Frugal Living? Are you kidding me?

[windmo]

Today's Yahoo article entitled, "5 Products I Gladly Pay More For" outlines the things this particular shopper ends up saving money on in the long-run by spending more on these products. Two particular examples that floored me;

Designer pocketbooks or wallets


"Before I purchased a quality designer purse on sale for $189, I went through dozens of bargain $30 purses. I found 10 old purses in my closet and drawers, so, at $30 a pop, that means I still saved $111 by buying the more expensive purse. In the long run, I save more money and get more compliments."

Quality shoes


"I'm not addicted to buying shoes. But it may have looked like that when I had to replace all the cheap shoes and sandals that fell apart in a matter of weeks. Because I exercise frequently, I need to invest in quality tennis shoes. I am always finding cheap old tennis shoes in my garage that have only been worn for a few months. The more expensive running shoes that I've had for 9 months are in better condition. I estimate I save $200 a year by buying better shoes that last longer."


I don't know where she's buying her "cheap" shoes that fall apart in a couple weeks - I've bought cheap shoes that last for years as long as I treat them well, and I guarantee that expensive purse she saved sooooooooo much money on, will also end up in her closet along with the "cheap" ones because she will become bored with it and need to save even more money by buying an even more expensive purse.
How easy it is to to justify spending hundreds of dollars on a purse or designer shoes, when with just the tiniest bit of creative math, you can convince yourself you're actually SAVING money :)

[JarDude]

Quality shoes


"I'm not addicted to buying shoes. But it may have looked like that when I had to replace all the cheap shoes and sandals that fell apart in a matter of weeks. Because I exercise frequently, I need to invest in quality tennis shoes. I am always finding cheap old tennis shoes in my garage that have only been worn for a few months. The more expensive running shoes that I've had for 9 months are in better condition. I estimate I save $200 a year by buying better shoes that last longer."

I agree whole heartedly on buying quality shoes part.

[wildturnip]

I buy fairy cheap shoes and they last a long time. I do agree that work boots need to be more expensive and they last for years.

[Wyobuckaroo]

Luckily.............. In the last 5-6 years, I have been able to find a number of pairs of shoes in thrift stores. Actually enough pairs to last me for many years to come....... Hopefully.

I have about a dozen pair now. More shoes than I have ever owned in my whole life before. Don't have more than $3-8 in any pair. I have a couple pair of everyday shoes. One pair nice black shoes. A pair of cheap "boat" tennies...... A couple pair of winter snow boots. And several pair of hunting, farming, "clod hopper" boots.

Depending on how wet/muddy it is out, I have been known to go through 3-4 pair of clod hoppers and socks in a day. Change to dry shoes, socks when you come into the house and clean them up good when they dry out.....

A couple of the hunting, snow boots are Sorrel, Cabelas, or Gander Mtn. Nice quality stuff.

KOW (knock on wood) I won't have to buy shoes for a long while.

I agree, for a guy, a quality bill fold is a good investment....... Will last for years.
I have seen too many garage sales to not be able to recognize a woman with a handbag and or shoe problem... KnowwhatImean..........

Good luck
Wyo

[kfander]

I'm sixty and I have a pair of tennis shoes that I bought when I was nineteen from a department store that went out of business many years ago, and I still wear these shoes sometimes.

[KarenBC]

I consider my self fairly hard on footwear, but I'll get several years out of each pair. Shoe polish, water proof treatments, that type of thing. I also try not to wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row, but switch off.
I had a pair of winter boots from LL Bean, mens, so the width was great for me. I wore them til the bottoms were smooth and there was no grip left (took me more than 10 years) - they got to be a hazard on ice. Last winter I replaced them with an identical pair.

Best pair of workboots I ever had were Daffos - German made. Paid $19 at a liquidation world store. I wish I'd bought every pair they had. I wore those boots til they literally fell apart and the shoemaker said he couldn't do anything more for them.

[Terri]

EEEP!

I am a nurse, and we ALL wear name brand jogging shoes. With as much as we are on our feet, we get 6 months wear out of a $50 pair of jogging shoes.

That means that we spend $100 a year, while she claims to have saved $200 a year. WHAT has she been BUYING?!?!?

[epeterd1]

I also agree on the shoes. Last year I got a pair of $60 Nikes after having bought shoes for $20 or less at Wal-Mart for eight-ten years. The Nikes are definitely worth the money I spent. The cheap ones all seem to get holes on the inside even more than on the outside, at least for me. I'd wear them maybe 9 months before replacing them, even though they really needed to be replaced sooner. My Nike shoes are still in great condition a year later and should last me another year. And I wear them every day.

Her part about the purses was just crazy though.

peter

[leera]

I get six months tops out of a pair of work shoes(ok,black tennis shoes),it doesn't matter if I spent $60.00 or $10.00,or $120.00....they all last me about the same,I either crack the soles,or just plain wear them out.I work full time,and am on my feet on average 8-9 hours a days while at work.My job requires a lot of foot travel throughout the store,and a lot of bending and lifting,hence why I crack the soles.

At home I either go barefoot,which is my preference,or wear my old shoes in the garden to protect my feet a little.

The only pair I've had last longer(about 2 years) was a nice pair of moccasins.Seriously thinking about going back to them....as they are as close to being barefoot as I can get and still be able to go to work.LOL.

[Junie]

I have ruined my feet by wearing cheap shoes. They hurt all the time and are causing other problems with my knees and hips. Good shoes are invaluable.

As for the handbag, I design and make my own. I've carried the same one for more than 6 years and it's still in good condition, even though I toss it in the washer regularly. Can't do that with designer bags!

[leera]

Junie,I have arthritis in both knees,and in my right ankle(have broken it 3 times)....I find my knees,legs,feet,and my back,bother me less going barefoot,that's why I prefer it.

I like my designer bags,but refuse to pay full retail for them.I wait until my Mom gives me a Kohls coupon for $10.00 off anything,and then I look for a nice handbag on clearance,and have never paid more than $14.00 for ones that would have originally cost over $100.00.
When Kohls puts things on clearance,they don't waste any time marking it down cheap to get rid of it.

It's also how I get my socks,and work shirts....clearance tag,plus coupon,equals two shirts for $2.00 :)

Almost as good as garage sale prices.

[Junie]

Leera, I go barefoot most of the time, too, but I have to wear shoes when I go to town (once a week, usually) or go hiking. I heard on the news this morning that a shoe with a 1-2 inch heel is better for your feet and back than a flat shoe (but it has to have good insoles with arch support). I really hate to give up my cute flats, but I'd rather do that than end up crippled.

[patience]

The Sunday newspaper cartoon, that is.

Long ago, this comic strip had Blondie struggling in the door with an 8 foot high stack of boxes, saying, "Dagwood, you'll never beleive how much money I saved at Tudbury's today!"

After looking at the bill, Dagwood observed that, "If you save much more money, we'll be in the poorhouse."

But that is how some folks think. Somehow, it never did work for me. ;)

[cinok]

The OP does not have a link to a story so it's hard to get the whole story. If his person a job where a level of professional looking attire is required it makes sense. Womens shoes and purses of quality are expensive. When my wife was working in the ER her nukes were 100 a pair and lasted about 6 months but they were comfortable. We do not by cheap boots or sneakers for the boys or myself. When the boys and I go boot shopping it's an easy 450 for us. We are judging this person without knowing a lot about her.

[Junie]

Patience, when somebody tells me how much money they saved on something, I say, 'Let's see the money you saved'. After they struggle with that a while, I explain that they didn't save a dime, they spent money.

Ya think that's why so few people in this country have any money saved?

[crackergirl]

I am carrying a backpack I've had for more than 3 years, bought at a thrift, brand new, for $5. No purse at all for I can't remember how long.
Even when I was in the public eye and knew there were people watching what I wore, I still bought most everything at the goodwill or a thrift. Granted, the goodwill where I shopped got all the stuff donated from West Palm Beach. But by using my head and not being a slave to owning the newest and bestest (must be best because TV said so) I saved a ton every year. And when I left that life I donated all my designer work clothes to an organization that helps women re-entering the workplace who didn't have a clothing budget!

[MollyPitcher]

My mother was given an expensive designer purse by one of my sisters in law. I forget the brand, but it cost well over $500.00. My mother carried it a few times but she said people were so very interested in it, and not in a nice way, that she stopped using it. She is getting along in years and didn't feel like being mugged for it. Can't say I blame her. I have a purse, I got it at Wal Mart on clearance for $5.00 about five years ago. Sort of a bag shaped thing. It's decent, and I like it. Don't need, don't want an expensive purse. Most of the time I don't even carry it unless I'm going to be away from home for several hours. I just carry a small wallet that fits in my pocket and holds everything I need. Small wallet in one pocket, keys in the other, and I don't need much else.

Tennis shoes tend to tear up equally, regardless of cost. I've bought them for $25.00 up to $100.00, and even the more expensive ones don't last. The last ones I bought were New Balance, and I wasn't too pleased with them. Good quality leather boots are worth the money in most cases. I don't like certain brands, though.

[Cil]

I bought my purse at Ross for no more than $20 [been so long can't exactly remember] and it's still in great condition. As for my sneakers, Big 5 what's on sale. I REFUSE! to pay more than $20 for a pair. The ones I had before these new ones, $14.95 + tax. Wore them out until they had no more tread. My new ones, $19.95 + tax.

[leera]

If I had to give up flats I'd end up with cowboy boots.... :)

[Quietgentleman]

Being fugal doesn't necessarily mean buying what is the cheapest. I own 3 pair of shoes a dress pair which are the cheapest ones I bought due just to the fact I only wear them on Sunday and special occasions. And well my feet don't travel to far in them. My tennis shoes are what I call mid range price and I wear them mostly on the weekends and I actually put some walking into them compared to my dress shoes. Now my work shoes are different story. I'm rough on them and have found out that a good pair is worth the money I spend on them. I have made the mistake of buying a cheaper pair and well they didn't last 3 months and were hard on my feet. My dress shoes I've had for years the sneakers I get a little over a year on them and my work shoes about a year on them before replacement is needed.

And well as far as my purse I mean man bag no wallet yah that's it. I have gotten enough over the years as presents from family that I would never need to buy a new one. Heck I think I could open a wallet store and not have to buy any stock.

QGM

[Grizzy]

Gosh, now ya got me wunner'n whut a man carries inna man bag. :yes4:

[grumble]

Good question. If women carry feminine products in their bags, do men carry masculine products? Like hammers and nails, screwdrivers, and spare tires?

[MollyPitcher]

Gosh, now ya got me wunner'n whut a man carries inna man bag

That's just creepy.

[Axehandle]

Good question. If women carry feminine products in their bags, do men carry masculine products? Like hammers and nails, screwdrivers, and spare tires?

Knives,pliers,and nose hair trimmers.
And beef jerky.
It's a small bag.

[windmo]

Actually, my BF carries a man-bag that he picked up at an army surplus store. He uses it much like a mini-Bob.

[cinok]

My neuro surgeon has been telling me for years that I need to use a fanny pack or a man bag. According to him men's wallets and othe stuff we stock in our pockets are a major chase of back and leg pain if your job requires alot of time sitting or driving. Sounds crazy but if I am driving or sitting more then 30'minutes the pain in my back increases greatly if my pockets are full. I have compromised a bit and wear cargo style pants when I can, but I just can't do a man bag.

[crackergirl]

My DH has an old bag. It's me:sarcastic:! If we ever go anywhere he gives me his wallet (long, like a biker's) extra pills, etc, etc. I stuff em into my bag and wa-lah. Course, then he can say he never has any cash and it's true!

[J R Adams]

My neuro surgeon has been telling me for years that I need to use a fanny pack or a man bag. According to him men's wallets and othe stuff we stock in our pockets are a major chase of back and leg pain if your job requires alot of time sitting or driving. Sounds crazy but if I am driving or sitting more then 30'minutes the pain in my back increases greatly if my pockets are full. I have compromised a bit and wear cargo style pants when I can, but I just can't do a man bag.

Believe your neuro surgeon. I got rid of back pain following his advice. When I travel now my wallet goes into the cup holder. My back reminds me if I forget. I carry my DL, insurance cards, a credit card and some cash in a money clip in my front pocket and leave the wallet home most of the time.

[Mperfect1]

Good question. If women carry feminine products in their bags, do men carry masculine products? Like hammers and nails, screwdrivers, and spare tires?

No, men generally carry their spare tires over their belts!! Sorry, couldn't resist - surely I wasn't the only one that thought of this cheap shot....:lol:

[grumble]

That's why I put those words in there! I expected some jokes off it earlier. Thanks for taking the plunge! <GGG>

I had some retaliatory comments about a caboose in mind, but guess I'd better let them pass?

[Mperfect1]

Ouch, that one's hard to resist, too...maybe we should just call it a draw at this point?!

[Catalpa]

Shucks I guess I'm all confused....I don't carry a purse, just my wallet in my back pocket, cell phone in one front pocket, and keys in the other. When I'm driving, the wallet and phone fit real nice in the dash cubbyhole. 'Course when I'm working I have my briefcase with all the extry odds and ends, like pens, paper, reading glasses, business cards, flashlight, etc., and the truck has the get home bag and self-defense tools and such already in it. When I dress up to go to church I use a purse, 'cuz women's dress clothes don't have pockets, LOL! And I never have enough money for it to really matter where my wallet is. Sometimes it'll just tumble around in my briefcase for a week, until I stop for gas and have a little panic attack wondering what became of it.

I don't get the whole 'frugal by buying stuff' mentality. I need jeans and polo shirts for working and buy simply the cheapest I can find. I have a couple of dress-up outfits, dress shoes, athletic shoes, and workboots. What more does a body need?

[MollyPitcher]

You need a string for your reading glasses so you can wear them around your neck!:sarcastic: That way, they don't get lost because they're right there, hanging from your neck!:man_in_love:

[Dame]

My DH has an old bag. It's me:sarcastic:! If we ever go anywhere he gives me his wallet (long, like a biker's) extra pills, etc, etc. I stuff em into my bag and wa-lah. Course, then he can say he never has any cash and it's true!

Same at my house and then the kids all started doing the same thing. I ended up feeling like a pack animal. Got them all their own bags and refused to carry their stuff.

I generally purchase expensive leather bags once every 20-30 years and use them heavily on a daily basis. I spend a good deal of time shopping for one as I am looking for function and durability. Even when not out of the house, I hang my bag in an accessible spot and use it as supplementary to my desk.
My dress bag is about 30 years old and will last the rest of my life time. Good quality leather lined leather.

[Aamylf]

the most expensive bag I have was $90 and it's a concealed weapons shoulder "purse" -- It fits my glock perfectly where the cheaper ones didn't - I can reach into thebag and get the gun OR I can reach into the end of the bag and get it -- or shoot it from there. I rarely use it, but I have felt much safer when I have used it.

DH has bad feet and a bad back. He bought $200 shoes and voila! No back pain, no foot pain. Dang near killed us to pay that much, but better than being in pain and better than drugs or doctors. Three years later, he's still wearing the same pair.

[anna]

I often read articles on saving money that if I followed their advice I'd have to spend lots more than I now do and buy many things I never buy. I buy a nice $30 (usually on sale) leather handbag every two to three years. I carry it daily so it gets a lot of wear and tear and believe me my $30 purse is fine. It would literally make me ill to spend $100 on a bag.

Shoes are a problem because I have an extremely narrow foot (9½ AAAA). To find a pair that even come close to fitting (none fit!) I have to spend around $140. I take very good care of my shoes, keep them polished and trade off wearing so never wear two days in a row. Thecurrent pair I'm wearing for good are 2 years old and the ones for work at least 5 years old and the ones that go to the garden are probably 15 years old. The shoes I've worn for the last 25 years are no longer made and the last pair I bought was in a new style and I can't wear them so I'm taking extremely good care of the ones I can wear because I'm not sure I'll ever find another shoe that fits. It kills me to spend $140 on a pair of shoes that I can't wear. Its bad enough to spend that on a pair I wear for 15 years.

[kfander]

Long ago, this comic strip had Blondie struggling in the door with an 8 foot high stack of boxes, saying, "Dagwood, you'll never beleive how much money I saved at Tudbury's today!"

After looking at the bill, Dagwood observed that, "If you save much more money, we'll be in the poorhouse."

I often come across advertisements promising that I could save more money on a product that I think the product is worth. What you you mean, "save $50 - it's not worth $50."

[MYellowRose]

There was an article on the All You Magazine FB page about 14 ways to save money in the coming year. Only think wrong with it for me is I don't do any of what they say to cut out so you can save. LOL I find that to be the case most of the time when I read such articles. I'm curious to know why that lady needed so many purses & shoes. I have one purse that I don't use, I stick to a tote bag because they hold more, or my computer back if I go out & take my laptop with me. As for shoes I have two pair of sandals & one pair of Danskin athletic shoes. Don't wear shoes inside & wear sandals about 90% of the year outside, the rest of the time I wear the athletic shoes. Next summer if I buy new sandal's I'll toss the oldest of the two pair I have. I only buy Earth Spirit sandals because they're the only ones the Rheumatologist didn't fuss at me for wearing. He wanted me wearing SAS shoes but I just don't have the money they cost. I haven't been to their store since the '80's and the one pair I found then that would fit and were on sale were $50, I can only imagine what they'd cost this day in age. He thinks that the VA should cover shoes for those with RA just like they do for those with diabetes.

[Aamylf]

I am not defending crazy people (male or female) who have dozens upon dozens of pairs of shoes, but if you are a professional woman, you can't get by with a pair of sneakers and a pair of sandals. I wear jeans to work a couple of times a week, but with a jacket and a nice shirt. I have shoes that go with jeans. Then I have the suit days -- black suit, black shoes. Blue suite, blue shoes. Brown suit, brown shoes. Then sandals, work boots, sneakers...you get the idea. I probably have 10 pairs of shoes. But only two purses. I buy one and use it until it is past the point of no return.

[sweetsadie]

I don't put much stock in reading an article on how to save and spend. I buy designer purses and perfumes at yard sales. It amazes me what I can find for a $dollar or $two, knowing the original retail price.

[Wyobuckaroo]

Wouldn't carry a "man bag" That's why men have pockets in there clothes. Have carried lots of back packs of different kinds as book bags and the like.

However, when I used to fly I leaned real quick not to keep a ring of keys in your front pants pocket. When you pull extra G forces it can hurt like the dickens when they dig into your leg.

Wyo

[J R Adams]

Today's Yahoo article entitled, "5 Products I Gladly Pay More For" outlines the things this particular shopper ends up saving money on in the long-run by spending more on these products. Two particular examples that floored me;

Quality shoes

"I'm not addicted to buying shoes. But it may have looked like that when I had to replace all the cheap shoes and sandals that fell apart in a matter of weeks. Because I exercise frequently, I need to invest in quality tennis shoes. I am always finding cheap old tennis shoes in my garage that have only been worn for a few months. The more expensive running shoes that I've had for 9 months are in better condition. I estimate I save $200 a year by buying better shoes that last longer." :)

I agree whole heartedly on buying quality shoes part.

I may be stretching this thread a little but will stay on the topic of SHOES.

Has anyone tried to find shoes lately that weren't "made in China"?
DW and I decided we would try to avoid some Chinese products. After much searching we found some New Bounce that were made in the USA.

I've tried Walmart and JC Penney shoes all ("made in China) that last me about 6 to 9 months. Went on line to find some "made in USA" shoes and finally decided to try some Capps shoes made in Virginia. They were twice the cost of what I usually pay, so we'll see if the last any longer.

[Bondo]

While I will go cheap on many things and am as frugal is it gets most of the time, I will not sacrifice on shoes and boots. I have no problem paying $150-$200 for a pair of Redwings. The actually fit my fat feet, last for years, can be re-soled, and are made in the USA. This is the first pair I have owned and have been wearing them every day for three years for everything from work, to work around the house, to playing in the woods. Have not even had to replace the insole yet. $50 walmart boots might last me a year and are not too comfortable, but are at least wide enough. $100 Wolverines last me for maybe two years and are a little more comfortable. I really do think for some things the cost is warranted.

[kfander]

It used to be that you could find decent shoes for low prices but for quite a few years now, that doesn't seem to be the case. I would go for spending the extra bucks and buying something that will last when it comes to shoes, boots and clothing in general, with the understanding that, by clothing, I mean durable clothing that can take a beating rather than expensive fashions.

[Pirate96]

I have no problem paying $150-$200 for a pair of Redwings. The actually fit my fat feet, last for years, can be re-soled, and are made in the USA.
I found ones I like better than Redwings. They used to run the Timberland boot operation until it was outsourced. They then set up their own business. Made in the USA

http://www.afboots.com/

I love these boots. They are so comfortable and warm. They shipped lighting fast and you can customize them. They even sent me an email 6 months later following up to ensure I was still happy.

[Bondo]

I found ones I like better than Redwings. They used to run the Timberland boot operation until it was outsourced. They then set up their own business. Made in the USA

http://www.afboots.com/

I love these boots. They are so comfortable and warm. They shipped lighting fast and you can customize them. They even sent me an email 6 months later following up to ensure I was still happy.

Those definitely look good! My only concern would be that they do not appear to be able to be re-soled. I really do wear all the way through a pair of boots, I'm a big dude and put alot of strain on them.

[femmesteader]

I do my research on quality when I’m on the market to purchase new clothes, shoes, activewear and such, This way when I’m at the second hand stores, I can recognize the brands and make quality purchases.

For example, I scan second hand shops for my hiking gear. So far I’ve been able to find brand names such as Merrell, Marmot, Sierra Designs, MEC(mountain equipment co-op), Columbia and The North Face just to name a few. On my last outing, I picked up a MEC mountaineering jacket for 7.99…I know darn well the technology invested in these garments and that it retails for $89.99

I have a closet full of high-quality brand name items, but I believe in being frugal about buying them. I always think in terms of “you get what you pay for” heck, our dollar store sells slippers and some clothes…but I’m willing to bet my losses that it’s not quality products and they will wear out rather quickly.

There are things that are worth spending more on. And a high use item (such as a mans’ wallet, I’m only guessing) would surely be worth getting a quality leather product. The frugal shopper understands this, but finds a way to spend less. J

[epeterd1]

It's not clothing, but several months ago I bought a non-stick skillet from Fred's for about $7.99. The non-stick coating started coming off the first time we used it, and not from being scraped by metal. It was just really crappy. Later got a whole set from Wal-Mart for about $60 and the stuff is great.

peter

[MYellowRose]

For those of you wanting shoes made in the USA please check out San Antonio Shoe, they are not cheap but are an excellently made shoe. If I could afford them that would be all I wore. I wear Earth Spirit sandals from Wal Mart most of the year and my Danskin shoes when the weather requires me to have on closed toed shoes. I have moderately severe rheumatoid arthritis and my rheumatologist wanted me in the SAS shoes until I told him I couldn't afford to pay their price. I keep an eye out for them at the thrift store but have never found a pair in my size.

[Cactus]

Anybody else use Crocs? I wear them every day with arch support style ankle socks. I work on concrete floors up to 12 hours a day with no problems. It's like going barefoot at work and I can wear the same shoes to town.
For some reason they don't keep my feet dry in snow though.:D

[cinok]

We all have crocs mainly us them as quick slip on's though I am not a sandal guy. Wife wears hers out, the boys us them like I do. They are great for something quick and they are
Great if the ground is wet.
They do have limits do not try to climb over cattle panes in them found that out this summer broken elbow and ribs was a painful lessen LOL

[TNDadx4]

We wear Crocs, too, but usually just for puttering around the yard. I like them because they are comfortable and are easy to wash off when I do wear them outside. Aside from that, its sneakers or boots.

[MollyPitcher]

Wish I could find some old fashioned leather clogs, like we used to wear in the 70's.

[fizzle7033]

If you check the Crocs website, they actually come in more styles than just the clogs including sneakers and even dress shoes. I love them all and wear them all the time!

[crunchycon]

DH and I both love Smartwool socks, but they are spendy, unless there's a great sale or close out going on. Was in Sam's yesterday and found three-packs of Omniwool socks for the price of one pair of Smartwool socks. The clincher was that they're made in the US. They're a trifle snugger in the arch than Smartwools, but otherwise extremely similar.

[Catalpa]

I wonder if WM would have those socks? I love my smartwool socks and could use more. I also love my crocks, they're almost the only thing I wear all summer. I use them year-round for going to the basement, or even running outside to start the truck and let it warm up in the morning, though the snow on the toes gets a little cold!

[MYellowRose]

femmesteader would you mind listing some more brand names that you hunt for in thrift stores? I want to head out after the 8th to see what I can find in the way of clothes and while I'm familiar with the names Sierra Design, North Face, and Columbia I've never heard of the others. I want to pick up a pair of hiking boots and I'm willing to save up to buy a new pair if necessary but I don't really know much about them. I'd appreciate any help I can get.

[Mzcry]

There's a difference between buying cheap stuff and paying too much money. Quality made products last longer and look better, but that might mean the difference between say a $20 pair of shoes and a $50-60 pair of shoes, not a $100.00 pair of shoes. Or finding a pair of shoes that retails for $100.00 and paying $30.

Good deals on name brands can be found at thrift stores, discount stores like TJ Maxx and Marshalls, at garage sales or even on ebay or Craigslist.

Over the years, I've also learned that buy once, cry once is true. I spend money on quality clothing and equipment if warranted. I don't expect to ever have to buy another pair of hunting boots or long underwear or sleeping bag. I did research, bought on sales, and bought med-high end on all those things. No regrets about the money spent as I think long term, it was worth it.

[kfander]

I can't always afford to buy quality clothing when I need to replace something but I try to fit something in whenever I can, and it's a good feeling knowing that I have something that will last me for years rather than months.

[bookwormom]

Shoes and underwear I buy the best quality I can afford. My feet have to carry me around all day, and I do not want my feet to hurt because of bad shoes if I can avoid it. If I need a purse I buy it at Good will. I would not give you a dime for a name on something. My niece wanted some Calvin Klein pants, long time ago, they had better quality beige cargo pants that cost a lot less then the similar klein pants. You know what I would have bought, but to her it was important that the name was on the back.