6 Things Even Frugal People Should Buy, According to George Kamel
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Josephine Nesbit
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Jenna Klaverweiden
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Are you “bougie frugal”? It’s a phrase that George Kamel, personal finance expert and co-host of The Ramsey Show, coined in a recent YouTube video. It’s a way for frugal people to enjoy luxurious experiences without breaking their budget.
In the video, Kamel shared his favorite bougie frugal purchases to help you live large while keeping your budget in mind.
High-Quality Bedsheets
High-quality bedsheets will cost you anywhere between $100 and $300 for a set, Kamel said, but they’re worth it.
“Durable and comfortable sheets can help improve your sleep quality, and they’ll probably last longer than cheap alternatives,” he explained.
Smart Bulbs and Plugs
Smart bulbs and plugs range from $5 to $15, per Kamel, but they can save you money on utility bills and make life more convenient.
For example, smart plugs allow you to turn devices on and off with an app, schedule timers, and view and track energy usage. One shopper on Amazon commented that their smart plug allowed them to lower their electric bill by $15 per month, People reported.
Comfortable Office Chair
Comfortable office chairs can be pricey — ranging from $150 to $500 and sometimes more for high-end brands, according to Kamel. However, he explained that a high-quality chair can help your posture, reduce back pain and last for years. This could end up saving you money on medical costs and replacement chairs.
And studies back this up. According to research published by BMC, chairs that prevent abnormal strain of the neuromuscular system can help prevent musculoskeletal pain and discomfort.
Car Emergency Kit
A car emergency kit can cost upward of $100, but it’s an affordable way to prepare for emergencies and avoid roadside assistance services, Kamel said.
For example, addressing any minor issues yourself — changing a tire or jumping a battery — can save you money on a tow truck. The average cost of towing a car is $109, Zebra reported.
Water Filtration System
An under-sink water filtration system is around $300, but Kamel recommended a whole house system, which can cost upward of $5,000.
“If you’re spending a ton of money on bottled water every month, this could end up saving you money in the very long run,” Kamel said. “Expensive, but worth it.”
Reliable, Used Car
This isn’t a cheap beater you bought on Facebook Marketplace, Kamel said. This could cost you up to $25,000, but it’ll save you money on a mechanic and is cheaper than buying a brand-new car.
If you’re taking out a car loan, experts recommend spending no more than 20% of your post-tax monthly income on a car payment, CNBC Select reported. However, 20% shouldn’t be the goal, but rather the absolute limit.
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