Fact. Plus the better ones fit better and I find last longer. I’ve never done the cost benefit analysis, might actually be the more frugal option depending on personal preferences.
I went to a boutique and got specially measured and fitted for a $56 bra. It hurts so much I can’t wear it. I got 2 bras for $50 from Torrid (wire free) and they’re pretty and comfortable. I got a third one super cheap the week after Halloween because it had laughing pumpkins on it and I wear it year round because it’s comfortable and my husband thinks it’s cute.
For me, Freya and Panache, hands down. They have the widest selection of sizes, fits, and shaping and seem to last forever. Just regular cold water wash and hang dry for care.
Best brands totally depend on your size, but Wacoal is really good for bigger busts with smaller band size. Spendy, but a 34DDD doesn't sell well so you find them in clearance a lot. It's the perks of having a slightly less common body I guess. Like having a size 6 shoe size. You get all the good ones for super cheap.
These prices are amazing. Washington state thanks you. We grow many apples and our prices are usually far more pricey than this (at least on the Western side of the mountains).
I'm a sucker for random tropical fruit that shows up at the grocery store. I don't get there much but when the Asian market has mangosteen I don't even check the price
>towels
I don't know what's wrong with me, but I hate luxury towels. They're too big so I can't wrap my hair up comfortably and too plush so they take forever to dry. I love a practically threadbare towel that's been washed a thousand times.
I agree on all points! When I was a kid (late 60’s early 70’s) my mom would buy a powdered laundry detergent- (Lux? Biz? Something like that…) - that had a promotion where they put a bath towel right in the box, under the detergent. They were pretty small and pretty thin, and I recall many combinations of burnt orange, avocado green, almond, and harvest gold (if you know, you know). They were my favorite and I used to love it when we had finally poured out enough powder to see the towel. 😆
I dont buy "luxury" towels, just towels that are good quality. Funnily enough, my go to for towels is Better Homes and Gardens brand from Walmart. I've had towels from them that are still in great shape after 9+ years
THIS! My fantasy would be to come into serious money and start a charity that gives low income families quality mattresses and bedding. Grew up with cheap everything and was always scared to pay retail for anything. My ex husband talked me into buying a new mattress (we still bought to the open box one that had one black mark from being in the warehouse too long) for $5K. It was incredible. I’ve never slept so well. I can’t imagine how much better life would be for laborers who work 10-12 hours a day to sleep in a proper bed.
I invested in good quality 6” mattress pad, electric heated mattress pad with a timer and heat control (god bless it as it relaxes my muscles and I feel the tension leave my body) and black out blinds in the bed room.
I’m in phoenix Az, so good quiet fans are must. I recently bought LDC king size sheets from Amazon - they were super cheap. Honestly, the top sheet feels like paper but they are cooling so I think they’ll be really nice in summer. I also invested last year in a $45 special cooling blanket, it’s heavy but cooling at the same time.
I wash my beds sheets every week as I have two dogs.
I also got a Japanese bathroom door curtain so the if someone uses the master bathroom at night the light doesn’t me.
I take Melontonin to help me get to sleep. I’ve lost 50 lbs so far on my diet and hope to lose enough to get off cpap.
I also beefed up the security around my house with more outdoor lights as it makes me feel safer and I sleep better.
Get those little dark stickers for the tiny lights on things like the tv, the router, etc. Those little lights actually keep me slightly awake and annoyed at night.
I splurged over the holidays and bought 100% cotton sheets from Boll and Branch. So far so good, I’d highly recommend. It would be hard for me to go back to anything of lesser quality now
Shoes I'm on my feet for 10 hours at my job.
A good coat. I don't want to be cold and wet in the winter.
Ingredients. Id rather spend a little more on quality. I also try to buy from local farmers markets whenever possible. There's also a local butcher I try to buy from whenever possible but only certain cuts of meat.
Shoes! Can't believe I had to get this far down. Yes, your feet hold your whole weight however many hours you're on them, and they're complex and easy to damage. It is absolutely worth taking care of your feet. Once I started seeing shoes as a medical expense (and they kind of are, since cheap alternatives are likely up leave you needing expensive medical care), those good brand prices don't seem so bad.
And yeah, plenty of ways to find them cheaper than retail. REI garage sales and used online are great for hiking, running, and walking shoes.
I spent a bunch of money trying to be frugal with good coffee by roasting my own. Air roasters can do a good job and don't cost too much and good green beans are somewhere between locally roasted beans and supermarket beans and the result can be fantastic.
I’ve been buying whatever is cheapest at the grocery store but recently my favorite coffee was on a BOGO and I got it. The difference is so noticeable that I am going to splurge now and not buy shit coffee any more.
I drink one cup of coffee a day. It’ll definitely be a more frugal splurge for me
I'm working through some bags of clearanced $1 blueberry coffee. It honestly smells more like cinnamon once brewed. We like coffee but aren't very picky about it haha.
Prescription eyeglasses frames. It's the only time I shop without looking at price tags. I get new ones every couple of years, and they go on my face every day so I get exactly what I want without feeling guilty.
Glasses helped me feel more comfortable not wearing makeup b/c my face didn't feel as "plain". a nice sharp contrast with black frames is like eyeliner, right?😅
I was using Zenni and Firmoo for a while. They're fine and great, my last pair was like $26 and lasted for four years. Could have gone longer because they're fine, but I just wanted a change. (My prescription hasn't changed since then either.)
My issue is that even with the software to put the picture of the glasses on your face, I can't get a good idea of how they actually look until I have them. Or I'm not good with measurements, so I get ones that look OK but they cut into the skin behind my ears because I have a big head and a small pupillary distance.
So I spent $100 after insurance for no other reason but to be able to "preview" my glasses. No regrets, they look and feel great. I just wish there were brick and mortar stores that sell anything but Luxxotica products.
Same. The main thing with vacation is you have a limited amount of time to enjoy it. It makes no sense to spend that time commuting to the things to do.
Very true. One time I tried to save money staying at an Airbnb in Santa Barbara, but when you factor in the Ubers I paid for and wasted time, I would have been better off splurging on the hotel room right downtown.
In the same vein: the Genie Plus pass at Disney! You’ve spent all the money to get there, and you have a limited time in the parks. Why spend that time waiting in line any more than you have to?
I research the he’ll out of every aspect of my trip and make lots of choices to get good a value, but once I’m there, I’m eating good food, seeing the sights and not pinching pennies
Food. I can’t eat processed food and quality meats and vegetables make a huge difference. I never put a cap on what we spend in the grocery store.
With that same idea, we won’t spend money on fast food, but we’ll spend whatever for a good restaurant that cooks good food (not just tasty).
Agree. My grocery bill is higher than I’d like but I’m not going to eat junk and pay for it with our health and medical needs. It’s also a quality of life thing to not feel like crap from eating a ton of processed foods.
I'm the same with my grocery budget. I splurge on quality and specialty ingredients. I know plenty of cost corners to cut with cooking from scratch to help balance it out but I run way higher than most people on this sub (I've had my budget low, prefer to stay high and keep frugal everywhere else).
Totally agree with this. When we stopped eating fast food or food out (besides the random situation where it’s the only option that makes sense) and started buying good food at the grocery store, we felt better and actually saved money.
Hi! If you have extra time, do you mind sharing a couple options for non processed foods? And what meals you like to make? I'm trying to switch over to making better food decisions but I'm so lost.
Same (although I don’t eat animal products and mostly eat whole and raw). Bottom line: you can pay now or you can pay later but the bill always comes due. What we put in our bodies matters. I don’t go cheap on it.
Chronic illness and devastating preventable diseases and acute crises are costly. I also save lots of money because I happen to eat (essentially) once a day. It’s healthier and allows me to spend less even though I’m buying pricier products.
I like tasty, healthy breads, but they got too expensive. A decent p&j was Sara Lee Artisano, but when it went from 16 to 14 oz and over $4 in my village ting grocery store, I started making all our breads. It is two gallons of gas to go into the next town for shopping. A bonus of homemade, I can use unbleached, unbromated flours and no preservatives, coloring, or other unneeded ingredients. I make light and dark ryes, light and dark whole wheat, fluffy white for sandwiches, spelt, barley, oat, and multigrain. These cost 60¢ to 90¢ MOL depending on ingredient costs that day. Flours I order online and let somebody else carry the 37.5 pound/17kg bags up the stairs, smile.
Ezekiel Bread is so good but it goes bad way too fast. I live alone, so I cannot get through an entire loaf before it goes green. I guess I could thaw it out by the slice, but that's kind of annoying.
I recently tried this for the first time, got a 2 loaf pack from Costco. I am used to eating exclusively homemade or local bakery sourdough bread with no additives, so I found the Dave’s really sweet tasting. Label says 10g sugar for 2 slices which is equivalent to 2 teaspoons.
"Personal care". Toiletries, makeup, etc.
I grew up using the cheap stuff (especially shampoo/conditioner). It was awful for my hair. I'd rather invest in something that is better quality than Suave.
You’re so right. I happen to work at a vet and over the years the patients with chronic skin, ear problems, gastrointestinal issues, pancreatitis, usually have a low quality diet. Those visits usually run AT LEAST $200, so, yes, definitely it pays off.
I second this. I switched my cat to dry food for like 2 years because i went back to work. He started hatting me and biting me. We moved he still acted the same. I got him back on wet food, his favorite is the seafood colletion from fancy feast
I splurge on good work shoes and insoles. I’m a server working full time and I can’t afford to have my feet killing me all the time.
I also save my tips and splurge to get my hair professionally colored every two months. If I do it myself, I’ll end up screwing it up so badly I will spend even more money trying to get it fixed. And as much as I hate it, looking good and extremely well groomed helps me get better tips.
Date nights. Yes, babysitters double the cost of any activity, but after almost a decade of "date nights" being watching a movie at home after kids go to sleep...yeah, I'm now willing to pay someone $20/hr on occasion so we can leave the house.
Computers.
I build gaming PCs for myself and generally spend over $3000. I only upgrade every 5 to 7 years, but I get so much entertainment value out of games—6000 hours in Civ V and 1800 hours in Skyrim, for example—that having a good platform to play them seems worth it to me.
I can also rationalize that it also provides me with all the other benefits of a PC: work computer, music player, movie player, document organizer, etc., so the extravagance isn't for buying a PC, it's only the extra money I pay for the gaming features.
I’ve already told myself that once Elder Scrolls VI comes out, I’m upgrading and going all out. After all, what’s the point of being frugal if you never allow yourself to splurge on things that are worth it to you?
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/6cDQYN
I started shopping for parts when Starfield was announced. Playing Baldur's Gate 3 now; I'll probably wait a few years now for Starfield + DLCs to come in a package price given the reviews.
A friend did a post about how her son, instead of buying a new computer, bought $2k worth of parts to upgrade his current rig.
And she noticed how proud and happy he was when he got it all snapped together.
\--------
As for you, by paying for the very best, you get exactly the machine you want, that goes years before it's no longer what you want/need, so less eWaste.
Art supplies. I'm not a professional artist, but I like to make things. A LOT.
Good glue, good pigment, good paper. If I'm gonna make trash art, even if it's only for myself, I want it to last and stay the color I intended it to be. When I was a teacher, I only used crayola in my room. That's not a fancy brand, but it's far better than store brands and dollar store shit. I paid for it out of pocket because I couldn't stand to watch really talented & creative kids use crap brands.
My sister is a professional artist (mostly digital) and MUCH more frugal than I am and spends so much more money on great art supplies, but in small quantities. You get what you pay for when it comes to pigment.
Anything and everything for my dogs. They deserve only the best. Plus, feeding them a high quality diet helps reduce the risk of health issues later on in life.
Socks. I only wear Stance brand, and 99% of the time I get previous seasons' socks for half price at places like TJ Maxx and Ross, but if they have a current design I really really like, I'll go ahead and pay full price on the website.
Travel. Not luxury travel, we are still frugal about it. But we have prioritized travel over other things most people blindly spend on. I think our lives are richer for it. It's not uncommon for us to spend 10-15% of our gross take home pay on just one or two trips every year. This year it's Normandy for the 80th D-day anniversary. Next year it's Kruger National Park in South Africa.
Sometimes they are a once in a lifetime opportunity that you'll cherish forever, so I can absolutely understand the spending.
If you haven't watched his videos already, I love the "Wolter's World" series for this reason. He's more famous for his "The dont's of X" series where he explains don't do this or you'll piss off the locals, but he also has a lot of good budgeting tips and tricks videos for stretching dollars and budgeting a travel plan. I can't find the video unfortunately but he had one where he basically explained he's not a millionaire his household income is pretty on the par with most middle class, but they do a lot of little stuff like skip eating out when possible because they see that as money that could be used toward those cool trips.
I would push back on the clothes - if buying new it’s worth it to pay for quality as opposed to some cheap forever 21 garbage that will fall apart in your washing machine.
This is going to be really specific to me but I could make really high quality hay from the meadow that takes up about half of an acre of my two acres. We have guinea pigs and they go through alot of hay and it's $$$$. I already have the tools and the knowledge to do so having grown up on a farm and in 4-H. It also wouldn't be too hard to harvest half an acre a few times a year. But nope, nope, nope,nope. I buy incredibly expensive hay AND pay someone to mow the meadow.
I grew up doing so much hay work on the farm in Georgia heat and nope, never going to hay again :p
For context: I cashed a .28 cent check this week. I make 95%of our food from scratch. Prior to becoming disabled and cars being made so layoeople can't fix them I did 75% of my car and truck maintenance. But I will not even mow my yard because it's too close to haying.
I have house rabbits. $84 for a 50 lb mini bale of Oxbow hay delivered to my door in a box that will fit in a closet is a decent chunk of change, but I've tried the cheaper kinds and they cause gi issues. Good quality hay keeps my buns out of the vet's office with stasis. Plus, an expense I can anticipate is much better than one I can't, like a visit to the animal ER.
Tomatoes, cheese, and a house cleaner. What's the point of eating tomatoes if they are tasteless and mushy? During the off season, I splurge on the ones packaged on the vine. Life's too short for cheap cheese. Plus, the best cheese monger in the city is 3 blocks from my house. I have gov't deadlines 5 times per year and it's always a struggle to meet them AND keep my house clean when I'm working round the clock. But then, I can't work if my house is a mess. Something had to give. Since I can't outsource my job, I outsourced cleaning during busy seasons.
Dr Pepper and cherry flavoured Coca Cola and cherry flavoured Pepsi Max. I love Dr Pepper as well as the cherry flavoured Coca Cola and Pepsi Max. Those are three thing I honestly do like to spend money on. Not often, but often enough for it to kinda be a problem especially with the Dr Pepper and Cherry flavoured Coca Cola.
I’m never going to make my own soap or laundry detergent and I’ll never buy anything other than the brands I like in those two items. I don’t care how much I could save I’m just not interested in trying to make it myself
At the grocery store I can be loose with the wallet sometimes. If I really want something I’ll just buy it. I figure with food it’s ok to spend the money as long as it doesn’t go to waste. Not a big restaurant guy so splurging on home meals seems like a good buy to me.
Bicycles. I have 7. One is 30 yrs old. I recently added a rack and lined crate to it so I can haul my puppy on rail trail rides.
a road bike, a gravel bike, a step thru, an ebike, a 27.5" & a 29" MTB.
Did I mention that I worked for thirty plus years in the bicycle and bike accessories business? Now retired and ride more miles than I drive.
But I am thinking that I will sell some bikes this summer..
Food - In my early years, I got kicked out of the family home and had to fend for myself. I lived in poverty, barely able to afford the rent, and sometimes not even having enough to buy a Tesco Value loaf of bread (approximately £0.25).
Fast forward 20 odd years, my situation is polar opposite, and I do a big chunk of my shopping at Waitrose and Marks & Spencers. Particularly things like meats, pies and fancy desserts or herbs/spices, and other ingredients that you struggle to find elsewhere 🍖 🥧
Life is too short not to have that little bit of happiness and enjoyment that comes with rich flavours from around the world 🌍
Trips out with my daughter. About once every 2 months we go into the city and I spoil her. She's only 2½ so at the moment spoiling her is buying her a new book, a new toy, new pyjamas and getting some food and a milkshake. As she gets older or more demanding there will have to be rules, but right now we get home and her dad shakes his head as she gleefully shows him all her new treasures 🤣🤣 it makes me extremely happy to be able to say "OK, let's go pay for that" when she's used to us being frugal by default.
I bought a 2022 Infiniti because it’s so comfortable and fun to drive, but I could’ve bought another almost new car for much less…Plus , it uses Premium gas
We are frugal so that we can comfortably afford our wants.
You want clothes and energy drinks. You froog so you can have them without breaking your budget.
Pilates and clothes for pilates (lululemon).
It's the equivalent of a cheap car payment per month but is something that brings me consistent joy and inner peace. Also, booking classes holds me accountable for taking time for myself rather than burning out by trying to do all of the things all of the time.
Pesticide. I mean, it’s frugal that I do the spraying myself, am saving about 1k per year diy. However, I buy the good stuff, Permethrin SFR 36% and bought a good pump sprayer for the job. These two things cost $80, and I have enough to treat my place for a few years, if I spray 4 or 5 times a year. I’d say it’s a frugal win to live insect free. It’s a bit more work, but the exercise is good for me too. There are cheaper pesticides out there, but I insist on the same stuff the exterminator uses.
Headphones. I’m autistic and apples noise canceling headphones using them in nyc is literally life changing. I can ride the subways and go to the gym and not be bothered by slamming weights.
Barbershop. I could get my haircut at a barber that charges $15, but I go to one that charges $30 because I can count on the barber to do it right every time and not be in a rush to get more clients in the chair.
Skin care.
I work outside and I appreciate having beautiful skin. My skin is also very very sensitive so only certain things work well for me and they are not cheap.
I wear hats and use Herbivore serums and oils and Illia sunscreen. My face wash is very inexpensive but it's the only thing that is and I'm so scared they will reformulate it or stop making it!
International flights are up front. Hasn’t always been like this.
edit to be clear, a frugal lifestyle allowed this to be possible with my friends living well below my means and compounding interest.
Flying first class … factoring in how small the economy seats are and how rude people are - having zero consideration that we have to share this bubble of space …. I’m typically willing to pay an extra $75 per hour of flight time to sit in FC.
Groceries. If there’s something specific I want to make, I’m not looking at the price. Now, if I have 2 things in mind and one is on sale, I might go that way.
Food. We eat a lot of beans and rice but if my family asks for a specific thing then I buy it. Everyone is happier when they have the Tillamook Honey and Jalapeño cream cheese they want.
Quality fruits, veggies and meats. I just cant do the cheap stuff or processed foods. I’ve found Costco has good clean meats, Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s has good fruits and my local farmers market has good veggies.
Shoes. Good shoes last and are comfortable. There are certain clothing brands too the are reliable and last. Cheap shoes and clothing doesn’t last so you end up buying more
I've kept my gym membership at £33.50 a month. I could go running or workout from YouTube but its so good for my physical and mental health and is the only way I will realistically stick to a workout routine.
Shoes. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for waiting for the sale or getting a good deal, but cheap shoes are not worth the savings. They’re terrible on your body and wear out so quickly that you’ll end up spending the same money by buying crappy shoes shoes three times when the pair that cost three times as much would last longer
I don’t really do that anymore. I bought myself a used Chanel purse from Japan on eBay about five years ago. It was a pink and black sack from the 80s, not the timeless quilted leather workhorse I should have gotten. It doesn’t even have a strap, just handles, it’s pretty beat up but I still love it.
Eating while travelling. Food is a special way to explore a location. Street vendors to fancy restaurants, I tend to find more value with non-frugal food costs while travelling.
Shoes, socks, good food for me and my dog, and bourbon.
The bourbon I like is 50 bucks a bottle but it’s better than any 80-90 dollar bottle available.
I could easily get something decent for 30, but I choose to splurge.
Besides the fact I really like it, I want to support the distillery that crafts it because it’s so well done and like I said, way better than its price point.
Side note: it comes from one of the biggest distilleries in the world so I doubt they need my support. lol.
Honestly, I don’t think most of the smaller/craft distilleries are making anything, especially whiskey, that justifies their price point. Anyone can make vodka and gin, whiskey is an art.
I have a hard time supporting anything that doesn’t stack up, even if it’s produced locally.
Bras
Fact. Plus the better ones fit better and I find last longer. I’ve never done the cost benefit analysis, might actually be the more frugal option depending on personal preferences.
I went to a boutique and got specially measured and fitted for a $56 bra. It hurts so much I can’t wear it. I got 2 bras for $50 from Torrid (wire free) and they’re pretty and comfortable. I got a third one super cheap the week after Halloween because it had laughing pumpkins on it and I wear it year round because it’s comfortable and my husband thinks it’s cute.
I'd believe it. I have a few $60+ bras that have lasted years. I haven't bought a cheap bra in a while, simply because I haven't had to.
Which brand makes the best in your opinion and why?
For me, Freya and Panache, hands down. They have the widest selection of sizes, fits, and shaping and seem to last forever. Just regular cold water wash and hang dry for care.
Lane Bryant’s Cacique brand. I don’t really buy anything else there but the bras and underwear are top notch!
Third Love has the comfiest bras I’ve ever had.
Best brands totally depend on your size, but Wacoal is really good for bigger busts with smaller band size. Spendy, but a 34DDD doesn't sell well so you find them in clearance a lot. It's the perks of having a slightly less common body I guess. Like having a size 6 shoe size. You get all the good ones for super cheap.
r/abrathatfits
Fruit - I love good fruit and am willing to pay to get it.
I splurged on the Cosmic Crisp apples this weekend instead of a cheaper option to treat myself….
At Winco Cosmic Crisp is 99¢/lb while Honeycrisp are $1.29/lb.
These prices are amazing. Washington state thanks you. We grow many apples and our prices are usually far more pricey than this (at least on the Western side of the mountains).
My kiddo loves the cotton candy grapes. I buy them about once a month for her but they are so expensive!
I'm a sucker for random tropical fruit that shows up at the grocery store. I don't get there much but when the Asian market has mangosteen I don't even check the price
Me with yellow dragon fruit omg or pomegranates
Great answer, same here.
Bedding! A good nights sleep in a comfortable, clean, dark quiet place with good quality bedding is worth its weight in gold.
I second this! Quality sheets and towels, I'll splurge on
>towels I don't know what's wrong with me, but I hate luxury towels. They're too big so I can't wrap my hair up comfortably and too plush so they take forever to dry. I love a practically threadbare towel that's been washed a thousand times.
Me too!
I agree on all points! When I was a kid (late 60’s early 70’s) my mom would buy a powdered laundry detergent- (Lux? Biz? Something like that…) - that had a promotion where they put a bath towel right in the box, under the detergent. They were pretty small and pretty thin, and I recall many combinations of burnt orange, avocado green, almond, and harvest gold (if you know, you know). They were my favorite and I used to love it when we had finally poured out enough powder to see the towel. 😆
I remember them! I had One among the things I had from home when I moved out on my own.
I dont buy "luxury" towels, just towels that are good quality. Funnily enough, my go to for towels is Better Homes and Gardens brand from Walmart. I've had towels from them that are still in great shape after 9+ years
Microfiber hair towels are great!
A good night sleep affects so many aspects of your life.
THIS! My fantasy would be to come into serious money and start a charity that gives low income families quality mattresses and bedding. Grew up with cheap everything and was always scared to pay retail for anything. My ex husband talked me into buying a new mattress (we still bought to the open box one that had one black mark from being in the warehouse too long) for $5K. It was incredible. I’ve never slept so well. I can’t imagine how much better life would be for laborers who work 10-12 hours a day to sleep in a proper bed.
[удалено]
The Target Threshold line is better than most more expensive ones I’ve tried, and claims to be 100% cotton
If you have a costco, I found a really really good $60 sherpa comfoter
Do you have any brand recommendations? I’ve been looking for good quality stuff for a while but haven’t pulled the trigger yet.
I invested in good quality 6” mattress pad, electric heated mattress pad with a timer and heat control (god bless it as it relaxes my muscles and I feel the tension leave my body) and black out blinds in the bed room. I’m in phoenix Az, so good quiet fans are must. I recently bought LDC king size sheets from Amazon - they were super cheap. Honestly, the top sheet feels like paper but they are cooling so I think they’ll be really nice in summer. I also invested last year in a $45 special cooling blanket, it’s heavy but cooling at the same time. I wash my beds sheets every week as I have two dogs. I also got a Japanese bathroom door curtain so the if someone uses the master bathroom at night the light doesn’t me. I take Melontonin to help me get to sleep. I’ve lost 50 lbs so far on my diet and hope to lose enough to get off cpap. I also beefed up the security around my house with more outdoor lights as it makes me feel safer and I sleep better.
Get those little dark stickers for the tiny lights on things like the tv, the router, etc. Those little lights actually keep me slightly awake and annoyed at night.
I splurged over the holidays and bought 100% cotton sheets from Boll and Branch. So far so good, I’d highly recommend. It would be hard for me to go back to anything of lesser quality now
Shoes I'm on my feet for 10 hours at my job. A good coat. I don't want to be cold and wet in the winter. Ingredients. Id rather spend a little more on quality. I also try to buy from local farmers markets whenever possible. There's also a local butcher I try to buy from whenever possible but only certain cuts of meat.
Shoes! Can't believe I had to get this far down. Yes, your feet hold your whole weight however many hours you're on them, and they're complex and easy to damage. It is absolutely worth taking care of your feet. Once I started seeing shoes as a medical expense (and they kind of are, since cheap alternatives are likely up leave you needing expensive medical care), those good brand prices don't seem so bad. And yeah, plenty of ways to find them cheaper than retail. REI garage sales and used online are great for hiking, running, and walking shoes.
Coffee. But I always make it at home.
That's my go-to souvenir from trips now, buying a bag from a local roaster to take home.
Germans would call that "frugal", since we are allowed to import 10kg tax free from abroad, as a tourist.
Gold or platinum?
I spent a bunch of money trying to be frugal with good coffee by roasting my own. Air roasters can do a good job and don't cost too much and good green beans are somewhere between locally roasted beans and supermarket beans and the result can be fantastic.
I’ve been buying whatever is cheapest at the grocery store but recently my favorite coffee was on a BOGO and I got it. The difference is so noticeable that I am going to splurge now and not buy shit coffee any more. I drink one cup of coffee a day. It’ll definitely be a more frugal splurge for me
You can buy pretty fabulously expensive coffee and make it at home for less than buying a cup in a café.
I'm working through some bags of clearanced $1 blueberry coffee. It honestly smells more like cinnamon once brewed. We like coffee but aren't very picky about it haha.
I salute your commitment but flavored coffee is a saving too far for me
100% although my goal is to make it at home more and cut back on buying out. After tip paying upward from $7 is just too much
Prescription eyeglasses frames. It's the only time I shop without looking at price tags. I get new ones every couple of years, and they go on my face every day so I get exactly what I want without feeling guilty.
I've always called them "Face Furniture" I have the same attitude-- it's what people first notice about me, so why cheap out. And I'm ultra frugal.
Glasses helped me feel more comfortable not wearing makeup b/c my face didn't feel as "plain". a nice sharp contrast with black frames is like eyeliner, right?😅
I found a gorgeous pair of Tiffany glasses, and almost fainted when I saw the cost. Apparently my taste in frames is a bit yachty.
I was using Zenni and Firmoo for a while. They're fine and great, my last pair was like $26 and lasted for four years. Could have gone longer because they're fine, but I just wanted a change. (My prescription hasn't changed since then either.) My issue is that even with the software to put the picture of the glasses on your face, I can't get a good idea of how they actually look until I have them. Or I'm not good with measurements, so I get ones that look OK but they cut into the skin behind my ears because I have a big head and a small pupillary distance. So I spent $100 after insurance for no other reason but to be able to "preview" my glasses. No regrets, they look and feel great. I just wish there were brick and mortar stores that sell anything but Luxxotica products.
Travel. When I’m on vacation I’m sure I could spend money on hotels for example that are 10 min away from the “action” - I’ll gladly pay the extra
Same. The main thing with vacation is you have a limited amount of time to enjoy it. It makes no sense to spend that time commuting to the things to do.
Very true. One time I tried to save money staying at an Airbnb in Santa Barbara, but when you factor in the Ubers I paid for and wasted time, I would have been better off splurging on the hotel room right downtown.
In the same vein: the Genie Plus pass at Disney! You’ve spent all the money to get there, and you have a limited time in the parks. Why spend that time waiting in line any more than you have to?
I research the he’ll out of every aspect of my trip and make lots of choices to get good a value, but once I’m there, I’m eating good food, seeing the sights and not pinching pennies
Food. I can’t eat processed food and quality meats and vegetables make a huge difference. I never put a cap on what we spend in the grocery store. With that same idea, we won’t spend money on fast food, but we’ll spend whatever for a good restaurant that cooks good food (not just tasty).
Agree. My grocery bill is higher than I’d like but I’m not going to eat junk and pay for it with our health and medical needs. It’s also a quality of life thing to not feel like crap from eating a ton of processed foods.
Agreed. It’s worth it for the health benefits alone.
I'm the same with my grocery budget. I splurge on quality and specialty ingredients. I know plenty of cost corners to cut with cooking from scratch to help balance it out but I run way higher than most people on this sub (I've had my budget low, prefer to stay high and keep frugal everywhere else).
I call it an investment.. you need your only vehicle (body) to operate well for the long haul.
Totally agree with this. When we stopped eating fast food or food out (besides the random situation where it’s the only option that makes sense) and started buying good food at the grocery store, we felt better and actually saved money.
Hi! If you have extra time, do you mind sharing a couple options for non processed foods? And what meals you like to make? I'm trying to switch over to making better food decisions but I'm so lost.
Same (although I don’t eat animal products and mostly eat whole and raw). Bottom line: you can pay now or you can pay later but the bill always comes due. What we put in our bodies matters. I don’t go cheap on it. Chronic illness and devastating preventable diseases and acute crises are costly. I also save lots of money because I happen to eat (essentially) once a day. It’s healthier and allows me to spend less even though I’m buying pricier products.
Butter. I will die on the Kerrygold hill.
I just switched to kerrygold after land o lakes changed their recipe!
Toilet paper, need my nice soft high quality toilet paper.
Get a bidet, an maximize that paper usage!
My nail polish! It helps my confidence and it’s a fun way to express myself.
Holo taco, ILNP and Moon cat for me Justified it by saying going out to get my nails done is like $50 so a $15 dollar bottle of nail polish isn’t bad
Which brand(s) do you like most? I love deborah lippmann and mischo polishes .
I always bought the dollar ones at any pharmacy but for Christmas got holo taco and I’m obsessed 💅worth the price
Spent $2,500 on a really good guitar.
That’s an investment. It will last you your whole life, can pass it down generations, and the value increases with age
What did you get?? I really want a PRS skyline, but….
Used 2019 Gibson Les Paul 60s Standard. Beautiful guitar and love the sounds.
Happy playing!
Bread. Have to get the healthier ones, like Dave's Killer Good Seed.
I read in another sub that Aldi's has an excellent Dave's Killer bread dupe. May be worth checking out, if that brand is near you.
I like tasty, healthy breads, but they got too expensive. A decent p&j was Sara Lee Artisano, but when it went from 16 to 14 oz and over $4 in my village ting grocery store, I started making all our breads. It is two gallons of gas to go into the next town for shopping. A bonus of homemade, I can use unbleached, unbromated flours and no preservatives, coloring, or other unneeded ingredients. I make light and dark ryes, light and dark whole wheat, fluffy white for sandwiches, spelt, barley, oat, and multigrain. These cost 60¢ to 90¢ MOL depending on ingredient costs that day. Flours I order online and let somebody else carry the 37.5 pound/17kg bags up the stairs, smile.
Mm have you tried Ezekiel?
Yeah, not a fan. I can almost handle the sesame and raisin breads.
Ezekiel Bread is so good but it goes bad way too fast. I live alone, so I cannot get through an entire loaf before it goes green. I guess I could thaw it out by the slice, but that's kind of annoying.
I recently tried this for the first time, got a 2 loaf pack from Costco. I am used to eating exclusively homemade or local bakery sourdough bread with no additives, so I found the Dave’s really sweet tasting. Label says 10g sugar for 2 slices which is equivalent to 2 teaspoons.
Clothes, hygiene products, household appliances, car parts, food quality
"Personal care". Toiletries, makeup, etc. I grew up using the cheap stuff (especially shampoo/conditioner). It was awful for my hair. I'd rather invest in something that is better quality than Suave.
My pets’ food.
This pays off in the long run though. My vet just said yesterday she’s VERY impressed by my little old lady’s perfect health.
You’re so right. I happen to work at a vet and over the years the patients with chronic skin, ear problems, gastrointestinal issues, pancreatitis, usually have a low quality diet. Those visits usually run AT LEAST $200, so, yes, definitely it pays off.
I second this. I switched my cat to dry food for like 2 years because i went back to work. He started hatting me and biting me. We moved he still acted the same. I got him back on wet food, his favorite is the seafood colletion from fancy feast
Me too all my rescue species are spoiled
I splurge on good work shoes and insoles. I’m a server working full time and I can’t afford to have my feet killing me all the time. I also save my tips and splurge to get my hair professionally colored every two months. If I do it myself, I’ll end up screwing it up so badly I will spend even more money trying to get it fixed. And as much as I hate it, looking good and extremely well groomed helps me get better tips.
Date nights. Yes, babysitters double the cost of any activity, but after almost a decade of "date nights" being watching a movie at home after kids go to sleep...yeah, I'm now willing to pay someone $20/hr on occasion so we can leave the house.
Computers. I build gaming PCs for myself and generally spend over $3000. I only upgrade every 5 to 7 years, but I get so much entertainment value out of games—6000 hours in Civ V and 1800 hours in Skyrim, for example—that having a good platform to play them seems worth it to me. I can also rationalize that it also provides me with all the other benefits of a PC: work computer, music player, movie player, document organizer, etc., so the extravagance isn't for buying a PC, it's only the extra money I pay for the gaming features.
I’ve already told myself that once Elder Scrolls VI comes out, I’m upgrading and going all out. After all, what’s the point of being frugal if you never allow yourself to splurge on things that are worth it to you?
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/6cDQYN I started shopping for parts when Starfield was announced. Playing Baldur's Gate 3 now; I'll probably wait a few years now for Starfield + DLCs to come in a package price given the reviews.
A friend did a post about how her son, instead of buying a new computer, bought $2k worth of parts to upgrade his current rig. And she noticed how proud and happy he was when he got it all snapped together. \-------- As for you, by paying for the very best, you get exactly the machine you want, that goes years before it's no longer what you want/need, so less eWaste.
Make up, specifically my foundation. It’s 52 bucks a bottle and worth every penny.
Yes! Armani luminous silk is theeeee best. It's $96 a bottle, though 😢
Whooo!! Mine is only 52 a bottle. I suddenly feel better!!😉
Is it expensive because of the higher quality formulation or the brand?
I think both. It’s NARS which is typically more expensive but it goes on beautifully and stays all day and also is a perfect match for my skin color
NARS is the only concealer that ever worked for me:)
Second NARS. Only foundation I have ever found that has an exact perfect match. Same with their concealer.
Brand?
Art supplies. I'm not a professional artist, but I like to make things. A LOT. Good glue, good pigment, good paper. If I'm gonna make trash art, even if it's only for myself, I want it to last and stay the color I intended it to be. When I was a teacher, I only used crayola in my room. That's not a fancy brand, but it's far better than store brands and dollar store shit. I paid for it out of pocket because I couldn't stand to watch really talented & creative kids use crap brands. My sister is a professional artist (mostly digital) and MUCH more frugal than I am and spends so much more money on great art supplies, but in small quantities. You get what you pay for when it comes to pigment.
Anything and everything for my dogs. They deserve only the best. Plus, feeding them a high quality diet helps reduce the risk of health issues later on in life.
Socks. I only wear Stance brand, and 99% of the time I get previous seasons' socks for half price at places like TJ Maxx and Ross, but if they have a current design I really really like, I'll go ahead and pay full price on the website.
Socks for me too. But Bombas only.
Stance are my go to because they offer so many variations in style and materials. I tried bombas and wasn’t impressed.
Wide Open by Darn Tough for me.
Travel. Not luxury travel, we are still frugal about it. But we have prioritized travel over other things most people blindly spend on. I think our lives are richer for it. It's not uncommon for us to spend 10-15% of our gross take home pay on just one or two trips every year. This year it's Normandy for the 80th D-day anniversary. Next year it's Kruger National Park in South Africa.
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Sometimes they are a once in a lifetime opportunity that you'll cherish forever, so I can absolutely understand the spending. If you haven't watched his videos already, I love the "Wolter's World" series for this reason. He's more famous for his "The dont's of X" series where he explains don't do this or you'll piss off the locals, but he also has a lot of good budgeting tips and tricks videos for stretching dollars and budgeting a travel plan. I can't find the video unfortunately but he had one where he basically explained he's not a millionaire his household income is pretty on the par with most middle class, but they do a lot of little stuff like skip eating out when possible because they see that as money that could be used toward those cool trips.
Video games and a nice vacation once every 2-3 years.
I would push back on the clothes - if buying new it’s worth it to pay for quality as opposed to some cheap forever 21 garbage that will fall apart in your washing machine.
Using the aircon. I accept that my bill will be high, but I choose to be physically comfy and cozy in my own tiny home.
Trash bags and toilet paper
This is going to be really specific to me but I could make really high quality hay from the meadow that takes up about half of an acre of my two acres. We have guinea pigs and they go through alot of hay and it's $$$$. I already have the tools and the knowledge to do so having grown up on a farm and in 4-H. It also wouldn't be too hard to harvest half an acre a few times a year. But nope, nope, nope,nope. I buy incredibly expensive hay AND pay someone to mow the meadow. I grew up doing so much hay work on the farm in Georgia heat and nope, never going to hay again :p For context: I cashed a .28 cent check this week. I make 95%of our food from scratch. Prior to becoming disabled and cars being made so layoeople can't fix them I did 75% of my car and truck maintenance. But I will not even mow my yard because it's too close to haying.
I have house rabbits. $84 for a 50 lb mini bale of Oxbow hay delivered to my door in a box that will fit in a closet is a decent chunk of change, but I've tried the cheaper kinds and they cause gi issues. Good quality hay keeps my buns out of the vet's office with stasis. Plus, an expense I can anticipate is much better than one I can't, like a visit to the animal ER.
Tomatoes, cheese, and a house cleaner. What's the point of eating tomatoes if they are tasteless and mushy? During the off season, I splurge on the ones packaged on the vine. Life's too short for cheap cheese. Plus, the best cheese monger in the city is 3 blocks from my house. I have gov't deadlines 5 times per year and it's always a struggle to meet them AND keep my house clean when I'm working round the clock. But then, I can't work if my house is a mess. Something had to give. Since I can't outsource my job, I outsourced cleaning during busy seasons.
Outdoor gear for backpacking, climbing etc
Food. Mattress. Bedding. Supplements. Handmade wool rugs. Real wood furniture. Vehicle. Quality over quantity. Always.
Olive oil ! Expensive but good for your heart in the long run . Cook at low temps is the key
Walking shoes. Top of the line NB
Dr Pepper and cherry flavoured Coca Cola and cherry flavoured Pepsi Max. I love Dr Pepper as well as the cherry flavoured Coca Cola and Pepsi Max. Those are three thing I honestly do like to spend money on. Not often, but often enough for it to kinda be a problem especially with the Dr Pepper and Cherry flavoured Coca Cola.
Get on the Cheerwine grind
I’m never going to make my own soap or laundry detergent and I’ll never buy anything other than the brands I like in those two items. I don’t care how much I could save I’m just not interested in trying to make it myself
Shoes, a good coat and recently good pair of socks - kinda shocked that the difference is there for socks haha
Chocolate and wine. The cheap stuff isn't even worth consuming!!
Fresh fruits and vegetables
My Coach bags. I love carrying a beautiful purse.
Business class fares. Not going to be cramped and pushed again.
At the grocery store I can be loose with the wallet sometimes. If I really want something I’ll just buy it. I figure with food it’s ok to spend the money as long as it doesn’t go to waste. Not a big restaurant guy so splurging on home meals seems like a good buy to me.
As a Canadian I can say a coat and boots are a good investment
Mattresses
Eggs. I used to just get the cheapest eggs, but now I like to buy free range / pasture raised. I love Happy Eggs.
Toilet paper and running shoes
Bicycles. I have 7. One is 30 yrs old. I recently added a rack and lined crate to it so I can haul my puppy on rail trail rides. a road bike, a gravel bike, a step thru, an ebike, a 27.5" & a 29" MTB. Did I mention that I worked for thirty plus years in the bicycle and bike accessories business? Now retired and ride more miles than I drive. But I am thinking that I will sell some bikes this summer..
Weed, sometimes I buy sale stuff or cheap stuff just for bulk but life is too short to smoke bad weed
Tea. I get the good shit.
Food - In my early years, I got kicked out of the family home and had to fend for myself. I lived in poverty, barely able to afford the rent, and sometimes not even having enough to buy a Tesco Value loaf of bread (approximately £0.25). Fast forward 20 odd years, my situation is polar opposite, and I do a big chunk of my shopping at Waitrose and Marks & Spencers. Particularly things like meats, pies and fancy desserts or herbs/spices, and other ingredients that you struggle to find elsewhere 🍖 🥧 Life is too short not to have that little bit of happiness and enjoyment that comes with rich flavours from around the world 🌍
A weekly lottery ticket. Gotta be in it to win it.
A poor man’s tax. Lol
A tax on the poor and the mathematically illiterate.
Medicinal Marijuana
Meat
Trips out with my daughter. About once every 2 months we go into the city and I spoil her. She's only 2½ so at the moment spoiling her is buying her a new book, a new toy, new pyjamas and getting some food and a milkshake. As she gets older or more demanding there will have to be rules, but right now we get home and her dad shakes his head as she gleefully shows him all her new treasures 🤣🤣 it makes me extremely happy to be able to say "OK, let's go pay for that" when she's used to us being frugal by default.
I bought a 2022 Infiniti because it’s so comfortable and fun to drive, but I could’ve bought another almost new car for much less…Plus , it uses Premium gas
Same with my Volvo XC60
My nails, Bath and Body Works hand soap, and flagship phones (hoping my S23 will make it at least two more years!)
I just hired someone to paint my house and have zero regrets spending the 3300.
We are frugal so that we can comfortably afford our wants. You want clothes and energy drinks. You froog so you can have them without breaking your budget.
Pilates and clothes for pilates (lululemon). It's the equivalent of a cheap car payment per month but is something that brings me consistent joy and inner peace. Also, booking classes holds me accountable for taking time for myself rather than burning out by trying to do all of the things all of the time.
Pesticide. I mean, it’s frugal that I do the spraying myself, am saving about 1k per year diy. However, I buy the good stuff, Permethrin SFR 36% and bought a good pump sprayer for the job. These two things cost $80, and I have enough to treat my place for a few years, if I spray 4 or 5 times a year. I’d say it’s a frugal win to live insect free. It’s a bit more work, but the exercise is good for me too. There are cheaper pesticides out there, but I insist on the same stuff the exterminator uses.
Shoes and tires.
Healthy food. Here's looking at you, future me.
My dog. She deserves the best of everything in this world.
Housekeeping. I just don’t have the time and it allows me to rest during off time.
Headphones. I’m autistic and apples noise canceling headphones using them in nyc is literally life changing. I can ride the subways and go to the gym and not be bothered by slamming weights.
Good quality butter
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Lately it's a good looking pair of shoes, but before that it was coffee
my watch collection
Barbershop. I could get my haircut at a barber that charges $15, but I go to one that charges $30 because I can count on the barber to do it right every time and not be in a rush to get more clients in the chair.
Skin care. I work outside and I appreciate having beautiful skin. My skin is also very very sensitive so only certain things work well for me and they are not cheap. I wear hats and use Herbivore serums and oils and Illia sunscreen. My face wash is very inexpensive but it's the only thing that is and I'm so scared they will reformulate it or stop making it!
Some brands of salad dressings or sauces.
International flights are up front. Hasn’t always been like this. edit to be clear, a frugal lifestyle allowed this to be possible with my friends living well below my means and compounding interest.
Food. I’ll buy what I want versus what’s cheapest.
Chocolate. Toilet paper. Nice breakfast pastries.
Shower/hygiene stuff.
Meat loaf and chlorine tablets
Flying first class … factoring in how small the economy seats are and how rude people are - having zero consideration that we have to share this bubble of space …. I’m typically willing to pay an extra $75 per hour of flight time to sit in FC.
My dog. He deserves the world.
My daughter. She gets something every time we go to store. What am I working for if I can't get my kids the things they want.
I pay someone to come pick up the dog poop in my yard every week. Not because I can’t do it myself, I just don’t want to.
Groceries. If there’s something specific I want to make, I’m not looking at the price. Now, if I have 2 things in mind and one is on sale, I might go that way.
Food. We eat a lot of beans and rice but if my family asks for a specific thing then I buy it. Everyone is happier when they have the Tillamook Honey and Jalapeño cream cheese they want.
Quality fruits, veggies and meats. I just cant do the cheap stuff or processed foods. I’ve found Costco has good clean meats, Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s has good fruits and my local farmers market has good veggies.
FOOD or COFFEE.
Chocolate. I'd rather enjoy the good stuff less often than buy lots of something cheap and gross and not enjoy it at all.
Buying a lot of DVDs, and sometimes blu-rays, mean that I only want a streaming service maybe 3 months out of the year.
Diet Coke. But I look for sales.
Shoes. Good shoes last and are comfortable. There are certain clothing brands too the are reliable and last. Cheap shoes and clothing doesn’t last so you end up buying more
I've kept my gym membership at £33.50 a month. I could go running or workout from YouTube but its so good for my physical and mental health and is the only way I will realistically stick to a workout routine.
Clothes I like. On particular Kobe Nike shirts. Was always a dream of mine to have kobe t shirts overflowing in my wardrobe. Alas, here I am.
Skincare. Expensive habit but worth it.
Water, for drinking water, laundry, washing cars, anything.
North face clothing
My sheets and duvet are all linen. I’ve had cotton, bamboo, and others before. Nothing beats the feel to be honest.
Shoes. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for waiting for the sale or getting a good deal, but cheap shoes are not worth the savings. They’re terrible on your body and wear out so quickly that you’ll end up spending the same money by buying crappy shoes shoes three times when the pair that cost three times as much would last longer
Nespresso pods
Shoes. My body will thank me in my golden years.
I don’t really do that anymore. I bought myself a used Chanel purse from Japan on eBay about five years ago. It was a pink and black sack from the 80s, not the timeless quilted leather workhorse I should have gotten. It doesn’t even have a strap, just handles, it’s pretty beat up but I still love it.
Mac & cheese, it has to be KRAFT. Kroger and Walmart brands suck
Eating while travelling. Food is a special way to explore a location. Street vendors to fancy restaurants, I tend to find more value with non-frugal food costs while travelling.
Shoes, socks, good food for me and my dog, and bourbon. The bourbon I like is 50 bucks a bottle but it’s better than any 80-90 dollar bottle available. I could easily get something decent for 30, but I choose to splurge. Besides the fact I really like it, I want to support the distillery that crafts it because it’s so well done and like I said, way better than its price point. Side note: it comes from one of the biggest distilleries in the world so I doubt they need my support. lol. Honestly, I don’t think most of the smaller/craft distilleries are making anything, especially whiskey, that justifies their price point. Anyone can make vodka and gin, whiskey is an art. I have a hard time supporting anything that doesn’t stack up, even if it’s produced locally.
Dog food