10 ways to save by spending

Time is money. If your hourly income is more than what you would pay for someone else to clean the house, walk the dog or mow the lawn, then hiring some help makes financial sense.

Jennifer Litwin, an author and consumer reporter, says grocery delivery can be a big timesaver. Among the service's advantages, Litwin listed "avoiding the new, long self-check-out lines; getting fruits and vegetables that are well wrapped and packed; and shopping from the comfort of your own home while still being able to take advantage of sales."

The time saved from outsourcing some of your daily chores can be used to relax after a long day at work, log in some extra face time at the office or brainstorm new investing ideas. 

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Sloppy outfits are not exactly an express ticket to the C-suite. While Silicon Valley is known for its casual-office environment, rocking the hoodie in a typical business setting may elicit some unwanted attention -- even if you're Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

Fanya Chandler, Nordstrom's national stylist director, advises investing in core pieces. This means men should splurge for a high-quality suit, while women should spend a little more on a dress, skirt or jacket. Blouses are an item where women can scale back a little, she says.

Loren Bendele, the CEO and co-founder of Savings.com, suggests investing in handbags, well-made jeans and staple children's clothing as well.

"The most expensive item you'll buy is the one you never wear," he cautions.   

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If you've found The One (or narrowed it down to one for now), don't forget about date night.

While anniversaries are often associated with splurging, Bendele notes that surprising your plus-one with tickets or going out to dinner can help build lasting memories.

"Date nights don't necessarily have to be expensive, either," he says. "Picnics on the beach, breakfast in bed and candlelight dinners at home are always big events."

Research from the National Survey of Families and Households provides further evidence of the importance of some alone time.

"Indeed, the predicted probability of divorce for those who rarely had couple time was 21% for both wives and husbands, but only 14% for wives and 10% for husbands who reported having couple time almost every day," wrote researchers from the University of Virginia's National Marriage Project.

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Depending on the extent of your burgeoning financial empire, adding a trusted financial adviser to your payroll may be a good idea. Experts have years of experience that they can draw on to grow your portfolio, while you can concentrate on your own career. But be sure to keep tabs on your accounts, and ask questions to make sure that the adviser's investing values and philosophies match your own. 

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"That's bone. And the lettering is something called Silian Rail," boasts Patrick Bateman in "American Psycho," in which he exhibits some serious business-card envy.

For this tip, though, skip the corporate competitiveness and concentrate on the basics.

Entrepreneur.com suggests sticking to the standard business-card size (3.5 by 2 inches), keeping cards simple and including relevant contact information, including company name, phone number, email address and website address.

Critical information should be relegated to the front, since business cards often spend the rest of their days in card holders that obscure the backs.

While many companies will provide employees with cards, this suggestion is especially useful for people trying to expand freelance or side businesses.   

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Buying high-quality tools can save you time and the cost to repair a leaky drain if you learn to use them correctly. But don't be tempted to quit your day job to become Ms. Fix-It full time for your home. If a problem arises that is beyond the scope of your skills, call a pro. 

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With average 30-year and 15-year fixed mortgage rates at record lows, homeowners should consider whether now is a good time to refinance. The 30-year home loan rate dipped to 3.59% in late August, says Freddie Mac.

"Record-low mortgage rates and low home prices are making homebuying more attractive to Americans, and refinancing is a perfect example of spending money so you save more in the long run," Savings.com's Bendele says. 

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With the average price of a wedding climbing to more than $27,000 last year, according to the Real Weddings Survey, couples-to-be may want to consider wedding insurance. Several companies offer policies that vary in coverage type and level to help couples recover lost expenses if plans go awry.

Anja Winikka, TheKnot.com's site editor, says couples should not skimp by forgoing a gratis bar for guests or a reputable photographer for the big day. She also suggests spending for some professional help to help coordinate the wedding festivities.

"As much as you want to take on the creativity of DIY activities for elements of the wedding, the last thing you want to do on the day of the event is worry about the flowers, food, etc.," Winikka says. "There are some vendors that should be hired professionally to avoid a stressful wedding day."   

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Sporting events, Broadway, concerts -- these are the few occasions when upgrading seats and paying a little extra may be worth it. But this does not mean that splurging for VIP passes is the best idea, either. Aim for the middle ground for maximum enjoyment with minimal impact on your wallet. This also applies to family vacations.

"You can't put a price tag on the lifelong memories from family vacations," Bendele says. "It is important to spend time together, and whether you plan a modest vacation or a more extravagant one, enjoying time spent together is a highly valuable investment."

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Rubbing elbows at relevant networking events is another area where it is important to spend. Investing in memberships in professional societies, in addition to dinners and fundraisers, provides plenty of opportunities to further your career or catch up on the latest news in your industry.

The same goes for personal-development seminars and courses, as long as you make use of them, says J.D. Roth, the founder and editor of the personal finance blog Get Rich Slowly.

"Any personal development is a good investment, if you ask me," he says. "But only if you act on the things you learn. Just going to a bunch of seminars won't make you a better person. You have to put the things you learn into practice."   

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