Frugal People Are Sharing The Things They Always Splurge On

Recently, I wrote up a Reddit thread where frugal people shared the things that they always splurge on no matter what. It was so interesting and relatable that it inspired even more responses from our very own BuzzFeed Community! Here are the things they swear by splurging on even if they’re trying to save money:

1. “As a parent, I refuse to buy cheap diapers, wipes, cleaner, soaps, or lotions for my child. Cheap diapers will leak or give a rash. Cheap wipes are flimsy and can also give a rash.”

2. “I learned quickly that cheap clothes and shoes fall apart and need to be replaced quite often. I was a bartender in college, and most ‘fast fashion’ items didn’t last through one shift, but I still have my Dickies cargo pants and Justin work boots decades later. Don’t forget that price doesn’t equal quality, and even trusted brands aren’t always consistent. Learn how to identify signs of quality workmanship and buy that.”

3. “Dish detergent must be name brand for me. The cheap stuff clings to silicone (spoons or spatulas), and you can taste the chemicals.”

4. “Spices. It’s the one thing we don’t buy the store brand for.”

5. “For me, it’s food items. I am definitely privileged for this, but I will buy whatever I like and will not be looking at the cost of most things. If I don’t buy what I like, I will end up not eating it, so it’s a complete waste of money.”

6. “When I go to Broadway musicals (the national touring productions), I buy tickets as close to center mezzanine as possible. They are pricey, but I tell my daughter that life is too short for shitty tickets. I would rather spend my money on experiences like these, instead of some item that will be thrown away at some point.”

7. “Paying extra for priority check-in and extra space seats on flights.”

8. “Shoes. I have very narrow feet with a serious need for arch support. I don’t really have a choice because most shoes are medium width, and narrow shoes are expensive, but I’d rather pay for shoes than bunions, hammer toes, or plantar fasciitis.”

9. “Anything for my pets. Quality food, regular checkups with all that stuff they recommend but don’t require (especially for my three seniors), brand-name flea/tick/heartworm prevention, pricey dental chews for the dogs, medicated shampoo for our allergy pup, joint supplements and meds for the dog with back issues, immune supplements for the FIV+ cat…it can be the biggest expense aside from housing. We’ve been known to spend a lot on fosters and strays, too.”

10. “Charmin was non-negotiable when my husband and I first moved in together, as I have IBS. He cheaped out one time (thankfully I had an emergency roll hidden), got food poisoning, and found out the hard way the multitude of reasons I only buy Charmin Ultra Soft.”

11. “Toothpaste, toothbrushes, and mouthwash. You really can see/feel the difference between quality toothpaste and the cheap stuff. I put it down as a medical expense.”

12. “Good wool socks. I used to buy cheap ones, and was constantly mending the holes. Wool lasts for years, wicks sweat away, making them comfortable in summer, too, and adds padding to sneakers, making hiking more comfortable. Worth every penny.”

13. “A good haircut and color. I like walking out the door knowing I look my best.”

14. “Anything regarding sleep. Try and get the best pillows, mattress, sheets, etc. I sell mattresses for a living, and the worst thing you can do is cheap out on a mattress. Good sleep is life-changing, especially when you spend a third of your life in bed.”

15. “Chocolate. Life’s too short to eat crappy, waxy chocolate that was probably produced with forced and/or child labor. It might be $6 a bar, but I only need one little square for complete satisfaction.”

16. “Body wash, lotions, deodorant, and laundry detergent. I have eczema and generic Dove body wash has made me break out in hives from sweating in the past. I’ll pay the extra few dollars for comfortable skin.”

17. “VIP tickets to shows that are under or around $100. If VIP is affordable, always go for it. Better bathrooms, viewing, food, drinks, and hanging out with the band. This is more common for concerts featuring less mainstream artists of yesterday, or new festivals that are just getting started.”

18. “I worked my way through college and never had enough to splurge on much. After four years of generic mac ‘n’ cheese and peanut butter, I swore when I ‘had money’ I would only eat Kraft and Peter Pan. To this day (40 years later), both are still in my pantry.”

19. “Heinz Ketchup. To me, there is no substitute. I have tried other brands, but none compare to Heinz.”

20. “I splurge on aesthetic procedures at the best plastic surgeon. Better to pay more once than paying less and going back to fix it.”

21. And finally, “When I need a car, I buy Honda, because they last longer than most cars. It’s worth it to spend a little more, because you’ll have less repairs later down the road. I need something dependable and reliable.”

Is there anything that you will always splurge on no matter what, even at your most frugal? Share it in the comments! Or, use this anonymous form. Your response could be featured in an upcoming BuzzFeed Community post!

Note: Submissons have been edited for length/clarity.