My goodness…
I am 32 and I think that I may have actually leaned something, through trial and error, in my years of trying to survive.
Things I have learned:

1. Just buy the Campbell’s – two cans of decent soup is better than four of crap, and the no name stuff tastes like crap.

2. Buy decent dish soap – I used to buy the dollar store stuff until I realized that I was ALWAYS buying it. You use less of the decent stuff and the suddzy cleaning power lasts longer.

3. Buy decent tampons – don’t even let your eyes stray towards the cheap stuff. You are already experiencing the most uncomfortable time of every month; don’t make it worse by feeling like you have a wooden stick shoved up your jigaboo.

4. Pay for a decent haircut – you only have to look at those who don’t to know why.

5. Pay the 400$ for a decent pair of work boots – It is actually cheaper in the end. You go through the cheaper ones ten times faster and they are not as safe or comfortable.

6. Just buy name brand cosmetics – I used to buy the cheap ass stuff. Even bought a few dollar-store cover ups, till I realized that they make you look like a clown. The colour totally doesn’t match you and it cakes or streaks. The Brand stuff looks better, last longer, and the member’s cards give you lots of cool little gifts. That and my makeup people engrave my name in gold on all my containers. Totally cool. Hehehe

7. Buy the real perfume – the copy stuff is crap. It smells different and it does not last as long when you put it on. You also have to use more to get the same smelly effect.

8. Buy decent fabric softener – I just switched and am kicking myself for not doing it earlier. The old stuff would dry and cake in the corners of the dispenser and would leave residue in my machine.

9. Buy decent laundry soap – you use less and it cleans better.

10. I also recommend you buy liquid laundry soap – totally cleaner, with no residue in your machine or on your clothes.

11. Buy decent bras – if you have tits the size of mine a cheap bra creates headaches, backaches, stretch marks, lopsided shirts, and poor posture.

12. Buy decent green tea. Stay away from tea with stems. – There is a HUGE difference in taste and the other stuff is blaaaa.

13. Buy a decent yearly diary. – I don’t know about you but my diary organizer thingy is my lifeline. I am lost with out it. Spend the money, get the one you want and make sure it has a strong binding and looks classy. Why? Because everyone will be noticing it because it is always out of your bag.

14. Buy comfortable underwear. – The key word is comfort.

15. Only buy M&M’s in the summer. – They only melt in your mouth, not in your hand, or cupboard.

16. Buy a digital camera. – I am saving tons on film and processing fees.

17. Invest in an excellent rain jacket and a large umbrella – once you have them you will be using them all the time. Especially if you live in a country with a rainy season (Japan) or a province that rains all the time (BC).

18. Invest in a good purse. – Not a big one, back problems and sore shoulders are a result. Just a smaller to mid sized one of decent quality that looks classy and can be used with everything you wear. Also one that is easy to open and retrieve things. That way you will use it. The alternative is loosing your wallet. (Just ask my mom.)

19. Buy decent bed sheets – you will sleep better. If you are single it will give you brownie points when ‘guests’ are over.

20. I am right now seriously considering spending an extra 50 bucks every month and a half and doing my nails every two weeks instead of three. Every two weeks means always beautiful nails. Now I am spending the third week with some chips and the odd bandage to hold a broken nail. Starting to tick me off.

I am sure I have learned a lot more but this is plenty to mention for now.
Cheers.
WAIT!! 21: Buy good microbrewery beer from Canada. – It tastes great!!! Unfortunately, I am now allergic to yeast. But I remember loving it.