If things just aren't up to snuff, don't settle for less. Who cares if it saves money when it costs so much in terms of satisfaction? You know how to navigate your way through the bargain basement like a pro, because you know quality when you see it: not because you're a cheapskate. So focus on what kind of value you can get out of things, not on how much you can get for your dollar. In the long run, you will save much more money with this philosophy.