When your washing machine breaks or something in your house needs to be fixed, your first intuition may be to go with the cheapest replacement or solution possible. However, this could be a “penny wise, pound foolish” approach depending on the situation.
Whether it’s the vehicle you drive or a new household gadget, it’s true that you don’t always need the newest and most expensive version of every product. However, there are some advantages to spending a little more on certain ones. Here are 12 purchases that can ultimately save you money in the long run if you focus on quality over price.
1) Energy-Efficient Appliances
The next time you have to replace a major appliance like the washing machine, dryer, or refrigerator, consider buying one that’s Energy Star-rated. These are products that have been certified through the EPA to show that their improved efficiency will save you money over the life of their usage. This makes them very attractive – even if they do cost a little more than similar conventional models.
So how much more will you save exactly? Depending on your usage and the specifications of the appliance, some experts expect you’ll save anywhere between 20 to 50 percent on your monthly energy bills. Given that you may have that appliance for the next 5 to 15 years, that’s a savings that will really add up over time.
2) Phone Case and Screen Protector
Our cell phones are something that we have become completely dependent upon. Most people wouldn’t dream of leaving the house without one. Because of this, it makes sense to do everything in your power to protect it from damage.
Two simple items can easily accomplish this. The first is a phone case. While some brands are priced at $50 or more, a lesser-known case that offers the same shock-absorbing protection will range between $10 to $20.
A screen protector can also be a lifesaver. The cell phone stores may try to sell you products that cost as much as $30. However, you can find screen protectors at dollar stores that will do the job just fine.
3) Regular Auto Maintenance
It can be a pain taking your vehicle into the shop for things like oil changes, tire rotations, filter replacement, etc. However, without these regular services, the performance of your car can become seriously jeopardized.
Worst case, neglecting smaller maintenance tasks now can lead to bigger and more costly repairs down the road such as fixing the engine or transmission. Staying on top of these items has been said to extend the life of your vehicle for as long as 300,000 miles. To find out what you should be doing, consult the Maintenance section of your owner’s manual.
4) Programmable Thermostats
There’s no need to keep your house at your preferred temperature setting when everyone is away at work or school during the day. Otherwise, you’re just heating and cooling it for no one.
To solve this, a programmable thermostat is often recommended. This is a device that will allow you to set the temperature throughout different times of the day, and then cycle through that range automatically.
Programmable thermostats can cost anywhere from $50 to $300. Even though the less expensive models work just fine, modern “smart” models will connect to your phone giving you control from wherever you are. They also collect data about your energy usage which can help you to change your habits and reduce consumption.
5) Home Insulation and Weatherproofing
Having the right amount of insulation overhead and in the walls can help your house maintain its temperature setting and use less energy. To see if your home is sufficient will require a home energy inspection. This can either be done by yourself (if you know what to look for) or scheduled with a professional. Many energy companies offer to do them for free!
If you notice a draft near any of the windows, a simple fix can be to apply weather stripping. This is just a thin strip of foam or rubber that sticks to the wall or window sill. It’s very inexpensive, easy to implement, and can potentially save you tons of energy usage.
6) High-Quality Cookware
Daily cooking can really start to wear down your pots and pans. However, if you invest in better quality products, you won’t have to replace them as often. Plus, they’ll help you to cook your food more evenly.
7) Home Coffee Maker
Love coffee in the morning? If you’re in the habit of buying it daily from a local coffee shop, this can quickly add up to anywhere between $25 to $50 per week.
Instead, invest in a coffee maker that allows you to make them at home. Some products can even do specialty drinks like iced coffee or macchiatos.
8) High-Quality Clothing
Cheap clothes and accessories (like shoes) may seem like a deal when you’re shopping. However, after wearing and washing them a few times, you’ll see the quality quickly deteriorate and why they were priced at such a discount.
To improve the longevity of your apparel, especially staple pieces that never go out of style, consider buying higher-quality brands. Though you may have to spend a little more initially, these items will last you longer, fit better, and feel more comfortable.
9) A Crock Pot
There are literally thousands of recipes that can be made using a crock pot. Many families enjoy the convenience of adding the ingredients in the morning, letting it cook all day, and then coming home to a ready-to-eat dinner. That not only will save you time, but it can also provide you with leftovers that you can take with you for lunch the next day.
10) LED Lights
The next time another light bulb in your house goes out, make a conscious effort to replace it with an LED bulb. LEDs are far more energy efficient than old-school incandescent bulbs. This means less power used and fewer changes going forward.
11) Tools
The cost of hiring a contractor or repairman can be astronomical. That’s why it pays to have the right tools on hand and be willing to attempt a few jobs yourself.
For instance, hiring someone to fix a crack or hole in your wall can easily cost a few hundred dollars. But for less than $20, you can buy some joint compound and a putty knife and make the fix yourself. If you’re unsure of what to do, YouTube is a phenomenal resource for learning just about any DIY home repair or project.
12) Hobbies
The cost of doing activities you like and the equipment involved can seem pricey. However, when you consider how much hobbies distract you from needlessly buying things you don’t need, they can quickly become an investment that’s well worth it.
For instance, suppose you like to read. Downloading a few ebooks to read in your free time will be far less expensive than a trip to the store. Plus it will empower you to do something that you truly enjoy doing.
The Bottom Line
Although it can seem counterintuitive for your budget to spend a little extra on some purchases, your mindset needs to be larger than just the price. Buying quality items that will last longer and help you to be more efficient will make up the difference and then some. For this reason, consider the full picture the next time you make your purchase.
Featured image credit: Pexels
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