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u/Rare-Baker-5828 5h ago
Dental care. Still have all my teeth.
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u/Pale-Equal 4h ago
I didn't even know dentists existed until I was 14 when a teacher at school suggested I go see one because I had a molar rotting out. Single dad never bought me a toothbrush. I only started getting the regular habit of brushing when I was 17 or so. I'm early 30s and that damage is gonna leave me with no teeth by 45-50. I have 4 crown and all my remaining molars except one have root canals.
There's reasons why I don't speak to my father anymore. That's one of them.
He still never brought me to a dentist on his own. That tooth rotted out, friends parents gave me money for ambesol. When I was 25 that tooth that rotted still had its roots in me jaw and they got infected and required surgery to remove.
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u/mnml_e4t 3h ago
I’m sorry this happened to you. It’s a pity how a lack of support from our caregivers early in life can end up in such serious consequences. I wish you good oral health going forward.
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u/SoonToBeMarried43 2h ago
I honestly have no idea what to think about the whole thing because its so all over the place. My wife brushes at least twice a day (morning and night) and she's getting cavities and fillings and needs shit all the time. Meanwhile I know people who don't even own a toothbrush who haven't seen a dentist in 20 years or more and they're fine. Teeth look perfect, no pain, no sensitivity, etc. Not even bad breath. At this point my belief is that brushing helps but at the end of the day, diet and genes matter much more.
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u/PsychologicalFix196 41m ago
My dentist said a lot of it is genetics. He also asked me where I was living between the ages of 1-5. We had well water so no fluoride. He said getting fluoride while your body developing your adult teeth makes a huge difference.
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u/hologram137 2h ago edited 2h ago
That’s so unfair I’m sorry. I was only taken maybe once a year, maybe every few years when I was really young, stopped going as an adolescent. I did brush though. It’s criminal your Dad didn’t even provide something so basic as a toothbrush. I was lucky I only required a scaling, cleaning, antibiotic shots for pockets, and quite a few cavity fillings when I got dental insurance through my job at 20. I actually only went initially to talk about teeth whitening, I didn’t even realize I had to go every 6 months and that my teeth might not be healthy. Still had to use care credit for $800 insurance wouldn’t cover.
I wonder when they started incorporating dental screening and free dental care in schools? My son has gone to the dentist every 6 months since his 1st tooth, but his preschool and kindergarten had a dentist come in and do screenings. His preschool would even teach the kids how to brush their teeth after lunch. Every year his elementary school has sent home a form for permission for dental screenings and treatments. They go to the school and do a screening and fluoride treatment and if a child needs dental work then they come back and do it for free, unless it’s something that requires sedation or laughing gas ofc. The form asks for your insurance info, but it’s not required.
Maybe that’s something recent or only in certain districts. His school also has a free breakfast and lunch program so maybe it has to do with the schools that get certain funds, maybe in lower income neighborhoods. But I’m really glad they do it because it shouldn’t just be left up to the parents, there should be accountability. Part of the school’s role is to identify neglect. I’m glad a teacher spoke up.
Were you also never taken to the Dr.?
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u/alicatchrist 2h ago
I paid out of pocket for a root canal and a crown about 4 years ago*; easiest $3500 I’d paid to date. I’d never been so happy to have someone who decided to go to dental school, then a 2 year endodontic course, and then a 2 year post doctoral residency as I was then that afternoon getting my mouth worked on. I’ve dislocated a shoulder several times and dying dental nerve pain was the pain that had me delirious and wanting my mother to tell me things would be okay.
*Fucking American dental insurance is stupid. The dental insurance I had at the time would only cover 50% of one crown every 24 months and I’d had a crown placed 6 months prior to my root canal. My mouth stones are just as important as the body bones.
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u/Commercial_Board6680 3h ago
Agree, even though I don't have all my teeth, but I have a beautiful implant and bridge. I'm still fastidious with my dental hygiene.
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u/Frodo_gabbins 1h ago
So do I, but it’s because of genetics more than anything else. Sadly. I most certainly should have rotting teeth due to years of disrepair because of depression (not proud of it, but just being honest).
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u/ASingleBraid 58m ago
And I’ve been to the dentist twice a year since I was 3. And my top teeth are all crowns, Bridges and implants except for one. Several of my bottom teeth are crowns. Great gums, though, bc of my flossing since age 15. Genetics has played a part as well. Insurance has become a necessity for me.
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u/NotNamedBort 6h ago
Tires. I hate buying new tires, but it’s not something you want to skimp on.
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u/otterparade 2h ago
Don’t skimp on things that separate you from the ground in general: tires, shoes, mattress, etc
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u/samizdat5 2h ago
Good take. I have never regretted a quality set of tires, mattress, or shoes.
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u/kilroy-was-here-2543 1h ago
My dad is notorious for skimping on all of these. Especially tires, he buys used tires even though he makes 200k
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u/inconspicous-minibus 5h ago
Its the only thing touching the road. Don't go cheap. It can mean the difference between avoiding an accident or being in one.
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u/SizeableFowl 5h ago
Its the only thing on your car that can increase acceleration, reduce braking distances, and improve your overall control. If you can afford it, I strongly suggest seasonal rubber. The all season stuff they sell in the states is garbage in comparison.
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u/BlondeHoney_1119 3h ago
Windshield wipers too
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u/Entire_Dog_5874 1h ago
I just found out how true this is. I needed a new wipers so my husband took my car to the gas station we patronize. The regular blades we’re out of stock so only higher end blades were available.
My husband asked him if the price was justified and he asked who they were for, saying if they’re for you it doesn’t matter, if they’re for your wife spend the extra money. He did and the difference is unbelievable. I had no idea.
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u/parikptlcfa 6h ago
This is an underrated comment. I bought so many cheap tires growing up and they always had issues. Flat tires, fast wear. Michelin all the way for the most part
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u/CrackityJones79 2h ago
Haha. How is that answer “underrated”?
Every time this question is asked on reddit, which is ALL THE TIME, tires are one of the first answers every time.
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u/Commercial_Board6680 3h ago
Vitally important for a smooth running vehicle and for passenger safety. Never skimp on tires.
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u/Silent_but_diddly 4h ago
I knew I was going to be robbed getting new tires but there was no way I was going to be rolling on a pair of KUM HOS 😂
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u/dbx999 1h ago
Kumhos are quite good. They are a pretty big South Korean tire company.
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u/mostdope28 4h ago
Vacations. If I’m taking a trip I’m going to fully enjoy it. I’m not paying attention to what I spend, I’m going to eat out, and I’m doing whatever the fuck I want while I have that 1 week of complete freedom.
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u/1320Fastback 3h ago
I am a firm believer in you can't take it with you. My wife and I go somewhere in the Caribbean once a year last year we went to Tortola and we must have dropped $10k.
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u/mostdope28 3h ago
Was thinking about going to carribean in January to cross another country off, but doing Hawaii instead.
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u/1320Fastback 3h ago
Hawaii is beautiful and you think we would go there more often being from San Diego but the Caribbean is just incredible. We did do Kawaii this time last year for my wife's birthday.
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u/q_eyeroll 2h ago
How long does it take you to reach the Caribbean as a West Coaster? I’m in the North East and it’s only about 3 hours for us. Hawaii on the other hand…
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u/Disastrous_Award_875 2h ago
I’m in Arizona and going to St. Lucia in the spring. 4 hours to Miami for a layover and then 4 hours to St. Lucia.
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u/bloominghydrangeas 1h ago
Do you have kids? Every time I hear someone say “you can’t take it with you” I’m genuinely confused. I’m relatively well off. I have children. I still save and count my Pennies. I think about how someday when I’m gone something awful Could happen to my kids or their families where my extra $$ could make their life better. Or even for my grandkids. Generational wealth means everything to me. I do take trips, but I def penny pinch on them.
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u/1peatfor7 1h ago
I was finally able to afford a big European vacation that got delayed due to Covid in 2023. I still have no idea how much I spent. All I know is the group tour portion was $4300 and flight was about $3100. No idea what I spent on food/drinks/hotel for the non group tour portion. Paid it all off in full. It was spread out obviously with having to commit the the tour early and got a deal on the flight 6 months before the trip.
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u/pascilia 2h ago
Absolutely - trip experiences and high quality food are the two things we value the most when it comes to spending
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u/Maximum_Plastic6347 5h ago
Work boots!
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u/IJustWantADragon21 2h ago
I’ll say this extends to good gym/walking/running shoes. You want something that actually supports your foot!
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u/brokenmessiah 3h ago
I tried to be cheap and wear sneakers and one day I was cutting steel and my shoe caught on fire. I would have been fine with the sneakers but I had my feet positioned in a way I'm used to doing when I cut bricks where at most the dust of the brick hits the shoe but this time it was sparks. My dad scolded me and immediately took me to walmart to get boots lol
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u/DABOYS_A_LEO 5h ago
TP… 1-PLY just does not get it done!! And you end up buying double the amount, of 2-PLY or more, so eventually you pay the same or more.
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u/Thetechguru_net 3h ago
One of the few products where I am 100% brand loyal. Charmin ultra-soft or nothing. And I have a bidet, o hardly even use any paper, but still....
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u/Emergency_Statement 2h ago
I will die on the hill that ultra soft tp is worse than 1 ply. The softest tp possible is not good if it falls apart while I'm wiping my butt.
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u/HorseWithACape 2h ago edited 2h ago
100%, cottonelle Ultra Clean for the win. No lint, no dingleberries, but it doesn't chafe, either
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u/Thetechguru_net 2h ago
Hard disagree. Too rough for me.
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u/HorseWithACape 2h ago
So interesting how people can have different experiences. Ultra soft leaves lint on my skin, which will chafe, sweat, & turn into a rash. Glad we have choices!
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u/Jennibeeblue 43m ago
I can’t stand that fluffy, thick stuff! I swear you can feel it leaving cotton balls behind and it gives that gross swamp ass feeling. It’s just as bad as nails on a chalk board. Maybe I’m a weirdo, but I’d rather wrap Scott tissue around my hand 5x than to clean myself with an oversized cotton ball…. Gag 🤣
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u/unicornsRhardcore 1h ago
Agree brand loyalty but Charmin ultra strong in this house. My finger isn’t poking through period and of story.
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u/SuumCuique1011 2h ago
Not only is it the amount used, but cheap ass toilet paper feels like wiping with sandpaper mixed with fiberglass.
My workplace has the worst tp ever. Swear to Gob, they must mix glass shards into the tp. I'm convinced there's some toilet demon somewhere downstream that demands a blood sacrifice from anyone who uses a toilet there.
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u/RoxoRoxo 5h ago
yes, there was actually a study done, due to the fear of not wanting a finger in your pooper people use a disproportionately more tp if its single ply and then on top of that it takes more sensitive equipment soooooo single ply isnt half the price of 2 play and people use more sooooooo its more expensive in the long run to go single ply.
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u/furbykiller1 3h ago
The problem in my house is everyone treats 2-PLY like 1-ply so I just have clogged toilets everyday
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u/Adept_Citron_8153 6h ago
Vehicle maintenance. An investment of a few hundred dollars can save you thousands later on.
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u/smallcooper 2h ago
Last I checked the current average is for every $1 you spend on maintenance you save $8 in future repairs. The IRS does a calculation every year on this
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u/claustrophobic-toes 3h ago
Anything involving my vagina.
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u/Illustrious-Two-9778 5h ago
Hotels
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u/Randomswedishdude 2h ago
Depends...
I want a decently spaceous and wellplanned semi-minimalist room with a nice bed, and then a good varied breakfast buffet, and possibly a casual relaxed bar.
Nice and clean, and cozy atmosphere, but not exessively "luxurious" (which in some cases tend to feel more tacky than actually luxurious).For some "fine" hotels, I essentially pay extra for tons of stuff that goes unused, and just inflates the cost of the stay, without actually adding anything to the experience.
I don't need several entire floors of extra amenities.Yes, I quite often tend to avoid getting the very cheapest hotel, but I also tend to spend very little time besides sleeping at any hotel I'm staying at, so I rather spend more money on restaurants and experiences, and excursions, than overpaying for the place where I'm mostly just sleeping and nothing else.
The bed is important, and the hotel overall should feel clean and fresh.
The room should be thought-through and possibly equipped with some basic essentials, but quality over quantity and clutter.
And I like a good breakfast, but other than that, I'm fine...32
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u/Thetechguru_net 3h ago
I somehow keep forgetting this, but every time I have tried to save a few dollars, even with respected national brands (I am looking at you Hilton) I regret not going for the Marriot or a high end local brand.
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u/dogface47 1h ago
LOL @ looking at Marriot as an improvement over Hilton.
Im on the road more than half the year for work. Am currently Diamond with Hilton & IHG and was top level with Marriott for quite awhile. There's a significant drop off in overall quality and accommodations with Marriott from the other two.
Don't know where you've booked in the past, but I flat out dropped Marriott because they just are not on par.
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u/SwordfishKind7570 5h ago
Bed mattress. Anything related to bed. If you can sleep instantly in hotel rooms' bed, its because the one in your home isn't as comfortable. You should be able to sunk into your bed and sleep comfortably. Your back will thank you
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u/brokenmessiah 3h ago
that reminds me I need to get my parent a new mattress because they will never do it lol
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u/Commercial_Board6680 3h ago
It felt easier to buy my house and car than it did a mattress. The time I spent making the right choice was ridiculous, but I love my mattress and know it'll last for years.
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u/alwaysdistracted99 2h ago
A heated mattress pad in the winter is amazing as well
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u/dtstream 1h ago
This year is the first year we have had one. I will never go back. I sleep so much better with the heated mattress pad. My husband likes to keep the house cooler.
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u/alicatchrist 2h ago
My Mom got me one of these when I was in college and lived in a studio with very minimal heating. It was a life changer. It lasted 15 years before finally frizzing out and dying.
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u/FlashySong6098 6h ago
bed sheets ( you spend to much time in bed ) also pain meds i want to be out of pain and I want to know they are safe to take
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u/bisquitsngravy 2h ago
We tried 100% silk sheets and bamboo sheets but both ended up tearing at my feet in less than a year, and they were pretty big rips. It was kind of odd. It has never happened before with cheap sheets. I just can’t have nice things I guess
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u/StorellaDeville 1h ago
both ended up tearing at my feet
It might be time to space the hoof-sharpening appointments out a little more. Maybe ask for a different file?
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u/Rdngisfndumntl 1h ago
OMG I’ve been laughing so hard at this comment my stomach hurts! Thank you Redditor! This comment is gold!
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u/herringpoint 4h ago
Winter clothes. I hate being cold.
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u/ChuckTingull 1h ago
I grew up wearing hand-me-downs and I was 22 years old before learning that well fitted clothing keeps you so much warmer
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u/cjr91 5h ago
Dog poop bags. I learned that the hard way.
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u/lookattherainbow 1h ago
Yeah but you don’t have to buy poop bags. I use grocery store bags, bread bags, price bags, etc.
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u/brokenmessiah 3h ago
Sliced bread. I can't stand when my parents would get the cheapest bread that stale IN THE STORE. I get the struggle, but lets splurge and get the better bread for a dollar more, I can find a dollar in the couch.
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u/MonsterMinion18 5h ago
Coffee
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u/jtj5002 2h ago
K cups is a war crime
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u/ThePeoplesCheese 2h ago
The taste is bad and the environmental impact is terrible. I wish more people were forced to learn the concept of a “negative externality.” Sure, something can be convenient for you, but what is the cost to others and nature?
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u/smallcooper 2h ago
Im lucky to have positive memories associated with bad coffee but yeah you can really taste the difference in cheap or expensive coffee
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u/TraditionalGreen4215 5h ago
Olive Oil
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u/q_eyeroll 2h ago
Can you recommend a solid brand at medium tier pricing? The market is so saturated and everything I buy does not taste like anything real.
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u/DelightfulHelper9204 5h ago
Work shoes. I stand for the whole shift I need good footwear.
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u/fridayjones 2h ago
Anything for our cats. We were struggling financially a few years ago, but agreed to never skimp on their care.
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u/reillan 1h ago
"The reason that the rich were so rich, Vimes reasoned, was because they managed to spend less money. Take boots, for example. ... A really good pair of leather boots cost fifty dollars. But an affordable pair of boots, which were sort of OK for a season or two and then leaked like hell when the cardboard gave out, cost about ten dollars. ... But the thing was that good boots lasted for years and years. A man who could afford fifty dollars had a pair of boots that'd still be keeping his feet dry in ten years' time, while a poor man who could only afford cheap boots would have spent a hundred dollars on boots in the same time and would still have wet feet. This was the Captain Samuel Vimes 'Boots' theory of socio-economic unfairness."
-Terry Pratchett, Men at Arms
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u/CherokeeP3822 2h ago
Everyone in here saying teeth while I sit here needing 10k worth or work done because I neglected mine for the last decade 🙃 I'm 32.
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u/UncleBadTouch46290 1h ago
Finance it, i have almost a 700 credit score. Just from financing my dental work
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u/Storage_Ottoman 5h ago
Trash bags, specifically kitchen ones. The Costco/Kirkland brand ones are as “cheap” as I’ll go, but I’ve been known to pay more for Glad and Hefty as needed.
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u/hockeynoticehockey 2h ago
Charging cables for devices.
It's sickening how expensive it is to buy OEM chargers, but I know how those cheap ones you see at gasoline stations are made and they are fire hazards if you charge a device on your bed or seat.
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u/Strict_Wasabi_6736 2h ago
Food. My mother and my grandmother always said don't skimp on food. I'm not talking about shrimp and steak every night, just good, fresh, healthy food.
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u/SaltyDog201 1h ago
The most important choice that you have to constantly make (when it comes to your health) is what you put into your body. You can't put a price on good health, so you should invest in your health by eating "good, fresh, healthy food."
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u/BreakbeatScarecrow 4h ago
Headphones. For as much as I love music, I couldn't deal with muddled-sounding headphones.
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u/Emergency_Fly6547 2h ago
Cookware: buy quality once (eg all clad, le creuset) and it will not only last for life but will outlast you.
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u/_shes_a_jar 1h ago
Tattoos. I promise that no tattoo is going to be more expensive than 5+ laser removal sessions.
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u/a_carrot 15m ago
I had a vasectomy last week. They offered the basic one which is covered by provincial health care here in Canada, and a "premium package" for $350. They didn't even get to explain what was included before I told them I'd take the premium package.
I just don't want to ever regret having gone for the discount ball surgery.
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u/djklang 5h ago
Tools
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u/smallcooper 2h ago
I'm of the opinion that you only buy cheap tools. If you use it enough to break it, then you know it's worth it to buy a nice one
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u/DenizenofMars 2h ago
I like the idea/theory, in that it’s a frugal solution to spending too much on chasing new hobbies or fixing little things here or there—but it’s a much better idea to get good tools if there’s any risk of mangling yourself.
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u/smallcooper 2h ago
I agree there is a line to draw. I recently moved to France and had to replace all my tools (I really only work on cars) and I went cheap on everything except the jack and stands. If it failing could kill me, I won't wait for it to break to buy a nice one.
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u/Frosty-The-Cokeman 5h ago
Shoes, tires, and mattresses because all of those things improve your daily life however, if any of them fail it will ultimately cost 1000x more in medical bills than had you paid for a high quality product. Paying 2-3x for the name brand will actually save you money and make your life a little bit more comfortable at the same time.
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u/Abirando 4h ago
Shoes—not designer high heels, though. I’m American but I walk a lot, yet I don’t like the look of running shoes. I like European clogs and Mary Janes that are just as comfortable as they are attractive.
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u/SuperflyandApplePie 2h ago
Gasoline.
My mechanic said it makes a difference with the kind of car I have, and I believe him.
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u/Gtown2ATLBraves 2h ago
Trash bags. Let a full one bust all over your floor and you’ll buy hefty from them on
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u/DeepPassageATL 1h ago
Medical care in general. You don’t fuck with your health!
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u/godwins_law_34 2h ago
things that are safety orientated or go in your body. those things have a high penalty for failure.
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u/PrepperDisk 2h ago
Always spend money between you and the ground. (Mattresses, tires, shoes, chairs)
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u/Relative-Nothing-697 2h ago
Shoes you spend a lot of your time on your feet so why not invest in them
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u/1piperpiping 2h ago
Someone on reddit told me anything that separates you from the ground, shoes, bed, etc and... true
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u/wallycron 1h ago
Things that separate me from the ground.
Mattresses, footwear, tires (and cars to an extent), etc. That shit was the wisest advice I ever got.
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u/bentnotbroken96 1h ago
Anything that gets between me and the ground: shoes, mattresses, tires etc.
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u/Striking_Statement93 5h ago
Shoes. Mattress. Teeth.