Do you know when it’s the right time to splurge, settle, or skip during your shopping spree?
Let’s talk about shopping scenarios: you go outside for a walk, and you see a stunning pair of shoes in a boutique window, and you think about how good you’d look with them on your next night out. You walk half a mile, you see a gorgeous cafe with an aroma of freshly baked croissants wafting out, and you think about grabbing a snack and a fancy latte. You then continue with your walk, scrolling on your phone, and notice a billboard advertising a new online shop, which is immediately followed by a targeted ad for that same shop on your social media feed. The temptation is everywhere, calling for your attention and your wallet.
With so many things available today, from physical storefronts to the endless digital marketplace, how do you know when it’s time to shop or not? This constant exposure can create a sense of urgency and desire that is hard to ignore. Do you splurge on a new phone with the latest camera technology, or do you keep that money for a much-needed vacation to a place you’ve always dreamed of visiting? You see more and more brands coming with enticing deals, new products, free samples, online shops, pop-ups at festivals, and so many other clever marketing tactics that it’s almost impossible to stay away from them. This creates a challenging environment for anyone trying to be mindful of their spending.
Having a decision-making framework to guide you through these kinds of purchase decisions is a terrific approach to making sure you’re saving money and avoiding wasteful spending. This isn’t about depriving yourself of joy; it’s about empowering yourself to spend with intention. A good framework reduces decision fatigue and helps align your purchases with your long-term goals. We talked to shopping experts, financial planners, and seasoned bargain hunters about all the shopping scenarios when it’s best to splurge, settle, or skip, and we’ll share everything with you. Their key advice often comes down to considering cost-per-use, long-term value, and personal well-being. It’s not easy to say no to something you think you want in the moment, but with a clear strategy, you’ve got this. So, to buy or not to buy? That’s the question! Let’s find out together!
Shopping scenario 1: meat and produce
Even if you want to save as much money as possible, shopping scenario no. 1 is all about food, and sometimes it’s best to splurge. This doesn’t mean buying the most expensive items just for the sake of it, but rather investing in your health. This can mean getting higher-quality meat like grass-fed beef or free-range chicken, and fresh, organic produce. These options often contain more nutrients and fewer pesticides, which will only benefit your health in the long run. Think of it as a down payment on your future well-being.
You can still save money, though, even while prioritizing quality. The key is to shop smart. You have to look for sales when you have the chance and stock up on things you know you’ll use, especially freezable items like meat, bread, and certain vegetables. Plan your meals around what’s in season, as that’s when produce is at its peak freshness and lowest price. Put what you don’t need immediately in the freezer and consume it when needed. This approach allows you to enjoy the benefits of high-quality food without breaking the bank. Do you prefer to splurge or get more affordable options when it comes to food? Let us know in the comments!
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Shopping scenario 2: skincare products
If your skin is sensitive or you suffer from different conditions, such as rosacea, acne, or dermatitis, you probably need dermatologist-approved products and not drugstore ones that might aggravate your issues. In this case, it’s best to splurge. Using the wrong product can lead to inflammation and irritation, ultimately resulting in more frustration and additional bills at the dermatologist’s cabinet to fix the damage. Investing in a quality product recommended for your skin type is a proactive step.
However, we don’t say you need to spend hundreds of dollars on a cleaning gel, but something that contains the active ingredients you might need, like hyaluronic acid for hydration, salicylic acid for acne, or vitamin C for brightness. These products tend to be pricier than those available at drugstores because the ingredients are more potent and the formulations are more advanced, but they will last you a long time and make your skin glow from the inside out. A single, effective product is far better than a cabinet full of cheap ones that don’t work. For many, a good “settle” option is finding a mid-range, reputable brand that uses these key ingredients without the luxury price tag.
Shopping scenario 3: appliances
Some shopping experts say that they’ll splurge on any item they plan on using for at least 5 years, and that includes appliances. This is a brilliant rule of thumb. Whether it’s a new TV, a fridge, a washing machine, or a dishwasher, you surely want to make the most of it, right? Then it’s a smart idea to get one from a brand you trust with a proven track record of durability, even if the price might be a hard pill to swallow. A cheap appliance that breaks down after two years is no bargain at all. Consider the long-term cost of repairs and replacement before opting for the lowest price.
Even though you prefer to buy a higher-priced item, that doesn’t mean you should avoid deals whatsoever. Be patient and strategic. Check out store discounts and coupons, and don’t forget about the major sales on Labor Day, Memorial Day, Black Friday, or Cyber Monday, which are prime times for big-ticket purchases. Also, consider the energy efficiency of the appliance. A more expensive refrigerator with a better energy rating could save you hundreds of dollars on your electricity bill over its lifespan, effectively paying for its higher initial cost.
Shopping scenario 4: fast fashion and sustainable clothing
My wife taught me this, and I couldn’t thank her more. The clothes you find in malls or other stores, those that are cheap and whose fabrics are thin and synthetic, are usually fast fashion products, and they won’t last you a long time. I used to buy trendy shirts that would look great for a week, but then they’d pill, shrink, or lose their shape after just a couple of washes. My partner told me to stay away from them because they’d get ruined fast, and I would need to spend money again to get new ones. It’s a false economy.
On the other hand, she told me to focus on getting items made from natural fabrics that will last me a long time, such as cotton, linen, merino wool, and silk. They might be more expensive upfront, but they feel better on the skin, they’re more durable, and their classic styles mean they’ll be in your wardrobe for a long time. You can mix and match these quality staples to create multiple outfits, adopting a “capsule wardrobe” mindset. This is the ultimate “splurge” scenario where quality trumps quantity. Of course, you can also check out thrift stores and get higher-quality items for a bargain, so I wouldn’t sleep on that either. Finding a cashmere sweater or a well-made leather jacket at a second-hand shop is a huge win.
Shopping scenario 5: air travel
How do you choose to get your flight tickets? We like to settle for the best option at the best fare. For a solo trip or with another adult, this can mean taking a late-night or early-morning flight with layovers to save money. The trade-off is often comfort and convenience for a lower price, which can be perfectly acceptable when the goal is to maximize funds for the destination itself. You might arrive a little more tired, but with more cash in your pocket for experiences.
However, if I have to travel with my young grandchildren, I prefer to pay a little extra for a flight with more accommodating departure and arrival times and with no layovers. In this situation, the “splurge” is on sanity and smoothness. A direct flight minimizes the risk of meltdowns, lost luggage, and the general stress of navigating an airport with little ones. I always like to search for flight tickets that are the most affordable (don’t forget to search for them using Incognito mode, so you’re not charged extra) and have more money for accommodation and places to visit. Using flight comparison websites and being flexible with your travel dates by a day or two can also uncover significant savings.
Shopping scenario 6: convenience purchases
Sometimes you might not find your favorite product in a store close to your home, but you’ll find something similar in quality and price. If the item you absolutely “must have” is a few blocks away and it costs you time and money to get there, I recommend you settle for a similar product that’s more easily accessible. It’s important to weigh the real cost of your purchase, which includes more than just the price tag.
For instance, I was once looking for a specific shampoo, and the one I found in the store in my neighborhood was almost $1 more expensive than the one available in the other part of the city. I decided to pay the extra dollar rather than drive to the other store and waste money on gas and, more importantly, 20 minutes of my time. Long story short, it’s better to settle when you can save on other important resources, such as time or gas, and stick to the items you can find (as long as they’re of the quality you need, of course). Ask yourself, “Is saving a dollar or two worth the travel and effort?” Most of the time, the answer is no.
Shopping scenario 7: things you’ll never use
My wife has a problem with buying things that look good, and she saves them for special occasions, like outfits, silverware, and dishware. These items sit in a closet or cabinet, waiting for a “perfect” moment that rarely arrives. What’s the point in splurging if you won’t make the most of these products? We had long conversations where I tried to tell her to use the things she got and not wait for Christmas to take out her favorite plates. Why not make a regular Tuesday dinner feel special by using the good china?
If you’re like her and you can’t be convinced to use the items you’ve splurged on, it’s probably best to settle for lower-priced and probably lower-quality ones too, since you’ll use them often and they’ll wear out anyway. Or, better yet, make a conscious effort to incorporate your “special” items into your daily life. The true value of a purchase comes from its use and the joy it brings. An expensive item that is never used has a cost-per-use of infinity, making it the worst purchase possible. Do you agree with this one? Let us know in the comments below!
Shopping scenario 8: extended warranties
If you purchase electronic gadgets or large appliances, you might feel pressured to spend more to preserve your investment. The cashier often presents it as a smart, protective measure. However, several experts advise against paying for the extra warranty. This is because, according to Consumer Reports, there’s little chance that a product would require repair during an extended warranty period; they are most likely to fail either right away (covered by the standard manufacturer’s warranty) or much later, after the extended coverage has expired. And if it does break, the cost of repairs won’t be significantly more than the warranty’s cost, so you don’t save anything extra. Furthermore, many credit cards automatically provide an extension of the manufacturer’s warranty, making the store’s offer redundant. This is a classic “skip” for most purchases.
Shopping scenario 9: overpriced items
Whether it’s fancy cars, electronics, designer clothing, accessories, or exquisite foods, it’s a good idea to avoid things that are way over the budget, especially if you don’t need them. It doesn’t matter if your friends keep telling you how good an expensive vacuum cleaner works. You can always find an affordable option that does the job just as well, if not better, by reading independent reviews. And to be honest, the same rule applies to every overpriced item. Sometimes, what you pay for is the brand’s massive marketing budget and the perceived status, not a proportional increase in the product’s quality or performance. Don’t fall into the trap of believing that a higher price always equals higher quality.
Shopping scenario 10: cheap toys
If you have small grandchildren, you probably don’t want to invest in expensive toys that might end up being broken anyway. It’s a common dilemma. However, just because they constantly ask for new toys doesn’t mean you should get them the cheapest version you can find. These toys will break even faster, leading to frustration for the child and a feeling that you’ve wasted your money. They can also pose safety risks with small parts breaking off. To make the most of your buck, you can stick to durable items such as building sets (such as this cute one), wooden blocks, quality art supplies, or sturdy books that also spur your little ones’ creativity. This is a “settle” or “splurge on quality” scenario: invest in toys that are built to last and offer open-ended play, providing value far beyond their initial cost.
Do you have any other shopping scenarios where it can be difficult to know whether you should splurge, settle, or skip? Share them with us, because we’d love to know! A great rule of thumb is to implement a 24-hour waiting period for any non-essential purchase over $50. This gives you time to decide if it’s a true need or just a passing want. Smart spending is all about conscious choices that reflect your priorities. If you find this article helpful and you’d like to check out something else from The Price Makers, here’s a good post for you: Free Money? Here Are 7 Sure Ways to Get Them
