Expensive things that end up saving you money

[imagine girl]

Good running shoes lasts longer and they are easier on your health. I love running but in college I bought cheap knockoffs to save money. To be honest, I had a shoe budget and I allocated most of that to go to fancy pumps.

After a while I began getting heel spurs. When I showed my podiatrist my sad little shoes, he rolled his eyes and immediately gave me the names of some decent shoe stores.

I now "splurge" on Brooks and New Balance shoes. They last much longer and I don't get injured nearly as often. Definitely a great money saver in the long run.

Does anyone else spend money on expensive items that end up saving them money?

[imagine girl]

Here's another one: A good mechanic.

Never shop for a mechanic based purely on price. Your car is a huge investment and you should only have it maintained by honest professionals. Ask all your friends, coworkers and neighbors for referrals. And don't wait until your car is already messed up. Do it today.

[jhanseth]

Originally Posted by imagine girl

Does anyone else spend money on expensive items that end up saving them money?

My KitchenAid stand mixer! I got the big, Professional 600, 6-Quart model. It was a splurge, to be sure, but now I have easier access to inexpensive, homemade, delicious bread. And it's not a unitasker like bread machines are. I use it in so many different ways, and it's made life in the kitchen go so much more smoothly.

[Jess]

jhanseth, I completely agree about the KitchenAid mixer. My mother has one and I love using it. What would take 10 or 15 minutes with a hand mixer takes about 30 seconds in a KitchenAid stand mixer

CFLs, if they can be counted as "expensive" items, have been immensely helpful. Also, I love my Brother laserjet printer that I got for a steal on NewEgg.com last year. While toner cartridges are expensive to replace, I haven't had to replace mine yet, and it prints a ton of material quickly without having to deal with the pain of an inkjet. Besides, I was replacing those darn ink cartridges every three weeks. (No free printing at my school.)

[Gootsy]

High quality sheets. I recently got a set of 800 thread count sheets and not only are they significantly more comfortable than the cheap sets I purchased previously(stupid me), they will last MUCH longer. Money well spent!

[Michelle Dawn]

I buy quality clothes if it is a staple item -like a winter coat, sneakers, boots, underwear and socks. Quality items will last for years and they will keep you warm and comfortable. I really notice a difference if I buy a cheap shirt or socks. Holes appear, colors fade, etc.

I buy high quality bake and cookware. Things with lifetime warranties that cook and clean well. Pyrex, Visions and Paderno products are my favorite.

Ladies: I use Lunapads which were an investment of about $100.00 initially (including shipping), but I haven't paid for pads in four years and they are still in great shape! Plus it feels good not to be contributing to environmental waste.

[amandajane]

Originally Posted by Michelle Dawn

I buy quality clothes if it is a staple item -like a winter coat, sneakers, boots, underwear and socks. Quality items will last for years and they will keep you warm and comfortable. I really notice a difference if I buy a cheap shirt or socks. Holes appear, colors fade, etc.

I buy high quality bake and cookware. Things with lifetime warranties that cook and clean well. Pyrex, Visions and Paderno products are my favorite.

Ladies: I use Lunapads which were an investment of about $100.00 initially (including shipping), but I haven't paid for pads in four years and they are still in great shape! Plus it feels good not to be contributing to environmental waste.

I agree re products that will last longer. I must source some socks that won't fall apart in a few months!

Also, a quick push for a friend of mine re menstrual pads, check out Cloth Washable Menstrual Maxi Pad Digital Pattern - eBay (item 110209962424 end time Dec-31-07 14:42:50 PST)

I hope the link works. This is a great pattern :0)

[Michelle Dawn]

Yeah, making your own would be even more economical! Great idea.

[lucille]

Clothing basics, kitchen gadgets and kitchen appliances.

Getting something really good that will last for years saves money in the long run.
We quit wasting money on non-stick cookware and plastic utensils. We never got any real benefit out of non-stick and the coating wears out after a few years. We switched to really well made professional all metal and so far they have outlasted their plastic and non-stick counterparts.

Kitchen appliances, we do without or buy a good one that has a reputation for not breaking.

Clothing, I will spend decent money on a basic sweater, better socks, athletic clothes. Buying cheap ones they tend to fade, shrink or fall apart faster. Shoes are the same way. I would rather buy fewer better quality ones that don't injure my feet.

[Jess]

I agree with all of you on clothing. My old winter boots are salt-eaten, clunky, and don't have great traction. It pained me to dish out more on a nice new pair, but boy am I glad I did! My new ones are warm all throughout and fit perfectly.

I also splurge occasionally on shoes that I know I'll wear again and again - like sneakers with good support.