It’s no secret that reaching your savings goals involves managing your expenses. But it may come as a surprise that passing up a cheap purchase or dodging a deal can be equally smart ways to save money. When it comes to items you will use over and over again or ones that you rely on for health and safety, buying cheap can cost you. Before taking advantage of a deal that seems too good to be true, think twice when shopping for these commonly discounted items.

Vehicles

If a vehicle’s price seems too good to be true, there’s probably a good reason. Used vehicles in particular can be heavily discounted due to previous flood or incident damage which may affect your experience driving them. Considering that you rely on your vehicle not just for transportation but also for safety, thinking twice before pouncing on a deal could protect both you and your wallet. The Federal Trade Commission offers helpful tips for evaluating the safety of a used vehicle on their website.

Furniture

There are many smart ways to save money when purchasing home décor, from browsing second-hand shops to trying out DIY projects. But when it comes to furniture that you will use every day, shopping based on price alone could cost you. For example, purchasing a bed that will not support your body and spine can lead to long-term health issues that could far exceed the cost of buying a quality bed in the first place.

If you work on a computer from home, other important pieces of furniture to carefully consider are your desk and office chair. These can directly impact your posture and joint health, so choosing carefully can benefit you even when you’re not working. Consumer Research recommends considering several factors before you start shopping. Avoiding premature replacements and potential health concerns are smart ways to save money and stress when investing in quality furniture that you will use every day.

Appliances

Cutting costs when purchasing big-ticket appliances for your home can be tempting, but making sure you choose the right equipment is critical. This ranges from your home’s heating and cooling systems to a backyard grill and the dishwasher in your kitchen. If a mishap caused by a lower quality item could damage your home or cause physical harm to you or your family, take the time to carefully compare your options.

Purchasing energy efficient appliances and having them installed by a professional are two more smart ways to save money in the long run. Over time, energy efficient appliances can help you cut costs as well as raise your home’s value. And having appliances installed properly by a trained and insured professional is a smart way to safeguard your new purchase and your property.

For other purchases that leave you debating between cost and quality, you can ask yourself a few questions to help you decide.

• How often will you use the item? Over time, buying cheap products only to have to frequently replace them can rack up far more expense than buying for quality at the start.
• How long will it last? Calculating the cost of an item over its expected lifespan can be very helpful when making a purchasing decision.
• Can you rent the equipment you need? There are many pieces of equipment that can be rented from hardware and home improvement stores at a fraction of their ticket price. This can save you from having to price shop and potentially end up with an insufficient product, let alone store and care for it.

There are certainly exceptions to every rule, but asking yourself these questions and evaluating big-ticket purchases are smart ways to save money over time. For more budgeting and savings tips, visit our FutureTrack Blog.