How to be a Better Consumer

Spending more money upfront can actually save you money in the long term. And doing so to work with a qualified financial professional to help you better invest and optimize your money to work for you, is even more important.

Finding the right financial advisor can be life-changing, and we believe in making financial advisory something accessible to everyone! @advisordotcom provides their clients with a top notch advising team for a fixed, flat annual fee. Their team of advisors work for you — not commissions — and will help you to achieve your smart financial goals through planning, investing, tax strategizing, and more.

[hannahg]

I once heard "Don't skimp on the quality of the things that keep you off the ground." Meaning: socks/shoes, rugs, mattress/bed, chairs, & tires/car. I have found this to be good advice.

[berzerius]

IKEA furniture being able to be disassembled and reassembled multiple times is the most underrated feature. It saved me a lot of money.

[matthewsawczyn]

#1 is author Terry Pratchett's "Boots Theory", AKA "it costs more to be poor".

[Sayu]

The footwear part is so important, especially if you're on your feet a lot. Good foot health really affects the rest of the body, so invest in a better pair if you can afford it!

[cindykandolf]

I live in Norway and my winter boots are ten years old this year. Still keeping my feet warm and dry, still good to walk in. Money well spent!

[elipotter]

I've had the same wool coat for over 20 years.

I also wear leather shoes for 10 years - keep them polished and re heeled.

I leather condition all leather items they last years. I keep my stuff clean & in good condition.

Many people have no clue and are really rough and just wreck things.

[-natmac]

The shoes & outerwear one is something I’m actively trying to work on. Previously all I could afford was lower quality stuff but now that I can buy higher quality, longer lasting items, I’m finding it a challenge to rewire my brain to be ok with the upfront cost. Even knowing it ultimately makes more sense financially lol.

[xLolitaxRagxDollx]

I've had the same winter coat for over 15 years and it wasn't even crazy expensive. I just looked for a sturdy coat with a simple design (nothing faddish that quickly would go out of style). It was one of the best investments I've ever made!

[peachymeem]

YES! I live in a very cold clime, you absolutely cannot skimp on outerwear and shoes, you are asking to suffer and you'll spend so much more money trying to stay warm. Puffies in particular are so vital bc they can be easily duct taped. I have never owned a coat that is so warm, light, and easy to repair.

[emcatz]

My husband and I were just talking about this a few hours ago! He got a pair of Timberland boots for work (my rec as I have some and love them) and we were talking about how they both are more comfortable AND will last far longer than a cheaply made pair of boots, which are starting to get more expensive anyway. It’s better for our backs, bank accounts, and the environment to just buy better quality once than something cheap much more often. I realize we’re fortunate to be able to afford it, but it’s definitely worth it if you can save up and make it work.

[AndrewFanton]

I feel the same general principle underlies tip #1 and #2: being cheap is costly. Though there are exceptions, items with prices that are much lower than average typically aren’t built to last at all; they force you to spend more over the long term.

[valeriemoore]

The difference between LL Bean boots and my old ones from Marshalls was life changing.

[wallihaley]

I once bought a down coat at a thrift store 22 years ago. I wore it every winter for the next 18 years before donating it to another thrift store 3 years ago. Best $20 bucks I ever spent.

[embodyingmysticalmac]

This goes for my athletic wear as well. This is personal, but due to my love of hot yoga and my tendency to wear athleisure for my job and my day to day investing on good workout wear that makes me feel good and comfortable has been a game changer. Thanks for bringing this up!

[valolafson]

The qualified financial help has been a game changer for me.

[cookwithdrbrooke]

Minnesotan, here. CANNOT skimps on jackets

[kuebby]

For sure! My oldest Patagonia jacket is 13 years old and still in great condition.

[CassiusDrake]

This is why to evaluate purchases based on a cost-per-use level, not just comparing purchase prices.

[mima]

yes AND you can get A LOT of high quality stuff second hand. It just makes sense and is more friendly to the environment

[LovelyJordy]

I have a pair of 400 boots I have had for ten years and they are STILL warm in the winter. This is truth.