I prefer to buy name brand most of the time. I usually get things on sale and with a coupon and it ends up being the same price or cheaper than the off brand. I keep a food storage for emergencies though, so I usually don't buy most things unless they are on sale, unless im out of something and really need it right now. It's just a habit i got into a long time ago. Clothes it just depends, I have to clothe three kids and they like the name brand stuff, i just bet it cheaper online on sales or at ebay, can get new with tags for a fraction of the price.