9 times when going cheap costs you money (2026)

There is a smarter way to approach times going cheap costs, and it starts with knowing a few key details. This guide covers them, along with tips you can apply immediately.

Key Takeaways

• If you’re a fan of Clark Howard, you’re likely to also be a fan of the affordable deal.
• Though, there are times when going the affordable route ends up costing more money in the long run.
• Examples run from ‘free kittens’ to dollar store electronics, and it can be a frustrating barrier to a balanced budget.
• Worth noting: backpacks and lunch boxes Back-to-school season is right near the corner, and for numerous people that means purchasing yet another replacement backpack or lunchbox.

Tips That Make a Difference

Benjamin Franklin famously wrote that ‘The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten,’ so here are a few examples when it saves money to pony up the large bucks from the get-go. : How to make a disposable razor last 12 months! Both Land’s End and LL Bean offer lifetime guarantees on their merchandise, and although their initial price point may be greater, you’ll get a better product than your average affordable-o princess or monster truck backpack.

• Pay more to get high quality from the beginning, and you can later get a free replacement if anything goes wrong with it.
• Tools Like most consumer goods, tools have come down in price in recent years, so it can be tempting to pick up inexpensive tools for your home requires.
• More importantly, unfortunately, those affordable tools don’t hold up to regular apply, so you’ll end up purchasing them over and over again.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Instead, you’re better off biting the bullet and purchasing a quality tool that includes a warranty. Craftsman tools from Sears are one example of a tool brand known for their quality that’s worth the added money.

• Ask your contractor friends for brand recommendations before you purchase your next hammer, screwdriver or socket wrench set.
• Remember that crayons Although you might find a better price on a box of crayons at your local dollar store, those crayons are more likely to break under your child’s firm hand grip.
• Since off-brand crayons are wrapped in a single layer of paper.

Is Times Going Cheap Costs Worth It?

Crayola brand crayons are double wrapped in paper, which provides them the added strength to withstand abuse from your adorable preschooler. Purchase the name brand in this situation, and they might actually last more than an hour or two! (Editor’s note: In addition, some dollar store crayons reportedly contain asbestos.) Shoes Anyone who’s made the mistake of wearing a cute but cheaply made pair of shoes will caution you against picking savings in this category.

• As a rule, proper fit, arch support and quality components can make the difference between a excellent day and endless hours of torture.
• As an RN who works 12-1/2 hour shifts, I’m a fan of Dansko brand clogs, which cost up to $135, but are worth each penny.
• Sought after with teachers, hairdressers and anyone on their feet for extended periods, this splurge avoids painful foot problems that land a person in the podiatrists’s office.

Where the Real Savings Hide

Other culprits include affordable flip flops, or genuinely, any shoes without proper support. In short, and if the comfort argument doesn’t sway you, the longevity of greater quality shoes should.

• Pay more, and you should be able to wear them for more than a single season.
• Airline travel If you’ve been sucked in by the affordable prices of cut-rate fares from Spirit Airlines, be sure to read the fine print ahead of time.
• Since you’re going to pay added for your carry-on luggage, ranging from $30 - $150, depending on the size of your bag and whether you’re paying for it when you initially book your ticket or if you wait until you hit the airport gate.

A Closer Look at Times Going Cheap Costs

Worth noting: you might end up negating any savings by traveling with even one normal roll-aboard suitcase. Pots and pans You might be tempted to pick up an entire set of pans for $30 from a large box store, but they’re unlikely to last beyond a year or two.

• Even if you’re able to avoid scratching the non-stick surface, the handles frequently break and you’ll be left without a method to cook dinner.
• Instead, invest a bit more and pick stainless steel or cast-iron pans which should last for decades if not centuries.
• More importantly, cast iron skillets get handed down from generation to generation, and the company Lodge Cast Iron has been manufacturing right here in the United States for over 120 years.

What to Know About Times Going Cheap Costs

No, you won’t get three pans for $12.99, but for $18, you can begin applying a skillet that will last until your excellent granddaughter steals it for her own kitchen. Terrible frugal hacks The Internet is full of a myriad of endless frugal hacks to try at home.

• Unfortunately, numerous of them fall flat, and the worst of them can end up costing you money in the long run.
• Remember that i’d read about how much money you can save on vampire electricity by plugging all electronics into a surge protector to turn off when not in apply.
• Sounds like a excellent concept, right?

How Times Going Cheap Costs Really Works

I’d plugged all my TV-related electronics into a single surge protector, which I was turning off at night. Unfortunately, I accidentally turned off the surge protector while my TV was still on, which then fried it!

• As a rule, i saved a few pennies but ended up spending hundreds of dollars.
• Conclusion It can be painful for us frugal folks to deliberately pay more for our household requires, but sometimes it’s better to pay more in the beginning to avoid needless repeat purchases.
• Websites such as Purchase Me Once assist consumers avoid purchasing aspects that lean heavily towards planned obsolescence.

Getting the Most From Times Going Cheap Costs

Whether you’re looking to cut costs or to minimize your contributions to the landfill, you’re better off purchasing quality and purchasing once. : 12 methods to reduce food waste in your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I save money on times going cheap costs?

Compare prices across a few retailers, look for active coupon codes, and time bigger buys around sales events. Both Land’s End and LL Bean offer lifetime guarantees on their merchandise, and although their initial price point may be greater, you’ll get a better product than your average affordable-o princess or monster truck back....

Is it worth shopping around for times going cheap costs?

Usually yes. Pay more to get high quality from the beginning, and you can later get a free replacement if anything goes wrong with it.

What should I check before buying?

Read the terms, confirm any code still works, and factor in shipping or returns. Tools Like most consumer goods, tools have come down in price in recent years, so it can be tempting to pick up inexpensive tools for your home requires.

Smart Ways to Save More on Times Going Cheap Costs

• Sign up for the retailer newsletter to catch first time and seasonal discounts.
• Compare the final price including shipping, not just the headline number.
• Check for student, military, or first order offers you may qualify for.
• Time non urgent purchases around major sale events for the deepest cuts.
• Leave items in your cart for a day; some stores send a follow up discount.

Final Thoughts

Put these ideas to work and times going cheap costs gets a lot less expensive. Bookmark this page, check back for fresh deals, and let the savings do the talking.

Originally published at clark.com.