When to Invest and When to Spend Less

Sometimes in life, it’s worth spending your money.  Sometimes, it really isn’t.  But when should you spend a little bit more, and when should you spend less?  Here’s our handy guide to when you should invest your money in items, and when you should save it…

Invest

Jeans

A good pair of jeans can last you a long time.  You don’t have to spend a fortune, but the cheaper they are, the thinner the fabric will be and the less likely they are to last.  Jeans that are around £40 and upwards are usually made of thicker, more durable denim than those at the £20 mark.

Hairbrush

A decent hairbrush can last you a lifetime.  I’ve had mine since I was six, and, aside from the logo having faded away years ago, it still works perfectly.  It only cost about £6.99, so it didn’t break the bank (or my nan’s bank, since I was six at the time), but it’s perfect for my hair and is much better made than something that cost a couple of quid and that a clumsy six-year-old could break in a second.

Wardrobe Staples

There are some things that it’s handy to always have in your wardrobe, such as our wardrobe staples.  These are pieces that never go out of fashion, and are therefore worth spending a little more on.

Shoes

A well-made pair of shoes will last you for years provided they’re well looked after, but a cheaper pair of shoes will easily get scuffed and will start speaking to you after just a few wears, particularly if you wear them in the rain.

Technology

If you’re not a technology geek and don’t feel the constant need to update your hardware, then there’s really no harm in spending a little bit more on a television or computer that’s going to last you a few years more than a cheaper brand.  When it comes to technology, you really do get what you pay for.

When You Have Guests

If you’re having guests over, you’re inevitably going to need to spend more than when it’s just you.  You don’t need to splash out on expensive ingredients, but you’ll need to spend more, and if you’re looking to impress, some fancy chocolates or wine will always go down well.

Spend Less

Lipbalm

Vaseline is the best lipbalm you can get.  It just is.  It only costs a couple of quid, and, depending on how often your use it, a tub could last you for years.  It makes your lips shiny, it moisturises them, and it has no taste.  If you’d rather have something with a little bit of colour/taste, you can also buy Vaseline with aloe vera, rose and cocoa in.  Right now they’re also doing a limited edition creme brulee version.  If you dare try it, let us know what you think.

Fashion

Fashion comes and goes in circles smaller than anything else.  If you’re buying something purely because it’s in fashion, there’s no point spending a fortune, because in three months’ time you’re going to look like an idiot wearing it.

Socks

The sock monster has stolen everyone’s socks at some point.  Everyone’s.  Therefore, if you’re likely to end up with odd socks, it’s not worth paying loads for them if they’re going to go missing after a couple of wears.  Likewise if you have a dog that likes to eat them.

Things You’re Likely to Lose

Each person is different in regards to what they’ll lose.  Keys, jewellery, gloves, DVDs…in my case, it’s earrings and gloves.  Last year I got through three pairs of gloves over Winter.  I therefore don’t see the point in spending more than a few pounds on each pair, as I know that they’re not going to last very long.

Disposable Items

Tissues, sanitary towels, etc.  If you’re only going to throw it away, why spend a fortune on it?  Tissues are tissues, and nobody’s going to be looking at your sanitary towels but you.  However, if you buy tissues that are so flimsy they tear when you’re blowing your nose and you end up with snot in your hands, it might be time to pay just a few more pence for something a little thicker.

Underwear

Women are supposed to get measured every six months, as our bra sizes can change.  Most women don’t do that, but they should.  Because of how quickly our shapes can change, it’s not worth paying a fortune for something that may well not fit us in a few month’s time.  Plus, a new pair of underwear every-so-often is a great little pick-me-up.

Mascara

Whilst if you pay too little for mascara it’s likely to do very little for your lashes, most mascaras go off very quickly (you know that they have when they start to smell like permanent marker and it goes clumpy), therefore if you’re paying £20 a time for something every three months (the average mascara lifespan), that works out at £80 a year.  Which is a lot to be spending on one item that you can get a decent version of for half the price.

When There’s Only You To Feed

Do you really need that much cheese?  Buy one get the second half price always seems like a good deal, but if you’re not going to use the second one, whether it’s half price or not, it’s still a waste of money.