When is it alright to spend big?

[mtsen]

1st of all, spend big is different than invest big.

in spending big topic, setup an award system for yourself. Everytime you achieve something, then its OK to reward yourself for that by spending a budgetted 'big' money for it ...

[fe2o3ez]

First thing that comes to mind... stay away from cheap toilet paper! It sounds funny and all, but my wife lynched me for going with the stuff that was on sale just because it was on sale. It is now used exclusively in the
"low-traffic" bathrooms.

I will shop for the better bargain on most things, regardless of name/generic brand, but I have a simple rule that governs over my meats (and for those that drink - my liquor). If it is standing on its own - t-bone, filet, shrimp, etc., then buy the good stuff, always. If it is to be mixed, or put in a pasta dish, stew, gravy, thick marinade, etc., then you can get away with a slightly lesser quality and still have a perfectly delicious meal.

[Saving_spree]

I wouldn't go cheap in food items, I don't want to give my family bad food or things which are low on nutrients.. When I buy toys or accessories for my DD I look out for low pries.