I do have one thing to add though. If you really know your quality brands and quality models (some brands have great quality mixed with poor quality depending on the model) then you are in a great position to buy second hand.

I recently had my HiFi system stolen in a burglary, and I went straight to online auctions and charity stores. I purchased a new system that will never break down, or need to be replaced for the rest of my lifetime. I paid less than the value of the equipment stolen, and I traded up to some very impressive units.

I saved two thirds of the new price. I also paid less overall than the cost of an average Japanese brand.

I also challenge any burglar to steal the system now. It weighs over 100lb, and the brands are so rare that they will be hard to fence, but easy for the police to identify. I have been burgled before and know that you can often get your items back if they are very unusual.

I do agree with the other posters who are saying that a well made item is more frugal than a cheaper item when it is going to last tons longer. But your point seems to be about labels and what makes you look good or what has you keeping up with the Joneses….

Heidi @ GGIP’s last blog post..Special Exposure Wednesday – Charity Edition Part 2: Church Knitting Group

I search for quality and value. How do I secure these traits? I ask myself some questions:

Is it well made?
Is it built to last?
Is it a good exchange for my money?
Is it a time saver?
Is it a money saver?
Is it a money maker?
Is it warrantied?
Is it guaranteed?
What else am I getting?

For more ideas on quality and value:
http://divorceddadfrugaldad.co.....value.aspx

DDFD at DivorcedDadFrugalDad.com’s last blog post..Words of Wisdom: Dale Carnegie On Fear

Maybe it’s simply a maturity thing but it seems like some people come to their senses and grow up from that and others never get it.

Grant Baldwin’s last blog post..In Case You’re Bored This Weekend…

Arguing that your expensive purse saves you in the long run is kind of silly. An item doesn’t have to be expensive to be well-made, and if you take care of the things you own (regardless of initial cost) they can hold up for a very long time. I have this argument with my boyfriend all the time, who thinks that more money means better quality. When I show him shoes I’ve owned for 8 years that I got for $20 or sweaters and dresses that I bought on sale when I was in high school that I still wear, he’s always shocked that I made my money go so far on what he considers “inferior” items. And while he talks big talk about how long expensive items will last, he tends to cycle through new things quickly (particularly with electronics) and so he never gets the long-term use he claims he will get out of them.

I would argue that an expensive one-time buy that you use for a long time is probably money well-spent, even if I think you could probably have gotten something just as good for far less money. However, most people don’t do that. They justify the expense with the long-term argument, but for the most part, the money is thrown at an item that is being purchased for status, not quality.

Katie’s last blog post..

So I say be practicle and know that most of the time less is more but also save up and have a little fun every now and then!

Dawn’s last blog post..The Ups and Downs in My Mailbox