I’m cheap. I don’t even consider myself to be frugal. I’m cheap. A few days ago, I spent my entire year’s Halloween budget–on November 1st–so I could store my new treasures
for an entire year before using them, just to save $145.
However, there are some things that just aren’t worth going cheap.
When I first moved out on my own, a good friend walked me through the mistake of buying cheap cheese. A slice of the generic oil-and-water that some stores pass off as cheese will not cure a sandwich made from Grade D bologna.
That advice got me through some less horrible meals when I was younger.
Now, I’ve expanded the crappy cheese rule to extend to any meal I pay someone else to prepare. While I do occasionally hit a fast food restaurant when I’m traveling, I almost never do so any other time. I enjoy sitting down for a nice meal in a nice atmosphere while friendly people cater to my every whim. Well, almost every whim.
I’m not saying I go to $100 per plate steak houses every week, but I’m certainly not afraid to drop $20-$30 per meal.
My reasoning is simple: anything I can buy at a fast food restaurant or a cheap restaurant, I can make better at home for less. Why would I pay good money to sit at a sticky table and eat food that won’t let me forget it for 3 days?
If I’m going to spend the money, I’m going to eat something I either can’t make at home, or can’t make as well. Chinese food is one example. I can make it at home, but I don’t stock the ingredients, and I don’t enjoy the preparation, so I go out for it. Cheap Chinese food tends to be worse than anything else I’ve eaten, so I spring for good food. Cheap rat isn’t good rat.
How about you? What are you willing to pay full price for?
I’m definitely with you on this. Most people call me cheap, but there are certain things for which I won’t just pick the lowest cost. Food is definitely on the top of that list for me!
As I get older and more financially stable I’m starting to really see the difference in paying full price for something of value.
When I was young and broke I didn’t have the choice, but now I would rather pay more and get something worth the money.
Food is on that list for sure, shoes is another one. I’m also willing to pay for books… and unfortunately I’ve also learned a good lawyer is worth his weight in gold.
I buy the “good” quality electronics, appliances, and vehicles…not the most expensive, but usually not the cheapest either. I try to get the most use for my dollar.
I definitely agree with you on food. I will not necessarily pay more for great food – still will try to haggle or discount – but will be more than happy to pay for quality if I need to.
Another one I pay for is furniture. I have skipped going to big box stores to buy crap made in China that is practically recycled cardboard. I spend money on antique tables, chairs and even sofa’s because I know they were made with integrity, real wood and are still strong. They end up lasting far longer than anything I’ve bought at a store and can handle messes much better. Besides, they look so great too!
I totally agree with you – especially about Chinese food! Like Khaleef said, food is one area where we’d rather not go cheap. With my health the way it is, we’ve really grown to value what we’re putting into our bodies. I have always been against going cheap on cleaning products as well :-). My mom use to frequent the dollar store for cleaning products and it was clear to me the quality was seriously lacking!
I definitely believe the fact with you on meals. I will not actually pay more for excellent meals – still will try to negotiate or lower price – but will be more than satisfied to pay for top quality if I need to.