Yahoo Finanzas Rachel Cruze: 5 Brand-Name Products She Splurges On
One of the most common pieces of money-saving advice you’ll hear is to avoid brand-name products. From groceries to clothing, you’ll save tons of money by choosing generic products over popular brands.
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However, according to a recent YouTube video by budgeting expert Rachel Cruze, there are a few brand-name items that are always worth the cost. It all comes down to intentional spending: choosing products that offer the most value and splurging when it’s worth it.
It’s OK to have items in your budget that are non-negotiable, including brand-name goods. A few high-quality splurges make your budget more sustainable in the long term.
Here are five brand-name products Cruze considers worth the cost.
Select Grocery Items
Cruze emphasizes that store-brand groceries are almost always preferable to more expensive brands. However, there are a few cases when she prefers the higher-end option, including:
Sliced cheeses
Deli meats
Certain cereals
Condiments
Paper products
According to Cruze, these products are simply better than store brands and worth the cost when it comes to feeding her family.
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Select Beauty and Health Items
Cruze describes a few products that she used to get at the grocery or drug store but now chooses to buy directly from the brands:
Sunscreen
Makeup
Haircare
Sunscreen is one example of a product that might be more effective or healthy when you choose a better brand. Cruze explains that high-end sunscreen is worth it because of a lack of harmful chemicals. Makeup and haircare products are a matter of personal preference; but, if certain brands work better for you, they might be worth the splurge.
Hotels
When Cruze travels with her family, she prefers to stay in nice hotels. This is another matter of personal preference — many people feel comfortable in a motel or budget hotel room. Others prefer to stay in an Airbnb or Vrbo.
Budget hotels are typically cheaper but might not feel as safe or comfortable, especially if you’re traveling with children. Short-term rentals can be a more affordable choice if you’re traveling with a large group or staying for multiple days.
Meaningful Jewelry
Cruze explains that she chooses cheap brands for her everyday jewelry but prefers high-quality ones for sentimental or meaningful pieces. Brand-name jewelry is worth the cost if you want to make sure it lasts a lifetime.
A Quality Bag
Last on her list, Cruze mentions her beloved Louis Vuitton tote bag, which she has used every day for years. This is a high-quality item that won’t need to be replaced for a long time.
Think of it this way: If you can pay $200 for a single bag that will last a decade or $20 for one you will need to replace every six months, you’ll get more value out of the brand-name choice despite the higher upfront cost.
Bonus Item: Anthropologie Candles
Cruze’s vlog ends with her description of her husband’s top brand-name splurge: candles from the high-end lifestyle brand Anthropologie. She explains that her husband loves scented candles and prefers the high-quality brand over other options.
Candles might not be your thing — but if there is a luxury item that makes your life more enjoyable, you don’t need to deprive yourself of it. The occasional splurge in your budget is worth it if it brings you joy.
Spending Intentionally
When it comes to saving money, intentionality is key, Cruze emphasizes. It’s not just about cutting costs wherever possible — it’s about saving where you can and spending where necessary.
Here are a few tips to help you spend intentionally:
Choose quality over appearance: What makes brand-name items worth the cost isn’t the name, but the quality. Prioritize high-quality products in terms of durability, safety and enjoyment over brands that are simply more popular.
Make a wish list: Write down the luxury items or splurges you would enjoy the most and save up for them. The longer you wait and save, the better you’ll feel about your purchase.
Read reviews: Not sure if a brand-name item is better than a generic choice? Read the reviews of the product before you spend your money so you can feel confident that it’s truly worth the cost.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Rachel Cruze: 5 Brand-Name Products She Splurges On
