3 Cheap Items That Outlast Expensive Ones
People looking for a good deal are constantly searching for cheap items that outlast expensive ones. Believe it or not, in the personal finance realm, people often debate whether you not you should view your purchases as investments. For example, for someone who does a lot of baking, a KitchenAid mixer can be upwards of $300 (my wife would really love one). While that is an extremely expensive purchase, especially when you consider a hand mixer can be found for about $10, it is worth it.
Why? The KitchenAid stand mixer will last a lifetime rather than spending $10-$20 every year when she burns the motor out of another while making a pound cake.
Is Cheaper Really Better?
However, there are some people that will argue cheaper is always better. If you can find something cheaper, why not get it? While I understand that argument, you have to take a few things into consideration before moving forward with the cheaper item.
- Does the item get used frequently? If so, it may be worth springing for a more expensive purchase to make the product last.
- Is the item durable? Durability is a huge factor. Even if you save money buying something cheaper, it is no good if it falls apart in a week’s time.
- How much money are you honestly saving? Pinching pennies can cost you in the long run. For instance, some people might drive out of the way for a cheaper item. The money spent it gas exceeds how much they saved.
You need to be selective in what you choose to cheap out on. There are a few cheap items that outlast expensive ones.
What Cheap Items Outlast Expensive Ones?
In my 32-ish years on this Earth, I have developed a specific taste for things I like and things I don’t. Unfortunately, a lot of the things I do enjoy are costly. Occasionally, you find a winner of a cheap item. Here are three that I’ve found in life.
1. Literally Any Holiday Decor
There are so many people who spend a ton of money on holiday decorations every year. The stuff you find at the Dollar Store is just as good, especially when it is going to be packed away in a box most of the year.
2. Cast Iron Skillets
If you are from the South like my wife and I are, you know the cast iron skillet is the heart and soul of the kitchen. People spend years getting the perfect season on a skillet and use it for just about everything. You don’t have to buy anything fancy though. As long as it is made out of cast iron, it’ll do. A $10 one can be passed down generations, just like an expensive one can be.
3. Dinnerware and Mugs
People spend a ton of money on fine china, plates, cups, etc. Cups we picked up at a thrift store for $0.25 each last just as long as the boxset of six from Target that costs $40. They may be mix-matched but they serve their purpose.
These are just a few things I’ve seen outlast expensive items over the years. What about you? List some cheap items that outlast expensive ones in the comment section below.
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Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician and lifelong automotive enthusiast. Recently, he began writing for several websites and is enjoying the career change. He lives in North Carolina with his wife and their dog Enzo.