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Saving money can be quite a hard task, especially when everything seems to cost millions. And so, you usually look for the cheapest stuff, so at least a little money would be left over after your purchase for the next one. Apparently, this action might be a relatively flawed one. When it comes to certain items, people say that you splurge on them once rather than continuing to do it over and over again. 

Today’s list is the handbook of what these items are. From towels to tires, there are plenty of things you shouldn’t skimp on. So, let’s dive in and make a mental note for the next time you’re in need of them, shall we?

More info: Reddit

#1

Hand holding an expensive sneaker worth spending money, with red, black, and white details, over a cutting mat. Shoes. So many people in my life have told me to not spend money on shoes when I can, "buy the same thing at Walmart for 20 bucks." I finally started buying some more expensive shoes in my mid twenties, and I found that they're more comfortable and last way longer than the 20 dollar Walmart alternatives. If you have the money, invest in a good pair of shoes.

PalletTownPoseidon , Lewis Pugsley Report

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    #2

    Two people unloading boxes from a van, potentially containing expensive items worth spending money on. Hiring movers. Every time I moved in the past I did it myself, with the help of friends and family, got frustrated, sweated all day, tensions ran high -- movers make it SO much easier. It's absolutely worth the extra expense. Your time and happiness are valuable. I'll never go back.

    FiftyShadesOfGregg , Artem Podrez Report

    #3

    Person pouring maple syrup over gourmet waffles topped with strawberries and bananas, highlighting expensive items worth spending money. Maple Syrup. Growing up, we always had that cheap "Pancake Syrup" stuff that's basically corn syrup and food coloring. It never even occurred to me to buy ACTUAL Maple Syrup ($12 for a tiny bottle??) until I was in my 20s, and had it at a friend's house.

    Guess what? That s**t is delicious and worth it.

    anon , Mary West Report

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    Bored Sailor
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To note, according to a friend who grew up with his family tapping maple trees and processing honey, it does not matter what state it comes from in USA.

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    It’s no secret that the high prices nowadays force people to come up with ways to save money – from simple budgeting to full-blown thrifty lifestyles

    So, when you’re in money-saving mode, it seems that buying the cheapest things is the way to go, doesn’t it? Well, in some cases, it might be, but others paying a little (or not so little) bit more can be cheaper in the long run. 

    As this Guardian article (rather an old, but still relevant) by Madeleine Somerville points out, many products tend to not be built for long term use, so, despite costing relatively little, they wear out quickly. At the same time, items with higher costs tend to be of higher quality. 

    #4

    Multiple rolls of toilet paper piled together, highlighting expensive items worth spending money on. Toilet paper.

    PresentExpensive2945 , Colourblind Kevin Report

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    Warren Peece
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Good decision. I also have recently started buying toilet paper.

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    #5

    Luxurious rolled towels emphasizing expensive items worth spending money. I have to say towels, cheap ones don't dry well or aren't soft enough or both... Those who've used standard issue military towels understand.

    anon , Dom J Report

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    Nin Han
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Best towel I have may or may not be from the Hilton after a visit... Big and soft.

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    #6

    Block of butter on a plate with a knife, symbolizing expensive items worth spending money on in a gourmet kitchen setting. Butter. I'll still cook with regular butter but on bread I'll only eat Kerrygold now.

    SallyHeap , Margaret Jaszowska Report

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    Ace
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I feel sorry for people, presumably in the US, for whom Kerrygold is somehow a premium product. I mean, it's OK, but is just ordinary butter, no different from any other available over here in France and CH..

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    Basically, quality costs more upfront, but over time, when you don’t have to keep replacing the cheaper item, even if it’s at a lower price, the expensive one turns out to be more cost-effective. 

    Take the things presented on this list, for example. They were collected from netizens’ opinions expressed in a Reddit thread under the question: “What's something you used to cheap out on until you tried the expensive version and could never come back?” 

    While it’s true that most of the time it’s worth buying more expensive items (especially when it comes to things listed here), it also has to be acknowledged that sometimes people like buying costly stuff for other reasons. 

    #7

    A child lying in bed wrapped in white sheets, illustrating the comfort of expensive items. Mattresses.

    GrouchyExile , Andrea Piacquadio Report

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    g90814
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    tbh, my last 2 mattresses have been the $200 high density foam types from Amazon, they come in a box, you take it out and let them expand. Very comfy, and so much easier to deal with than standard mattresses.

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    #8

    Sliced steak with rosemary, cherry tomatoes, and potatoes on a plate, showcasing expensive items worth spending money. Steak. I grew up poor, all we ever had was chuck steak, first cut. I first tasted flank steak when I was 14, and thought THAT was great. When I was 21, however, I went to a New York City steakhouse, and had filet mignon. Oh, My God, it was delicious. Once I was making decent money, I go to the butcher and get a whole tenderloin sliced into 1 1/2" thick steaks to take home. Simple to cook, heavenly to eat.

    nitestar95 , Curated Lifestyle Report

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    Petra Peitsch
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Food in general .... I would say, quality over quantity ... and this doesn't mean just brand-names, necessarily.

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    #9

    Black leather boots on concrete, highlighting expensive items worth spending money. Work boots.

    anon , Getty Images Report

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    Petra Peitsch
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah quality work shoes are esential. Not just because you are spending 8-9 hours in them, but for your own safety.

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    For instance, there’s a phenomenon called the “marketing placebo effect.” In a nutshell, it’s when a person's brain perceives cheaper products as those with higher risk and lower satisfaction. 

    There was one experiment conducted where participants were presented with wine and were told that it cost either $45 or $5. Then, when they drank it, both taste and brain activity showed that they viewed the more expensive one as better. And that’s just one of the experiments we mentioned that showed such results. There are more of them. 

    So, basically, that’s why some people opt for more expensive stuff – they simply view it as a better option, even if it isn’t. 

    #10

    Luxurious white bedding with pillows, an example of expensive items worth spending money on for comfort and style. Good quality, high thread count cotton sheets. People with eczema can relate.

    Maximum-Violinist158 , Ofir Eliav Report

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    g90814
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yup, I love flannel, so spend $100/set to get good quality soft flannel.

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    #12

    Person in gloves holding an expensive car tire, emphasizing items worth spending money on, near a vehicle. Tires.

    networknev , Getty Images Report

    The advertisers love to exploit this phenomenon. They're sure to use it when tailoring the brand to what the consumers expect and then have to guarantee that assumption isn’t ruined. 

    At the same time, some argue that opting for expensive things isn’t inherently bad. In fact, they say it should be encouraged. As this article by Anthony J. Yeung vocalizes, focusing on “being cheap” can negatively impact your mindset, leading you to sabotage yourself and set you up for a relatively destitute lifestyle. 

    So, maybe the best thing to do is buy whatever you can and want to, and not worry about whether you’re falling victim to the marketing placebo effect, impacting your mindset, or whatever else. After all, it seems we can’t fully win either way, can we?

    #13

    Luxury bras on wooden hangers in a boutique, showcasing expensive items worth spending money on. Bras.

    Locksley_1989 , Janaina Lourenço Report

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    Nin Han
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think it depends for everyone... My expensive ones never really lasted but my WalMart ones that I got on clearance are still going strong.

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    #14

    Woman using an electric toothbrush, an expensive item worth spending money on for better oral hygiene. I used to use normal toothbrush then I used a good electric toothbrush.

    SuvenPan , Ave Calvar Report

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    #15

    Luxurious chocolate bars on a gray surface, showcasing expensive items worth spending money on. Chocolates.

    After eating my first expensive chocolate bar, I knew there was nothing on earth that could make me eat those cheap over-sweet chocolate bars.

    Beepbopchu , Towfiqu barbhuiya Report

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    Bill Swallow
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hershey and Nestles have descended into junk, but thankfully we have an Aldi's near us that carries good chocolate from Belgium and Germany where they still use cocoa butter instead of vegetable oil and extra sugar.

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    #16

    Hand pouring expensive dog food into a white bowl. Dog food.

    anon , MART PRODUCTION Report

    #17

    Pouring olive oil into a glass bowl, surrounded by olives and a garlic press, highlighting items worth spending money on. Olive oil.

    roverdale9 , Pixabay Report

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    Petra Peitsch
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For sure. The taste of quality ones it's incomparable with the lower priced ones. A quality olive oil is best consumed with just some bruschetta.

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    #18

    Luxurious horse saddle with sheepskin cover, representing expensive items worth spending money on. Weirdly specific one but saddles. I had a cheap one for my first year taking up riding again at 30. My horse got sore, I struggled with my position for ages thinking it was me. Tried a different saddle and 90% of my issues evaporated.

    emzy_b , JSB Co. Report

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    justme
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not just this, but also a saddle-fitting to make sure the type of saddle works with your horse! I had a horse with a high wither and finally got a professional fitter out who sold me a roping saddle. Fit him perfectly, the white spots disappeared from his shoulders and he was more comfortable too.

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    #19

    A steaming cup of latte art on an espresso machine, highlighting expensive items worth spending money. Coffee.

    Automatic_Wolf_8598 , Nam Quach Report

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    Roni Stone
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm an avidavidavid coffee drinker. I like bitter, strong, black, unsweet. I can find many lower-c ost grinds that are very good. Same with wine. I like a bit of a bite, very dry, red. I have faves in low end and mid range. Won't fork over the $$ for high end.

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    #20

    A hand holding a black garbage bag against a blue background, symbolizing expensive items worth reconsidering. Garbage bags.

    anon , atlascompany Report

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    Featherytoad
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I buy the Hefty black ones. The white ones are see through, and I don't like that people can see my garbage. Yeah, I'm weird. I'm reasonable in that I know people aren't driving by and pointing and stopping to ogle at my garbage, it's just some hang up I have.

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    #21

    Gourmet sushi rolls on a slate plate with chopsticks and wasabi, showcasing expensive items worth spending money on. Sushi.

    TerribleCranberry329 , Alex P Report

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    justme
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My brother got a tapeworm from inexpensive grocery store sushi so this one I 100% agree with!

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    #22

    Cotton swabs scattered on a green surface, illustrating everyday items in contrast to expensive items worth spending money. Cotton swabs. The cheap ones are so flexible and fragile and gets bent.

    -zolpidem , Content Pixie Report

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    Ace
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Struggling to work out what you could be using them for with enough force to bend them.

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    #23

    Cozy knitted slippers with sheep faces, an expensive item worth the investment, in front of a holiday-lit background. I can’t stress this enough: SOCKS.

    jadekath , Rosie Kerr Report

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    Sand Ers
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Argh. I had a default brand of socks that was perfect. And then Hanes cheaped out and started making them an inch and a half shorter. I want my crew length socks to go -over- my calf, not end right at the widest part. Uncomfortable as heII. I haven't been able to find a suitable replacement.

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    #24

    Yellow airplane in flight against a cloudy sky, representing expensive items worth spending money on. I flew spirit airlines once.

    Thundrstrm , Forsaken Films Report

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    Zephyr343
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My condolences. May I offer my sympathies in these trying times?

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    See Also on Bored Panda
    #25

    Person washing hair with luxurious shampoo, highlighting worth spending money on expensive items for hair care. Shampoo. Not the CRAZY expensive stuff, but definitely the higher priced ones. My hair cannot handle the Pert or Finesse stuff. It kind of worked out nicely since I buy half as much… it works twice as well! And my hair actually feels manageable.

    Rescue-320 , Getty Images Report

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    Petra Peitsch
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't know these brands, so I will give the price: the ones between 5-9 euro are better for me. like those, what you can buy for 2-3 euros, and expensive ones startig with 10 euro don't make so much of a difference.

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    #26

    Person vacuuming a carpet in a living room, using an expensive item worth spending money on. Haven't seen this..
    Vacuums/carpet cleaners

    The cheap ones have awful suction, and are extremely prone to jams and wire tears. In my experience the cheap ones are a miserable experience to try to fix, I assume because most people won't have a 60 dollar vacuum serviced.

    Expensive vacuum? Designed not to break because if it does you're definitely going to go back and use that warranty. Designed to be easily cleaned and serviced because they don't want you doing warranty claims.

    Have had a nice pet Dyson for over 10 years and it's solid, very easy to service because all the parts are easily accessible and labeled.

    Got a cheap Hoover and it died after a year. Hair was bypassing their crappy single stage filter and started to fry the motor, when I tried to self service imo it was intentionally hard to take apart and it appeared they cut a screw head off so I couldn't access the motor without additional effort.

    Edit: Dyson's aren't good anymore according to the 100 people who keep commenting the same thing.

    Then the remaining commenters are dyson owners who love their dysons.

    I regret mentioning brands on this comment.

    JustAnotherLifeCoach , Karolina Grabowska Report

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    Tropical Tarot
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Best vacuum I ever had was one of the original Sharks. It was just like the old timey rollers but it had a vacuum function. Simple to the point.

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    #27

    Hands holding premium jeans labeled "Slim Fit," an example of expensive items worth spending money on. Jeans. For most of my life, the only criteria I judged a pair of jeans on was "do they fit". One day, I was talked into buying a ~$70 pair of jeans from an expensive clothing store and I was blown away by how comfortable they were. They look good, the material is softer, doesn't squeeze the backs of my knees, etc.

    I often wear shirts I bought from Goodwill for $2-5, but have not purchased a cheap pair of jeans in several years.

    Cheese_Pancakes , S O C I A L . C U T Report

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    and_a_touch_of_the_’tism
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    SEVENTY DOLLARS FOR JEANS? Honestly what’s criminal is how expensive they can make the bare minimum of comfort and practicality.

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    #28

    Silver and blue headphones on a laptop, illustrating expensive items worth investing in. Headphones. I used to burn through a cheap pair every few months until I got a nice pair. Not only is the sound better but they have lasted me years with the replaceable parts.

    pixelssauce , Project 290 Report

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    DrBronxx
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I used to buy cheap earphones from the convenience store every 6 months. Then I got a pair of AirPods and they were amazing, and have lasted for so long. In terms of cost, I still need to wear them for another year or two for them to equal the amount of money I would spend on the cheaper ones, but just having these ones has created a lot less waste.

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    #29

    Person with curly hair in a white robe, smiling and holding an expensive shampoo bottle, in a cozy setting. (Curly) hair products.

    fehihi , freepik Report

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    Bean Driller
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If I use them, will my stick-straight hair curl? I wish it would!!

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    #30

    A woman using a high-end blender in a modern kitchen, pouring contents into the blender. Blender.

    At 6am in the morning, a Danby will cause brain hemorrhaging due to the ballistic noises.

    A Vitamix on the other hand..

    This message is not sponsored by Vitamix.

    Come on Vitamix! Give me free s**t!

    WonderfulTitle8092 , Chait Goli Report

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    R Dennis
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I just have a Bamix stick blender. I like the fact it doesn't take up any space and just hangs on the wall...

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    #31

    Person in a beige shirt and jeans, hand in pocket, symbolizing casual luxury and items worth investing in. Basic shirts. I used to buy those $8 or less shirts because "it's just a shirt". Women's clothing is always either too tight or too loose, the shoulders/waist/hip ratio can be awkward, and it's always made with some thin material to encourage "layering" (and cut costs!).

    Unless it's cold, I don't want to layer my damn clothes. The quality of a soft shirt that fits and doesn't see-through is a game changer. I'll drop $20-25 on a nice shirt that lasts a long time and fits right before I buy any more s****y shirts.

    EDIT: For fellow shirt wearers asking for recommendations, I find that Eddie Bauer and LL Bean have great basic shirts for all genders. Eddie Bauer also has an outlet shop online at good prices! That said, I'm sure other Redditors also have great suggestions for places I don't know about yet!

    PukefrothTheUnholy , Valeriia Miller Report

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    Zaach
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wear Duluth t-shirts, extra long (used to be sold as 'crack spackle - prevents Plummers butt), good quality and nice colors

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    #32

    Person using a teal floss pick for dental care, highlighting one of the expensive items worth spending money on. Dental floss. I hated flossing because I thought all dental floss just shreds apart and breaks. Nope, just the cheap brand I was buying.

    IrianJaya , Sora Shimazaki Report

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    Quarkbeast
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Switched to a water flosser and never looked back - now I actually floss. I hate the thready stuff cos it makes my gums bleed, gets stuck between my teeth, and makes my fingers hurt.

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    Ic_polls

    Poll Question

    Do you think that more expensive are better, as a rule?

    For sure! If you want something good - you've got to get ready to spend big.

    Only for select items, definitely not for everything!

    I think you can find great items even by being frugal.

    I am not familiar with the concept of money. I sleep under the stars.