[Sherry]

Is it possible for a splurge to be considered frugal? I’m intrigued by the idea that sometimes spending more upfront can lead to long-term savings or greater value. Can anyone share examples of splurges that have ultimately proven to be frugal choices? Whether it’s investing in high-quality, durable items that last longer and require less frequent replacement, or prioritizing experiences that bring lasting joy and memories, I’d love to hear about your experiences.

Additionally, if you have any insights or tips on how to identify when a splurge might be a wise investment in the long run, please share!

Let’s explore the concept of frugal splurging and discover ways to make smart spending decisions that align with our values and goals.

Thank you for your input!

[Mari]

Yes. For example, an expensive purse will last forever. Or a Nespresso machine will save you money because you’ll make it at home instead of going to a coffee shop. Good shoes because they last much longer and save money by avoiding foot, back pain.

Healthy foods because you’ll save money on health care expenses in the future.

[Jill]

I am currently splurging on containers and dirt. I can no longer till a garden, hoe a garden or get down on my hands and knees. I can’t afford a raised bed at the moment so I’m starting out with large containers that will hopefully last for many many years.

The dirt is the most expensive part though! But I can reuse it every year augmenting with compost and fertilizers.

I know I won’t break even this first year with what I grow, but I’m hoping years of growing in the future will pay off.

Useful: Frugal and Resourceful: Making the Most of Travel Souvenirs

[Heidy]

Goodwill color of the day is .99 in Ga on Saturday so I $10 splurge goes a long way. I only buy if I have a purpose for item.

[Sharron]

i splurged on a kayak and also on some scooters and they have turned out to be great investments into my wellbeing. I am one of those that wants to do it on my own, but getting through a park of a theme park for hours and not being in pain and miserable after is worth a lot more than words can say.

[Paula]

I splurge on bath stuff from time. Epsom salt, essential oil, bubble bath. The mental health boost is a huge payoff to me and my family because it allows me to reset and come out of the bathroom a better person.

[Clary]

I posted the other day about a tackle box I paid $45 for in about 1972 or 1973. I’ve used it to contain my sewing tools and some supplies. I take it wherever. To sewing classes I teach, to the college costume shop, to professional costume shops I worked in, etc, etc.

Excellent investment that’s served well and is ugly, but still going strong. Invest in quality up front and it’ll serve you well for years to come.

[Andrea]

I splurge on good hair products. They are not cheap, but I get full week hold for my thick curly hair. Also then saves on time, and I’m not wasting time on my hair during the week.

[Donna]

I have always thought that buying quality appliances were frugal. In the beginning of my marriage my husband didn’t get it. He then looked at a Kitchen Aid mixer & asked “Who are you leaving this to?”. My blender is around 50 years old. That mixer is over 40.

If you calculate cost per year the mixer is about $3/year – so far.

[Jenny]

I ordered a Vitamix on sale. It was frugal in the sense that it will last a very long time and I won’t have to buy another blender. It was costly, but I felt like it was worth it to splurge on it.

[Makayla]

My husband and I do dollar tree dates. Go crazy on snacks then take them home for movie or games. Feels like a splurge but usually like $15

[Dana]

Yep. We splurge on appliances. We’ve had our huge 5 burner 2 oven range for 22 years, our subzero fridge for 16 years, our bosch dishwasher 12 years. Our previous washer and dryer were 19 years old. Even though they were expensive, they were also the highest quality we could afford, and I believe it has saved us money in the long run.

[Michelle]

Sure. I justify spending more that are things I use every day but won’t need to be replaced multiple times because cheap isn’t always better. Example – shoes, bra, bedding, car (within reason)

[Laura]

Yes. If I find a clothing item that ticks all the boxes and I love it, then I find I get much more use out of it than several cheap ones that don’t quite fit right and don’t last.

[Sara]

Spending a dime to save a dollar is very definitely a real thing. 1 pair of Birkenstocks, 1 set of real silverware, 1 fine leather jacket, 1 new Japanese car, etc… all of these items are expensive but they will last you a lifetime if you care for them properly.

[Patty]

It can be frugal, for sure. For example, my hubby and I have a certain brand of Italian sausage we like. We couldn’t find it for the longest time. It’s available again, so we are going to stock up on that. Do we “need” it?

No. Our freezer is full. I have canned some meat. It’s not a need. But when it comes to meat and other items that are pricey, I think it’s frugal to buy and stock up. Especially, when you know you’ll use it.

[Dan]

In 2011 I spent about $1200 on a Super Automatic De Longhi Espresso machine. It grinds tamps and brews coffee with the press of a button. Had it going on 14 years now (I have done a couple repairs on it over the years of wear and tear parts). It has an internal counter and has racked up about 20,000 shots of espresso. It makes wonderful coffee, long shot is like regular coffee, short is for Latte and Mochas.

If you figure a single shot of espresso at .75 that is about $15,000 worth of coffee that machine has made over the years. 3 of my friends have purchased them and they all love them. Worth every penny. I think that is an example of thrift, value and economy all wrapped up in one purchase. I also splurged on a Lexus SUV. I purchased it when it was about 5 years old with only 29,000 miles on it.

New it was over $110,000. I paid under $65,000 using my paid off 4Runner that they gave me $40,000. ($7000 more than I paid for it during vehicle shortage) I just paid off the 5 year loan on the LX in 22 months. These vehicle routinely lasts for 300K (Toyota Land Cruiser Platform) miles or about 12 years with my driving. One of my previous Toyotas lasted me 11 years without a single repair. That is a lot thriftier than purchasing a car every couple years or spending mass bank on repairs.

I won’t buy any vehicle other than a Toyota or Lexus. Korean cars parts are ridiculous and not proven long term. German cars are a joke, they seem cheap but constantly break down after a few years and parts are expensive. The overall point here is being frugal is not WASTING.

It is a waste to buy cheap landfill items only to be tossed away not viable to economically repair. Sometimes you might outlay more (invest I should say) initially. But ultimately, you pay less. Like my coffee machine, my vehicles. The TCO is much lower than had I purchased crappy junky ones.

[Patty]

I splurge on some travel. It’s an annual thing but some years twice a year. It’s sort of expensive, I still watch pennies, but also know it’s the most fun I have all year and I’m going to places I could never see otherwise.

[Claudette]

Absolutely. I was 19 when I splurged and got Farberware pots and pans for my first place. I am now 66 and still using those same pots and pans. I splurge on tea and coffee, as they enhance my wellbeing. Twenty-four years ago, I splurged on some Egyptian cotton towels. One bath sheet was $60 and the washcloths were $20 each. I have had no need to purchase a towel since. They are still going strong, not a hole, not a rip, anywhere. The tread has not even come apart.

I may have to splurge on Mother’s Day. I am not a mother and my mother has passed; but, I am not sure my sister’s children are going to show up. So, I made a reservation at a lovely restaurant just in case.

[Megan]

Sure. Spending more money on a higher quality product is cheaper in the long run than spending less money on a product that requires replacement sooner. There’s also time and enjoyment to consider aside from money.

Here’s my personal example- after burning the motor on my KA mixer, I purchased a Bosch mixer. It was stronger, but the capacity wasn’t enough for our family of 8. I still found us buying expensive breads too often because of the time of took to make triple batches. I researched the best mixer and bought an Ankarsrum for $700, but we’ve made enough pretzel buns, rolls, bagels, breads and stopped going out to a local burger place for pretzel buns that it has paid for itself. I also save SO much time since I can do larger batches at once.

[Author]

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