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Have you ever seen that meme floating around the internet?
You know, the one that goes something like “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it!”
Shopping can be an expensive endeavor; however, we all want reliable items that will last us a lifetime.
That’s why today we are showcasing 10 surprisingly sturdy products you’ll almost never have to replace.
While getting quality items means spending a bit extra up-front, in the long run these purchases pay for themselves many times over by eliminating the need to restock and repurchase worn-out or broken goods.
Get ready as we show you how buying once can dramatically improve your budgeting bottom line, and which products guarantee such longevity of use!
1. Old Microwave
They don’t make things like they used to, and this is especially true with electronics.
It seems new microwaves are built with a disposable mentality, meaning, expect it to work great for a couple years, then you need to buy a new one.
But older microwaves were built like tanks.
My parents still have the one they bought in 1985 and it’s still going strong.
2. Cast Iron Cookware
Many people report that as long as you take the proper care of cast iron cookware, it will last a lifetime, or more.
Some said they are still using pans from 1906 without issue.
The bonus to this type of cookware is the flavor of many food pops because of how you season the pan to make it last.
3. Kenmore Washer and Dryer
I can’t tell you how much trouble I’ve had with washers and dryers – unsurprisingly, Kenmore made none of them!
According to many, Kenmore appliances are the best-made laundry machines ever, and owners are shocked at their longevity. Imagine never worrying about your washer and dryer breaking – that sounds so nice.
4. KitchenAid Mixer
When it comes to making quality kitchen appliances, many people believe KitchenAid stands head and shoulders above the competition.
“My KitchenAid mixer was exactly my first thought when thinking about things still working well,” one woman confesses. “Mine is about 25 years old. My son uses my mom’s, which was a Christmas gift in 1972. And my niece uses my grandmother’s, which was purchased in 1960.”
5. Window Air Conditioner
Air conditioning units can be demanding, but only if you skimp on quality. Many people admit their small investment in quality air conditioning years ago has paid dividends.
In fact, thanks to routine maintenance, these same air conditioners are still going strong today!
6. A Roll-Top Desk
Spend ten minutes with my future mother-in-law, and you’ll be given one crucial bit of information: The lasting power of her antique roll-top desk!
She loves nothing more than talking about it — she explicitly brings up its expert craftsmanship and the fact that she still uses it daily. I hope to one day talk about a product with the enthusiasm she has!
7. A Toaster
Sometimes the most random gifts turn out to be homestead mainstays that are used for generations.
“My sister gives the most quirky gifts that are super hit-or-miss, like when I turned 18, and she got me a cute red toaster,” reveals one woman. “It was the dumbest, most random gift ever for that age. Well, I turned 36 last week, and guess who loves that damn toaster! Hindsight is 20/20.” (I need the name of this toaster manufacturer!)
8. A Laundry Basket
Even something as trivial as an inexpensive plastic laundry basket can work so well that nobody in their right mind would ever replace it. Talk about a timeless purchase!
“It’s a silly thing, but in the last year, I realized I had had the same plastic laundry basket for 40+ years that I got when I went to my first year of college,” explains one man. “It’s still perfectly fine and in regular use.”
9. Coffee Mugs
It’s easy to become emotionally attached to coffee mugs — after all, they’re usually reminders of past adventures, special people, or timeless moments in your life.
Therefore, they are exceedingly difficult to discard. Luckily, most coffee mugs are so well-crafted that countless people still use the ones they purchased decades ago!
10. Power Tools
It’s always surprising when electric-powered tools and devices hold up after nearly 50 years, right? “My grandpa gave me his tools before he died,” recalls one man.
“His power sander was purchased in 1976. It still works flawlessly, and I don’t think it’s ever going to run out of juice.” It sounds like Grandpa knew how to take care of his tools!
11. Singer Sewing Machine
When sewing machines were popular in homes in the early 1900s, Singer manufactured the very best of them.
It’s no surprise that these machines are still working today — many people tell stories of Singer sewing machines being passed on to them by their grandparents, and they are shocked at how well they still perform! (The sewing machine, not the grandparents.)
12. Older Cars
While all cars are not created equal, there’s something to be said about the people boasting complete customer satisfaction about their vehicle purchases.
Owners of specific model Fords and Toyotas manufactured in the early 90s proudly claim they still safely drive them in 2023, which is a testament to the quality that carmakers put into certain vehicles.
Slash Your Monthly Bills
With inflation rising, your monthly bills are likely getting out of control.
Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take. Use this guide to help you save up to $7,000 a year on your monthly bills.
SLASH YOUR MONTHLY BILLS AND SAVE
How To Invest In Yourself
We all know we grow wealth by investing in the stock market or putting our money into savings accounts.
But many of us are unaware that the best returns are by investing in ourselves.
When we improve ourselves, we have the ability to earn a lot more money, which makes it easier to become filthy rich.
LEARN HOW TO INVEST IN YOURSELF
Alternatives To Cable TV
Are you sick and tired paying your cable bill? In the past, your only option was going without TV.
But not anymore. Now there are many options out there. Here are the best ones to look into.
How To Pay Your Mortgage Off Early
If you have a mortgage, you know the monthly payment can be annoying.
You pay and pay and yet it feels like your balance never goes down. That all ends now.
Here are the best ways to pay off your mortgage early, in some cases, in half the time.
BEST TRICKS TO PAYING OFF YOUR MORTGAGE EARLY
Get Free PayPal Money
If you have a PayPal account, there are countless ways you can get free money.
Here is a look at the easiest ways to put some cash in your PayPal account today.
This thread inspired this article.
I have over 15 years experience in the financial services industry and 20 years investing in the stock market. I have both my undergrad and graduate degrees in Finance, and am FINRA Series 65 licensed and have a Certificate in Financial Planning.
Visit my About Me page to learn more about me and why I am your trusted personal finance expert.