6 items not to skimp on

Everybody loves a bargain. But, believe it or not, there are some instances where going the cheap route will end up costing you more in the long run. Here are six things I won’t skimp on.

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Produce

I don’t need to pay top-end prices, but I am not going to the bargain mart for my strawberries and spinach. Fresh fruits and veggies are important to a healthy diet—provided we eat them, something we are less likely to do with a mealy apple or a wilted piece of lettuce. Your local farmers market is a great place to get fresh produce at a good price, but if that is not an option, find a supermarket with quality produce.

High-end shampoo and conditioner

A little goes a long way with these more expensive products—I cannot even recall the last time I had to buy a bottle of shampoo or conditioner. And they make my color last longer, saving me money in the long run.

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Good running or walking shoes

I will spend top dollar at a specialty running store—where staff is trained on how to properly fit you for size, gait and use—for my running and walking shoes. My theory: Bad shoes lead to bad injuries. Bad injuries lead to bad medical bills from the cost of treatment, not to mention bad moods due to missed workouts.

A good mattress

Much the way running shoes support your feet, a good mattress supports your body and helps ensure a restful night’s sleep, vital to your overall health. Prices run the gamut from ultra cheap ($200 or lower) to crazy expensive ($30,000 or more), but according to Consumer Reports, the “sweet spot” is between $600 and $1,500. Six hundred plus may sound like a lot when comparing a more expensive mattress to a cheaper model, but like one friend said when asked why she spends top dollar on a mattress: “Because I like to be able to get a good night's sleep and not feel like I'm 127 years old when I get up in the morning.” Yep. I agree. And when you consider the amount of time you spend on your mattress (most people keep their mattresses for five to 10 years), is it all that expensive?

Auto or home insurance

Shop around for a deal, but make sure the company you end up going with is going to be with you when you need it most. Sure, it may hurt to pay a high premium for something that you hope to never use, but should you need to tap into that policy, the last thing you want is a hassle or a headache.

A good bra

OK, this is for ladies only, but it’s worth mentioning. You do not want to let the girls down, because if you do, down they will go. This is especially important when purchasing a sports bra. In addition, a properly fitting bra can eliminate pain and make you look slimmer, if that’s a concern. Oh, and if you think you can get away with cheaping out because you are an A or a B cup, no such luck!

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