10 Items You Should Splurge On - But Don’t Have To

For many of us, spending our hard earned cash on some of life’s simple luxuries seems to be the thing to do. Some of us like to treat ourselves and splurge, but for those of us who want to save money, you don’t have to do this. It is possible to purchase ‘splurge-worthy’ items at discounted prices.

Here are ten items you could splurge on - but don’t really have to.

1. Leather jacket

A leather jacket is the perfect fashion staple for any fashionista’s wardrobe. It’s a snazzy styling piece for many outfits, and it brings an edge to a fashion lover’s look. While most brands and retailers sell leather jackets priced between $50 to $300 dollars, you can grab yourself a bargain and spend as much as $20 or less.

2. Watch

Many people check the time by just looking at their phones, but other like to check the old fashioned way. While designer watches - i.e. Rolex, Hugo Boss, Daniel Wellington, Michael Kors, etc - are all the rage, you can purchase a pretty watch from high street and online retailers at a fraction of the designer cost.

3. Quality denim

Buying high-quality denim at a high price is perfectly understandable. We all want a pair of jeans that stand the test of time, have been created with high-quality fabric and don’t fade after several washes. However, you can buy high-quality denim at a low cost, with many brands and retailers that sell suitable denim pieces that fit well and are of high standard.

4. Mobile phone

These days, most of us are accustomed to using our smartphones on the go. Many top-of-the-range smartphones offer the best in terms of the features on offer. However, if you want the best smartphone that’s available on the market, you don’t have to spend $500+. You have a couple of options: buy a similar smartphone at lower prices - there are many fantastic smartphones priced between $100-$300 - or buy the phone you want second-hand or as a refurbished model.

5. Jewelry

Jewellery pieces are great for special occasions and for making your special outfits stand out. However, you don’t have to splash out on jewellery if you don’t want to. Take a trip to your local shopping mall and you can find stunning and high-quality jewellery pieces and sets that won’t cost you too much and drain your purse. Also, keep an out of for deals and discounts, as many retailers offer these on jewellery so you can stock up.

6. Plane tickets

Contrary to popular belief, travelling doesn’t have to cost the earth. Yes, buying plane tickets can be pricey, but it doesn’t have to be this way because there are various ways to get cheaper plane tickets and jet off in style!

Here are a few tips to bear in mind:

• Plane ticket prices are constantly changing you if you’re lucky you can find a bargain.
• Shop for plane tickets in ‘incognito mode’ on your web browser. Prices seem to change when in this mode because cookies are less likely to detect your previous movements.
• Travel in low-season.
• Book well in advance if possible (i.e. 12 months ahead).
• Select tickets during off-peak times (when people are less likely to be on holiday.)
• Keep an eye out for the sales. Many airlines offer discounts and deals in January.

7. Gym membership

It’s so important to keep yourself fit and healthy, and it is vital that you exercise on a regular basis. However, you don’t need gym membership to do this. Yes, there are many benefits to signing up for the gym - such as access to excellent facilities, classes, lessons and a personal trainer - but as long as you have a pair of trainers, athleisurewear and self-motivation and discipline, you can keep fit.

8. Online courses

Undertaking an online course has become a popular method for many individuals to receive training and accreditation for their chosen careers. In addition to this, completing an online course is another method of learning and it’s a great way to strengthen your skills and broaden your horizons. However, courses can be costly, with some courses costing between $400-$1000. Luckily, you don’t have to spend that much. You can find discount codes for courses (such as social media marketing and creative writing) on websites such as Groupon, Promocodes or Wowcher. Best of all, you can find free courses on websites such as Udemy.

9. Hair and makeup

Keeping yourself well-groomed and looking good is fantastic, but you don’t have to bother with branded hair and makeup items. Shop-branded hair and makeup items - such as shampoo, conditioners and lipsticks - work just as well to help you look and feel glamorous.

10. Designer bags

A designer bag is the ultimate fashion luxury, and if you can purchase one then that’s great. However, buying (or investing in) a designer bag doesn’t mean that you have to pay the designer price tag. There are ways of getting designer bags without have to splurge, such as buying from charity shops located in affluent areas or buying second-hand online.

 

What items do you like to splurge on? What items do you like to save money on?