Everybody loves a good deal, but there are some things in life that you don’t want to cut economic corners when spending on. Sometimes, spending less doesn’t actually mean you’re getting better value. You might just be buying a slightly worse version of the product that will break sooner, not do what you want it to, or have some other flaw that you could easily avoid by spending a little bit more.

If you end up having to replace the item sooner than usual, you won’t even have saved any money overall.

Here are four areas where it’s not worth the savings to skimp on when spending

Jewelry

Anyone who’s ever worn a cheap gemstone ring for any length of time will know the struggle when you start to see a greenish tinge appearing around your finger. Sometimes, the gemstone itself will even fall out, leaving you with a birthstone ring that doesn’t look quite as good as it did before.

That’s why it’s always smarter to go for custom gemstone rings, where you can choose your birthstone or any other gem that takes your fancy and make sure it’s fitted in a quality ring. Having a white gold, sterling silver, or white gold gemstone ring will reduce the chance of getting that nasty green color rubbing off on your fingers, plus your ring will likely last a lot longer. The same rules also apply to necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, so it’s smart to bear in mind for all your jewelry needs.

Home Renovations

When it comes to our homes, renovations can be costly. Whether you’re looking at a bathroom remodel, retiling the floor, or getting a new countertop and cabinets for the new kitchen, it can be tempting to try and keep it as cost-effective as possible. Just as the remodeling experts from CMK Construction say: “It’s important to set a budget for your project and try to stick to it, but it’s equally helpful to keep in mind that new factors may come up during your remodel.”

Flexibility on a budget gives you room to react to last-minute issues and help you get a result that is exactly what you wanted. Any remodeling team worth their salt will do a great job advising you on where to save money and where it should be spent. Listen to the advice of friendly staff and hire a project manager who you can trust, and they’re sure to steer you in the right direction.

Personal Development

No matter how old we are, it’s never too late to invest in ourselves and pick up new skills and qualifications. Depending on the scope of work and time commitment, not all qualifications are made equal. Spending a little more on education and personal development programs that will really support you and make your studies more than just a piece of paper is always positive. Having more qualifications can help you find a good job down the line, so investing in yourself like this can really do you a favor when done right.

Technology

In 2018, the global production of electronic waste reached 50 million tonnes, and it’s likely only increased since then. When it comes to proper waste disposal, poor project management means far too much ends up going to landfill, where electrical wiring and batteries often leak and infect the soil of the area. We need to start investing in our technology, rather than buying cheap products that break quickly and end up getting thrown away.

Plus, it’s a hassle for consumers to have to replace sub-par technology products constantly. Be wary of getting pulled into buying a poor quality product with the promise of free shipping as well: it’s usually not worth the postage savings if the product itself isn’t up to scratch!

It’s virtually impossible to live without technology these days, so do both yourself and the planet a favor by paying a bit more for your technology. That way, you don’t have to keep creating a new account every year when you inevitably have to replace your almost-new iPad or laptop.