If you have a bargain hunter's mindset, you might be tempted to buy the cheapest items you can find in every category from sport socks to Mississauga real estate, but did you know that doing so can actually cost you money in the long run? It's true! The best way to get the maximum bang for your buck is to make smart investments. If this is a new concept for you, let our buying guide introduce you to a new and better way to shop that will be easier on your pocketbook in the long run.

First, we will dismantle the myth that cheapest is always best. Say, for instance, that you were in the market for pruning tools. You visited several stores and found that your options were a top market brand for $20, a decent brand for $15, and a no-name brand for $5. Which one should you buy? Your bargain hunter's instincts will say the $5 item, but set them aside for a moment and consider the quality of the items. The is likely to fall apart after about a year, so if you buy it your cost will be $10, $15, $20 and more as you replace them yearly. Much better to go with the $15 or $20 model that will stand the test of time.

Don't get us wrong, we're not arguing that you should always buy the most expensive or the highest end item, because often it's not necessary. The Canadian Tire brand daylighting might be just as good as the name brand. The trick is to inspect all your options thoroughly and to read customer reviews and ask friends who own them before making your choice to see which items should be eliminated for poor quality.

The same goes for other aspects of buying, like homes or cars or even Punta Mita vacation rentals. If you choose the cheapest vacation rental only to arrive and find it leaking water and full of roaches, you'll end up shelling out for expensive nights at a hotel instead.

When you want to save money (which is always) choose the brand and item that you want first and then go looking for the best price on it. This method won't work with Muskoka catering but it will work on televisions, shoes, sweaters, suitcases, and any item that is carried by more than one store. Clip coupons, read flyers, and comparison shop until you find the best price.