I’m trying to remind myself that some things are worth the money.
We have been living a frugal lifestyle now for several years, and that frugal way of thinking has really become part of my mind set. For example, when a piece of french toast fell on the floor this morning, I had to make a decision whether to toss it or consume it.
There are some times when that frugal mindset or frugality can backfire, causing you to actually spend more, and in some cases make you ill. Here are some areas when it doesn’t pay to be frugal.
Water Leaks in Your Home
If water is getting in to your home, you might be tempted to overlook or to delay getting it repaired. But water can quickly damage a home, leading to exponential costs when you finally do need to do something. Plus, water damage can lead to mold and structural instability, both of which are health hazards.
Safety Features
You won’t take a family trip in your car without strapping your child into his or her car seat, right? But take a look at the hazards in your home that you might have been putting off to save money. Do you have GFIs, anti-scolding valves, handrails, steps in good repair? Spend a little money now to protect everyone from common household hazards.
Expired Food
There are some of us who have iron stomach and some of us who do not. The motto with expired food in our home is, “When in doubt, throw it out.” It just isn’t worth getting sick (and the subsequent doctor bills or time missed from work) in order to save a couple of dollars. Note that best buy and expiry dates are different from each other. Stale crackers are one thing. Moldy cheese is another.