To ask for a guide as to what's genuinely worth spending a bit more on?

[TattyOldbit]

My default setting is cheapest, but I also get that cheapest often costs more in the long run.

Shoes and mattresses. If you're not in one there's a good chance you're in the other!

Kathy wrote what I was going to say.

Coats!

I clicked on this thread to say the exact same thing KathyBates.

My very dear work colleague always said this and it’s stuck with me. She’s bloody right.

I spend good money on skincare. Not ridiculous money but I’ve definitely invested. My friends laugh at me but then think nothing of spending £££ on a handbag. In the long run you’ll wear your skin a lot longer.

I’m happy to spend if I see why it’s more expensive like real leather V imitation or 100% wool etc.

For being more enjoyable, tea and coffee.
For lasting longer, carpet and particularly underlay.
Oh, and slippers. My Uggs were expensive, but are still toasty and comfortable into their third year, and the soles are barely worn.

On a roll, now.

Glasses (specs), not because they last longer, but because I have to wear the sods every waking moment. I want ones that I like the look of, and that are best for my eyes, and if that’s means more expensive frames and lenses, so be it.

Thanks KB. I've tended to buy shoes from charity shops but realise that sometimes you come to understand why the shoes were donated in the first place so you keep the ones that work and re donate the ones that don't.

Shoes and mattresses - yes! Also underwear.

By cheap, by twice.

Or used to be. Some brands do last longer than others. Used to be Bosch and Miele type appliances lasted longer. Not sure if that is still true.

Agree that quality is worth paying for. Quality fabric, well manufactured. More comfortable and longer lasting.

Education
healthcare
meat
coats/jumpers/thermals-good quality lasts longer and is warmer so you will need less of it
shoes as per pp, but only if you are buying proper well designed shoes, a lot of designer shoes look nice but don’t last much longer than cheaper options, chocolate/alcohol/treats-mostly because that way you enjoy them more but consume less
Cars, if you get a newer car still in warranty you won’t need to pay to fix it/fix it at all
Bras-if you have large breasts but a small band size it’s worth paying more for one that won’t ruin your back (although primark do some very good ones for standard sizes)
Tech-hp laptops aren’t cheap and last two years with heavy use, macs easily make it to five plus without need for repairs
House fixtures-things like flooring, taps etc get used so much that they need to be good quality
Kids clothing if you plan on having more than one child. It’s cheaper to buy one expensive set than two cheap ones which won’t last
Wellies if you buy very expensive ones they will last decades and keep your feet warmer. A pair of joules wellies is unlikely to last the year.

I hear you tilder but it seems the jury is out now on what is actual quality? Hence my question.

For the dc it’s shoes, coats and school bag.

For me it’s chocolate, cheese and bras

Shoes was the first item I thought of.

Coats - depends, if you drive everywhere you can get away with a cheaper coat. If you walk, then you need a decent coat.

My husband would say work tools. He’s had some for years. It may cost more initially, but in the long run, work out cheaper.

Shoes/wellies
Coats
Bed linen
Skincare
Foundation
Glasses and sun glasses
Bras

For me it's hair: cut every 6 weeks, colour every 12. I wear my hair every day and I have a style that is part of my look and needs trimming. My wonderful hairdresser is a genius.

Like PPs shoes, mattress, bedding (100% cotton only), coats (esp waterproof ones), socks (bamboo is the way to go), furniture (esp pieces you'll keep for years/ forever), lots of vegetables!

Coffee. Butter. Mattresses. Sofas. Skincare. Clothes – fewer, better clothes beats a giant wardrobe full of Primark. Alpaca socks. Nice bars of soap.

Agree with bags- TKMaxx is your friend for you and DC. ( And for throws/ cushions/ towels)

Yes to carpet/ underlay/ taps/ shower/ boiler/ appliances - all the stuff that gets used constantly.

Make up - no. I used to spend £££ but now find Max Factor/ No7/ Mabeylline/ Rimmel just as good. My skin in sensitive and better using Simple/ Aldi night cream/ beauty flash that the £££ brands.

I agree with all mentioned.

Definitely pillows though. Get proper feather pillows and cushions that plump up. Anything else is flat as a pancake in a week.

Also decent kitchen roll.

For anything that does a job I get the best I can afford. This includes bras, electricals and furniture.

For stuff that is cosmetic I get the one I like but won't be heartbroken if I decide to change a colour scheme or style. So things like curtains and cushions.

I spend as much as I can afford on bedding. So minimum standard is cotton, usually a high thread count. I like Sheridan bed sets, but only buy a new one every few years because I never need to replace them, just buy a new design or colour.

Clothes I buy high street stuff, or supermarket stuff. But I spend more on shoes, trainers and boots as I get more wear from them.

Food I try to buy sustainable and ethical. So pay more than I could get away with but the standards are important to me. Do 80% at Aldi, mostly fresh stuff so its cheap enough to buy higher welfare.

I like a bargain as much as the next person but sometimes it makes more sense to pay more.

Yes to nice soap too. TK Maxx again have lovely soaps.

Shoes, hair, coat, washing machine, wine.

It really depends on how much you use something, rarely than cheap is fine, Every day then buy quality, that doesn't mean expensive it means something that is good for you

Toilet seats!

(Sorry. Overinvested in the other ongoing thread about tenants going through several of the things)

Lighting - good lighting is worth spending money on
Dresses
Coats
Hotels