What do you splurge on? What are you frugal about?

[Flaxbee]

Could be general household items, shoes, food, music equipment, books, whatever. Just curious.

I haven't been in the position to splurge on anything in the last several years, and my priorities have really changed - used to be a snob about clothes, now I just want something made well. Haven't really shopped for clothes in years, but once I can get a few new items, I'll bargain hunt (when I lived in New York, some of the best deals I ever got were at places like Bergdorf Goodman's and Saks when they put items on clearance: $400 cashmere sweater for $30, etc.). I am more than happy to wait for sales. Couldn't really care less about 'fashion' and trends. Just want well-made items that will last for years, if not decades.

I don't really care about pricey beauty products, so long as I can find products that haven't been tested on animals. Goes for shampoo, makeup, etc. I prefer Almay or Kiss My Face to Chanel and Lancome. If I'm going to splurge, it'll be Dr. Hauschka items.

I'll buy store-brand products at the grocery store - paper towels, TP, cereal, frozen veggies, etc.

If I'm buying wine, though, I'll buy the best I can afford.

I buy used books, cds, etc.

But when I'm back in a position to buy w/o too much stress, I'll buy quality home items -- towels, sheets, kitchen items. But not a lot - I want useful items, not gadgety stuff, and not clutter. Some good pots and pans, a nice blender / food processor, and I'll be content.

Anyone who wants to chime in, please do! :hi:

[triguy46]

1. F's for splurge, every thing else frugal

Food Farm Fun Fast

[Flaxbee]

6. OK, makes sense.

I'm with you on all but 'fast' - after a horrible car accident last year, I just want safe. But safe costs $$, too.

[lukasahero]

2. I like you

I splurge on wine and food. I'll save money on just about everything else. We don't buy much though, so when we make a big purchase, we buy the best we can afford.

[Flaxbee]

5. I like you too

:D

Food and wine, good quality stuff.

Don't buy much, when we do (and can again), will buy quality because it (usually) lasts. And if I can buy German appliances and Irish linen, I will, simply - and unfortunately - because so many American products seem to be made with the bottom line, rather than quality, in mind.

[flvegan]

3. Splurge? Stuff for the dogs.

Food, collars, meds, toys, etc. I used to splurge on gym gear and supplements for myself, but for the past couple years I've gotten all my gear (gloves, clothes, belts, etc) for free, and my supplements at store cost (might as well be no-name/knockoff prices at that point). My beer is middle-of-the-road, so I can't say I splurge on that.

So there. Just about everything for me: frugal. For the dogs: splurge.

That can't be right.

[Flaxbee]

4. No, I think that's about right

:D I spend more on the cat's food than I do on ours, typically. Of course, we eat mostly veggies, so that's not hard to do if you're not buying meat and crap filler food that inhabits the vast middle of the grocery store (I shop the 'perimter': fruits, veggies, soy/dairy and that's about it).

I love my kitties dearly. I saw a story on cnbc.com a few weeks ago that people's spending on their pets has actually increased in this economy... made me smile.

But you do deserve some good treats for yourself, if for no other reason than you treat your dogs so well!

[EndersDame]

17. Buying premium pet food saves on vet bills

I learned that the hard way. After 12 years on corn filler pet food one of my cat has Diabetes.

[EndersDame]

18. Well I have found most dogs to be more loving and loyal than most humans..

All they wanna do is be loved and play. They will never lie cheat steal and/or backstab. They will always be there when you come home with their tales wagging!

[femmocrat]

7. I don't really consider buying good quality items to be splurging.

By buying finer quality that lasts longer, I feel like I am actually being frugal.

I do buy some items at the dollar store, though.

[mamaleah]

8. I agree. A good pair of solid shoes cost a bit, but they will last you years.

I am frugal in terms of I will not buy the latest fashion season after season.

[LeftyMom]

11. Ditto. I'd rather buy one good thing once than keep buying cheap crap.

Nothing I hate more than replacing something I already paid for because it wasn't made right.
I tend to buy a lot of used/vintage stuff for that reason: for a lot of household gear buying the older stuff that's all metal domestic beats buying cheap new imported stuff with plastic moving parts.

[Flaxbee]

12. yup; if you can find a good blender from 30 years or so ago

(we have a cool vintage blender), it'll probably last until you die. If you buy a cheap one, or even an expensive new one, odds are it won't last a year, let alone a decade.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

9. I splurge on books and cat toys.

I scrimp on stuff like furniture.

[Forkboy]

10. Music, music and music.

After that I'm a stingey bastard. :)

[Broken_Hero]

13. Usually

I splurge on Superman stuff, and am frugal with everything else except home audio.

My wife usually splurges on food, clothes, and shoes.

[JVS]

14. Good TP

[EndersDame]

15. I totally splurge on my kitties and puppy

40 bucks for a big bag of Evo 15 for Wellness puppy.Although buying good pet food saves money on vet bills. Add toys chewies treats catnip and bones.They deserve it they are good people and more loving and loyal than most people I know

[Kali]

16. splurge?

I wish.

Travel I guess - going to Mexico tomorrow on $100 for 5 days (plus $50 for the shuttle). The way this year has been going that is a splurge.

[Flaxbee]

19. I know what you mean.

But if you were to be able to splurge (and I continue to think positively!) what would it be on?

(speaking as someone who hasn't had a hair cut in a year b/c I'd rather buy good quality cat food than go to a salon)

[Kali]

20. more travel

:P
maybe a horse
a pool!
fix up things around the house/vehicles

[Roon]

21. I splurge on deli cuts and bread

I am frugal on my frozen food.

[Flaxbee]

22. good bread is a must. What do you like?

The stuff in the bread aisle is almost inedible in my opinion. We have a new bakery in town and I need to stop by...

[Roon]

24. I forget what it's called but I can always spot it..it has oats..

otherwise I just buy the store brand with the oats.

[MilesColtrane]

23. I splurge on food, drink, and music.

I'm frugal about clothes, other entertainment (no cable TV or TIVO), and housing.

[old mark]

25. Splurge on guitars and related stuff, frugal on clothing.

I used to buy clothes in thrift shops because I worked in a place where they would take a lot of abuse. Now that I'm retired, I still have a lot of very comfy old flannel shirts and sweaters.On retirement I bought 4 new pairs of jeans and some tee shirts, and I'm good for a decade or so.
I have 3 great electric guitars, 2 scoustic guitars and 2 basses, 4 amps.
I'm looking at another guitar right now.

I also always buy used cars. Can't play a car.


mark