Sometimes a cheaper item isn't worth buying because it doesn't last and you have to replace or repair it sooner than a more expensive option.

What items have not been worth the initial savings to you?

First thing that comes to mind is clothing items. I only buy Levi brand jeans now instead of the cheaper brands cause they don't wear out as fast. I got real tired of having holes at the top of the back pockets all of the time. Also cheap t-shirts that the hem comes out after one washing.

LifeofRiley:

I only buy Levi brand jeans now instead of the cheaper brands cause they don't wear out as fast. I got real tired of having holes at the top of the back pockets all of the time. Also cheap t-shirts that the hem comes out after one washing.

I find this to be true of children's clothes. Some brands that cost more last longer but if I watch sales and thrift stores, I can spend far less on better quality, sometimes less than a cheaper item.

I truly believe it's worth buying the best in quality that I can afford. Amazing how often really good quality stuff ends up in thrift stores.  AM

No discount running shoes or Sears shoes of any kind. No cheapo mp3 players, power tools, car jacks, or hand lotion.

Anna Marie:

Amazing how often really good quality stuff ends up in thrift stores.  AM

That's when I pick some of it up. Cheap yet high quality.

I used to buy Walmart's Faded Glory brand jeans until I noticed how quickly they wear out. I mean, a few months? A year? Ridiculous! So I switched to Lee Riders. Still relatively inexpensive, a few dollars more than FG, but they wear like iron. I've got several pairs that I've had for over five years and they still look good.

And y'all know how I feel about thrift stores and finding good quality there. LOL!

I find this to be true on so many things. Many have mentioned clothes and I agree. I normally spend $40 on pants (on sale) for work and they last me years. I also like to buy nicer kitchen appliances/tools. I can buy a cheap Chefs knife and replace it every year or every other year, but I'd rather buy a nicer one and not have to worry about rust or loose handles or anything that makes my job harder. I think frugality isn't about spending the least amount, but about making the most of your dollars.

If you check, you may find that your Lees are made in North Alabama and not by near-slave labor outside the US.  I used to wear Lees back when I wore jeans and yes, they are tough and fit real live female hips better than their competitors.

littlepitcher:

If you check, you may find that your Lees are made in North Alabama and not by near-slave labor outside the US.  I used to wear Lees back when I wore jeans and yes, they are tough and fit real live female hips better than their competitors.

I just looked at a couple pairs of my jeans, and one pair was made in Mexico, the other in Haiti. :( Maybe some of the more expensive Lee jeans are made in the US, though. I think JC Penney and other mall stores carry them for about twice what Walmart charges. I can never really tell the difference, but maybe it's because the ones they sell are made in the US. I'll have to have a look next time I'm at the mall.