Important items where quality matters more than price -

<p>In the current economic climate, many people are tightening their belts. Indeed, plenty of us find ourselves wondering whether we could buy a cheaper version of a certain product. Of course, everyone has their own idea about which items are worth spending a little bit more on, and which aren't. Have you ever stopped to think, though, that there might be an objective answer?</p><p>Curious? Check out this gallery to find out where you should and shouldn't scrimp and save.</p>

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Pet food -

Although expensive, it is very important to purchase high-quality pet food for your animals. Cheaper brands can cause health and skincare issues.

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Car tires -

When it comes to car tires, there are many benefits to splashing out: better safety, higher performance, and even more generous warranties and customer support.

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Diapers -

If you have the budget to spend a little more on basic baby items such as diapers, it can be a great way to avoid unnecessary hassle and a fussy baby.

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Fitness wear -

When it comes to exercise clothes, the more expensive items tend to feel better. Not only that, they tend to last considerably longer, too.

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Toilet paper -

And lastly, toilet paper. Perhaps the least glamorous of products, but one we all need. Cheap versions of this product tend to cost you more in the long run, since you need more.

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Fitness shoes -

The same goes for running shoes, which are not only safer at the higher price point, but also much more prepared to stand the test of time.

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Gym memberships -

If you want to go to the gym to improve your fitness, don't let free products in the bathroom persuade you to pay more than you actually need to!

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Dish soap -

It can be very tempting to go for the cheapest version of something so boring as dish soap. More expensive products tend to last longer, however.

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Ice cream -

The logic with this one is simple: if you're already treating yourself to ice cream, why not go the extra mile and make sure you're getting the best?

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Haircare products -

High-quality haircare products can appear very expensive, but they do tend to result in fewer salon trips. They therefore pay for themselves in the long run.

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Medications -

And now for some products where there is no need to splash out on the most expensive option. First up: medications. More often than not, generic medications have the same benefits as their brand name counterparts.

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Supplements -

Vitamins and supplements, too, tend to be just as good at whatever price point. Just remember to double-check the ingredients.

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Electronics -

If you're planning to splash out on a new gadget, going for the big brand names is the best way to make sure your new investment lasts.

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Books -

When it comes to buying books, there are many ways to get more bang for your buck. Opt for a digital version, or head to your local library to read thriftily.

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Disposable items -

Anything that you need to replace often should be bought cheaply. Not only items that are considered 'disposable,' but even items such as shower curtains.

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Children's clothing -

When it comes to dressing your young child, there really is no point buying expensive things, since they grow so quickly that the items never last.

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Cosmetics -

Cosmetics are a great example of a product that does not vary much in quality with price. A US$5 mascara, for example, will do the same job as a $30 one.

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Cars -

Provided that a car is safe and does the job it's required to do, the advice is normally to go for the cheaper option, since cars are a depreciating asset.

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Tea -

When it comes to purchasing tea, it's all about the ingredients. Buying in bulk is a great way to get the lowest price point per unit.

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Coffee -

When it comes to buying ground coffee, it's always best to go for the cheapest option that gets you what you need.

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Sugar -

Sugar is perhaps an obvious item not to overspend on. If you think about it, would you really be able to tell the difference between two brands of sugar?

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Salt -

The same goes for salt: there is no reason to overspend. Unfortunately though, people are often persuaded here by the marketing of different brands.

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Flour -

Flour, too, is another basic item that is possible to overspend on, but which appears to make zero difference at all whether you choose the cheap or expensive option.

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Fast food -

Given that saving a few bucks is one of the main reasons people opt for fast food, it seems pertinent to go for the thriftiest option available.

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Spices -

When it comes to shopping for spices, the general advice is to go for the cheapest option out there. The ingredients are very basic, and they're always exactly the same.

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Peanut butter -

While some people believe it's worth it to spend more on peanut butter for the health benefits, if it's taste you're worried about, there is no reason to go expensive.

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Wine -

While very cheap wines can taste like vinegar, after a certain price point they tend to taste largely the same to the average drinker.

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Olive oil -

Given that most of the flavor of olive oil is lost during the cooking process, it doesn't seem sensible to spend more than necessary on a fancy bottle.

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Pasta -

It is possible to spend crazy money on certain brands of pasta, but, unless you're a professional food critic, they are likely to taste pretty much the same.

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Eggs -

And finally, eggs. Of course, it can be worth spending more on these for ethical reasons, but if its taste you're worried about, choosing the basic option can be a great way to save a buck.

Sources: (The Cents of Money)

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