Especially during these times of extreme inflation, we’re all looking to save a few bucks anywhere we can. Whether that means clipping coupons, waiting to make purchases until what we need goes on sale or simply opting to buy less brand-name products, we can all find a few places to cut back. But there is a difference between being frugal and making purchases or decisions that won't actually help you out in the long run. A great deal can be exciting to find, but only if the product will last just as long or longer than the same thing at full price!
Reddit users have been sharing some situations where it is not worth it to be cheap, so we’ve gathered some of their most spot-on answers down below. From purchasing items that keep you and your loved ones safe to splurging on well-made products that will prevent you from having health problems in the future, be sure to upvote the replies mentioning things you agree never to skimp on. Feel free to let us know in the comments what else you refuse to be too frugal about, and then if you’re interested in reading another Bored Panda article noting even more “false frugalities” that aren’t worth it in the long run, you can find that right here.
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#21
*Roofing shingles.*
If you're replacing your home's roof, roofing shingles come in all quality grades for duration (10-year, 20-year, 30-year, lifetime, etc.)
Since most of the cost is in the labor, prep and clean-up, it pays to buy the better quality, long-lasting shingles so you don't have to do the job again. Plus, it's a selling point when you put the house on the market to have a superior, long-lasting roof.
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102points
We hope this list is inspiring you to be a bit more frugal if you can, but not too frugal. Don’t let your desire to save money negatively impact your life or your health, and know when it’s worth it to splurge to save yourself time, energy and even money in the future. Keep upvoting the responses mentioning things you’re willing to spend money on as well, and feel free to share any other “false frugalities” you refuse to get on board with in the comments. Then if you’d like to check out Bored Panda’s last article on this same topic, you can find that right here.
#22
It doesn't pay to cheap out on cooking knives. It's amazing how much more you enjoy cooking when cutting ingredients isn't an infuriating process. You can get by with cheaper pots and pans but buying at least one decent chef knife makes a huge difference.
I should say knives are less of a thing to be really cheap about than frugal. You can get some great knives for $25-50. I'm not getting snobby about needing a $500 Japanese steel knife hand forged in a volcano, you just need to find ones that work for you. And pans are more important to the quality of your food but I find many of my friends and family don't consider a knife as important as the cookware. As others have pointed out a [bad] knife can still be made sharp but I still think it's well worth spending a little money for a knife that will last and make cooking less frustrating.
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99points
#23
Clothes. I'm not saying spend more than you can afford, but I think it's worth it to spend a little more up front on the things you wear a lot (for me, it's khaki pants and button down shirts), and have basics that last, rather than getting the cheaper stuff and have it c**p out quickly. You wind up spending more in the long run when you buy cheap clothes.
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77points
#24
I always buy really expensive underwear and make up for it by buying really cheap bags of socks. And before you get all excited, I'm a dude and we're talking boxer briefs. Good underwear is one of those things that can make a difference in how comfortable you are all day long.
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73points
#26
The majority of people who coupon [end up spending more]. You're buying items that you probably didn't need, won't use, only because they're cheaper with a coupon.
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59points
#28
A suit.
Granted, you don't have to go spend a couple thousand dollars (though you can, and you'll notice the difference), but don't go buy one off the rack at Macy's. Spend the $600-700 to get a perfectly tailored suit. You will feel so GD confident walking around in that thing, it is absolutely ridiculous.
And beyond that, I tend to spend the money necessary to get a high quality item, if 2 cheaper alternatives are more expensive than one quality one. The idea here being that, if I'm going to have to replace this item because I bought cheap, I'm better off buying one I won't have to replace.
Things like: clothes racks, umbrellas, kitchen utensils/pans/knives, tools for the house, electronics.
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32points
#29
Musical instruments. Especially if you are a beginner! Good quality helps you play better.
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29points
#30
When you start sharing toothbrushes, it doesn't even save money, they just wear out twice as fast!
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28points