It’s tempting to buy cheap when trying to reduce the costs of living – but are cheaper consumer goods a solution to save you money, or part of the problem?
The consequences of our increasingly ‘throw away’ culture have already had a dire impact on the planet. We just need to look at the unprecedented levels of waste, pollution and the destruction of precious ecological habitat for starters.
… But if that’s not enough to have you rethinking your next consumer purchase, then consider the effects of buying ‘cheap’ on your hip pocket.
Say you’re in need of some shoes for your next social gathering, so you buy a cheap pair for $25. The shoes are made with poor quality materials – the colour is okay, but not your favourite. They’re in the latest fashion. They do the job, at least for a while.
A few months later, the soles become worn, your feet start to hurt, and the latest trends have changed again.
Compare that with a $250 pair of quality made shoes. Premium leather, Australian-made. Built to last. Timeless style. They pair nicely with most of your outfits.
But $250 for shoes sounds expensive, right? Well, not if they last you decades, or a lifetime. (I’m talking about the kind you can take to the shoe repairer and they’re good as new.)
That more expensive, durable pair of shoes could save you time, money and hassle from having to replace several ‘cheaper’ pairs in the long run. Not to mention costly visits to the podiatrist!
Quality can save you a lot in the long term.
So next time you think of buying cheap to save you money – think about the real costs – and step away from the shopping cart, or – if you really need it – buy the best quality you can.
If you’re looking for quality financial advice, call Align Financial on (02) 9913 9995.
