Wednesday, May 14, 2014

These days, when every penny counts, it’s tempting to try to save a few bucks when you shop for the things you need. But, said financial services expert Kristen Frost, author of The Frugal Girl, there are some times when being cheap costs you more in the end.

“Paying more for an item that will last longer makes better financial sense,” she said.

Cross suggests you buy the best you can afford when shopping for these items:

Kitchen tools – Cheaply made kitchen tools tend to warp, dull, and stop performing well far sooner than quality tools.

Furniture – Unlike the cheap stuff, which is frequently made of particle board, good furniture will last a lifetime and can always be refinished. If you can’t afford new, look for good used furniture at garage sales or on Craig’s List.

Paint – Cheap paint may seem like a bargain, but it isn’t if it takes two or three coats to cover well.

Classic clothing pieces – Cheap is fine for trendy pieces, but buy quality pieces to stay in style and get years of use from your blazer, tuxedo, basic black dress or jacket.

Shoes – Because we spend so much time on our feet, we really should make ourselves comfy. Besides, more expensive shoes tend to last longer and provide better support for the arch and heel to keep your feet healthy.  

Bed sheets – We spend a lot of time in bed, too, and good quality sheets provide a better feel and more comfort in every season. Basically, a higher thread count means a better sheet, but a thread count in the middle range is often all you need.

Toys – Simple but sturdy toys, like wooden blocks and Legos, cost more than their cheap counterparts. But children tend to be hard on their playthings, so buy quality toys that will provide imaginative play for many years.

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