Some people think ‘cheap’ is a dirty word. An insult.
Me? I take pride in it. I’m cheap and not ashamed to admit it.
Although perhaps “selectively cheap” would be a more accurate description…
There’s been quite a stir going on around blog envy. Expensive gadgets and products that leave you dripping in desire and cause your bank account to go down the toilet every month.
If I bought everything that I wanted I would be broker than a goat. I’m not going to sit here and pretend I don’t want any of those things, but to think you need all of them to be healthy, fit, or a good blogger? That’s a joke.
Here’s some alternatives I use to all that fancy schmancy stuff out there.
dSLR: $1,000+ Point & Shoot: $100
Garmin Forerunner: $150 Timex watch: $30
Fancy PB: $6-19 Semi-fancy PB: $2-3
2010 shoes: $100 2009 shoes: $50
Vita mix: $300 Dual wave blender: $25
Lightroom: $300 Picasa: $0
Fancy Total Cheapo Total
$1,856 $207
And now I have $1,649 for race registrations. 
If only it actually worked that way….
Come back tomorrow for my strategies on keeping the budget real & still getting (most of) what I want.
What things do you use as an alternative to expensive items?
{ 20 comments… read them below or chime in }
I try to use bulk bin items or make homemade condiments as much as possible (e.g. making hummus from all fresh ingredients rather than Sabra’s, taking tomato paste a bit of sugar and vinegar + seasonings instead of Heinz, bulk oats instead of Quaker, etc.). Sure, the others are convenient, but I have the spare time so I don’t mind a bit of extra prep for cheaper (and tastier) goods.
I also try to get the most out of everything and only upgrade electronics when absolutely necessary.
I like the concept behind the post, it’s really neat and true! By the way, does that Timex watch track your distance and pace like the Garmin?
Haha I just upgraded my computer for the first time in….8 years?
No the Timex doesn’t do distance/pace- just time, laps, heart rate, calories. I use a Nike+ for distance/pace, but I don’t love it. I usually just end up using gmap-pedometer for estimating distance.
I have to chime in that I think smart balance peanut butter is the best I have ever eaten!
LOVE IT! I am definitely cheap too…and I own it!
I always wear last’s year model of shoes too! I also don’t have a Garmin (which some runners think is crazy…but really I don’t find it necessary!) I have a blackberry that doesn’t have a camera. It was way cheaper and do we really need cameras on our phones? I make my own cleaning products…it is cheaper and more natural (double score) and my favorite clothing store is OLD NAVY! 
i love being cheap, and great post concept (even if a good dSLR can be found for $500
) i’ve finally started buying the cheaper PBs, though allow for splurges every so often. i also see what i can find at the discount store, and buy store-brand items of the stuff that doesn’t matter as much to me – frozen veg, oats, nuts, etc.
oh! and my main way of being cheap is making everything myself!! iced coffee at home? not even fifty cents. dunkin donuts? almost $3!! i was shocked when i got one this past weekend. and i can make my own lunch for wayyy less than the $10 i’d spend out for something halfway decent, and probably enjoy it more, too.
Haha yeah and I’ve had my eye on one of those!!
Ahhh, love this post! I am all about finding cheap goods! I love shopping at places like TJ Maxx for everything from workout clothes to cooking supplies.
Word. I don’t pay full price for anything and I am SO proud of that fact! Three cheers for penny pinchers!!
I shop vintage and on etsy as much as possible!
LOVE this post!! and of course i wish it worked that way with the whole money left over concept
wouldnt that be nice! i use the nike+ over a garmin, generic/store brand PB, cereal, and bread, & dont need the fancy new shoes (my race im running this weekend gave the first 400 entrants free new balance running sneakers!!)
Oo free shoes- that’s awesome!!!!
Amen, sister! I am a Peace Corps Volunteer in Mozambique so I manage to live on about $150 a month, because I simply don´t have the options of restaurants and movies and malls, all I do is buy basic food and some cell phone airtime and whatnot. But when I move back to the States I hope I can remember all the things that I pretty easily lived without for two years and make better purchases… it is so easy to believe that we NEED X,Y, and Z expensive thing but the reality is there are probably only a few splurges that will actually be necessary or add to the quality of our lives, so I am going to try to figure out what those are
seeing as right now my american checking account has $12 in it… I won´t exactly be welcoming myself home with a shopping spree 
I love that you’re a Peace Corps volunteer!!! I lived abroad in the Domincan Republic & Costa Rica; both times I realized how much I DIDN’T need- I had ever intention of bringing that concept home with me, but it’s much harder when you’re surrounded by options everywhere!!!
How do you get 2009 sneaks????
When the new models come out, stores put the old models on sale so they can get rid of them. Usually happens at the beginning of the year. If I know I like them I buy two pairs.
Trying them on in the store then buying online helps too, especially if you wear a popular size!
I love TJ Max and Marshall’s! I am all about a bargain
In terms of health, I try my best to keep costs under control. Your tips are really great. I think I’m going to try out that blender.
The one swap that I really depend on is workout apparel. I buy all of my bras, short and pants from Old Navy and Target fitness apparel instead of LuLu Lemon. I also use my iPhone to keep things affordable . I use it to track my runs (RunKeeper – no need for a Garmin), listen to music (Pandora), find healthy recipes (Whole Foods, Spark, EpiLog), clip coupons (coupons.com) and track my budget (mint.com).
I probably have every piece of Target workout gear ever made.
And my fave running shorts are Old Navy!
Great post! I just downloaded an iphone app that scans bar codes to tell you where you can buy it online and for how much.
great post
i have that same camera!!
i didn’t even know about some of these things… yikes! but i looove my garmin and that thing was worth every cent to me. i just had to switch shoes because the old ones i can’t find anymore 
although i wear pretty much only nike running clothes, i have found most of them on sale at stores or at the outlet. now i see SO MANY runners in lululemon clothes and they are adorable, but i can’t get myself to spend that much on shorts when i could get 3-4 pair of the ones i have for the same amount.