4 Things You’re Overpaying For
There are tons of things that I’m happy to pay full price for. I have very expensive tastes when it comes to certain things; like beauty products, cameras, and tailored clothing. There is value to many higher end products, and while it took me a while to figure that out, I have found things that I can’t live without.
I only use Clinique products for my face. Yes, they cost a lot more than the normal drugstore products, but the peace of mind that I get by knowing that my skin won’t react is worth it to me. I also recently mentioned my love for the Mia 2. An investment that’s worth every penny for everyone.
Besides beauty products I also am a firm investor in running shoes, and soccer cleats. Seeing as my cleats normally last 4 seasons or so, I’m happy to pay the extra $50 to get shoes that fit well on the field.
That being said, there are tons of stuff that I refuse to pay full price for. I mean why would you do that if you’re able get a deal with a little bit of research.
Hotels
Hotel fees are something that we can’t get away from when we travel, but it doesn’t always have to a 5 Star joint. Think about how much time you really spend in your room. Do you really need a suite? Options like Airbnb are great ways to save money, but if you do need/want to stay in a hotel, check out Hotwire or Priceline first! Chances are that you’re save money without even trying hard!
Glasses
Glasses have become statement pieces that last few years, and people are starting to wear them even if they don’t have a prescription. The problem is that designer glasses are rather expensive and most insurance plans only cover 1 pair every 2 years. If you’re like me, and want multiple pairs, make sure you add SCLO to your list of online stores for great deals on glasses. I love the fact that they ship internationally. I have all but given up going to the optician to get my glasses as I know how much I can save by shopping online (Sidenote: I save 40% or more by buying my contacts online).
Laptops
I want to let you in on a secret. Most laptops have the same guts inside, and what you’re mostly paying for is the name brand. Making a laundry list of what you need your laptop for is a great way to narrow down the list of options in front of you. If you’re only going to be browsing and using it for word processing, then you don’t really need a huge hard drive. Alternatively, if you’re planning on downloading a ton, then a laptop with a bigger hard drive is what you’re looking for. I know this is coming from the girl who splurged on MacBook Air, but part of the reason I purchased that was ease of use, and the fact that I got a deal on it. Back to school season is a great time to pick one up, with Boxing Day coming in a close second.
Bank Fees
Kick yourself if you’re still paying banking fees! There are tons of options for free bank account options out there, and all it takes to find them is a little research. Options like ING are easily available to everyone.
We always try to get the best deal when it comes to hotels. Value is key!
Exactly!
Agreed with the hotels. I never pay full price if I can. I’m always looking on those discount sites for a deal before booking anything.
As you should. Still can’t believe people pay full price.
I agree about hotels. All I am interested in is a place that is clean and safe. I don’t need to be in a 5 start hotel every time I travel. I’d rather save the money and sleep in a lower star hotel that meets my needs.
Exactly, and spend the extra money on activities that you enjoy.
I will never pay full price for a hotel! I always go to a discount site to book. Plus, when I check-in, I always ask for complimentary upgrades. Sometimes people will say no, but other times I’ll get an upgrade to a suite or better view for free! It doesn’t hurt to ask.
It’s amazing how often they will give you the upgrade if you ask.
Yeah. I agree with you that some laptops’ prices increased because of the brand name but all the same stuff from other cheaper laptops are in there.
Exactly! It takes a few minutes to read the list.
I definitely agree on the hotels point. I like to stay in a solid 2.5-3.5 star hotel, but I definitely don’t need anything better. As long as it’s clean, quiet, and there’s no bed bugs, I’m generally happy. I’m really a stickler for clean hotels though.
I’m comfortable with 3 star as well.
I never pay full price on hotels. Usually book a hostel or will go to priceline or groupon for hotels. Laptop I got through my mom’s work discount. Glasses, I have gone to Lens Crafter and I also have ING for everything.
Good for you!
I’m guilty of spending too much money in the past on glasses! I do need to shop around online next time. I too have certain beauty products that I think it’s worth spending the money on – for me it’s Estee Lauder Foundation – it suits my skin and stays on all day, plus a little bit goes a long way!
Estee Lauder is great!
The variation in hotel prices is something that is pretty difficult to comprehend. You can often pay 3-4 times the price for the same type of room in the same location if you aren’t careful.
Bank fees are something that everyone should make sure they avoid!!
Agreed! Booking thru the hotel is a just idea.
Cell phone coverage was the big one for me until recently. Even if you don’t go super discount, there are so many options for cheaper service than the traditional big-name players. You just have to seek them out.
Saving money takes a bit of work. It’s all about how much you want to put in.
bf is an expert at getting discounted hotel rooms. He’s also a good at negotiating, so if we book a cheaper room he can often get us an upgrade. These days there’s no sense to spend a lot on hotels when there are so many cheap alternatives.
Exactly. I love people who know how to negotiate.
I rent homes or apartments for more space on vacation or I use hotel points. That said, I once stayed at a Park Hyatt (stars up the wazoo), and it was such an awesome experience. I completely understand how people turn into hotel snobs.
I tend to stay at the Hyatt, BUT only when clients book.
I like to stay in nice hotels… haha. I love clean white sheets and luxury. That being said, I try to take advantage of work discounts at nice hotels and I also try to mystery shop my visit so that I get the discounted (or sometimes free!) rate.
Mystery shop, huh? That’s a great idea!
I’m a big fan of using credit card points to get nice hotels. If I’m paying for them myself, I stay at cheap, cheap places. Sometimes too cheap, actually…
But not dangerous, right?
Many people overpay when it comes to computers and laptops because of the brand name. Most components inside are the same. I just buy considering what I will be using it for not what the company is.
Totally agree!
I agree with you Marissa that people really pay way too much for designer brand eye glasses and there are ways where you can decrease this cost by nearly 80%. We’ve recently written an article on how you can get designer eyewear brands for less than $20 a pair. If you want to read the details, then here is the link. http://www.howtosavemoney.ca/ultra-cheap-designer-prescription-glasses-tutorial-video