My frugality vice is definitely Clorox Disinfecting Wipes. They aren't exactly a necessary purchase—or are they? Could I do the same thing with a washcloth and some spray cleaner, thus eliminating the need to throw out the used wipes? Sure, I could. But, I find that the benefits from this product—namely convenience, effectiveness, and germ-killing—are something I am willing to pay for. I like having them at my fingertips in the kitchen and bathrooms. They are quick to use. I'm more likely to grab a wipe and shine a grimy bathroom countertop on the fly than grab a clean rag and bottle of spray cleaner. I really like these wipes in the kitchen, where they are infinitely more sanitary for cleaning the counters, especially when cleaning up after preparing raw meats, etc.The true, fanatical, frugalite would surely eschew these, as they tend to fly in the face of reducing spending and waste. However, I look at it as a trade-off (kind of like the Kyoto Protocol but not with the dire consequences to our atmosphere): I religiously cut coupons, look for sales, and recycle; I buy used whenever possible, and do my homework before making any purchase. To me, that gives me a little leeway to use a product that truly makes my life easier and more efficient, thus saving me time.
What's your favorite not-quite-frugal-but-definitely-worth-it thing?
