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Save or splurge: Leisure stuff

To get the most for your money, you need to know two things: when the good stuff is worth paying extra for and when the economy choice is plenty good enough.

Spiner Sport | $499
Stationary bike
Spiner Sport | $499
Save or spend: Save
The difference between home- and gym-quality exercise bikes isn't that great, says celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak: "Buy whatever you can afford and will use."

Even a simple spin bike with a heavy flywheel - like this Spinner Sport - will do.

Pay more for electronic readouts and heart monitors if you want, but "those bells and whistles aren't essential," says Cedric Bryant, chief science officer for the American Council on Exercise.

Driver

Golf balls

Grill

Bike

Treadmill

Drill
The kitchen Bring home the bacon and fry it up in a stainless steel, aluminum-core pan. (more)
The living room It doesn't take a Hollywood budget to feel like you've got front-row seats. (more)
The bedroom You spend a third of your life in bed. Why skimp on the mattress? (more)
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