My Signature Splurge or Save
Framework
The Splurge or Save Framework
Stop Guessing Where to Spend Your Money
After years of decorating my rental – and making expensive mistakes along the way – I’ve figured out exactly where to invest and where to save in every room.
Not generic budget advice. Not “cheap vs expensive.” A strategic decision-making framework that helps you spend money where it actually matters and skip the waste.
This is the method I wish I’d had when we moved into our rental. It would’ve saved me thousands.
The Framework:
Three Categories
SPLURGE
Foundational, Timeless, Portable
SAVE
Trendy, Replaceable, Seasonal
DUPE IT
High vs Low – Same Look, Different Price
How to Decide:
01. The Daily Use Test
Will I touch or see this every single day? – YES → Consider splurging (sofas, rugs, curtains, cookware) – NO → Save (seasonal decor, occasional-use items)
02. The Longevity Test
Will this last 5+ years? – YES → Splurge (quality furniture, timeless neutrals) – NO → Save (trends fade, cheap items break)
03. The Portability Test
Can I take this to my next rental? – YES → Splurge (furniture, rugs, storage, curtains) – NO → Save (built-ins, landlord-specific upgrades)
04. The Visual Impact Test
Does this change how the entire room feels? – High impact (rug, sofa, curtains) → Splurge – Low impact (small decor, hidden storage) → Save
Room By Room Guides
My Biggest Splurge or Save Mistake
I’ve made expensive mistakes, so you don’t have to. Here’s what I regret – and what I learned.
Most Costly Mistake: The $2,500 Sectional
What I bought: 5-seater Leather sectional with chaise and motorized recliner
Why I bought it: Floor model deal (saved $$$), looked luxurious, family of 5 needed big seating, thought the leather would be better with small children and spills.
The problem: Leather peels from heavy use. Kids treat it like a gymnasium (pieces don’t stay together).
Already worn from showroom use (floor model wasn’t the deal I thought). Requires constant maintenance (DIY leather paint to fix cracks)
How the Framework Prevents These Mistakes
If I’d used the Splurge or Save Framework before these purchases, here’s what would’ve changed:
Sectional
Daily Use Test: YES (family room seating) – Longevity Test: Should last 10+ years – Lifestyle Test: Kids? SKIP LEATHER. – Decision: Splurge on durable FABRIC, not leather
Square Pots
Visual Impact: Low (no one sees inside cupboards) – Function Test: FAILS (doesn’t stack, storage nightmare) – Decision: Choose round pots (function over aesthetics)
Tie Dye Rug
Daily Use Test: YES (vacuum weekly) – Lifestyle Test: High-maintenance? Shag Rugs and the vacuum don’t mix. SKIP – Decision: Flat-weave rug (easier maintenance)
Why I created this Framework:
I’ve bought the $2,500 sectional my kids destroyed. The square pots look beautiful, but don’t stack, and so many more. I’ve also bought the $1,500 credenza I use daily and still love six years later.
The 15-year-old Pottery Barn curtains from my baby shower are still perfect. Some purchases were worth every penny. Others were complete wastes. The difference?
Knowing when to splurge and when to save. As a renter, you can’t afford to guess. You can’t rip out a kitchen if you pick the wrong cookware. You can’t donate a $2,500 sofa without feeling the financial sting.
Every purchase matters more when you’re working within a budget and a lease. That’s why I created the Splurge or Save Framework – a system for making smart decisions about where your money goes in every room of your rental.
Let’s Go…
Start Using the Framework Today
Start applying the framework right now with my room-by-room guides.
Pick a room:
Ready to Stop Wasting Money?
The Splurge or Save Framework will change how you shop for your rental. Start here:
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