I've been called "cheap" and I've been called "frugal", with the former heard more frequent than the latter. I at least try the private brand equivalent and then compare it to the national brand. I mean, all in the celebration of fairness?
Well, there are several items that I never skimp on (no matter my economic situation)...
1. Tide Detergent - Not Cheer or Gain because they are on sale. Nor do I deviate from the original formula, it is always regular Tide.
2. Regular Charmin Double Rolls - Well... I have a delicate anus. And with the ass-raping my IRA is taking, I hope they make a triple rolls soon.
3. Cascade Dishwasher Detergent - Come on! The Palmolive and Electrasol equivalents leave soap scum, etc on my dishes. I will not tolerate spots, Cascade has always proven its price.
4. Windex - Glass Plus and the private labels pale in comparison.
5. Original Listerine - No fruity or minty mouthwash for this old boy! The store brand isn't as strong. I find that mint mouthwash actually makes my breath smell worse!
6. Crest Toothpaste - Colgate and Aquafresh always tasted sugary to me. So I never buy them. Ohh... and I don't buy the whitening or any of the trendy varieties, just good old fashion Crest Cavity and Tartar protection. FACT: 38 years, I've never had a cavity.
7. Heinz Ketchup - Served at the Last Supper.
8. Brawny Papertowels - Despite the Brawny man shaving his trademark beard and delving into metrosexual culture, I still believe he makes a hell of a papertowel. This is the kind of papertowel that you can stretch a bit.
9. Lay's Potato Chips - Private labels are usually greasier and saltier, while Snyders and Golden Flake tend to be dry. Pringles? Nah-steeee! Regular Lay's potato chips or the Wavy variety when I feel the urge to dip!
10. Tropicana Orange Juice - I can't find "Low Acid" in any of the shelf space competitors or the private label.
Ok... there you have it! Now, what are some of the items that you never skimp on!