Yahoo Finance 5 Items That Are Always Worth Big Money — Even When You’re Frugal
Everyone likes to have nice things, but no one likes to spend a lot of money on them. You might be pretty conservative with your money– some might even use “frugal” to describe your money habits. However, there are some big-ticket items that you should never skimp out on paying top quality for. That’s because you will pay for what you get and be able to get a lot of usage out of these products for years to come.
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Here are five items that are always worth big money — even when you are frugal.
Jeans
There is almost no one who does not have a pair of blue or other colored jeans in their wardrobe. But not all jeans are created equal, so it’s important to know where to put your money in order to get the most mileage out of these pants.
“While it’s important to be mindful of fashion expenses, splurging on a few timeless, high-quality pieces can be a smart move,” said Samantha Landau, a consumer expert at TopCashback.com.
“These items tend to last longer, offering better value for money over time,” said Landau, who offered up the example of the Levi’s 559
Relaxed Straight Fit Men’s Jeans, which are currently on sale for $48.65 (originally $69.50), and are, in Landau’s words, “a classic choice that will last you a long time.”
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Mattresses
A good night’s sleep is priceless. Ask anyone who has woken up on the wrong side of the bed or in the wrong bed in general. Getting your zzz’s in comes with a great mattress, which might seem expensive, but will save you from spending lots of money on sleep aids, noise machines and other bed accoutrement.
“Splurging on a quality mattress is an investment in your health, productivity and overall quality of life,” Landau said. “Given the significant impact that a good night’s sleep has on various aspects of well-being, purchasing a high-quality mattress is an important decision.
“With better support, high-end mattresses can last 7-10 years,” said Diana Howard, the financial analyst at CouponBirds. “According to a report by Sleep Doctor, sleeping on a hard mattress can increase 78% chances of getting into a bad sleep. While choosing a soft and high-quality one can make you sleep better.”
For her money, Landau recommended the Nectar Premium Copper Mattress.
“This mattress starts at $999 but offers a 12-month trial period and a lifetime warranty. It’s a smart choice for your well-being and your wallet.”
Kitchen Knives
“Quality kitchen knives are worth big money,” Howard said, “with prices ranging from $100 to $700, the quality knives cost users less effort and may last a lifetime.”
That’s because knives are one of the most used tools in any kitchen — from chopping, dicing and spreading, you’ll want them in sharp condition for years to come.
“One of the main ways to cut costs is by cooking at home, and having quality kitchen knives can drastically improve this experience,” Landau said. “Having high-quality knives will encourage you to spend more time in the kitchen, and adds enhanced safety to your cooking.”
When looking for options, Landau pointed to the Wusthof Classic Seven-Piece Slim Knife Set with Acacia Block as “a great choice since it’s a respected brand with known quality. This option starts at $495 with a lifetime warranty so you don’t have to worry if anything happens to them.”
Shoes
Different occasions call for different footwear. That said, it’s important to make sure that what goes on your feet is top-notch, supporting you, literally, from the ground up.
“I recommend buying higher quality shoes and several different pairs so you’re able to rotate through them,” said Jim Wang, the founder of Wallet Hacks. “This is especially true for dress shoes. You want to give them time to rest in between wearings. You spend so much time in your shoes that you want them to be comfortable as well as stylish.”
Wang’s general approach for formal shoes is to “look for high-quality leather shoes, full grain leather, vs. plastics or bonded leather, that are stitched (how the ‘uppers’ and soles are attached) rather than glued” and usually pay about $150.
“You can find a perfectly fine shoe for less than $75,” Wang said, “but if you’re willing and able to spend two or three times that, you can get a far superior product that will last a lot longer.”
Energy-Efficient Appliances
You might think that getting a regular old fridge or a standard A/C unit is no big deal, especially if you can find it for a bargain. But think about all the energy those appliances are zapping from your home, upping your energy bill in the process.
Howard noted that energy-efficient appliances can typically range between $6,000 and $15,000, depending on what you are buying. However, as an example, Howard highlighted that “ENERGY STAR certified air conditioners can save $73.10 on average per capita yearly, or $134.70 a year in California.”
Go green with energy-efficient appliances throughout your house and you’ll find you are spending less green over time. On top of saving money, you are also saving the planet, which is a win-win for everyone.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Items That Are Always Worth Big Money — Even When You’re Frugal
