When NOT to be Frugal
Times are tough, and we’re all looking for ways to save money. We’re couponing in ways so extreme that a reality show was created about it. We sign up to receive email deals from our favorite clothing stores and practically give ourselves carpal tunnel syndrome from logging in so many times a day to check for new deals. And sometimes we even figure out the BJ’s sampling schedule and make it a point to only shop when there’s a sample station at the end of every aisle so we don’t need to worry about dinner (or is that just me? I cannot be the only one who does this!). Whatever lengths you go to, you really can save a few bucks if you put a little thought and effort into your shopping. That being said, there are times when you should, at all costs, avoid a so-called deal. Yahoo! Finance posted 8 Things You Should Never Buy Used, a list that’s definitely worth checking out. Below are two big ones to keep in mind – especially if you live in an apartment community!
– Mattresses – I once saw someone leave a mattress by the side of the road and, only five minutes later, saw someone pick it up as though they’d just struck gold. What?! How could someone just pluck it from the side of the road, having no idea how old it is or where it came from or if there were ever any monkeys jumping on it (just making sure you’re reading)? In all seriousness, any time you buy – or take – a used mattress, you’re running the risk of bringing those dreaded bedbugs into your home. And if you live in an apartment home, you’re not the only one at stake; those little critters will happily hop into your neighbors’ apartments and nibble on them for a while, too. I know mattresses aren’t exactly cheap, but it’s also not like they’re something you have to buy often. When you spend $300-$700 (a price range I got from the Jordan’s Furniture website) on a mattress, it’s not just going to last you a few years – it’s going to be a nightly reassurance that you’re the only one who’s ever crawled into it.
– Couches and Upholstered Furniture – The same logic that applies to mattresses applies to your living room and accent furniture. As the Yahoo! article cutely says, “They’d change the name [of bedbugs], but ‘upholstered furniture bugs’ just doesn’t have the same ring to it.” So while it can be a good idea to poke around on Craigslist for a gently-used dining room set or an antique mirror, it’s a decidedly bad idea to try to find a big comfy couch… that someone else’s entire family has been spending years flopping down into. And spilling who-knows-what on. And grooming the dog on. And… ok, you get the point. Upholstered furniture sees a lot of action and can just as easily become home to bedbugs. Go to Bob’s Discount Furniture and buy your own living room set. And while you’re there, ask who Kathy is and why she’s in all the commercials, please.