Buy the Most Expensive Vacuum Cleaner

I want to spend as little money as possible, but I also want the best value. I would rather spend $100 for an item that will last me three years than $35 on something that will last one year.

A few years ago I bought a Dyson vacuum cleaner. I got a really good deal, but after using it, I will pay full price next time (let's be honest, when I buy again I will wait for a deal). The vacuums I had used before were the cheapest tier. They'd work okay for a while before ceasing to perform, causing me to purchase another vacuum. It became an annual event. The Dyson is still going after five years, just as strong as the day I got it.

My first thought when I used the Dyson was, this was designed by someone who has actually used a vacuum before.

I've bought quality tools and cheaper tools. I no longer buy cheap tools because the few times I did, I ended up having to replace the cheap tool with a quality tool. That's an instance where I would have saved money NOT buying the cheap tool.

Each of us wants to save money but be sure you're saving money over the long term. Looking only at the short term can be a recipe for future frustration. A fringe benefit of buying a reliable item is the reduction in frustration. An object that was designed poorly, will work poorly. In a year, you'll be cursing this piece of equipment, and then it will break. You'll have to buy another cheap item and start the process over.

Break the cycle. Don't keep buying that cheap vacuum because that's what you've always done. Will it work best for the long term? Maybe you'll have to wait before you get it? But waiting to purchase a quality item is more rewarding that reluctantly purchasing the cheap option. It's like buyer remorse as you purchase it. Don't do that to yourself.