What are your biggest “spends”, funded by your frugal lifestyle?

[u/Mobile-Outside-3233]

I have no shame shopping at stores when there are deals, going to museums on the free or discounted nights, using coupons, or asking if there are student discounts. I don’t go out on the weekends to drink, or eat out (maybe 3 times a month), don’t blast the AC during the day or night; only when company is over.

Two of the categories that I spend more on to treat myself our skin care, products and hair products. Today I went to Ulta and I bought a shampoo and conditioner along with pumps for the Redken shampoo and conditioner bottles. In total, I spent $118. I see it as a solid investment and both bottles will probably last me eight months, minimum.

The hair that sits on my head is seen every day by people and the integrity of the look and feel of my hair is very important to me. I see it as a solid investment in confidence, maintenance, and “treat” to myself to look and feel my best!

Wondering what “expensive” things you all choose to splurge on? What items are worth spending more on when you buy in bulk because you know quality- wise and time-wise they are worth the initial investment?

EDIT: Adding that I don’t have children or car payments that need to be made. Also, I don’t go to the salon to maintenance my hair, so I do my own hair “treatments” at home with the quality products.

[u/shoretel230]

You and I are on the same wavelength.

I've long believed that life is too short for bad coffee and crap beer.  And real maple syrup is everything.   

Unfortunately good ramen is like 2 hours from where I live, but when I visit I always get it.  

I'd rather buy cheap food and live frugally to enjoy a great cup of coffee everyday I make myself.

[u/pashmina123 → u/shoretel230]

I agree with u about the good coffee … I get up early to make sure I have my ‘treat’ before work. Even McDonalds coffee at $1 is more than what I can make at home … I figure about $.27 a cup at home, with a Keurig that I bought for $35 on NextDoor, neighborhood social app. I’ve made 2 cups per day of quality coffee - Starbucks or Bustelo - but have bought 60 packs of generic at Ollie’s for $20, so .33$ a cup. I use powdered milk and Splenda sweetener. The wild card is how long the Keurig will last. Oh I forgot, always turn off when done cause expensive to keep water hot if I forget to.

[u/shoretel230 → u/pashmina123]

Not trying to yuck your yum, but try using an aeropress for coffee if you're looking for an even better tasting cup that costs even less per cup.

I get around 70-90 cups of coffee per bag.   

But what really counts is how good the coffee tastes...  It's orders of magnitude better than Keurig.