When NOT to be Frugal | Prioritizing Value Over Cheapness
Believe it or not SOMETIMES the most frugal option is the more expensive option! Today we talk about the areas where it's worth spending more because of the savings it could provide in the long run. We also discuss some common frugal tips that are misleading at best, and usually not worth following!
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Notable Notes
What the Internet has to say:
- This article from To Love, Honor, and Vacuum gives a list of 6 things that are not worth being frugal.
What Jen + Jill have to say:
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We like the reasoning for the times when it's worth spending more: (1) because it might cost you more in the long run to go with the less expensive option or (2) because it will make a tremendous difference in your life!
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Items not worth 'going cheap':
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Beds - and we agree! HOWEVER you can still find good secondhand options
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Shoes - YES - sometimes that good, comfortable, long-lasting, versatile shoe is worth the money!
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A few nice outfits - again, we agree - when mixing and matching from the thrift store is not working - spend a little extra on some nice clothes!
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Last minute meals - it's ok to spend some extra money when time is short! We also recommend meal planning - get a good jump start with our affiliate: Cook Smarts and use code: frugal for 25% off
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Food delivery - we say 'maybe' - this all depends on lifestyle and whether this is a good option for you!
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Housekeeping - but we would add, hiring any service that you could technically do yourself. If life circumstances afford for this to be in the budget - it can be economically responsible (Check out Episode 1: Frugality 101 - talked about giving jobs to others)
More from the Internet:
- This article from Wallet Hacks explores 4 common 'frugal tips' that actually are not worth it - and can end up costing you more!
More from Jen + Jill:
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We like the what this article had to say about frugality being about mindfulness and making wise decisions with your money rather than just doing everything the cheapest way possible!
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Frugal Tips to Ignore:
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DIY repairs - as the article points out 'there's a fine line between money-saving and downright dangerous' - and may cost more in the long-run if not fixed properly
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Extreme Couponing - we covered this one in our previous episode Couponing for Extra Normal People
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Getting the cheapest (or no) insurance - compare rates instead, negotiate, etc. but have insurance!
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Adhering to a Rice and Beans diet - it's important to get proper nutrition, so we also recommend not setting up camp here if it's not necessary!
Bottom line - we’re walking a tight rope - be careful of falling into ‘cheap’ territory
BILL OF THE WEEK - Thank you Lucy for sharing your bill with us!
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Lightning Round
From the Community:
Frugal Friends Book Club:
It’s May and we’re reading The Soul of Money by Lynne Twist for our book club!
- If you want a free copy, leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher, screenshot the review and send it to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com. We’ll select the winners at the end of the month.
See you next week!