When Spending More is Frugal

My new, not quite so cheap,
but still frugal pocketbook

There are some people in the world that think frugality means spending as little as possible whenever possible. I mean, that can be one definition, but as I recently talked about, my definition of frugality is mindfully spending your money, so that you spend less on things that don't matter as much to you, so that you have more available to spend on things that are worthwhile to you. Some people might argue with me on that, that that is smart money practice but not necessarily frugality. Sometimes money mindfulness means spending money on something meaningful to you and not just trying to spend as little as possible. Because you're worthwhile and self care is important. But one thing that I am trying to get everyone to agree upon is that sometimes it is frugal to spend more money.

Frugal to spend money? How is that?

Well, let me give you an example.

I use a pocketbook whenever I leave my house. Sometimes I bring a backpack, but even then I use my pocketbook as well. (The only exception is when I travel abroad. Then I use a money belt.) My pocket book gets a lot of use. And I have really bad juju with pocketbooks. In the last year I literally bought 5 different pocketbooks. I have particular taste, and even finding each one to begin with was difficult. Each pocketbook was purchased from a different place, but all discount places. 

The first one's zipper broke.

The second one's strap broke.

The third one's lining ripped apart.

The fourth one, one that I really loved, and thought was beautiful, and hoped would last, literally fell apart in so many places, along the seams especially.

After that, I was so fed up. I wanted a pocketbook that would actually last me. My fourth pocketbook literally broke within one month.

I decided to invest in a better quality pocketbook, even if it meant spending more money. Because as much as I thought it was "cheap" to buy "cheap pocketbooks" if you add up the price of four pocketbooks in the span of a year, that is pretty much the price of a more expensive pocketbook, if not more.

I researched brands, and a woman in a nearby city makes and sells beautiful pocketbooks, and she stands behind her quality. I met her at a conference for women in business and I saw her pocketbook and was able to inspect the quality of the work and I could see just how well made it was. I spoke to other people and they all confirmed that it was great quality, and so I spent the money. And I absolutely love my new pocketbook!

In my books, it is frugal to buy something quality once, instead of sub par quality and need to replace it multiple times.

We experienced this when it came to home appliances. Our dryer, washing machine, stove and refrigerators were purchased second hand (or more) when we first got married. All of them died relatively quickly, and needed to be replaced. From then on, we decided not to purchase used appliances because if they don't last long, they aren't worth the money because you need to purchase them again soon after. One time we bought something refurbished, and it lasted longer than the used things, and at least came with a warranty. But in general we go only for new appliances now (unless they're given to us free). Since we've been buying appliances new, we've been having much better success with them.

There are other times where it is frugal to spend more as well.

For example, sometimes spending money on something helps you save money in the long run, because what you purchased saved you money. My husband's tools might be seen by some as an unnecessary expense, but because he has all these tools, he's able to DIY and do thing like build our own furniture and fix our dishwasher, which is pretty frugal. My grain grinder allows me to grind my own gluten free flours, which saves me money each time I bake something gluten free. Sewing machines also are an "extra expense" but if you have one, you're able to make so many things from scratch and fix things that they are certainly frugal.

Another time spending more is frugal is when you bulk buy. In one go, you end up laying out a lot of money, but because you're buying more in one shot, you typically get what you're purchasing at a very discounted price. (And if you're not, then don't buy it! Don't be fooled by Costco sized packaging; check how much you're paying per unit, and price compare.) The same goes for stocking up on items that are on sale. You're spending more in one go, but over time you end up saving money.

A saying I've heard and identify with is that "it takes money to save money" and that really is true. To be able to benefit from most frugal ideas, you need to have the extra cash to get started. This was a big struggle of mine when I wanted to start bulk buying but didn't have any extra cash. Here's what I did though, that allowed me to bulk buy without any extra cash, and it made a big difference.

I've heard some people be very critical of poor people for buying expensive takeout food instead of making from scratch meals, but if you don't have the money for a refrigerator, stove, or cooking tools, then you end up spending more money on food because you can't make your own.

It is a fallacy to think that being frugal means you never spend money. Because there are definitely times where the best way to save money is to first spend money.

What are examples from your life where your spending money was more frugal? What else would you add to my list?