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 enjoying a good deal now and again is okay, you shouldn’t always look for the most affordable option.
If you truly want to get the best value for your spending, a few products require a bigger investment. After all, some cheap products only end up costing you more money over time. 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 grief as time goes on. A cheap bed 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. 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’ll likely experience insomnia. Side sleepers may end up with back pain. And even if a cheap mattress feels comfortable, that may not be the case.
When you’re looking for a comfortable mattress that’s built to last, you want to look for ones that include memory foam. Even if the entire bed isn’t made with gel memory foam, you can find a bed with a layer of memory foam for a lower price. Foam mattresses are great for all sleepers, including side, stomach, 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 bed or a soft foam mattress to prevent those late-night aches, products like a Nectar mattress may help.
Jewelry is worth the investment.
You don’t want to buy the cheapest jewels. When you skimp on jewelry, you’re more likely to accidentally purchase counterfeit gemstones or jewelry that isn’t durable. f you’re buying a wedding band, an engagement ring, or new earrings. 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. However, discuss this with the customer service reps at the jewelry store ahead of time.
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 unsure how to find a jeweler, you can start online. Instead of going to 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, repair, and clean it over time. While it may not seem all that expensive, the costs can add up.
Whether buying your first memory foam mattress with a comfort layer or browsing the online market for jewels, you mustn’t buy the cheapest products. 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.