[Zophie]

The thread on "What do you refuse to give up or live without" got me to thinking today about things that I refuse to spend a lot of money on. It came to mind when I was doing my laundry. When I bought my washer and dryer I was in no way willing to spend much on them. Sure, there were some beautiful ones for well over $1000, but I really didn't want to spend much of anything on something that washes and dries my clothing and sits in my utility room. I found mine used, but in near new condition, on craigslist for $350 for both.

So I'm curious what other people feel are things they just won't spend a lot on. I also won't spend much on a TV, stereo equipment, china, silverware, cookware, CDs, DVDs, video games/gaming systems (don't own one), athletic shoes, rugs (my dog has a lot of "accidents"), vacuum cleaner, and I'm sure a lot more stuff.

So I'm curious what other people feel are things they just won't spend a lot on.

[Izznit]

Hmm... t-shirts, jeans, and food. To me, t-shirts are t-shirts. A $300 shirt vs. a $30 shirt feels the same to me, and will last me about the same time. Jeans, too. Give me a pair of Levi's/GAP's and I am SET. And food. I don't feel the need to spend hundreds on a meal or even $10 for myself, when I can settle down for a nice three dollar burger. Heck, I'm content with cereal, and on occasion, a bagel. Food is food. I eat it to live, I don't live to eat.

:)

[I save all my money for purses hehe]

[qwerty234]

I will spend a lot on food as I need it to live, and I'll spend a lot on computer or phone as I need them for work.

I'll only ever buy clothes and shoes on sale or on eBay, I hate paying full price. Inevitably, if I do pay full price, then I'll see it in my exact size at the outlet a month or two alter, reduced by at least 50%. So I only buy clothes at outlets. Same quality clothes, half price!

I splurge on handbags, and even then I try to get them on sale!

[ImASadGiraffe]

Groceries - we shop at Meijer and Aldi and rarely spend more than $70/week on food.

Movies and music - we don't buy DVDs and CDs. We get movies through Netflix.

Clothes - the only clothing I pay full price for is some of my work clothes. However I buy a lot of my clothes for work at White House Black Market and I'm a Black Book member so I get 5% off of everything I buy.

Bags - I don't even go full price on bags! I've bought my last 3 bags at a discount (either off eBay or with coupon codes).

[LV Luvr]

Clothes! Because I knwo 3 weeks later it will be on sale! I pay full price for LV bags b/c they never go on sale, but all other brands I won't pay full price for.

[Mustlovedogs]

I refuse to pay full price for ANYTHING. I'm a consummate bargain shopper! NEVER PAY RETAIL!!!!

[lorihmatthews]

I try not to pay retail price for anything, even stuff that allegedly never goes on sale.

When I bought my LV Watercolor Speedy 35, I used $300 in Bloomingdale's gift cards that I earned from my Amex Rewards program to offset the retail price.

DH has taught me that generic brands are usually as good as brand name goods, so stuff like contact lens solutions and stuff like that I always try to go generic.

[girl11]

One specific thing is that I will NEVER pay $5.99 for Breyers ice cream. Always wait for it to go on sale. Lean Cuisine too.

When we bought Lazy Boy leather furniture, we ordered through a place in NC and had it delivered to NY. Saved about $1300.

[Veelyn]

I try not to pay full price for anything if I can help it. Since I've found eBay.. I've been addicted.

[stmichel]

I like bargains so,unless it's one-of-a-kind, something special, or I'll be sick without it, then I'll pay full-price. The things that I have paid full price on were my LV's. If it's an emergency replacement right then and there, then full price it is, if not, I shop around for better prices.

[Bibi525]

Clothes too unless I need something in particular for a special occasion. I still try to find a good price on the net/eBay/sales. I'd rather have a nice bag - splurge on that thinking I can use it every day, other than other items. Oh priorities....LOL!!

[barcreperie]

The first thing that comes to mind is hotel rooms. Unless we're going to a resort and the hotel is pretty much the bulk of the vacation and we intend to take advantage of the amenities, I don't like to spend more than $120/night on a hotel room. Usually when we're in a hotel it's just a place to shower, dress, and sleep, so as long as it is clean, reasonably convenient, and in a safe area, I don't care too much about ultra-luxury, marble floors, tennis courts, etc.

[guccimamma]

jeans, i refuse to pay $200, honestly all the premium denim brands are starting to look the same to me...i can buy last-year's model for $100 on sale

ski stuff for the kids, i discovered sierratradingpost.com i love that place, and they have great kids shoes

sunglasses, i have bought numerous pair of chanel sunglasses on eBay from reputable sellers, all are authentic...much money saved

edit, i remembered more:

i refuse to spend a lot of money on moisturizers for the body, the cheap stuff works fine for me
i don't get pedicures...i use one of those little grater things on my feet a few times a week, and i can paint my own toes perfectly (plus i have a weird feeling about women working at my feet while i sit in one of those big reclining chairs...it doesn't seem right to me)

[purly]

Cleaning products. There are so many cheap options out there that I won't throw money at a gimmick.

When buying housewares I try to check Marshall's and Ikea first for good options. Someday I might invest in expensive pieces, but there are really so many stylish cheap options for everything. (Although with some things like towels and sheets you sort of have to go expensive with for quality reasons.)

I try not to buy new books-- Amazon has a good selection of used, and I also have my favorite used book sellers where I have found some gems. Most kinds of media these days I prefer to rent or buy used (I figure in 10 years no one will be buying physical media, it will all be electronic.) A lot of my friends and I trade books too.

Also, I go to the movies on Tuesdays when it's only $6 at Showcase ($12 for DH and I to go to the movies is a much better deal than $20). Plus it's a good way to get our friends to go out on a Tuesday.

[pursecrzy]

Haircuts & clothes.