Sometimes, saving means spending. Most of the time, this is because buying a quality product will greatly reduce or maybe even eliminate the need for replacement down the road. Here are ten things that you should splurge on, not because you like to waste money but because you know you sometimes get what you pay for.
1. A quality mattress. You work hard and you will spend hour after hour on it. Make an invest in your sleep and get something comfortable. And get some good linens for it. If a new mattress is out of the question right now, think about getting a quality mattress pad.
2. Kitchen knives. Good ones can last forever and they make cutting so much easier (and safer).
3. Electric toothbrush. I fought getting an electric toothbrush for a long time - because I am cheap after all - but it cleans so much better than a manual one and you are likely saving yourself from future painful, both physically and fiscally, dentist visits.
4. A good coat. If you live any place where it drops below 40 degrees and snows or rains a lot, a warm and WATERPROOF (not resistant) coat is worth it. Time and distance will move ever so slowly when you are wet and cold. But thankfully there are sales on coats throughout the year, particularly around the holidays and at the end of winter. Or shop sites like REI Outlet and Backcountry Outlet.
5. A good phone case. A MUST if you have children. My case is still rather cute and it is completely smash/waterproof. My phone goes down daily with no problems. It did cost me $70, but that sure beats spending $600+ on a new phone.
6. Professional hair care. Your hair is one of the first things people notice about you. Plus, you feel like a million bucks when you look good. It is worth it.
7. Appliances. Like a good stove or washer and dryer. You use these practically every single day. While I am not saying go for the most expensive with all the bells and whistles (my husband swears we need the fridge with the TV in it...), do not go for the cheapest option either. Buy something that will last and something that is reliable (look for ratings).
8. Buying in bulk. When I see something I regularly use on sale, I often stock up. Last week, I bought five of my favorite deodorants, six things of toothpaste, and several things of wild salmon because we use these items all the time and they were all on mad sale. My storage shelves and freezer are stocked and I can wait to buy these items until the next sale (or one or two after that). However, you must learn to control your urge to go too crazy (no one likes a hoarder) - be mindful of expiration dates, how much space you have, will you really use it, etc.
9. Car. A good car that is a couple years old is where it is at. We all know a new car is never a good investment, but buying something that is really cheap will likely cost you in the long run through high maintenance costs as well as having to buy another one sooner rather than later. Additionally, you should research the make and model of the car for its reliability - I am partial to Toyotas and Hondas because, while they cost a little more to buy, they last and last and last. I learned my lesson with an Audi...
10. Vacations. Adjust your budget so that you can put a little bit aside each month for getting away somewhere special at least once a year. It can be a weekend getaway a couple hours away or a month long escape across an ocean. I know when I think about my best memories from this last decade or so, most of them are from vacations (I rarely remember when or where I bought a piece of clothing or electronics or something).
What are some items you like to splurge on that save you down the road?
2. Kitchen knives. Good ones can last forever and they make cutting so much easier (and safer).
3. Electric toothbrush. I fought getting an electric toothbrush for a long time - because I am cheap after all - but it cleans so much better than a manual one and you are likely saving yourself from future painful, both physically and fiscally, dentist visits.
4. A good coat. If you live any place where it drops below 40 degrees and snows or rains a lot, a warm and WATERPROOF (not resistant) coat is worth it. Time and distance will move ever so slowly when you are wet and cold. But thankfully there are sales on coats throughout the year, particularly around the holidays and at the end of winter. Or shop sites like REI Outlet and Backcountry Outlet.
5. A good phone case. A MUST if you have children. My case is still rather cute and it is completely smash/waterproof. My phone goes down daily with no problems. It did cost me $70, but that sure beats spending $600+ on a new phone.
6. Professional hair care. Your hair is one of the first things people notice about you. Plus, you feel like a million bucks when you look good. It is worth it.
7. Appliances. Like a good stove or washer and dryer. You use these practically every single day. While I am not saying go for the most expensive with all the bells and whistles (my husband swears we need the fridge with the TV in it...), do not go for the cheapest option either. Buy something that will last and something that is reliable (look for ratings).
8. Buying in bulk. When I see something I regularly use on sale, I often stock up. Last week, I bought five of my favorite deodorants, six things of toothpaste, and several things of wild salmon because we use these items all the time and they were all on mad sale. My storage shelves and freezer are stocked and I can wait to buy these items until the next sale (or one or two after that). However, you must learn to control your urge to go too crazy (no one likes a hoarder) - be mindful of expiration dates, how much space you have, will you really use it, etc.
9. Car. A good car that is a couple years old is where it is at. We all know a new car is never a good investment, but buying something that is really cheap will likely cost you in the long run through high maintenance costs as well as having to buy another one sooner rather than later. Additionally, you should research the make and model of the car for its reliability - I am partial to Toyotas and Hondas because, while they cost a little more to buy, they last and last and last. I learned my lesson with an Audi...
10. Vacations. Adjust your budget so that you can put a little bit aside each month for getting away somewhere special at least once a year. It can be a weekend getaway a couple hours away or a month long escape across an ocean. I know when I think about my best memories from this last decade or so, most of them are from vacations (I rarely remember when or where I bought a piece of clothing or electronics or something).
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| Vietnam 2014 - We saved and saved and saved to go to this amazing hotel with its own tram (but I did walk the steps several times to try to walk off all the damn calories I consumed...) |
