Too often, it’s easy to confuse being frugal and being cheap. Frugality means getting the most out of every dollar you spend. On the other hand, cheap often means looking for the lowest possible price, no matter the drawbacks. While it’s okay to enjoy a good deal now and again, you shouldn’t always look for the most affordable option.
After all, some cheap products only end up costing you more money over time. If you truly want to get the best value for your spending, a few products require a bit of a bigger investment. Here’s what you need to know.
Don’t skimp on your mattress.
There’s no denying it: A good mattress is expensive. However, it can also save you from a lot of grief as time goes on. A cheap mattress will likely wear out much more quickly. When it does, you’ll have to buy another one. Then, if that one wears out quickly, you’ll buy another one after. The prices add up and can quickly drain your funds. That says nothing of the fact that a bad mattress can also negatively impact your health. If you’re a light sleeper, you’re much more likely to experience insomnia. Side sleepers may end up with back pain. And even if a cheap mattress feels like a comfortable mattress, that may not be the case.
When you’re looking for a comfortable mattress that’s built to last, you want to look with ones that include memory foam. Even if the entire mattress isn’t made with gel memory foam, you can find a mattress with a layer of memory foam for a lower price. Foam mattresses are great for all sleepers, including side sleepers, stomach sleepers, and back sleepers. The foam also helps with pressure relief for the spine and hips. On top of that, a memory foam mattress helps circulate body heat. The top layer can typically wick moisture and allows for more airflow. Memory foam mattresses are durable and contour your body. Whether you need a firmer mattress or a soft foam mattress to prevent those late-night aches, products like a Nectar mattress may be able to help.
Jewelry is worth the investment.
If you’re buying a wedding band, an engagement ring, or some new earrings, you don’t want to buy the cheapest jewels you can find. When you skimp on jewelry, you’re more likely to purchase counterfeit gemstones or jewelry that isn’t durable accidentally. Fine jewelry is well worth the cost as it’s meant to last a lifetime. In fact, the right jeweler will typically offer a lifetime warranty for your purchase. Discuss this with the customer service reps at the jewelry store ahead of time, however.
Even if you find a great price on silver jewelry or diamonds, you should meet with an appraiser to determine their value. If you’re not sure how to find a jeweler, you can start online. Instead of going to the name-brand stores, you can look for independent jewelry stores. Google location-specific phrases like “jewelers in Baltimore” and “jewelry store near me” to find relevant results. If you buy cheap jewelry, you’ll have to pay more to maintain it, repair it, and clean it over time. While it may not seem all that expensive, the costs can definitely add up.
Whether you’re buying your first memory foam mattress with a comfort layer or you’re browsing the online market for jewels, you mustn’t buy the cheapest products you can find. Instead, invest in excellent customer service, high-quality products, and companies that stand behind their services. It can make a big difference when you need assistance, repairs, or replacements.