Written by Melanie McConnell
So often, we are faced with more than one option when buying things. The old saying, “you get what you pay for.” It’s incredible how much one can accumulate over a couple of years.
Sometimes it’s better to prioritize quality over price. But when?
How long do you plan on owning this item? The cost may seem high at first, but if you spread the cost out over the years you use it, the cost per year could actually be cheaper than repurchasing the item every year. Choosing to spend more on higher quality items, you not only save money in the long run, but you also save the time you’d otherwise spend shopping on replacing those poor-quality items that fell apart quickly.
Some items might keep their value, and after you are finished, you may be able to re-sell, so money in your pocket!
Take a bit of extra time to do your research and read reviews, as you can learn a lot about the quality of the product and its longevity. Name brands have a reputation for a reason; they have built their empires on customer satisfaction and warranty. Some things you can get quite similar without paying for that name brand.
Much of what we purchase is based on convenience to ourselves, rather than considering all the partially responsible people for getting that shirt or new phone in our hands. Think about where the company operates out of and who is involved. Or what materials are being used.
On an ending note, please only spend within your means. My mother always said I had a “champagne taste with a water budget” If you desperately want something, you may just have to work a little harder at saving your money.
Melanie McConnell is a Professional Organizer and the owner of Mello Spaces. She helps busy professionals and parents get the organized home of their dreams. Check out her website www.mellospaces.com and follow her on Instagram: @mellospaces
Florena Davies is a Professional Organizer and Owner of Organize by Flo. She uses her experience as a wife and mother of 2 to create real life organizational systems and changes for work and home that allow our 2 worlds to co-exist and 'Flo" together. Check out her website at https://www.organizebyflo.com/ and on instagram @organizebyflo.
Marybeth Welty helps women create calm and healthy homes and lives. With over 12 years of experience in organizing, interior design, sustainable building, and mindful living, Marybeth is passionate about improving your mental health, your work, your relationships, and supporting the life of your dreams by starting with where you live, your home. You can book a free meeting with her at https://sustainablelifestylesolutions.com/20-min-free and connect with her on Instagram at @this_sustainable_lifestyle.