Are you an UNDERbuyer?

[fifthdimensiondweller]

This is definitely me! I hate shopping, especially for clothes, and I know theres a lot I could buy to make my life easier! before we got married and had a bridal shower, I was like this especially without kitchen gadgets. Though I like to cook and bake and make a lot from scratch, I mixed almost everything by hand and had very limited kitchen equipment. I had a shower and when I looked through the registry checklists online I thought "why in the world did I slave away all these years without a hand mixer or food processor? Why did I stop everything to wash my measuring cups instead of just buying an extra set? Now I can honestly say I use each and every one of our wedding and shower gifts constantly and couldn't imagine my life without them!

 

[javeyloveschelsi]

me--I am definitely an under buyer for myself--not as much for my kids, they have everything they could possibly need, although I groan a little bit every time they say they need new shoes which they seem to rotate who needs new ones. But for me, let's just say, I cleaned out my closet the other day and 90% was items my little sister gave to me that she no longer wore and I wouldn't wear, so I'm down to about 4 shirts...also, I'm 8 months pregnant and am down to one pair of maternity pants that still fit (that I bought at goodwill), and refuse to buy any more because I'm only a month out...I cried and felt regret buying myself a $19 pair of shoes from walmart because I didn't have a coupon on it--because anything I do buy for the household must have some form of coupon/rebate/etc for me to even consider it. My husband gets so mad at me because he wants me to go buy stuff for myself and we can afford to do that, I just HATE shopping for myself. However, if it comes to shopping for others, including people I don't know, I go ALL out and want the best for everyone else, no budget...

 

[MSPeeler]

It's hard to be an OVER buyer when you don't have the money OR don't feel the need for items. I'd rather save for Disney than buy new shoes

 

[Teresa Pitman]

My mum was like this. I think she was so poor when she was younger that she just was in the habit of never spending any money and so she'd struggle along making do and doing things the hard way when it would have cost her just a little bit of money (which she and my Dad had plenty of in the bank!) to make her life so much easier. She passed away over a year ago and I feel sad that she didn't get those things that would have made her life a bit easier. I do try to consciously think about those things - is there an inexpensive way to make this easier? And often there is.

 

[leebee]

I think I'm probably an under buyer- or just plain cheap, can't decide. My couch is 18 years old, becoming threadbare in spots, has a sponge egg-crate folded up under the cushions for extra support, and is really showing its age. I can't think of replacing it, though; it still is comfortable and seems wasteful to get rid of it. Ditto the sofa bed in the front room, and it's 30 years old! We don't own smart phones or have a cell phone with a plan. Because of where we live, we have to have a landline in the house (cell reception is spotty, unreliable in our town) and I can't bring myself to pay for cell phones just for the convenience. DH and I each have a bottom of the line tracfone to keep in our cars, for emergencies. Then there is the TV, which is a 36" NOT flat screen TV. It is probably 12" deep and weighs a ton, but it works, so why would I replace it with a flat screen? Appliances? We REALLY need a new stove, dishwasher, and fridge. Our fridge was manufactured by RCA, if that gives you any idea of how old it is. It's a side by side, and the 2 veggie drawers don't really stay on the railings- they slide unevenly and try to fall off. The stove and dishwasher are equally old, each with its own problems. Here's MY problem, though: They all work! It seems incredibly wasteful to get rid of them "because" they look a bit shabby or have issues... they all still function reliably, so I can't bring myself to spend the money to replace them. I wear shirts that are 20 years old and have 3 nightgowns that I bought when I was pregnant... and DD turned 23 last fall! Anyhow... you get my drift; I just can't bring myself to discard functioning items or replace them just because I want something newer.

 

[Mrs. Ciz]

I think I'm probably an under buyer- or just plain cheap, can't decide. My couch is 18 years old, becoming threadbare in spots, has a sponge egg-crate folded up under the cushions for extra support, and is really showing its age. I can't think of replacing it, though; it still is comfortable and seems wasteful to get rid of it. Ditto the sofa bed in the front room, and it's 30 years old! We don't own smart phones or have a cell phone with a plan. Because of where we live, we have to have a landline in the house (cell reception is spotty, unreliable in our town) and I can't bring myself to pay for cell phones just for the convenience. DH and I each have a bottom of the line tracfone to keep in our cars, for emergencies. Then there is the TV, which is a 36" NOT flat screen TV. It is probably 12" deep and weighs a ton, but it works, so why would I replace it with a flat screen? Appliances? We REALLY need a new stove, dishwasher, and fridge. Our fridge was manufactured by RCA, if that gives you any idea of how old it is. It's a side by side, and the 2 veggie drawers don't really stay on the railings- they slide unevenly and try to fall off. The stove and dishwasher are equally old, each with its own problems. Here's MY problem, though: They all work! It seems incredibly wasteful to get rid of them "because" they look a bit shabby or have issues... they all still function reliably, so I can't bring myself to spend the money to replace them. I wear shirts that are 20 years old and have 3 nightgowns that I bought when I was pregnant... and DD turned 23 last fall! Anyhow... you get my drift; I just can't bring myself to discard functioning items or replace them just because I want something newer.

I am the same way...use it until it wears out. I did splurge on a Roomba recently though. That $350 purchase (from Costco with a coupon) has been life changing. I highly recommend getting a Roomba to everyone I meet!

 

[ellie05]

I think I'm probably an under buyer- or just plain cheap, can't decide. My couch is 18 years old, becoming threadbare in spots, has a sponge egg-crate folded up under the cushions for extra support, and is really showing its age. I can't think of replacing it, though; it still is comfortable and seems wasteful to get rid of it. Ditto the sofa bed in the front room, and it's 30 years old! We don't own smart phones or have a cell phone with a plan. Because of where we live, we have to have a landline in the house (cell reception is spotty, unreliable in our town) and I can't bring myself to pay for cell phones just for the convenience. DH and I each have a bottom of the line tracfone to keep in our cars, for emergencies. Then there is the TV, which is a 36" NOT flat screen TV. It is probably 12" deep and weighs a ton, but it works, so why would I replace it with a flat screen? Appliances? We REALLY need a new stove, dishwasher, and fridge. Our fridge was manufactured by RCA, if that gives you any idea of how old it is. It's a side by side, and the 2 veggie drawers don't really stay on the railings- they slide unevenly and try to fall off. The stove and dishwasher are equally old, each with its own problems. Here's MY problem, though: They all work! It seems incredibly wasteful to get rid of them "because" they look a bit shabby or have issues... they all still function reliably, so I can't bring myself to spend the money to replace them. I wear shirts that are 20 years old and have 3 nightgowns that I bought when I was pregnant... and DD turned 23 last fall! Anyhow... you get my drift; I just can't bring myself to discard functioning items or replace them just because I want something newer.

I would say this goes way beyond under buying. If the couch needs egg crate and the drawers in the fridge fall off it is not functioning. Hey but whatever floats your boat.

 

[manning]

Yes. I have a dozen

 

[Vijoge]

I don't think I'm an underbuyer, just thrifty. I have stuff, but most of it was owned by someone else previously. I have no furniture in my house that was bought new. My sofa came from a resale shop for $40 on 50% off day. Living room chairs I bought on a fb garage sale site-2 for $10. I have an ottoman I found on trash day. My dining room furniture belonged to my parents nearly 70 years ago. I do have a new 50" flat screen smart TV but I got it on sale after Thanksgiving for $199. I did buy a new stove, washer, and dryer 15 years ago-still using them lol.

 

[mom2t]

I am not an under buyer at all... just by talking about iPhone chargers I have one in the car, one in my bedroom and one in the downstairs of the house and a charging pack in my purse.

I rarely buy things when I need them except for dresses. If I find a good sale I just get it then. I love stocking up on clothes at the end of season sale. Last summer I got DH lots of shorts, polos, linen shirts, etc for a fraction of the price once summer comes we won't have to buy new things when discounts are not really good. I spend $120 and got DH Ralph Lauren 2 shorts, one white pants, 1 linen shirt, 2 polos and 1 golf shirt if I waited to buy it when I need it $120 would have gotten 1 linen shirt or 2 shorts. Last week I went and stock up on sweaters and shirts for next fall/winter. DH is not good at planning far in advance in fact often he will come and say I neeed ... and I say I bought you that it should be in your closet with tags on.

I do the same thing. Love shopping out of my spare room closet. It can be a life saver when my DS has a growth spurt like he has done several times in the last few years.

 

[ronandannette]

It's as much a space thing as a money thing for me. I simply do not have room to comfortably store anything more than I already have; getting something new REQUIRES getting rid of something old. I've become very accustomed to making do, especially in the kitchen where I rock out some pretty amazing meals without very many small appliances or gadgets. I've seen so many things that would be really, really great to have, but the though of another item of any kind to take care of - it's just totally not worth it.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

I think I'm probably an under buyer- or just plain cheap, can't decide. My couch is 18 years old, becoming threadbare in spots, has a sponge egg-crate folded up under the cushions for extra support, and is really showing its age. I can't think of replacing it, though; it still is comfortable and seems wasteful to get rid of it. Ditto the sofa bed in the front room, and it's 30 years old! We don't own smart phones or have a cell phone with a plan. Because of where we live, we have to have a landline in the house (cell reception is spotty, unreliable in our town) and I can't bring myself to pay for cell phones just for the convenience. DH and I each have a bottom of the line tracfone to keep in our cars, for emergencies. Then there is the TV, which is a 36" NOT flat screen TV. It is probably 12" deep and weighs a ton, but it works, so why would I replace it with a flat screen? Appliances? We REALLY need a new stove, dishwasher, and fridge. Our fridge was manufactured by RCA, if that gives you any idea of how old it is. It's a side by side, and the 2 veggie drawers don't really stay on the railings- they slide unevenly and try to fall off. The stove and dishwasher are equally old, each with its own problems. Here's MY problem, though: They all work! It seems incredibly wasteful to get rid of them "because" they look a bit shabby or have issues... they all still function reliably, so I can't bring myself to spend the money to replace them. I wear shirts that are 20 years old and have 3 nightgowns that I bought when I was pregnant... and DD turned 23 last fall! Anyhow... you get my drift; I just can't bring myself to discard functioning items or replace them just because I want something newer.

Well, I will tell you new appliances won't last nearly as long as your current ones will last but they are so much more energy efficient. We had to replace our furnace/AC & fridge (20 & 15 yrs old) when a tree fell on our house last year and I could see the difference in our gas and electric bills immediately. This is probably true about TVs too.
We have never thrown away perfectly functioning appliances of any kind except when we gutted out our kitchen 15 yrs ago.
Oh my gosh, I remember RCA! I used to work there cleaning offices at night while I was in college. Not far (enough) from us is the city of Camden, NJ where RCA was headquartered. The building was restored including the decorative glass with Nipper the dog on top and now they're condos. It's a really bad area so I can't imagine who bought them.

 

[Jen and Ashwin]

I think I'm probably an under buyer- or just plain cheap, can't decide. My couch is 18 years old, becoming threadbare in spots, has a sponge egg-crate folded up under the cushions for extra support, and is really showing its age. I can't think of replacing it, though; it still is comfortable and seems wasteful to get rid of it. Ditto the sofa bed in the front room, and it's 30 years old! We don't own smart phones or have a cell phone with a plan. Because of where we live, we have to have a landline in the house (cell reception is spotty, unreliable in our town) and I can't bring myself to pay for cell phones just for the convenience. DH and I each have a bottom of the line tracfone to keep in our cars, for emergencies. Then there is the TV, which is a 36" NOT flat screen TV. It is probably 12" deep and weighs a ton, but it works, so why would I replace it with a flat screen? Appliances? We REALLY need a new stove, dishwasher, and fridge. Our fridge was manufactured by RCA, if that gives you any idea of how old it is. It's a side by side, and the 2 veggie drawers don't really stay on the railings- they slide unevenly and try to fall off. The stove and dishwasher are equally old, each with its own problems. Here's MY problem, though: They all work! It seems incredibly wasteful to get rid of them "because" they look a bit shabby or have issues... they all still function reliably, so I can't bring myself to spend the money to replace them. I wear shirts that are 20 years old and have 3 nightgowns that I bought when I was pregnant... and DD turned 23 last fall! Anyhow... you get my drift; I just can't bring myself to discard functioning items or replace them just because I want something newer.

There are benefits to new appliances that you might not have considered. Many newer appliances use a lot less energy which could save you a lot of money. About 2 years ago, we replaced the 40" flat panel TV (it was about 10 years old) with a newer 55" flat panel TV. The electric bill had a very significant dip immediately. The TV only cost $600 and over the 2 years I have saved over $300 on my electric bill. I also sold the old TV for $200, so the new TV has almost paid for itself now.

 

[KarenAylwood]

I don't think I'm an underbuyer when it comes to most things. If something is worn out and I want to replace it, I usually do or use that as an idea for a Christmas gift. I take pride in how I look and how my home looks and so I try not to let things get worn out like others mention doing. Just personal preference. Now when it comes to my car, I'll ride that baby until the wheels fall off. I could care less what it looks like (inside and out). When it comes to buying things to make my life easier, I don't always do that. I would have saved myself so much hassle by getting another breast pump when I had my first but I couldn't bring myself to do it. This time around I will have a second only because someone gave me an unused one. I'm the same way with a charger that I keep switching between the car and work. I just need a second cord, that's all! When it comes to my kid(s) though.. I'm all about making life easier.

I'm not, but DH and I were just talking about this yesterday. We have a lot of friends who have small children but only one carseat, in one car, for that child. They can afford to put a carseat in all of their cars, they just don't. It leads to lots of "Ugh, I took the wrong car and now I have to drive home and switch out cars with DH so he can do childcare pickup today." type situations. We were wondering why they don't just buy another carseat - especially for kids who are in low-back boosters, because those aren't expensive. It would save time, frustration, and gas money.

We absolutely have two seats in each car!! For when DS was really little we had one infant and two bases for the cars. Now we have two convertibles, one in each car. We couldn't survive without two. DH takes DS to work and I pick him up most days. I used to see some convertibles sitting in the entryway of our old daycare. I couldn't imagine taking that in and out each day!! We're expecting a second baby and we'll have two bases, one infant seat with him too.

When it comes to consumables I'm an overbuyer. I stockpile and coupon so I always have everything in stock in the basement. A lot of times I'll buy more shampoo or cleaning supplies even though I've got tons just because it was a crazy good deal and I know we'll use it eventually.

 

[Jen and Ashwin]

We absolutely have two seats in each car!! For when DS was really little we had one infant and two bases for the cars. Now we have two convertibles, one in each car. We couldn't survive without two. DH takes DS to work and I pick him up most days. I used to see some convertibles sitting in the entryway of our old daycare. I couldn't imagine taking that in and out each day!! We're expecting a second baby and we'll have two bases, one infant seat with him too.

DH and I have already talked about this. We plan to have one carrier with two bases, one in each car. I could not imagine DH taking a base in and out of his car. It just would not happen. And knowing that I properly installed it the first time will give me lots of piece of mind.

 

[QueenIsabella]

I think I'm probably an under buyer- or just plain cheap, can't decide. My couch is 18 years old, becoming threadbare in spots, has a sponge egg-crate folded up under the cushions for extra support, and is really showing its age. I can't think of replacing it, though; it still is comfortable and seems wasteful to get rid of it. Ditto the sofa bed in the front room, and it's 30 years old! We don't own smart phones or have a cell phone with a plan. Because of where we live, we have to have a landline in the house (cell reception is spotty, unreliable in our town) and I can't bring myself to pay for cell phones just for the convenience. DH and I each have a bottom of the line tracfone to keep in our cars, for emergencies. Then there is the TV, which is a 36" NOT flat screen TV. It is probably 12" deep and weighs a ton, but it works, so why would I replace it with a flat screen? Appliances? We REALLY need a new stove, dishwasher, and fridge. Our fridge was manufactured by RCA, if that gives you any idea of how old it is. It's a side by side, and the 2 veggie drawers don't really stay on the railings- they slide unevenly and try to fall off. The stove and dishwasher are equally old, each with its own problems. Here's MY problem, though: They all work! It seems incredibly wasteful to get rid of them "because" they look a bit shabby or have issues... they all still function reliably, so I can't bring myself to spend the money to replace them. I wear shirts that are 20 years old and have 3 nightgowns that I bought when I was pregnant... and DD turned 23 last fall! Anyhow... you get my drift; I just can't bring myself to discard functioning items or replace them just because I want something newer.

That sounds like just plain cheap to me! And I say that as a fellow cheap-o, I understand where you're coming from, why spend the money if you don't need to, right?

One thing to consider, though, in addition to the energy savings is, you might find yourself forced to upgrade IMMEDIATELY if something goes. You can probably survive a few weeks without the dishwasher, and a few days without the stove. But, the fridge is dicier, unless you have a back-up somewhere (we keep our old, too-small-for-a-family-of-six fridge in the garage, mostly for beverages). No need to run out and upgrade, but you might want to casually look for a replacement, before you desperately need one. Some appliance places will sell gently used appliances--maybe at least see what they have/what kind of prices now, when you're not in the market. Then you can replace when you find a good buy, rather than in desperation.

I do get where you're coming from, though. We have a large kitchen with the original '60's layout/cabinets. I can deal with most of it, but the one wall oven is very small. I suspect it was supposed to be part of a dual wall oven set, I actually have baking sheets that won't fit in it. I cook a lot, and it irritates me. However, replacing that wall oven will end up leading to an entire kitchen renovation, it just will (how do you enlarge the oven without one? Unless I got a stove unit, which would mean ripping out cabinets...you see how this goes!) So, I curse my small oven and get creative when cooking big meals. Aside from that, it's a really nice kitchen.

 

[KarenAylwood]

DH and I have already talked about this. We plan to have one carrier with two bases, one in each car. I could not imagine DH taking a base in and out of his car. It just would not happen. And knowing that I properly installed it the first time will give me lots of piece of mind.

Are you expecting?? Congrats if so!! Yes two bases is a must. Once you move to a convertible you may likely need two. We use both of our cars to haul DS around so there's no way we could have gone with one. And man are the convertibles HEAVY. I was lucky enough to have my mom buy us one convertible as a gift and I purchased the other one. If you need any tips on dealing with budget and babies, just PM me I like to think we are pretty good with spending when it comes to kids. It's a huge adjustment!!

 

[Jen and Ashwin]

Are you expecting?? Congrats if so!! Yes two bases is a must. Once you move to a convertible you may likely need two. We use both of our cars to haul DS around so there's no way we could have gone with one. And man are the convertibles HEAVY. I was lucky enough to have my mom buy us one convertible as a gift and I purchased the other one. If you need any tips on dealing with budget and babies, just PM me I like to think we are pretty good with spending when it comes to kids. It's a huge adjustment!!

Yes, I just got it confirmed this weekend, so this is all very new. I have been doing a ton of reading but will definitely take you up on the budget and babies chat offer when I have questions, which I am sure I will have tons. I am lucky that DH and I have already been setting aside money each month (we did IVF, so this has been a long process) so I think we are already ahead of the game. And now that it is official, we plan to start doubling the money we are saving each month.

And as far as underbuying vs. overbuying for a baby, there are definitely things that I don't want to underbuy but then other things I want to be careful not to overbuy either. Sewing is my hobby, so I plan to make a lot of the baby clothes over the next several months in sizes all the way up to 12 months. I also want to do cloth diapers, but you usually need to have newborn size and then infant size. I plan to sew enough newborn size diapers to get me through the first month and then just put the infant size diapers on my baby registry, since those last a lot longer and I will need more of them. Also I signed up for a Friends to Friends sale in May, thinking that maybe I can find some great items gently used to save some money. DH thought that sounds like a great idea and said he would go with me to the sale.

 

[KarenAylwood]

Yes, I just got it confirmed this weekend, so this is all very new. I have been doing a ton of reading but will definitely take you up on the budget and babies chat offer when I have questions, which I am sure I will have tons. I am lucky that DH and I have already been setting aside money each month (we did IVF, so this has been a long process) so I think we are already ahead of the game. And now that it is official, we plan to start doubling the money we are saving each month.

And as far as underbuying vs. overbuying for a baby, there are definitely things that I don't want to underbuy but then other things I want to be careful not to overbuy either. Sewing is my hobby, so I plan to make a lot of the baby clothes over the next several months in sizes all the way up to 12 months. I also want to do cloth diapers, but you usually need to have newborn size and then infant size. I plan to sew enough newborn size diapers to get me through the first month and then just put the infant size diapers on my baby registry, since those last a lot longer and I will need more of them. Also I signed up for a Friends to Friends sale in May, thinking that maybe I can find some great items gently used to save some money. DH thought that sounds like a great idea and said he would go with me to the sale.

Not that I'm trying to hijack the thread or anything.. but one more note on babies- check out "Trash to Treasure" or yard sale groups on facebook. I had gotten off fb then made a private account only to follow news, deal sites and these yard sale groups. I belong to a few baby and kid-centered ones and people post things all the time that they are looking to get rid of! I bought all of DS's shirts for summer for $20. There are also cloth diapers on there a lot, especially the small sizes since they don't use them for long. Also keep in mind if you work and are doing daycare, they may not take cloth diapers and you may still need some disposables for daycare (but obviously you can still do cloth at home).

You'll figure out what you want duplicates of too. Once you underbuy usually the stress of wanting a second whatever will encourage you to buy another. I know you're on the swagbuck thread- amazon was great for baby stuff and once you do a registry there you can get a 10% off completion discount. I'd save up my SB gift cards and put them towards baby stuff. But don't forget, you may get a lot from family and friends! We had people come out of the woodwork giving us gifts and hand me downs! All in all I didn't buy much myself until DS was older and only the grandparents cared to give him stuff

ETA: Congrats again!!! That's so exciting. My SIL did IVF and is expecting twins in one month!!

 

[MomToOne]

One place I've struggled with underbuying is the grocery store. I think "why buy a bag of pre-washed/cut salad greens, when a head of greens is so much cheaper?" But the reality is that when I buy the head of greens, I'm always too tired (cough, cough...more like "lazy"...cough, cough) to wash and dry them properly for a salad when I'm cooking dinner so they go bad before I use them - or worse, I just get take out instead of dealing with the hassle. The fact is I usually save money when I buy key items like that - since I actually use them, they are a much better value for the money. So I've told myself to just had to get over paying more for them - its OK. LOL

(And yes, I have a salad spinner but the greens don't get dry enough for my liking with that. And it's a pain to pull it out and clean it afterwards!)