Three things you should never skimp on

Sometimes it just doesn't pay to be cheap.

You cut coupons, buy store-brand everything and wouldn't dream of eating out unless it's an all-you-can-eat buffet (and you have a doggie bag hidden in your purse). But face it -- there are some things in life that you should not skimp on. The three biggies are footgear, mattresses and tires.

If the shoe fits ... wear it
If your walking habits are anything like the average person's, you'll log 115,000 miles in your lifetime, according to "Walking Magazine." But your body can feel like you take on this trek daily if the shoes you wear aren't foot-friendly.

Michael Gazdar, a chiropractor and author of Taking Your Back Into the Future, explains that most consumers often "buy cheap shoes, or shoes that are too soft and don't offer proper arch support. The midline of the foot starts to cave in, causing legs to start misaligning, causing pain in the knees and the pain goes into the hips into the lower back and up into the neck" ... and the knee bone's connected to the thigh bone ...

Don't grab for the most expensive pair of kicks just yet -- quality and construction are more important than a big ticket. Shoppers may think $150 shoes are the best on the market, but Gazdar says that they often have "too much cush." He says that the best shoes are in the $50 to $80 range, as long as they have the proper arch support. Ladies, choose the lowest heel that is still fashionable and make sure your shoes have a good arch support. Don't cram your feet into a constricting toe box.

But even a good pair of shoes won't compensate for a bad night of sleep.

You made your bed, now lie in it
You sleep away one-third of your life, so ... come on, get comfy!  A cheap mattress can be a nightmare and, when you are shopping for a mattress, "You get what you pay for," according to Gazdar.

The best mattresses have the most springs per square foot, creating a fairly firm platform that supports your spine.  Gazdar recommends brands such as King Koil, $200 to $1,000; Spring Air, $550 to $1,200; and Sealy, $100 to $2,500.

If you share your bed with someone else, an adjustable bed is the way to go.  While they may cost a pretty penny -- Regin sells adjustable mattresses for $300 to $2,000 -- you can tailor your side of the bed to your comfort level.

"No two spines are the same," says Gazdar. He says he often hears from couples who share a standard mattress that one of them will sleep soundly, while the other is left tossing and turning. 

Again, the most expensive bed doesn't necessarily mean that it is the best for your body. Don't be afraid to take the mattress for a test drive. Lie on it, roll around and pretend you're settling in for a few winks, so you can make sure you're getting the ultimate comfort for your money.

Burn some rubber -- not your pocket
Beyond comfort, there are investments you should make for your safety and the safety of others. Properly fitted, well-maintained tires can mean the difference between life and death.  The inside panel of your driver's door tells you the size, type and tread of tires the manufacturer has determined is best for your car.  However, the manufacturer doesn't solve the mystery of which brand to buy. Are the name brand, top-of-the-line tires worth the extra dough?  Professionals disagree.

Kristen Udowitz, spokeswoman for the Tire Industry Council in Washington, D.C., says that all tires have to meet federal regulations, so anything beyond the basic tire is "more bells and whistles," she says.  By regularly checking the tire pressure and wear with each trip to the gas station, your tire will perform better and last longer.

"A better tire is perceived as having a better degree of safety and security," says Kerry Crowder, manager of Tire Kingdom, a tire retailer in Lantana, Fla.  He suggests that when it comes to tires, you should buy "the best you can afford." But Crowder says that most people can't tell the difference between a top-of-the-line and a standard tire when driving.

So the choice is left up to you. Basic tires run as low as $43 each or as high as $300. For example, there are some new tires advertised to be puncture resistant. They are a little more difficult to find, but you may think they're worth the extra money if you are afraid of getting stranded with a flat somewhere, according to Crowder.

"They are especially good for women or someone who doesn't want their safety compromised," says Crowder. But that safety comes with a stiff price tag.   Each tire costs more than $100.

Now, we're not saying you have to break the bank the next time you are shopping for necessities. We all have cash limits to live with. Rather, sometimes just watching for quality brands and the construction that suits you is the best investment you can make.