Recently a group of guys called Home Free Vocal Band won a singing competition called “The Sing Off.” On their latest album they released a song called “Champaign Taste on a Beer Budget.” The concept is very simple. Many people have expensive taste but find themselves living on a simple, cheap budget. So how do you live within your means without feeling like you’re having to cramp your style? Here are 4 things you can do today to stretch your budget to satisfy your expensive taste.
1. Take Care Of Your Stuff
This one is pretty straightforward. When you buy a new pair of shoes, a new outfit or splurge on a new couch – take care of it. Keep it clean, so that it will last for years. Be sure to wash your clothes the way the instructions say. If you spill Koolaid on your floor, clean it up asap. You don’t want to let spills turn into stains. When you get home from a function where you have to dress up, change into day clothes before you start cooking. If you are going to spend money on nice things, make sure you actually take care of them so they last. After all, expensive taste items are much harder on the wallet to replace should you ruin them.
2. Do The Math
When you are ready to make a purchase, do the simple math. If an outfit or product is only going to be used once, then you are essentially paying full price for a one time event. But if you can buy something and use it multiple times, then every time you use it or wear the clothes you are reducing the cost. Exactly how much bang are you going to get for your buck?
For example, a mattress may cost $800. But if you sleep on it every night for 4 years, then that means you are using it at least 1,460 times. If you divide the cost by the number of times you are using it, you will only have spent about 50 cents for each night of sleep. That makes it a bargain and helps you feel better about paying the bucks. You can forget your expensive taste in many cases, but you need to get what you like as far as mattresses are concerned. There’s nothing like a good night’s sleep.
3. Buy Quality
Is it better to spend $3.00 on a plastic screw driver from the discount store or $23.00 for a quality tool that will last? Sometimes the smartest buy is the more expensive item. If the cheap item has to continually be replaced then is it the best deal? We have found that it often hurts in the beginning to buy a quality item, but saves money and headache down the road.
4. It’s Ok To Splurge – Occasionally
You can splurge on some things, just make sure that they are important to you. You may have to scrimp and save a little to quench your expensive taste, but if a cruise makes you happy, perhaps eating in more at home and packing your lunch for work is worth it to you, or you really want to treat yourself to a new pair of size 4 womens shoes, cut back in other areas such as buying vintage fashion or preloved clothing to offset the cost of good fitting expensive shoes that will last. Don’t deprive yourself too much, but don’t go overboard either. 🙂
I am so bad about buying things just because I like them. Then I end up using them once and that’s it.
I like to visit thrift stores and buy items that would cost a lot of money for half price or less. I got a pair of Sperry’s that looks brand new for $15.00 once.
Oh that is a great deal! Congratulations! And thanks for sharing. 🙂
We just went on a cruise and we got a killer deal on all 7 of us. So fun!
All 7? Wow that is awesome! I am hoping to go on a cruise soon and there are only 3 of us. I think it’s time to splurge. 😉
With 3 kids I’ve learned I do have to ask my self if I want the it or need it. I usually only splurge after I win some extra money!!
I totally am a believer in you get what you pay for! Investing in something a bit more will save time, and time=money!
Well… I am really bad at spending but have found that if I allow myself some splurging I don’t feel the urge so much 🙂
This is definitely a struggle for us – primarily my husband. This is very good advice though. Saving up and sometimes splurging on a good product is a must!
Great tips. I have always told my daughter that sometimes you have to pay more for something of quality – it will usually last longer and therefore is cheaper! Glad to hear someone else thinks that way too!
Loving these ideas… my hubby is very big with #1: Take Care Of Your Stuff. He is really impressive with the way he cares for things. Me, I am a little more sloppy in this area.. but I’m also the one to buy cheaper items to compensate. Thanks for the food for thought!
You Know What They Say You Get What You Pay For So True So VERY VERY True Thanks For The Tips!
I agree about quality goods, especially when they are things you use a lot… I don’t bide by cheap knives.
VERY good tips, I need to run these by my hubby!!
Very good tips! I especially like the doing the math part, it helps me justify a lot of my spending.
Great list and I agree with them all. I especially like 3 and 4. Some of the best investments I’ve made are things that I had to save up for.
Those are great tips, and it’s so true about buying good quality. Those items way outlast the cheap ones and ultimately end up being a much better value!
Excellent tips! I satisfy my expensive-ish taste on a cheap budget by shopping at outlet stores and places like Burlington, Marshalls and TJ Max.
I try to think this stuff out when it’s a major purchase. It makes that giant price tag easier to swallow.
I definitely splurge now and again 😉 And I firmly believe in cold water washing, and hanging to dry clothes in order to increase their longevity!
Great advice. Always pays to take care of your stuff.
I’m definitely more of a splurger but try to keep my stuff nice whenever possible. (Difficult with my kids who like to get into everything… you should see the current condition of our couch.)
My dad always taught me that buying quality always pays off in the long run. A little more up front can save you a lot in the long run.
You dad sounds like a smart man. There are just some things that I won’t skimp on.
great tips! We are pretty frugal with our money, I am sure we could cut back on a little more too.
Really good points! My husband always reminds me of the whole “quality” thing. It truly IS better to buy quality products and not have to keep buying new ones that will just break at any second.
You made good points here. My husband always reminds that if we are frugal most of the time, we will be able to splurge when we want.