What things do you spend on that others might not consider frugal?

**guest2** · 10-04-2003, 01:36 PM

I got to thinking about how we are all willing to spend on certain things that others might not consider "frugal" purchases. A few of these for us are:
~Buying previewed and discounted DVDs and VHS (it's still cheaper than going to the movies and there are some that we like to watch over and over again). We just hit a sale where you got 2 free for every 2 you bought. Our friends and neighbors borrow movies from us and we have a sign out sheet to keep track of what is where.

We also borrow from our friends.
~Buying pop and microwave popcorn on sale. I know that we don't "need" this stuff, but we enjoy having a treat. My husband is a popcorn addict and really loves the microwave kind better than air popped.
~Kim Chee for me! I absolutely love this stuff and don't feel a meal with rice is complete without it (it's a Hawaii thing!

). I've tried making my own, but it never comes out a good as the premade. I only buy 1 jar every few months.

One of my mother's joys in life is quilting and she's very good at it. She spends so much money on material, even if it is on sale, but she makes one of a kind quilts that will be cherished by everyone that gets them! She's made each of my boys wonderful and fun flannel quilts and is working on a beautiful quilt that is very intricate and will also have hand embroidery on it for my husband and I. Our quilt alone had over $300 invested in it so far, but we consider it to be a family heirloom.

So....what are your "spends" that you enjoy that others would not consider frugal?

**Shell** · 10-04-2003, 02:09 PM

Oh I have a few things that I know I spend too much money on. I do enjoy having nice dishes. I did get a few good deals where they were no longer making these certain plates in England anymore and I got them for just a couple of dollars a plate. I know my waterford crystal glasses and my russian tea set I am collecting are way too expensive but I only buy about one a year or get one for a gift. I am looking forward to giving them to my daughter one day.

**AmyBoz** · 10-04-2003, 04:20 PM

We order a pizza every Friday night. Granted, we usually use a coupon for a dollar or so off and we save up the things you can cut off the box for a free plain pie after 15 pizzas, but it's really not incredibly frugal of us. However, it's a nice treat for Friday not to have to cook, and I'm pretty wiped by that time at the end of the week anyway.

**PrairieRose** · 10-04-2003, 04:35 PM

We eat out too often and I have been on a clothes and jewelry buying spree since my youngest dd left home. Man, I've bought LOTS of clothes. I have more clothes now that I've ever had, but most of them have been bought off of clearance racks for $3-10 each. I need to clean out my closet to make more room for my new clothes.

**KKCondrey** · 10-04-2003, 05:03 PM

We splurge on DVD's and video games (granted we usually look in the sales bins for both first). Also we eat out way to much.

**crdurham** · 10-04-2003, 09:07 PM

We eat out more than we should but no where near like we did before ds came along....lol...we cook alot more now....and order take out.

I buy my liquid makeup at the mall. (estee lauder)...but I always wait until they have "gift w/purchase" so I get some freebies.

mmmm.....there's probably more...I will have to think about this one....

**DawnM** · 10-04-2003, 09:15 PM

I guess my scrapbooking passion. I do have scrapbooking budgeted and we can afford it so that isn't the issue, but it's still a good chunk of change. There are plenty of things I don't/and haven't spend my money on entertainment-wise over the years so I still consider it a good investment as well as a hobby.

Our kayaks and equipment would be another one ... it's our family recreation and we love it.

Also, my palm was not a frugal purchase at all but well worth the money to me. Ya don't mess with me and my palm!

**paelthom** · 10-06-2003, 09:26 AM

For us, it's eating out more than we should. We have cut way back, but could stand to cut a bit more. But with both of us working and dd in school, etc. sometimes we just need that eating out break. We do tend to eat cheaply though, mainly because dd is so picky.

**MANDERS** · 10-06-2003, 10:02 AM

Wow guess I'm the only one,but for us its having nice cars.Not big huge fancy 40,000 dollar cars.But reliable safe cars.I have a 2001 Expedition and dh has a 2001 explorer sports trax.

We also eat out way too much esp on the weekends.And we do buy a few nice outfits each year for ourselves and the kids at dept stores

but most are on sale.I did however find myself at an old navy when we were in Orlando buying a $36 pair of pants(never have done that)

Ok so that brings up another one,vaccations.We recently just came back from disney world and spending $4,000.But it was saved over a period of 3yrs and well worth every penny of it!

**slowtypinwoman** · 10-06-2003, 05:05 PM

I love shoes. LOL need I say more on that subject?
I also like to have my nails done. I haven't for several months because we did all the work on our home and now we are paying it off.
Other than that I really like crafting and proably spend wat too much on those supplies. Michael loves books. We have been saving very hard to try and get our C.C.'s paid off so all of that is on hold for now. Anyway Christmas is just around the corner. I have had a hard time convincing Dh that we don't have to have it RIGHT NOW.

**milach** · 10-06-2003, 06:37 PM

We're magazine junkies over here- but recently, I have been signing up for free subscriptions on line- like Ladies Home Journal and Budget Living.

Twice a year, I have my hair cut and highlighted- and I'll even get an eyebrow wax. I'm due for all that next month- WOOHOO!!

I don't really make DH's lunches for work because when I do- he either forgets them or never has time to eat them. Plus the price of lunch meat and bread is totally rediculous and he eats 2-3 sandwiches at a whack- I'm not really saving any $$$ to make them.

I've also been ordering stuff from Schwans- they are so totally not cheap, but their ice cream is out of this world, and their boneless skinless chix breasts are so perfect for sandwiches, cut them up and make chix fettuccini alfredo, chix tacos, and they cook in the oven in like 20 mins when they're defrosted. And their juice concentrates are actually cheaper than buying bottles of juice at the store.

**Katybird** · 10-07-2003, 12:16 PM

It is definately convenience foods here. It is easier and less stressful with just 2 or even 3 of us at home to just pop a frozen entree (I love Stouffers meatloaf and stuffed bell pepprers) in the oven and make a couple of side dishes than to make from scratch. After working for 12 hours I don't really want to come home and cook a big meal but I want my DH and DD to have a nice filling meal.

We make lots of frozen french fries and boxed mac/cheese and Lipton's noodles/sauce or rice/sauce.

I admit it--I am a convenience food addict, LOL.

**Sara Noel** · 10-07-2003, 02:52 PM

Well, my hobbies are not the most frugal, but I enjoy them and they are budgeted in monthly. We tend to spend money on software and movie rentals too.

I know I could buckle down and definitely save a bit here and there;however, I truly enjoy my hobbies and feel it is money well spent.

**Lori Biever-Launder** · 10-07-2003, 08:12 PM

My car! I loooove my Intrepid. We bought it gently used--a good deal. I have a major big engine fetish (the SMALLEST engine I will consider is a 6 cylinder) so my gas mileage isn't as good as it could be. I also spend quite a bit on my tires. I buy high performance tires and I want them to be SAFE at any speed.