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Save or splurge: The office

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.

Staples 10-sheet safety handle crosscut shredder | $100
Shredder
Staples 10-sheet safety handle crosscut shredder | $100
Save or spend: Spend
You can find a shredder for as little as $20, but if you skimp that much, the motor will probably burn out on you.

While you don't need the deluxe Enron evidence grinder, focus on the $100 mark to ensure reliable shredding for years.

This Staples model delivers all the necessities: crosscut capability (meaning it makes confetti rather than strips), 10-sheet capacity (for those unopened credit-card offers) and the ability to cut credit cards and CDs.

Desk chair

Laptop

Printer

Shredder
Leisure stuff Don't handicap your wallet by paying too much for the latest gear. (more)
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)
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