We all love stretching our hard-earned cash as far as possible – but there are times when it’s better to go all in. We’re not talking about paying exorbitant fees for basic things. We’re talking about using your discretion to know when you probably shouldn’t haggle, wait for a sale, or get it on the cheap.

Here are seven examples we think are better to indulge in than scrimp on:

1 Insurance
The idea is simple: Pay a little each month to avoid paying a crippling amount in the event of a loss. Medical aid, car insurance, and life insurance are the essentials (life insurance is only an essential if you have children/dependants or own property). Add on household insurance if you can for a little more peace of mind.

2 Upkeep
Household upkeep works on the same principle as insurance. A little here and there in maintenance fees goes a long way toward avoiding hefty bills and the real inconvenience of repairing things, like burst geysers and serious roof damage.

3 Higher learning
Whether you want to up skill and improve your current work prospects, or you’re looking for a change in direction, that part-time course you’ve been eyeing will be worth it. Knowledge and skill are always worthwhile.

4 GP visits
These can be quite pricey, but the price of a check-up is better than the scary price involved in treatment for a serious illness. Regular check-ups will ensure that you aren’t in the dark about anything that can be prevented or easily fixed if caught early. You should be getting a Pap smear and a skin mole exam every three years, along with a dental exam every six months to a year, and a cholesterol test as often as your GP tells you to. After 40, add mammograms and blood sugar tests every two to three years to the list of non-negotiables.

5 Haircuts
You know this – if that price for that cut looks too good to be true, it probably is. Save yourself the few extra hundred by getting it right the first time so you don’t have to shell out a second time to fix the botched job.

6 Quality fashion
Specifically, invest in good shoes and handbags. Accessories often make better investment pieces than clothing (especially when they are luxury level leather pieces), as they give you better cost per wear – you can’t wear the same dress every day for a month, but you can do that with a handbag. Also invest in good outerwear. A good winter coat can last years, and will give you almost as much wear as a great pair of shoes. Choose well and your investment pieces will be well worth the cash.

7 Wellness
If you know that keeping fit isn’t something you can do on your own, it is something you should pay for. Exercising alone with a DVD or some Youtube videos isn’t for everyone, but no one should neglect physical health. Far too many of us do. Invest some time and money in finding a form of exercise you enjoy and sticking to it. There are StairMasters and treadmills at the local gym for the more straightforward, Zumba and hip hop dance classes for a little more fun, and running clubs for those who enjoy groups and the great outdoors. Also spend a bit more on fresh, healthy food. Good fuel plus proper maintenance equals top performance.

Text: Fairlady