Things I Will Pay For.

[cschin4]

I am finding that I don't mind paying for certain things for the convenience factor rather than doing it myself. I gladly pay for the following:

car washes (I used to always wash it myself and still do but just prefer to run it through the wash)
haircuts - I used to cut my kids' hair but now generally take them to the barber or hair dresser
Dog grooming/nail trimming - I used to do this as well but got tired of the "wrestling match"
gardening - Would love to when I have time but we are too busy with the kids and sports, so I find it easier to just hit the farmer's market
prepared foods/deli, etc - I don't feel the need to cook everything from scratch and as long as I am still cooking at home I think it is cheaper to use the "shortcuts" because it makes me more likely to prepare something at home
oil change - I really don't want to work on my car

That's all I can think of for now. I think learning to balance being frugal includes your time as well as your money.

[Bluezy]

Now that we are back on our feet, my CJ and I pay for a few conveniences:

1) Car washes (as well);
2) Oil Changes (as well);
3) Pedicures every two weeks and occasional manicures (no fake nails though);
4) Buying bread and rolls from a gourmet baker in South Tampa;
5) Purchased frozen convenience meals from Schwans (delivered to our door).

[disneysteve]

For about 10 years, I mowed our lawn. I didn't like doing it and honestly didn't do a very good job. A few years ago, I finally hired someone else to do it and it is worth every penny.

[baking23]

Oil changes, new tires.

[tinapbeana]

car maintenance
while i'm sure i could learn how to just about anything my car needs, it would require a large time and money investment to get the knowledge and right equipment. the oil change folks can do it faster than i can, and the tire people can rotate and balance my tires because they have the necessary equipment to do so safely and effeciently.

good coffee
which, BTW, doens't necessarily mean the most expensive coffee. it's almost always not the cheapest either, though. i look forward to my 'coffee time' and don't want to save a few bucks a month drinking something i don't enjoy

good chocolate
see the item on good coffee

comfortable shoes
poor shoes = feet and back problems and me having unpleasant and cranky days.

[crfga]

good coffee
which, BTW, doens't necessarily mean the most expensive coffee. it's almost always not the cheapest either, though. i look forward to my 'coffee time' and don't want to save a few bucks a month drinking something i don't enjoy

I know exactly what you mean, it is the aroma of a good coffee that well make your day!

Chuck

[zetta]

1. House cleaning every two weeks
2. Pre-cut bagged lettuce and vegetables
3. Baby food

[project15]

I've always been against a maid and lawn service. I haven't caved in yet, but when we buy a house, I probably will eventually.

[luvnspnful]

these things are musts to me:

-good coffee...I brew Tim Hortons at home. sure its a little more $ than the cheaper brands, but I enjoy everything about it.
-salon hair products and good makeup: I have some allergies, and store brand items for these tend to make the allergies worse.
-quality shoes (bought on sale of course ). no point going cheapo only to end up in pain and the shoes at the back of the closet.
-same thing for a nice purse- leather only, maybe 2 a year.
-routine maintenance on my car. I can fill the wiper fluid, but I wouldnt know the antifreeze hub from the brake fluid.
-good quality appliances (big or small). learned the hard way that inexpensive vaccuums and coffee makers are a complete waste of money.
-paying a local handyman to maintain the yard spring/fall and assemble new furniture. spending 2 days putting together an Ikea dresser is not my idea of a good time.

I would looooove to have a housekeeper, but that's beyond the budget right now.......maybe when my visa bill is paid

[jodi]

Ditto on anything to do with my car. I just don't have the knowledge to do anything much.
No matter how tight things were, DH and I paid for some degree of entertainment. While he was in school, we cut back on almost all meals out, movies, etc. but never stopped our bowling league, which is one night a week to get together with family and friends. We can do without a lot of things, but not having a good time (although it was never at the expense of food, health care, etc).
My Night and Day contacts - significantly more expensive than regular contacts, but worth every penny Someday we hope to put Lasik surgery in this category as well, although that won't be happening anytime soon.
Along those same lines...DH's braces, which get got nearly three years ago. Any health care item we will shell out the money for if it means keeping us and the kids healthy and happy.
Healthier foods - it might be cheaper to buy Ramen, but fresh fruits and veggies are so much better for you.
Before ds's preschool program closed down, we gladly sent both kids there a few mornings a week to play with other kids, socialize, and give us time to get some stuff done as well.
Pictures - a good camera, digital prints, photo albums, etc.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Car maintanence can't do it myself.

[kimiko]

I can't afford convenience, so nothing.

[tgavin71]

Laser Hair Removal.

[rob62521]

I'm with so many of you on the car maintenance!

My dh mows the lawn, but we did hire a service to fertilize it with granules. No weed killer. Dh digs those dandelions up for fun!

We have gotten into buying more fresh fruit and vegetables -- not only for taste, but for health reasons as well.

[nanamom]

I don't pay for much convenience. I do occasionally buy prepackaged salad, but we do our own lawn, house and pet maintenance (although you could argue that having a pet is a luxury) Finally own so can have a garden this year and don't have to go to the farmers market. I have my car serviced because neither DH or I know how but if I lived closer to my DIL I'd pay her to do it. Hard to cut back when you realize all I already do. Looking for ways to be more frugal though.