I'm good, and have never thought about buying new. I bet you could find great silverware at yard sales too.
I do see the need for a great office chair, running shoes, toilet paper and especially food! I am quite the food snob and my husband teases me because once I told him my favorite hobby was eating out. It's kinda true though. Good food is a must and healthy groceries are worth the splurge in my opinion.
I decided to make my own list of 7 things I consider to be worth splurging a little on and some that actually have saved me a lot of money in the long run:
Food - Fresh & healthy groceries (like 100% whole-wheat bread) and eating out for fun. Both equally worth it to me.
Jeans - Quality jeans are a must for me! Splurging to me means paying $40-$70 on a good pair.
Shoes - Quality shoes or boots that are comfortable are also worth it if you know you'll wear them every day. The sparkly flats in a trendy color? I like to keep them cheap!
Good Water Bottle/Cup/Thermos - I know this might sound weird, but buying one of these lid + straw to-go cups and a good BPA free water bottle have saved me hundreds of dollars just in the past year. I am way less likely to buy a bottled water or soda if I have my cup with me and can just fill it up at the drinking fountain and sip on it all day.
iPhone - This one's not for everyone, but I tried the non-smartphone basic phone plan to save money for two years, and every month I was being charged data and extra things anyway, without getting any of the goods. I finally decided to buy the best phone and the fancy data plan and it is SO handy for everything I use it for, plus I don't have to cry on the phone with Sprint every month. Double bonus.
Frugal Fun & Getaways - I am never okay with fun being completely taken out of the budget. I am a firm believer that you should budget for date nights out, get creative, find fun things to do for free, and take a vacation or weekend getaway every once in a while. Yes, you can do these in thrifty ways and these are good for your mental well-being and your relationships!
Appliances - Kitchen appliances, vacuums, washer and dryer, etc. I actually have the low-end of almost everything right now, mostly because they are all hand-me-downs and honestly they do the job just fine, but if I am going to spend money on new ones I want them to last forever!
Of course, I would never go into debt or use a credit card to buy any of this stuff. This is all worth the splurge if you have the cash. What things do you think are worth splurging a little on??
I'm totally with you on jeans. Finding a good fit and quality brand makes a huge difference! I've learned the hard way!
ReplyDeleteLove this post! Definitely agree minus the iPhone but I do think splurging on a good computer/laptop is worth it! Especially agree on the food and shoes :)
ReplyDeleteXO Samantha
I agree with you about the iPhone. I was one of the last in my social circle to take the smart phone plunge and I will never go back. My iPhone makes me so much more productive and I have tons of apps that help me to search for the best price on gas or whether or not a particular item I am looking at in the store is cheaper online.
ReplyDeleteNot that I'm a huge silverware nut even being from Dixie myself, but picking out your silverware pattern or having the family pattern handed down has been a big Southern tradition in the past. I don't know if that's why it made the list or not, but since Dave's from TN it's a possibility.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with you on the jeans. I just bought a couple new pair (for the first time in years) and I spent about $65 on each one. But it's worth it to me, because they flatter me, they're good quality and will last a long time.
ReplyDelete- Jocelyn @ jocelynandjason.blogspot.com
I completely agree with trash bags and jeans. I tried the cheap kind of trash bag and they rip, no fun! Also in the jeans department, if you don't buy jeans that fit, you won't feel comfortable and will lack confidence. Good list!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I have to think more about what my splurges would be!
ReplyDeletei agree with kelly -- i'll need to think on this... thanks for sharing, though!
ReplyDelete1) Chucks- I wear them almost exclusively and I have more pairs than is normal. But I love them.
ReplyDelete2) iPhone
3) traveling- a lot of my money goes to traveling, but I have experiences my friends and I talk about still, years later.
4) Cookware. I only use a few pieces, but they are excellent quality so they stand up to the use.
5) Sports- I splurge for season tickets for my soccer team each season. and road trips, part of which falls under travel.
6) A really good meal. I just dropped $75 at a Voltaggio restaurant last night, but I know I will never be disappointed with my food, beverages, and service.
7) Nail polish. I have a lot of it, but I do my own manicures, and like to do manicures related to events I'm attending.
It has been my recent experience that it is no longer worth purchasing the more expensive appliances because they are simply not made to last any longer than the less expensive- this advice came to me from an appliance repairman. He said the luxury models break down just as quickly as the cheaper models and their parts are so expensive they are not worth fixing. He said he never buys the highest end models for his own use. My own personal experience proves this to be true.
ReplyDeleteHmm that is interesting! I had heard that about Kitchenaid appliances but not all of them. That is good to know. Thanks!
DeleteWhat a great list! I agree, an office chair that is comfy is SO important! :) Erin
ReplyDeleteI think that is why you have hand me down silerware- because it was nice silverware at some point! :) I understand the investment of nice silverware- you can pass it on to your kids or grandkids and it won't bend/break like some cheap silverware has. I bought some "nice" silverware at Target with gift cards about 6 years ago and it's already bent and broken. But the hand me down from my grandmother (including her pyrex dishes from her first year of marriage) are still in mint condition! :)
ReplyDeleteTwo of my "splurges" are toilet paper and laundry detergent. ;)
ReplyDelete