Tuesday Tip | Sometimes a deal is not the cheapest option.

I’ve noticed that especially when people are first learning about frugal living, they tend to be a little overly focused on discounts and deals.

I do love a good deal, of course, and deals have their place in frugal living!

But often the best savings are not to be found in deals and discounts.

Instead, you can often choose a different path and save more.

For example, there are few deals that can make eating out cheaper than eating at home. You’ll save more by buying ingredients and cooking at home than you will by chasing restaurant deals.

Filtered tap water will be cheaper than discounted bottled water.

A chicken or tuna salad sandwich will usually be cheaper to make than a sandwich made with on-sale lunch meat.

A bar of soap will be less expensive per wash than many other forms of body wash/soap, even with coupons.

Mending a clothing item you already own will usually be cheaper than buying a new one, even with a discount.

Non-disposable items will almost always save you more than discounted disposable items.

Of course, there are exceptions to all of these rules. But they are exceptions, not rules. 😉

The point is just this: that when you are looking at your budget to see where you can save money, make sure you look at all of your options, not just the discount/deal options.

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Laura

Wednesday 27th of February 2019

Great article! I find the same thing with groceries. Something in bulk may seem like a great deal but if we don't eat it it isn't. We can't get through a large quantity of spinach in a week. The larger container is cheaper per serving but we end up throwing a lot out. If we buy the smaller container we would likely be ahead financially most weeks. We would feel less guilty about wasting food.

Diane

I wholeheartedly agree. The old New England thrift in me says quality is best and lasts longer. That is true especially in clothing. A few nice pieces on the higher end of the price scale are well worth it than many inexpensive items.

Thank you for always inspiring.

Heidi Louise

And shoes. Cheap shoes are never a bargain. If something blingy for a special occasion hurts your toes or gives you blisters, you won't enjoy the event because your feet hurt for the night and a week later.

Marybeth

I had a coworker that would explain purchases by saying she had a coupon or got an item on sale. Well I got that purse 40% off. How many pocketbooks do you need? She had massive credit card debt and had to get a 2nd job but couldn't figure out why.

Diane C

Seriously, whether it's debit of credit, it's still a bright red beacon in your wallet screaming "Target". They want you to think of them first. To go there first. To click on their website first. It is subliminal suggestion, and it works.

Kristyna

Tuesday 26th of February 2019

This is such an important tip.

Marketing plays into this in a big way in our culture which leads to many people feeling like they're saving so much money when the reality is they're not.

Sad, but true.