When Saving Cents Doesn't Make Sense

In my experience, there have been times when saving a few cents by purchasing a cheaper brand did not save me money in the long run. For example, it doesn't save you any money to buy cheap toilet paper or laundry detergent if you break out in a resultant rash. You also won't save money if you buy clothes that are cheaply made, and they fall apart before their time. It will not save you money if you buy shoes that do not give you good support, and you end up going to the doctor with back pain. It will not save you money if you buy a store brand of a food item, and your family will not eat it. So, what are we to do?

The issue is most often not about price but about value. It is better to buy items of quality that will outlast or outperform cheaper items. Good quality does not necessarily mean an item will be more expensive. If your family needs are such that you must use a "name brand" detergent, then do so; just use a little less. If you have back problems, it makes more sense to spend a little more for good shoes; just don't have so many pairs.

Being wise with our money does not mean that we must wear sack cloth and ashes! On the contrary, we are still to cover ourselves appropriately and be well groomed. Too often, the danger for us, where money is concerned, is when we dress above our means or have too many clothes. I recently heard a commercial on the radio stating that if you had 2 dozen pairs of black pants and no 2 were the same size, then it was time for a new closet. How outrageous! No one has any business owning that many pairs of pants, even if they all fit! Based on your station in life, decide what you and your family members genuinely need, and purchase only those items. Your life will be much simpler, and you will have more time and money.