Buying for now or buying for keeps?

When DH and I spend money on big ticket items, we tend to go high quality and consider the money well spent because we'll have it for as long as it works.

We've always been like this. A majority of our "stuff" is not brand spanking new but we don't typically upgrade just to get something new.

I know parents, especially my sisters, who are constantly replacing things that they got as "throw-aways". They got the lowest price they could, assuming the items would only last a couple of years. Furniture, electronics, even vehicles.

I'm wondering now if this is a parent/non-parent trend too, in addition to your personality. Someone I work with said they shied away from the more stylish living room furniture because they knew it would be ruined by the kids.

What do you do, how do you shop?

Re: Buying for now or buying for keeps?

I prefer to buy quality that will last...my parents didn't have much $$ when we were growing up so when we got stuff it had to last & we were taught to appreciate it and take care of it since there wasn't the option of going out and just buying a new one.

Re: Buying for now or buying for keeps?

When it comes to things for our home- we look at it as an investment.
My DH does not like to "cheap out" as he calls it- on any sort of home improvement.
We'd rather pay more to get good quality or pay someone to do a job that he isn't sure if he can do himself- to have it look professional.
We like our furniture, carpeting, etc to be of high quality.

However, when it comes to things like clothes, generic brands at the supermarket, etc, we tend to be more frugal.
We buy good cars- (not luxury cars) but run them into the ground rather than getting a new one every few years...

So it's a bit of both for us...

Message edited 7/20/2009 12:37:35 PM.

Re: Buying for now or buying for keeps?

I try to buy things for keeps, and usually spend more money on them. I am not a throw away girl!

Re: Buying for now or buying for keeps?

I buy crap, but keep it forever anyway.


I've had the same Ikea table for 9 years. If I had kids it may have broken sooner, but I would have replaced the chairs at least, b/c they aren't the sturdiest & have to be hammered back together from time to time.

Re: Buying for now or buying for keeps?

A little bit of each. I want quality for my money.

I have no problem spending extra money on home improvements...I just put in new windows..we did not go cheap, it's an investment.

But my couch in my living room is from Ikea..it's a Pottery Barn knock off with the slip cover..more functional for me with 2 dogs and a cat..forget the kids..they do just as much damage.

I also have no problem browsing Salvation Army, yard sales, etc. and getting a bargain on certain items.

Re: Buying for now or buying for keeps?

Re: Buying for now or buying for keeps?