What items will you not scrimp on?
We took to the forums to find out what people won’t skimp on if they can help it.
We’re all about saving money and getting more for your ringgit.
But there are some things that some believe you shouldn’t scrimp on.
We took to the forums to find out what people won’t skimp on if they can help it.
Food and nutrition
A good majority of forum users and people we asked put food high on the list of items they won’t skimp on.
You might think that it is a given and a wee bit obvious but you’ll also be surprised how many said ‘not really’.
Chia, 50 said he doesn’t think a high price tag equates value when it comes to food;
“Nowadays, even in fine dining restaurants, you don’t know if the food is good just because you are paying a lot.
There’s no guarantee that the oils, and raw products used are of high quality.
They could be using grade C eggs and charging you RM25 for an omelette!
To me, I rather go to the market and my wife and I will cook for ourselves.
It’s cheaper, but I know what is going into my food.”
For those who didn’t have time to cook, the situation was a little more difficult;
“I don’t have time to cook so I have to eat out and if I wanted a decent meal at the economy rice stall with enough greens it will cost a minimum of RM4.50 in KL now.
Of course when I am really broke there is the temptation of just eating an RM1.20 roti canai and being done with it.
So do I skimp on food?
Yes, I do at times but it’s only because I can’t afford to eat well all the time.
I still have rent to pay on my very small salary,” said fresh grad, Jonathan, 23.
A good mattress
“The average adult spends 7 hours sleeping a day (or should at any rate!).
That’s 2555 hours per year.
With that much time being spent on your mattress; doesn’t it make sense to have a mattress that is comfortable and provides the back support you need?
A more comfortable mattress equates a better quality sleep which in turn has a positive effect on health and productivity levels,” explained JC, 32.
“For my job, I can’t afford the few hours of sleep I do get to be unfulfilling!”
But mattresses are admittedly expensive with branded spring mattresses selling from anywhere between RM1,000-RM5,000.
It would be hard for many to afford this.
“I know it’s too expensive for some but if you can, it’s a better investment than a new phone.” JC says.
Car repairs
A well-maintained car can mean the difference between life and death on the road, opined Amirul, 29.
“Unless you know about how cars work and can fix it yourself; don’t scrimp on mechanic fees.
Go to a registered, reputable mechanic to ensure your car is working as it should.
” This doesn’t mean buying only branded dealer parts but making sure the spare parts are new (even if they are generic) and not likely been ripped from a cut car.
Substandard parts can give way on the road put your safety at risk.
Make-up and skin care products
For the women, many spoke about not skimping on skincare and make-up products.
Wani, 25 spends a good deal of her paycheque on cosmetics but feels it is necessary.
“Both make-up and skin care products are likely to stay on your skin for hours on end.
I would like the peace of mind knowing these are safe for use for long periods.”
Beverly, 40 also pointed out: “Many people are loyal to brands and thus, you will not only be using the same product for many hours; you’ll be doing so for many years.
It’s going to be a long relationship so choose wisely and don’t allow the price tag to be your first guide.”
But how much is enough?
Wani says, “It doesn’t have to cost hundreds of ringgit lah.
But if it is RM2-5 I would be a bit wary.
I mean, what can be inside an eyeshadow pack at that price?”
Baby related items
Parents always want the best for their children.
So it was not surprising to find baby related items high on the list for many people as part of the items they couldn’t afford to skimp on.
New mother, Liyana says she spends a good half of her salary for her baby.
“Seemingly harmless products can actually be dangerous for babies,” she said.
“Diapers, lotions, wet wipes and other hygiene items for babies must be mild and free of harmful chemicals.
Similarly, milk bottles and pacifiers should be properly sterilised after every use.
These will be regularly coming in contact with a baby’s delicate digestive system; so I prefer them made by reputable companies and free from harmful chemicals.
Milk formula also has to match the different levels of digestive sensitivity baby may have.
Many babies are allergic to milk and should instead be fed soy based formulas.
I know it’s a lot of cost but it will save you much more in the long run in medical fees for your baby.”
In a time where more and more people are trying to stretch a budget; what are the few things you won’t skimp on?
Diana Chai is editor at SaveMoney.my, an online consumer advice portal which aims to help Malaysians save money through smart (and most of the time painless) savings in their daily banking, technology, and lifestyle spending habits.
No comments:
Post a Comment