Save or Splurge
around the hose WindoW treAtments Curtains
and shades don’t sufer the same everyday abuse as clothing or upholstery, so the fabric will look fresh for a long while.
AreA rugs Two reasons not to spend a lot: They wear out quickly and you might want to replace yours, because a new area rug instantly makes over an entire room. But buy new—dust mites, mold and allergens exist in even the most well-vacuumed hand-me-downs. electronic cAbles
Unless you’re running a TV studio in your living room, the diferences between the types of connecting cables are pretty negligible. Some salespeople will be quick to say otherwise, claiming that copper conductors
create a better signal transfer. This is true but isn’t something you’ll be likely to notice if the cable’s length is short, only connecting devices in the same room.
Spend money on… A gArden hose
A high-quality hose (not one made of plastic) is less likely to develop cracks, fssures and kinks from changes in pressure. Look for a hose that’s either 100% rubber or a rubbervinyl composite, which should be about $35 to $50 for a 50-foot hose.
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$15 on Amazon. If you want more bells and whistles, download these free or low-cost apps: MyFitnessPal, MapMyrun and Fitbit (which you can use without the device) have tools to track calorie consumption, health info and more.
put Some money down for… Workout clothes
Look for moisture-wicking materials—there are inexpensive versions at places like Costco. You might want to splurge on more ftted clothing, such as a top with a built-in bra. A pricier option may hold its shape better.
sneAkers The right shoes not only make or break a workout, they can help spare you injury. Poorly made athletic shoes break down quicker, and that leads to less cushioning and absorption and more impact on your joints.
A fitness trAcker
A simple pedometer retails for less than
SoUrCES: Steven A. Frowine, author, Gardening for Dummies. Heather Stephens, blogger, fatwallet.com. Marty Zanfno, consumer electronics expert and cofounder, right-Ear/Left-Ear Technologies.
SAVE
don’t Break the Bank for…
SoUrCES: Jimmy Minardi, personal trainer. Jessica Underhill, personal trainer and owner, race Pace Wellness.
Experts agree that you should always buy a high-quality version of these three items. Here’s how to do it for less.
1
winter coatS
A well-made coat, such as one from L.L.Bean or The North Face, not only has a guarantee or warranty
but usually has highquality insulation. Cheap insulation shifts and clumps, creating cold spots. Shop December through February, when stores clear inventory for spring.
2
towelS
Inexpensive options fray easily and lose their fufness. Ring-spun or 100% cotton is best, and look for loops that are tightly packed together.
Winter is when you’ll fnd bargains on towels.
3
SheetS Choose natural materials like cotton, silk or wool, rather than cheaper poly blends, to wick away sweat so you feel less moisture. HomeGoods and overstock.com have quality options at big discounts.
SoUrCES: Lance Brown, MD, board-certifed dermatologist, New York City. Donna DuarteLadd, style editor, Woman’s Day. reah Norman, fashion expert.
CLoCkWISE FroM ToP: CoUrTESY oF MANUFACTUrEr; gETTY IMAgES (2); SHUTTErSToCk.
Be frugal with…
at the gym
