A lot of people like to spend as little as possible for things. Hey, why not stretch a dollar as far as a you can? But there are a few things that you just shouldn't scrimp on. In fact, sometimes you should spend top dollar and walk away from the transaction unquestioningly pleased with yourself.

Consider this: Your day would be completely ruined if you fell off of Earth.

You'll never find a mountaineer who would argue that point.. And mountaineers will tell you that the best way to prevent falling off is to be attached to our Mother Planet with the best equipment.

We all know how good Firestone tires have done. Drive behind an eighteen wheeler who went cheap on tires as the retreads blow across your hood and windshield. That's why I drive on Michelin steel belted tires. Always have. Always will.

Ever have a bad night on a folding sofa - or just a cheap mattress? You spend a third of your life sleeping - attached to the planet with a mattress. Don't risk FALLING OFF! Get a good mattress.

Of course, there was nothing like pulling an all-nighter in the dorms in chairs that wouldn't be legal in airport waiting room. Again, drop a wad on a good chair for your office - and for that matter on the chair in your living room or family room. Otherwise, you'll suffer the consequences and float off to some hellfire planet like Mars and be miserably hot.

I had a friend who scoffed when I bought a pair of Johnston & Murphy dress shoes for a couple of U.S. Grants. But he not only constantly complained about sore feet, he spent twice as much on shoes as I did because he replaced his Thom McAns every three months. Sure, I've only had to resole my J&Ms once in ten years - but even better, I have NEVER fallen off Earth.

So, when it comes to saving a few bucks, do it with underwear - if you wear any at all. Don't, however, go cheap on the one thing that matters most - staying earthbound.

Greg Brennan was recently discovered by Get Lost Magazine as a long lost member of the Golden West Junior High School grammar club. He was commanded to write an article, then diagram it on the blackboard.