It’s always exciting when you’re able to buy things that are worth the splurge. Whether it’s the price you negotiated on your car, your favorite sweater that just went on sale, or a flight you were tracking that just dropped tremendously. It’s a great feeling to get something for less than you expected so that you can allocate that money elsewhere. It also allows you to feel a little less guilty about the purchase and focus on the savings.
So, yes, I fully believe in bargains in many situations in life (my favorite pair of shoes I got half priced!) but there are plenty of things you shouldn’t bargain on. Sure, there are great easy fixes these days with online coupons or sites like Groupon and Craigslist, but certain things you just should skimp on if you’re looking for quality that will last. Here are 8 things you’re likely to lose more than you save if you lower your standards:
Number Eight: Spa Services. I can’t tell you how many times I bought a discount mani/pedi and regretted it shortly into an appointment. You pay for what you get, and it’s better to pay the few extra bucks to get a service that’s worth paying for in the first place. An $80 haircut that you love is much better than a $30 one you hate. Plus, the services that cost more have better customer service and will do what it takes to make sure you love it.
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Number Seven: Healthcare. Sure, the walk-in clinic seems faster and cheaper than going to an experienced doctor… but what you save in money you’re going to lose in expertise. It’s better to pay top dollar to make sure you’re healthy than to be misdiagnosed or mistreated. When it comes to your health, you should never withhold.
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Number Six: Insurance. The idea of insurance essentially seems like we’re just throwing money into the air. Frankly, it sucks. However, speaking from experience, it’s better to have full coverage for when something comes up out of the blue and you’re thankful that you don’t have to worry about how you’re going to be paying for it. From car insurance to health insurance – it’s worth having a great plan “just in case.”
Number Five: Friendships. There are friendships that are easy and situational, but there’s no point to that. It’s better to work on friendships that really offer you a true bond than to spend time with someone because it’s simple. Spend the time to reconnect and spend the money to visit the friends that’ll be around no matter what the situation is. It’s better to have a few long-lasting friendships than handfuls of circumstantial ones.
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Number Four: Time. There are plenty of opportunities to save some money out there, but sometimes the time it takes to find a deal isn’t worth the time you spend looking for it. The savings could be minimal monetarily, but the moments lost are fundamentally priceless. In the end, you’d rather save memories than dollar bills.
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Number Three: Education. The education you get is going to determine the rest of your future (for most people). There are many outliers to this notion, but it’s what determines a good portion of our population’s destiny when it comes to their careers. A worthwhile degree and a degree, in general, are worthy towards your future job and your mental well-being by expanding your mind. The college experience itself offers numerous life lessons that you otherwise may not discover.
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Number Two: Imitations. Now this one sometimes gets tricky. There are plenty of good imitations out there of great products; however, there are even more bad ones. Chances are you’ve had to replace your fake iPhone charger and Mac charger multiple times. Same goes for non-Apple products. Sometimes it’s better to shell out the dough for the real deal versus having to buy multiple reproductions that continue to fail.
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Number One: Yourself. You should never devalue yourself as a person. You, my friend, are not a bargain to haggle with. You need to define and know your worth at all times. Don’t settle for a job you don’t love, or a pay that is less than you deserve. Don’t be okay with being treated poorly or unfairly. Smile and be proud of who you are. Value yourself, and the rest of the world will follow suit.
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