Making Do vs. Buying New

[englishteacha]

I've been thinking about this a lot lately. I grew up with very frugal parents. Most everything I owned was secondhand, and I was taught to take very good care of my things. For instance, my sleeping bag from childhood is still in great shape, and it's 20+ years old. I was taught to make do with what I had. I'd love a new winter coat, but mine is just fine. Swimsuit? Yeah, that's fine, too. New sofa? Well, the one we have is a 2 time hand-me-down, and while I'd love a new slipcover, it's fine for now. (I'll admit I have also wasted money on cheap substitutes thinking it would be good enough, and it wasn't. You live and learn, right?)

Recently, though, I've gotten tired of making do and not having what I actually wanted. For instance, I've always wanted an LL Bean sleeping bag. Since I was a kid going to summer camp, I saw how nice they were and I was a bit envious. But mine was perfectly serviceable. (Still is!) This weekend, during a big LL Bean sale, I finally bought my LL Bean sleeping bag. I got one for hubby too, so they can zip together. I'm just delighted with my purchase and wish I'd bought what I truly wanted sooner.

So how do you decide between buying something new that you'd like, or making do with what you have, or with a cheaper version that "will do" rather than the pricier one you'd really like?

 

[annsteere]

I err on the side of frugality. But, that means that I've got cash stashed somewhere for what I really, really, want. That's my measure: if it is just something that is newer/better I pass. But, if it makes my heart sing I buy.

My experience is that those things turn out to be bargains in the long run. They bring me that little zing of delight every time I use them or remember them.

I try to separate what somebody tells me I should want from what I truly in my own heart want.

Turns out that I also tend to spend for an experience rather than for a thing.

The number of things I really really want turns out to be pretty limited.

Sometimes, what I really want can be purchased at a bargain price--those are my favorites. Like my dress for DDs wedding originally nearly $400 down to $35

I ask people "do you tend to regret buying or not buying." Since your direction of error is not buying, you should keep that in mind.

Enjoy your sleeping bag

 

[herdtoDisney]

I tend to think-can I afford this, in cash, with all my other obligations met? For example, my sofa-we had the old one for a loong time. I had actually placed a cover on it, and even that wore out. I could have bought a new cover, but I saved up and bought a new (actually, 2 new sofas that we put together) one. I wasn't taking away from our obligations or incurring debt, so I felt I could buy new. I'm glad I waited as long as I did to buy it, because otherwise it would have taken money from more important (at the time) things.

I also tend to find that the 'cheaper make do' versions of things often end up being a waste in the end. I'd rather save for what I really want. Not saying I buy fancy things (actually, I almost never care about brand names) but I'd rather wait to get the thing I really want rather than something quickly.

 

[Marionnette]

I've been thinking about this a lot lately. I grew up with very frugal parents. Most everything I owned was secondhand, and I was taught to take very good care of my things. For instance, my sleeping bag from childhood is still in great shape, and it's 20+ years old. I was taught to make do with what I had. I'd love a new winter coat, but mine is just fine. Swimsuit? Yeah, that's fine, too. New sofa? Well, the one we have is a 2 time hand-me-down, and while I'd love a new slipcover, it's fine for now. (I'll admit I have also wasted money on cheap substitutes thinking it would be good enough, and it wasn't. You live and learn, right?)

Recently, though, I've gotten tired of making do and not having what I actually wanted. For instance, I've always wanted an LL Bean sleeping bag. Since I was a kid going to summer camp, I saw how nice they were and I was a bit envious. But mine was perfectly serviceable. (Still is!) This weekend, during a big LL Bean sale, I finally bought my LL Bean sleeping bag. I got one for hubby too, so they can zip together. I'm just delighted with my purchase and wish I'd bought what I truly wanted sooner.

So how do you decide between buying something new that you'd like, or making do with what you have, or with a cheaper version that "will do" rather than the pricier one you'd really like?

I look at it this way: What good is it to make a decent living but never enjoy the things that your money can buy? There are no prizes for the person who dies with the largest bank account. We all end up the same way whether we spend judiciously or save frugally.

So if I want a new sofa and can afford it, I see no reason not to buy one. I just make sure that the old sofa goes out on freecycle so that it doesn't end up in a landfill.

 

[cbeehler3]

We use the expression "bijw" (bidgwah) LOL!
But
I
Just
Want
It

Is it a bijw? Or is it necessary?
If my phone is broken..can I fix it? Or do I need a new one? Do I buy/get free cheap? Or an iPhone?

I tend to run cheap.
UNLESS it is something that my heart wants.
Like a camera. I recently upgraded my DSLR that was 5 years old. I LOVE photography. My camera was not doing what I wanted it to. BUT I didn't buy high end. I just researched what I needed and bought accordingly.

Yay on your sleeping bag! No need to feel guilt. Sometimes you JUST WANT IT.

 

[Styx Fan]

I tend to be much more open to buying things that improve my quality of life. A quick, cheap example.....we attend a ton of kids sports events, several week sometimes. We use lawn chairs. Ours broke one by one and we had to buy new ones. I could have bought serviceable chairs in a bag or I could buy the ones i wanted with mesh inserts in the seats and back. They cost more. I bought the ones I wanted as I have sweated through too many games and the mesh would make my game time better.

I also will "treat" myself more to lesser expensive items that make me happy. I used to love paper towels with pretty prints. I would pay a few more cents per roll for this. DH didn't care as I am pretty fugal and this wasn't a budget breaker and I got a quick upper each time I used one. Now days it doesn't matter so i buy cheaper rather than cuter.

My other test is if an item sticks with me. If I was you and had always wanted the brand name sleeping bag and could afford it after all these years, i would buy it. If I just happen to see a nice bag and it wanted it I wouldn't buy it then. If I kept thinking about it and kept wanting it (and could afford it) I would buy it then.

Hope you enjoy your new bags!

 

[DawnM]

I prioritize. Even if I have $400 to spend as I wish I figure out what I *really* want with that. Would I rather get some new clothing? Or would I rather save it towards a new computer?

It is all about choices.

Now, I think a sleeping bag is on a fairly small scale and I might go ahead and get it if I didn't have the money earmarked for anything else.

Dawn

 

[happymommy]

Wow - I agree with just about everyone here!

I have a good (well, best) friend whose mom, a single mom (50 years ago that was taboo) who struggled to take care of her, but did always say, cheap is expensive. Meaning, look at quality. I loved that!

Anyway, I also am with the PP - I spend more of our $$ for experience than material. I am not into clothes (not as much as I should be!). I can afford to buy more clothing, but it doesn't thrill me. But... I recently went back to hiring a personal trainer, twice a week (3 times soon I hope). That is a lot - at least $50 a session. I wear workout clothes most days - and I get a lot at Target. So, that's me in a nutshell. I'd rather spend the money on my health and feeling good (and looking good).

I'm actually getting back into coupons too. Weird for someone that spends over $100 a week on a trainer and another $100 on my cleaning lady (a necessity with a big house). But, I'd rather save some places if I can, to spend on other things.

I do think that sometimes, we have guilt brought upon by our upbringing. Like, I know some people who were raised frugally but also believing they didn't deserve "nice" things. It's important to live within your means, but still, you do have a right to enjoy your life!

 

[allison443]

I look at it this way: What good is it to make a decent living but never enjoy the things that your money can buy? There are no prizes for the person who dies with the largest bank account. We all end up the same way whether we spend judiciously or save frugally.

So if I want a new sofa and can afford it, I see no reason not to buy one. I just make sure that the old sofa goes out on freecycle so that it doesn't end up in a landfill.

I totally agree with you. Unless we are talking about subsistence-level wages which the OP is not, there is absolutely nothing wrong with buying things within reason because you want them.

 

[marie1203]

We don't like to buy the cheapest or the most expensive we buy depending on the quality. We rarely buy used things. If there is something we love and really wanted we might have to wait a couple of months to budget it in or save cash for it but we get it.

 

[pigletto]

I never ever feel good about an impulse buy. I don't mind buying something new and of good quality with my money..but I just make sure I think it over first. I see it.. then give it a little time to decide. In the case of your sleeping bag it was something you had already given thought to.
The only purchases I end up really regretting are the ones where something caught my eye and I bought it without any real reason.

 

[superme80]

Totally understand. I say if you can afford it and you want it there is no reason not to buy it. I finally got myself a new desk. It looks like one I saw at Pottery Barn kids,but much cheaper. I am short, so a kids desk works perfect for me. I am so in with it!!!!!

 

[MrsPete]

I rarely make impulse purchases. I almost always wait a while to see if my desire to own the item "cools off" -- and amazingly often, it does. Or if I think the item won't be available, I buy it and leave it in the bag (with the receipt) for two weeks to see if I still want it so much.

When I do decide to buy something -- meaning something that I'm going to use for a while: a phone, a car, a tool, a kitchen appliance, NOT a can of tuna or a package of socks -- I buy the one that I really want. For example, if I'd determined that the LL Bean sleeping bag was better and would give me better service, be easier to use or to care for, or would last longer . . . I'd buy it even if it were more expensive.

I don't hesitate to make splurge purchases -- I just don't do it all that often, and I don't do it without thought. For example, I just spent more than I expected on my daughter's prom dress. Overall, it's a purchase that can't be justified: It's a one-night dress; at best, she might re-sell it or trade with a friend next year. But she loved it, it looked wonderful on her, she rarely asks for anything big, and she's been wonderful in high school. And -- here's the biggie -- we could easily afford it.

 

[disneychrista]

I'm more of a make-do kind of gal. We really could use a new fridge, the storage in the door on both the fridge & freezer are broken, so everything has to go in the main part, taking up a lot of space. But it runs great. So for the past 3 years we have been "making-do." And even when we do get the new fridge it will be a basic model. No ice-maker or in door water, as both this would also mean an expense of a plumer to install a water line.

 

[allison443]

I rarely make impulse purchases. I almost always wait a while to see if my desire to own the item "cools off" -- and amazingly often, it does. Or if I think the item won't be available, I buy it and leave it in the bag (with the receipt) for two weeks to see if I still want it so much.

When I do decide to buy something -- meaning something that I'm going to use for a while: a phone, a car, a tool, a kitchen appliance, NOT a can of tuna or a package of socks -- I buy the one that I really want. For example, if I'd determined that the LL Bean sleeping bag was better and would give me better service, be easier to use or to care for, or would last longer . . . I'd buy it even if it were more expensive.

I don't hesitate to make splurge purchases -- I just don't do it all that often, and I don't do it without thought. For example, I just spent more than I expected on my daughter's prom dress. Overall, it's a purchase that can't be justified: It's a one-night dress; at best, she might re-sell it or trade with a friend next year. But she loved it, it looked wonderful on her, she rarely asks for anything big, and she's been wonderful in high school. And -- here's the biggie -- we could easily afford it.

See, to me I would look at those reasons you cited as being sufficient enough justification (of course, including that you could afford it!) We are frugal, shop wisely, budget, etc. but assuming we can afford it it's okay to spend money on things that we "want" even if we don't technically "need" them.

 

[MinnieForMe]

I look at it this way: What good is it to make a decent living but never enjoy the things that your money can buy? There are no prizes for the person who dies with the largest bank account. We all end up the same way whether we spend judiciously or save frugally.

So if I want a new sofa and can afford it, I see no reason not to buy one. I just make sure that the old sofa goes out on freecycle so that it doesn't end up in a landfill.

This is exactly me! But, I need to add that I do see the value of buying quality items as oppose to something that is cheap. For example, when school started each of my children got a Lands End backpack this year. Are they cheap? No but I purchased them on sale. Do they last forever and could my child have it for his entire school career if he wanted too? Probably as I can return it and have it replaced if he breaks the zipper or puts a hole in it. For me, this was worth the extra money.

I also feel the same way about shoes. There is no being frugal there for me. My kids get fitted at Stride Rite and I pay the money because I figure a lifetime of foot problems from cheap shoes isn't worth it.

So, yes, if I want something, can justify the cost and can pay for it then I have no guilt about buying it!

 

[hsmamato2]

we 'make do' with LOTS of things.... but we have a stable income and no debt,so when we do want something that matters,we get it. We are in the process of renovating our kitchen(ourselves,1 year and counting,talk about making do we bought new appliances,except our fridge which was fine still....now,after another year,it's starting to fall apart piece by piece....so before we're done,we'll likely replace that too. And then it will be 'right' and match our other new stuff.
But our cars are 15 and 16 years old,still run fine,so we make do with those....(tho A van with 2 sliding doors would be cool)
I just bought new sleeping bags for our fam- we camp a few times every year,and have been using the junky WM sleeping bags we bought 8 years ago- I decided to stop 'making do' with those bulky monsters and bought lighter,better versions that are so easy to pack
I buy 2nd hand all the time, I usually find great quality and brands that last forever,and they're cheap!(but not the sleeping bags,those were new,on sale)
We're stable,not wealthy,so we decide where we want to spend our money,and then enjoy it! But again,we don't spend randomly.....

 

[rumrunnergirl]

 

[BSil]

Making do is fine for most things. I make do with clothes, shoes (the ones I'm wearing I bought 6 years ago), appliances etc. I don't buy things, just to have the newest gadget, or newest style. I do spend when I feel like it though.

My vice is spending on things for the kids. I love buying them new things. I love buying them clothes, and seeing them look great going off to school. I love buying them toys, games, electronics etc. They are 5&6, and I had to buy them iPads for Christmas. It was worth it to me though. They use them for learning and for fun every single day. Sure, I could have made do with flash cards, and other gaming/video devices that we already owned, but I'm not going to be here forever, and I'm not leaving knowing that I could have done more. I work way too hard not to do what brings me and mine happiness.

So can you make-do and be happy? Sure you can. Should you make-do? There is no answer. You have to do what is important to you. You only get to take this ride once, so you might as well enjoy every second of it. If you enjoy making do, then do that. If you enjoy splurging here and there, then do that. At the end of the day you have to be able to know that your decisions were the right ones for you. If you can love your life/kids/family/friends and most importantly yourself with the decisions you are making, then you are doing it right.

 

[disneychrista]

They are 5&6, and I had to buy them iPads for Christmas..

Now that is exterme buying