5 purchases you shouldn't skimp on

Sometimes, paying a little more is worth it -- and going for the biggest bargain may come with costs you hadn't anticipated.

By Ollie Geiger, MoneyRates.com

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Mr. Anthrope
Dec 21, 2012 1:14PM
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The only item I agree on here is a good mattress.  Since sleeping and sex are about the only things left that people can enjoy without being taxed on them, it just makes sense to have a comfortable bed.
news or not
Jan 2, 2013 4:43PM
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this was authored either by a very rich person....or a fool deeply in debt. You can save(spend less) on all the items mentioned. It is true that in some cases you should not give up quality, but that doesnt mean that you just throw money around that you dont have....Common sense is the key...not urging people to spend more than they can afford.
cleve716
Jan 17, 2013 3:38PM
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 I've learned of three things:

1. mattress... to get a good nights sleep. $800 for ours 13 years ago, still going strong.

2. shoes... if your feet hurt, your back will start to hurt, and you will be miserable and unproductive. You can pay $30 for a pair of shoes that will last 3 months, or $90 for a pair that will last 3 years.

3. tires... we spent $400 on Michelin's for our 150,000 mile Geo Prizm. The tire dealer was bemused by it, since the car was worth about $800. But we had that car for 40,000 more miles, six years, and never bought tires again. Plus, physics doesn't care whether your car is worth $800 or $80,000, good ties makes you safe.

 

 

rick121x
Jan 2, 2013 5:28PM
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Interesting, the article is slanted toward folks who are having money problems, but those "five things" you shouldn't skimp on, seem to luxury items to me - things that I could consider after and only after I was in quite good financial shape.

i think the notions are fine, but the application of those notions to be largely misplaced.

steveG1956
Dec 21, 2012 10:42AM
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aaaaahhhh!!!!   a WONDERFUL article about spend-spend-spend!  yeah!  let's hurry up and spend some more especially with christmas just about here!

 

let's not forget that SPENDING is the key to happiness! 

maryb3
Jan 17, 2013 3:22PM
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The only thing I refuse to skimp on is condoms.

Musician42
Jan 17, 2013 3:55PM
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Also your toothbrush.  Be true to your teeth, or they'll be false to you.
RLG09
Dec 21, 2012 10:09AM
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Really?  It's okay to buy my dream car?  How cool is that?!  Thank you Ollie .
Musician42
Jan 17, 2013 3:54PM
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All good, but I did skimp a little on a gift for my wife.  As a gag, I got her a crowbar (don't worry, there was some nice jewelry wrapped around it.  Stll alive, aren't I?).  She has latent interior decorator tendencies, & if forced to tell the truth, she's gotten more use from that crowbar than any other gift I ever bought her.
ts777
Jan 17, 2013 3:23PM
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well that pretty much covers all we buy in life kinda a stupid article whats left to save money on????
MAndrade87
Jan 17, 2013 4:47PM
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lmao...this article should have been "Don't skimp on anything, you cheap bastard"
FifthHorseman707
Jan 17, 2013 4:39PM
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Shoes are at the top of the list.  That's why I like trail shoes and GoreTex Boots.  I'm partial to New Balance trail shoes because they have a good fit, good cushioning, and last for years; the upper will rip apart from the sole before the tread wears out.  And they're pretty easy to find for under $50 per pair.

 

A good pair of GoreTex boots is a must.  If they're insulated, the Thinsulate keeps your feet warm while the GoreTex keeps your feet dry.  There's nothing worse than cold, wet feet when you have no other options than to be out on foot.

 

Feet only come one pair per customer, so spend the money on them.

foo 2u
Jan 17, 2013 5:38PM
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A complete load of nonsense.  Today's comfortable mattress is tomorrow's misery.  Today's car with all the goodies and power and fun stuff to drive is tomorrow's money pit.   As for your spouse or or other, love and closeness and a listening ear and a card to show you remember  the occasion will do.  Groceries are just food and a vacation is to relieve stress not cause it because the cost is more than you can afford.  Have you any more fool recommendations? 
cheetr
Jan 17, 2013 4:57PM
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To which cars is the author referring with the phrase, "today's cars are generally better made than their older counterparts?" My wife bought a 2009 Honda that hasn't even made it 60 months and the interior is falling apart. Cars aren't any better built than they ever have been, in fact some are worse, and they are still just a box and four wheels that start falling apart the day you buy them, it's just now they are so full of electronics, they require much more costly maintenance to avoid much more costly repairs.
cltsoxfan29
Jan 17, 2013 6:32PM
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If you don't have the money, taking an expensive vacation or buying a new car is narcissistic and stupid. There are ways to take some time away and de-stress without dropping thousands on a fancy trip. My co-worker whose wife doesn't work and is always complaining how he doesn't get paid enough and they have no money spent 30 mins this morning telling me about the trip to Mexico they are taking because they both really need a vacation...I wanted to ask him what his wife needed a vacation from if she didn't work. As for gifts for your spouse- if you are in a tight financial situation that is the LAST thing you should be spending your money on. How about deciding to invest in your future marital happiness by putting that money towards debt or savings instead of buying me some piece of jewelry I don't need.  What a dumb article
Benni 11
Jan 17, 2013 3:18PM
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Your car loses money as soon as you buy it new...  If you are buying used, it will continually lose money as you use it...  These aspects of having a car are expected... 
Benni 11
Jan 17, 2013 3:17PM
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Agreed... The mattress matters
blueangel1959
Dec 21, 2012 1:13PM
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I agree with everything on there except vacations.  All that is a completely unnecessary luxury item that no one should be doing unless everything else is taken care of for life.  I have no sympathy for people that have not saved anything for retirement at all, and yet they went on a vacation.  They have NO lasting value whatsoever. 
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