Everybody loves to save pennies.
In this time of financial worry saving money is a must.
One of the ways we've always saved is by buying generic.
Sometimes the name doesn't always matter.
But there are instances when those extra pennies need to be spent.
Sometimes name equals better quality.
Redditor AndrewIsMyDogwanted to discuss what things they will always spend a little extra on just because of the name.
"What 's a name brand item you refuse to replace with generic?"
I do mostly generic, except when it comes to vodka. Quality matters when it comes cosmos friends.
Vest of...
cerkl team GIF by CerklGiphy"Post-It Notes And practically anything else made by 3M."
Fun-Director-4092
"3M is S tier. Basically every product they have is the best version of that product."
Timoth_e
Swing
"Swingline stapler. If they took my Swingline, it'd be the last straw."
siliconsmiley
"I inherited my grandpa's Swingline when he passed away. He had his own business and had the darn thing for years prior. He's been gone for 23 years and that stapler ain't never gonna quit."
crissyjo618
"I just looked over at my favorite stapler at work and saw its a Swingline. The thing was like $30 but it takes a beating and has never jammed."
MissAcedia
Store Brand
"Sharpie."
shoobsworth
"Cheaper doesn't always cost less. Story below..."
"I worked at a Lab and for a little while they had a program where if you made an improvement that saved the company money you got a reward for a portion of the savings (10%). It was meant for process improvement, increased efficiency, etc. but the person who worked in purchasing got one for saving money on office supplies by switching to cheaper 'store brand' supplies. I think they got about $20,000 for it."
"Anyway I went from having a Sharpie last 1 to 2 months of writing on glassware, slides, petri dishes, etc. to going thorough a pack of knock off sharpies a week. Any savings in per unit cost were wiped out, and then some, by increased consumption of supplies. They switched back to the previous supplies within a couple months."
"I'm guessing someone had some serious explaining to do to the senior executives once they found out they gave someone $20k for an idea that cost them money."
Winter_Principle4844
God, it's so good...
"Also Crayola crayons, markers, color pencils. I’m all for the store private label options in other areas. However the off brand art products are crumbly and produce mediocre results."
Leather-Mixture-2620
"I buy Crayola not only for their overall quality, performance, and durability, but also and most importantly I buy them for their iconic scent. God, it's so good. All core regions of my brain light up when I take that first hit off a fresh 64 pack."
CoolClementine
"Crayola ultra wash is the only brand of marker and crayon allowed in my house because it is really easy to get off of most surfaces."
busybee223
Be Clean
Season 5 Episode 10 GIF by SpongeBob SquarePantsGiphy"Dawn dish soap. It's just good, and really not that more expensive."
Ok-disaster2022
"I've used blue Dawn to take old oil stains out of concrete."
RossLH
As you get older, you don't realize how important dish soap is.
Top of the Line
Agt GIF by America's Got TalentGiphy"This is pretty specific but Scotch Commercial-grade Packing Tape. The Uline tape is freaking terrible."
IntoTheMystic1
Flavors
"Nilla Wafers. The off-brand versions tend to be flavored differently and they leave a funny aftertaste."
TD5023
"Slayton Bakery Vanilla Wafers are so much better! H‑E‑B has them in Texas. They make Nillas taste like the crappy store brands."
ilikeme1
"Swap a graham cracker crust with a nilla wafer crust. Especially with something like lemon cheesecake. Way better. In both taste and texture."
LB4184
The '09
"409 cleaner. Nothing else works the same."
Neon_Camouflage
"Same. But I've been noticing that Clorox is downplaying 409 in favor of Clorox brand, the amount of shelf space of 409 is shrinking."
jorsiem
"They also keep changing the freaking label or adding all these different product lines... 409 Plus! 409 Bathroom! No, I just want the regular 409 cleaner."
prestigious_delay_7
Lead Perfection
"Ticonderoga pencils. All the other ones don't hold up to intense note-jotting."
FloridaFlamingoGirl
"The Dixon Ticonderoga set the bar for pencils. But, friend, you haven’t lived until you’ve taken a spin on a Papermate Mirado Black Warrior. https://www.amazon.com/Paper-Mate-Mirado-Warrior-Pencils/dp/B00006IEES"
Strict_Bit260
"You freaking pedestrians aren’t ready for the Palomino Blackwing. 'The Cadillac of pencils.' - Wirecutter https://blackwing602.com/products/blackwing-602-set-of-12"
GloryGoal
Wrapped
Wrap Moving GIF by 3 Men MoversGiphy"Plastic wrap. It's worth it to buy the name brand because the box doesn't fall apart."
clocks212
"Have you heard about our Lord and Savior, Kirkland? I've been using my same roll for years."
flibbidygibbit
Generic is a good deal. But sometimes you need an upgrade.
What would you add to this list? Let us know in the comment below.
I love to save money. And sometimes I tear up when I have to pay a bill that feels a little high.
I love to look at my bank account and watch the amount rise.
When it falls, I shudder.
So I will always look for a deal when shopping. Give me a clearance rack anytime.
But even in my delirium of thrift I can admit, that sometimes, there is an item or three where higher quality counts.
And higher quality often comes with a higher price tag.
So I spend what I have to... and then cry.
Redditorseilseilwanted to discuss all the items that may cost a lot, but the price makes sense.
They asked:
"What's expensive and worth every penny?"
Adele tickets.
The last row in the arena is NOT the same as the front.
So yes, I'll pay for the Queen.
Quality.
Good Sitting
"A nice desk chair." ~ Ulzaf
"I bought my own for work. My spine thanks me." ~ Bloobeard2018
GiphyTeeth
"Regular dental care. I didn’t & now I face $10,000 to repair the damage." ~ Aunt-jobiska
"On vacation in Thailand right now. Spent $400 for what my US dentist wanted thousands to do. And I’ve been treated with such kindness and respect. Hospitals are great and reasonable too. I’ve had to use their services a couple times in my travels, currently going thru rabies regimen. Avoid cats you’re not familiar with." ~ MdnightRmblr
Sharp
"If you cook, a high quality chef knife." ~ NearPeerAdversary
"There is a point of diminishing returns above 100$ per knife. They get better the more you spend, but no that much better. I have had a few cheap knives and a few really expensive knives. IMO the Victorianox knives are the best value, you can get better but it will cost you." ~ BlackSuN42
Buy Cheap
"Proper tools." ~ mf_dcap
"Mythbusters said it best. The first time you buy a tool, but a cheap one. Sometimes the cheap ones work great and last forever. If you use the cheap one and it doesn't hold up, then buy the expensive one, because then you know how much you need it.
Edit: I had I kind of wrong. 'Buy cheap tools until you know what you really need from that tool, then buy the best version you can afford.' -Adam Savage." ~ blanchov
Staff
"Good employees." ~ IntegratedSSR
"My old boss said, I don’t think it’s his saying, but it was something like 'I'd rather spend money training you to be the best even if you leave, than not train you and you stay.'" ~ OhIamNotADoctor
GiphyAre you listening employers?
Pay people what they're worth and they'll show up for you!
Action!
"A front and rear dash cam for your car. Expensive is subjective." ~ Master_Tao
"Yes. I was recently in a car accident. Dude lost control and slid into me head on, thankfully everyone was ok. None of the CCTV cameras picked up the wreck."
"He went in and said I was the one that hit him. It’s been a two month long battle even though every ounce of evidence points to him. The main reason it’s still going on? No video evidence. I’ve already got a dash cam installed on my other vehicle." ~ I_AM_AN_A**HOLE_AMA
Lift Easy
"Movers. Especially if you’re moving out of or into a place with stairs!" ~ NotMilquetoast
"I wish my family knew this. I’ve moved both sets of grandparents 4 times total and my parents 2. They own lots of antiques and heavy furniture. Growing up they told me why pay for movers when I have you and your brother?" ~ ElPuertoRican15
Feet Kindness
"Good shoes." ~ AcceptableSized*enis
"I’m a woman and even forgetting heels, a good pair of sneakers is really worth the money. I have plantar fasciitis and have to get specific shoes that could cost up to $200/pair sometimes. The relief I feel with those after continuously wearing regular $40 sneakers is definitely worth it!" ~ itchy-n0b0dy
Connection
"Don’t cheap out on anything that connects you to the ground, it’s literally supporting you. Beds, tires, chairs, and shoes." ~ gramathy
GiphyFor the Rest
"A quality mattress." ~ sfriesen33
"My 3 year old sleeps on a better mattress than I ever had until I was married and in my 30s. My wife made me realize just how bad having low quality mattresses can be." ~ drhibbart
"Came here to say this. Bought a $3K Temperpedic 2 years ago and have zero regrets." ~ REDDIT
Auto Parts
"Good tires for your car. I’ve cheaped out, never again." ~ hdiayw55
"This really goes for anything on your car. I went cheap (I never go cheap I don’t know why I did) on windshield wipers. They were terrible. When they broke I spent the big bucks and went high end and they’re so much better." ~ REDDIT
"The moment you realize that the tires are the only thing connecting your car to the road, you're going to give them more attention." ~ rjvmsantos
Suck it Up
"Vacuum cleaners." ~ dxrtycvb
"My robot vacuum isn’t the best sucker, but with no kids or pets it does the job I most despise." ~ newaccount252
"No one has mentioned Miele yet. Miele vacuums are amazing, just like all their appliances." ~ DrunkasaurusRekts
400 dollars in a heartbeat...
"Whatever helps improve your big hobby. One of the nicest presents I've ever gotten was a 400 dollar pool cue (that was on sale for 350). It completely changed the game, because now I'm able to be more precise than I ever could with a house cue. If I had to, I'd spend those 400 dollars in a heartbeat myself the second I had the extra cash for it. It's indescribable just how much more smooth and controlled it is compared to a regular one." ~ FedoraChronicles
Chop/Chop
"A good knife." ~ personofinterest18
"Early on in the pandemic I bought a couple of really nice Japanese knives. Will never go back. It is a night and day difference." ~ jimmyjohn2018
raul julia GIFGiphyNeverstop
"Laser jet printers. Never have to worry about toner (laser’s version of ink) drying on you if you only print here and there." ~ clideb50
"Went back to school last spring. I invested in an HP Neverstop. I print a crap load of things since and the free toner it came with isn't even at 20% consumed. Apparently the free toner can print 5000 pages and a brand new toner ($80) can do 20,000 pages." ~ DekeKneePulls
Deep Down Taste
"Maple syrup." ~ harrisloeser
"I know, right? Real maple syrup comes up from deep down in the ground, perfectly filtered by the tree and concentrated into the perfect sweetener that (based on the health of the ground the tree is growing in) contains minerals you can only get otherwise by chomping rocks." ~ laddersrmykryptonite
Area Codes
"Living in a nice neighborhood."
FastAndForgetful
"Depends on the HOA. Some are great, some are nightmares. The HOA my parents are a part of costs some money but they maintain the front of everyone's property." ~ TitaniumDragon
happy pbs digital studios GIF by PBSGiphyThat last one... yes, YES... YES!!!
Restful sleep, happy feet.
They make life worth living.
Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay |
I love to save money just about as much as I love money itself. Now, don't get me wrong, I love shopping but I love not having to worry about being broke more. Been there. Done that... a lot.
So I seek out deals constantly. If I can save a dime I will, proudly. So I will often buy generic or on clearance.
However, I have come to the realization that every once in a while it is important to spend. There are items out there that rely on quality--and that quality may have a higher cost. Certain last longer when you spend a little extra.
Redditoru/kushnairwanted to know about the times when money was actually... "no object!" They asked:
What is expensive, but worth buying?
When I first started getting into fitness I quickly learned that my $10 Walmart sneakers were not going to cut it. My feet were almost destroyed and the sneakers themselves maybe lasted a week. So now it's Nike and Adidas ($100) for comfort and success. However, when I purchase new pairs, even years late, I still tear up.
Fixers
Water Fix It GIF by Boomerang OfficialGiphy"I'm usually a cheapskate, but I prioritise hiring people to fix things with a good reputation. I would rather pay one dude a reasonable amount to fix (house, car, equipment) than 2 separate people cheap rates to half a** it."
Feet Work
"Shoes for work because I walk around in them all day."
"I like the adage "Always spend money that separates you from the ground" shoes, bed, tires, chair."
"A lot of shoes are built like crap these days tho, and cost a fortune."
Sleep Well
"Pillows. I used to buy $30 pillows every few months because they'd lose their support after a month or 2 and I'd start waking up with headaches and a sore neck. I invested in a good pillow a year ago and still going strong, for about $150."
"That's what I used to think too, but I was spending close to $150 a year on pillows anyways. I'm sure there are other options cheaper than that. My point is it's a good investment to go high end than to buy cheap ones 5 times a year. I hope you can find one in your budget range that provides better long term value."
On a Cloud
"Do not underestimate a great bed! One of the things I pay extra for. The difference in sleeping on the cheapest bed and one that is pricey (but more specific for your body) is a huuuge difference. It does wonders for your physical AND mental health."
- Bokun89
"Yes! Found out the hard way - screwed up my back by being too lazy to change a lumpy spring mattress on time. Ugh."
Take a Seat
Episode 2 Reaction GIF by The OfficeGiphy"Comfortable office chairs."
- jonn1017
"Seriously, how is it possible that in 5 years, I've had two engagement rings and only one chair?"
All true, very true. The damage to your back with a bad office chair can be irreversible. And when needing competent handymen and women, people, open that wallet. It'll hurt but so can bigger and unnecessary repairs.
The Cut
raul julia GIFGiphy"A good kitchen knife."
- devatrox
"Doesn't have to be too expensive either. Most people blow a lot of money on a set when really all they need is a solid $50-100 chef's knife (5-8" or so) for most tasks."
- irongull
For the Butt
"Those toilet seats that gently lower themselves. Never hear that SLAM again in the middle of the night."
"Those aren't even expensive. We got them at Home Depot or Lowe's or whatever by accident when we moved into our new house years ago, and they were the same price as the others. Found out after installing them that they lower slowly and they're fantastic. You walk away from the toilet like a hero in an action movie walking away from an explosion."
Mouth Issues
"Proper dental care. Not caring for teeth can cause many, many more health problems than just those related to the teeth. So besides brushing and flossing and cleaning your tongue you should also visit the dentist twice per year for a check up."
"You only get one set of teeth when older... it's the thing everyone sees when you speak to them... take my advice and take care of them! I didn't and now I have to get work done that would have been avoided with a simple daily brush."
Run Fast
"Quality running shoes. They'll do wonders for your feet. I've learned the hard way that if you buy cheap running shoes, you'll pay the price in terms of blisters and foot pain."
"My friend's sister had been running for like 10 years and was constantly dealing with blisters, foot pain, shin splints, etc. Everyone just assumed she was unlucky and for some reason no one thought too much more about it."
"Finally my friend's wife, who is a super experienced runner, asked about what shoes she wore and learned she had been buying Walmart brand running shoes and wearing them until they fall apart. And even after all that she still had to be convinced to spend on a proper pair of shoes."
On my Skin
Season 2 Premiere GIF by Rock This Boat: New Kids On The BlockGiphy"Nice underwear. I thought it was ridiculous to spend the same amount on a single pair as I could on an entire pack of Hanes, but man does it make a difference in comfort."
Made for Walking...
"Good work boots...forget those cheap crap ones the employer will buy you."
- sssnell
"My dad said the same thing, he even argued with the HR before in bis company after the company set a new policy stating its employees must use the boots the company provided."
Noises Off
"Good headphones. Noise canceling out the bus to work is absolutely life changing."
"A brand called aftershocks uses "bone vibrations" or something to transmit noise, so they sit on a spot on your skull, right behind your ears. They're intended for athletes who need to hear traffic while they're running. Really useful!"
Back Talk
mattress bicyclist GIFGiphy"Also a good mattress. I recently had severe back issues and was advised to change my mattress. I chose a relatively expensive, ortho-specific option and wow, it just feels so relaxing."
- Cthaehen
Winter Time
"A good winter coat (more so for countries where it gets quite cold and/or wet obviously) nothing worse than it being cold and the wind just goes right through you."
- DOOODARS
"That and a great pair of winter boots, living in a northern climate it's amazing how much longer you can be outside with a good coat and good boots on. Thick sole and wool socks will favor you more than any running shoes in the snow."
Lasered
Natalie Portman Wow GIF by Searchlight PicturesGiphy"Laser eye surgery. Couldn't afford it, went into debt for it but would do again in a heartbeat."
- vefefew
Gold
"Real olive oil, not generic supermarket oil. It's freaking liquid gold."
"You can get 100% cold pressed extra virgin olive oil at Costco for a reasonable price. Other than that I'd look at higher end grocery stores outside of the big chains like Kroger, Publix, Safeway."
Fitted
"Any well fitting quality piece of clothing."
- F-Ciel
"I buy expensive jeans once every 2 or 3 years and they still last beyond the 'new' ones, so now I have a steady growing amount of good jeans. I was not rich growing up and when i started working I couldn't buy these, so I had to buy the cheaper ones. They didn't last more than a year, so I never had more than two. It's not only worth it in the long run for the money, but also for my self esteem that I can finally buy good and comfortable clothes that look better."
On the regular...
"Pretty much anything you use regularly, buy a good quality version of it and learn how to look after it. Example: a decent knife and learn how to sharpen it, pair of good shoes and don't leave them out in the rain. But be careful, you wouldn't buy a Rolex when a Seiko 5 would do you just fine."
2 Wheels
Motorcycles GIFGiphy"Good motorcycle equipment (helmet, gloves, etc), that stuff can save lives."
I were underpants so infrequently but when I do I spend a little extra. I like to feel comfortable in certain areas. And I also believe in spending a little extra coin when it comes to concert tickets. Anyway to get closer to Adele.
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