When to Pay Full Price: Eight Things to Avoid Skimping Out On

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Who doesn't love a bargain—especially on pricey items? While skimping and saving on things like nail polish and tank tops might not be a big deal, there are certain items that ShopSmart magazine—the un-biased no-ad publication—says are worth dishing out bigger bucks for.

“According to a new ShopSmart national poll, more than three-quarters of American women buy stuff they don’t need just because it’s on sale,” said Lisa Lee Freeman, editor-in-chief of ShopSmart, in a statement. “At ShopSmart, not only do we work to find our readers the best deals on items they purchase every day, but we also want to be sure consumers know that there are some items on which they can’t afford to cut costs.”

1. Paint: Even though you can find a gallon of paint for as little as $11, cheaper paint will take several coats to cover a single wall, and it likely won’t hold up for an extended period of time.

2. Gas Grills: Look for features such as premium-quality burners, stainless-steel grates, and heavy-duty construction. You should realistically expect to spend at least $150 for a quality product.

3. Big-Screen TVs: If you’re investing in a really big screen television—50 inches or more—you’ll want to own it for a while. So go for as big a screen as you can afford from a reliable brand.

4. Blu-Ray Players: Instead of replacing one cheap DVD player with another cheap DVD player, consider trading up to a Blu-ray player, which supplies true high definition to your high-def TV.

5. Fire Protection: Aerosols such as First Alert Tundra are much cheaper than traditional fire extinguishers and may look like they’re easier to use, but they’re a lot less effective as well--a true safety concern in the event of an emergency.

6. Mattresses: Can you really afford to not get a good night’s rest? Don’t spend below $800 for a queen-size set or you’ll risk years of sleepless nights and all the effects associated with sleep deprivation.

7. Grass Seed: Inexpensive blends may contain a large percentage of weeds and annual grass seeds, which will die after one season. Spend more for the good stuff.

8.Canister Vacuums: Cheaper vacuums can be both ineffective and frustrating, so expect to spend around $200 and up for a quality product.