Budget-busting - What's Your "Frugal" Splurge??

**Elizabeth CM** · 08-06-2009, 12:31 PM

I realized this year if I tightened my budget too hard, that when I got a little "extra" I go crazy spending it! So I am trying to make a new budget that allows for certain splurges. So far, I want to keep some dairy milk (no hormones, etc.) in our weekly diet. (We're milk-aholics). Also a decent moisturizer, 'cuz my over-40 skin really shows it!!

I was wondering - what are the things other folks refuse to go "cheap" on or do without?

**Ceashels** · 08-06-2009, 01:08 PM

I really, really like the way Pantene cleans and conditions my hair. I will occasionally buy a cheaper shampoo but my hair pays the price.

I will switch back and forth between the two brands until the non-Pantene is gone.

**calimomx2** · 08-06-2009, 01:15 PM

Skin care and hair care for me! I've tried to use cheaper skin care, made homemade skin care and I just end up breaking out badly. I have very sensitive skin and I'm over 40 so I spend a little more for better products. Hair care, I don't actually use a shampoo and haven't for many months now. I use a cleansing conditioner which has really helped and made a huge difference with my very dry and very curly hair! It is a 1 step process, no more shampooing and then conditioning and I don't have to use a lot of products in my hair to make it look ok.......just the cleansing conditioner so I feel like I'm saving a little even though it is pricey!

**Karen1** · 08-06-2009, 01:21 PM

I say health care costs for my family.

Splurge on Nicole first, Tony next and my horses. My horses (which I don't have one right now, but passed away about 7 mos. ago), would be a cost I don't have trouble spending on cause that horse brought me happiness and freedom to ride, relax and smile.

Other than that, family is key for me and I don't just worry about prices of stuff that don't truly improve my life on a day to day basis....(of course that diff. for all of us---we just gotta know what it is)

I don't care about skin care and hair enough to pay monster prices. I don't care about "stuff" enough to pay big prices.

I guess for me it is making the family happy and if they "truly" require something to make them feel happier, to build on a hobby or passion in their life, then money would go their first after health and bills.

**semo_mom** · 08-06-2009, 01:28 PM

Mine would be shampoo and conditioner too. I have naturally curly hair that's long and whenever I use the cheaper shampoos, my hair becomes very dry. Usually after just one use. So I buy Aussie shampoo and conditioner. I also use Chi silk infusion (not cheap at all) but one bottle lasts me about six months.

**ladykemma2** · 08-06-2009, 01:37 PM

good food

a bottle of fabuloso

**Early Bird** · 08-06-2009, 05:11 PM

Nice yarn!

**Elizabeth CM** · 08-06-2009, 05:46 PM

See, now I'm going to hunt up what Chi silk infusion is

I just realized as we spent the day at the town pool that I also "splurge" on activities for us as a family, and exercise. Maybe because I am trying to lose weight and am very sensitive to keeping us all active?

Noticing that hair care is a big splurge. Never would have expected yarn, but should have because my Aunt is a big knitter, too!!!

I think it makes stretching the $$ easier for me if I know that it means there will be some set aside for things like yarn and conditioner, or in our case - pool passes to the "nice" pool

**CouponShelle** · 08-06-2009, 06:01 PM

I'm not as frugal as I could be... but working on it (and decluttering too). I have been struggling with something I do that isn't frugal. In the past (pre breast cancer and baby) I competed in fitness and figure competitions. the cost is outstanding with no real benefit other than the thrill of competing. I"m not good enough to go on to win modeling contracts, etc but I enjoy the "sport" of it.

I do it on the cheap... I rhinestone my own suits, etc but its still $$ that seems like a splurge... right now I'm saving any bonuses I get to go toward the cost with the hope of being in shape and having enough $$ by March 2010.

We will have our credit card debt paid off by Sept/October of this year and just have hubbies truck pmt and the mortgage to go. He still travels for his sport so I know I shouldn't feel guilty about mine but I"m the penny pincher in the house, LOL.

**craftypam** · 08-06-2009, 06:31 PM

Originally Posted by Elizabeth CM

I realized this year if I tightened my budget too hard, that when I got a little "extra" I go crazy spending it! So I am trying to make a new budget that allows for certain splurges. So far, I want to keep some dairy milk (no hormones, etc.) in our weekly diet. (We're milk-aholics). Also a decent moisturizer, 'cuz my over-40 skin really shows it!!

I was wondering - what are the things other folks refuse to go "cheap" on or do without?

Don't know if you are interested but Aldis is carrying a new line of moisturizers and makeup. $5 for (I think) there are 2 kinds maybe 3

**Elizabeth CM** · 08-06-2009, 07:26 PM

I saw them when I was there last week, but was nervous about buying one in case it turned out like the last "budget moisturizer" I bought at Osco - it made me break out in pimples, awful awful.

I wonder if anyone has tried it yet? I would love a cheaper hair product - I rotate between a couple, whichever one is on sale or has a coupon. Love the smell of Sauve strawberry, wish it did a better job LOL

**Elizabeth CM** · 08-06-2009, 07:31 PM

Originally Posted by CouponShelle

I know I shouldn't feel guilty about mine but I"m the penny pincher in the house, LOL.

I have the same problem - he has no guilt about splurging for himself for his hobby, makes sure I put it "in the budget" even when I wish we would save more! On one hand, I think it's healthy that he makes sure he gets his sanity break and he sure works hard. On the other, I can never do the same for myself without truckloads of regret!

**whoapony** · 08-06-2009, 08:10 PM

Originally Posted by Karen1

I say health care costs for my family.

Splurge on Nicole first, Tony next and my horses. My horses (which I don't have one right now, but passed away about 7 mos. ago), would be a cost I don't have trouble spending on cause that horse brought me happiness and freedom to ride, relax and smile.

Other than that, family is key for me and I don't just worry about prices of stuff that don't truly improve my life on a day to day basis....(of course that diff. for all of us---we just gotta know what it is)

I don't care about skin care and hair enough to pay monster prices. I don't care about "stuff" enough to pay big prices.

I guess for me it is making the family happy and if they "truly" require something to make them feel happier, to build on a hobby or passion in their life, then money would go their first after health and bills.

Karen, I'm just like you when it comes to my horses. hubby, kids, ponies. I'm sorry about your lost. I know how attached we get to them. My mare will be 20 next year.

**Grainlady** · 08-07-2009, 08:35 AM

If I need a spending splurge I go to the Dollar Tree and see what useful items I can get for $5, or visit a thrift store with $10. We put "walking around money" (allowance) in the budget so we don't feel deprived for a little spending money.

Hair care is not a priority. Fortunately I can wash my hair with anything and it looks just fine. I cut my short hair-do myself, pay myself $20 and put the money into the Christmas/Emergency fund in the bank. I never use conditioner.

Skin care includes coconut oil - the same stuff I use in the kitchen for cooking/baking. A dusting of powder is about all I use in the way of cosmetics.

I guess the things I won't skimp on are quality whole foods (especially the large variety of seeds/beans/grains). We use Agave Nectar (a natural, low-glycemic, honey-like sweetener) that isn't cheap. But even then, ALL foods are purchased within the $50/week food budget.

**imagine** · 08-07-2009, 09:26 AM

Very good soft cotton pajamas. And soft sturdy cotton sheets (plain cotton in spring and summer and cotton flannel winter) I normally buy Land's End ones for PJ and cotton Flannel sheets. Having nice soft comfortable pj's to slip into an night and comfy sheets make life
better

Sleep is a good thing.

I'll spend more for Cetaphil lotion as it is great my my itchy skin.