As a generic response, my focus has always been on value. The best bang for the buck. Get the most of what you need or want using as little money as possible.
Sometimes, it does mean you can get away with cheap items. I find generic toothpaste and toothbrushes to work just fine.
Other times, it means to pay top dollar for the best quality possible. My mattress is the classic example of this. It is very expensive, but not only will it last longer than conventional springs, but I do sleep better as well. Hard to put a price tag on better sleep, and yet, because it lasts longer, the overall value is slightly better than constantly replacing and flipping cheap mattresses, all the while generating less waste in the process.
So to answer the original question, "When is it alright to spend big?" To me, the answer is, "Whenever it makes the most sense to do so."
Last edited by Broken Arrow : 09-25-2009 at 02:15 PM.
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