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Are you looking for ways to upgrade your life without breaking the bank?
We all love a good bargain, but sometimes, spending a bit more on high-quality items can make a huge difference in our daily lives.
Whether it’s investing in timeless wardrobe staples or snagging the latest must-have tech gadgets, there are some essential items that are definitely worth the splurge.
Here, we’ll look at which ones should stay on top of your shopping list and why they might be mathematically well worth the extra cost over time.
1. Therapy
Seeing a therapist has had a negative connotation for a long time. But ask anyone who has seen a therapist, and they will tell you it is the best money they have ever spent.
One person said, “I’ve spent a lot and it’s been the absolute best investment. You need a good therapist though, otherwise you can burn a lot of cash for very little return.”
Another added, “My therapist has made a fortune just on my business but hell I am a whole different person today.”
2. Housekeeper
A clean and tidy living space can drastically improve your mood and stress levels.
Having a professional housekeeper can take that a step further by relieving you of the cleaning duties and giving you more time to focus on work and family.
3. Regular Doctor Checkups
Regular doctor appointments are essential to preventive health and can save money in the long run.
By seeing your doctor routinely, you can detect symptoms early on that may indicate a more serious issue, allowing you or your doctor to prescribe treatments or lifestyle changes before any underlying problems become too great.
This means fewer unnecessary procedures or expensive medications due to complications that could have been dealt with earlier, allowing you to stay healthier and out of the ER or hospital as much as possible.
Even if your regular visit doesn’t lead to diagnostic tests or a major treatment plan, it’s still worth considering the cost compared with what might happen if a potential problem is left unchecked.
As one person said, “Regular checkups at the doctor. Many issues are way easier to deal with early.” and over 130 others agreed.
4. Mattress
Hands down, the most popular response was a good quality mattress. It was mentioned a handful of times throughout the thread.
As one person puts it, “A good mattress. You spend such a high amount of your life on one. I finally bought a really high quality one after years of going cheap. Never again will I skimp.”
“Spending extra on a good mattress. You’re going to spend a third of your life laying on a mattress. That’s not something that worth saving a few hundred bucks for.”
And another summarizes it up with, “And it directly affects the other 2/3 of your life.”
5. A Tailor
Having professionally tailored clothes is a costly undertaking. But many people have realized how amazing they feel when wearing clothing that properly fits them.
As one person says, “Most men hate wearing suits and sports coats but when you’re measured by someone and get a properly sized shirt and a jacket that has enough room in the chest yet is cinched in the waist, you look like a million bucks while wearing it comfortably.”
6. Investing in a Roth IRA
There is power behind investing money in a Roth IRA. This is primarily due to the money you invest grows tax-free. While putting money into a 401k plan at work is also smart, you should not overlook the power of a Roth IRA.
As one commentor shares, “I can confirm, I just opened one as soon as I turned 18 and put $250 away every month. Year and a half later, I have $4,500 saved up and with projected consistency, I will have over $300,000 by the time I retire (if I continue to put $250 away each month, which I certainly will not and will raise the amount when I comfortably can) so who knows how much I’ll really have by the age of 65.”
And while there are income limits to who can contribute, there are ways around this.
7. Eating Healthier
Eating healthy may initially appear to cost more than its unhealthy alternative. However, the benefits that come with it are often worth the investment when considering long-term effects.
Healthy meals help boost energy levels, improve memory and concentration, prevent chronic illnesses, and bolster overall physical health.
Moreover, you will enjoy meals with greater taste and longer-lasting fullness due to increased fiber content. All these benefits can add years of improved life quality, making a healthy eating lifestyle worth every bit of the additional cost.
“Eating healthier is definitely worth the perceived extra cost (if done right it’s actually cheaper than constantly eating fast food).”
Another adds, “You can eat healthier things that are cheaper, I don’t think that’s what’s stopping people so much, I think it’s the longer prep time that’s the issue.”
At the end of the day, you can eat healthier and spend less money on groceries with a little effort.
8. Drain Snake
A drain snake is an item that most people would not think about. As commenter puts it, “One of those drain snakes. Man, what a disgusting lifesaver.”
Another chimed in, “I swear I pulled out what looked like a fully grown Pomeranian the other day from the shower drain.”
But why the need for a drain snake? The average hourly rate for a plumber is $100. You are looking at double this cost in an emergency or on the weekends. You can save yourself a lot of money with a bit of elbow grease and a drain snake.
As one person sums it up, “And the money is nothing too btw, you can get a plastic one for like $5 and it will do more than $200 of Liquid Plumr.”
9. Good Shoes
Not only is having well-fitting clothes worth the investment but so too are shoes. In fact, they are more of a priority to many people.
“Good shoes. Bad shoes will trash your whole body.”
Another added, “Even more than that, people are so used to bad shoes that they really don’t understand. Truly good shoes will make your knees, back, neck and your whole body feel like a new person.”
10. Regular Dental Visits
Not many people enjoy visiting the dentist, including me.
But the more you go for your routine check up, the better off you will be.
This is because the dentist will be able to spot issues earlier, which will save you money and pain.
Filling a cavity won’t break the bank or cause you to cry out in pain like a root canal!
11. Bidet
While popular in Europe, bidets are now becoming a thing here in the United States. As a result, this answer popped up in this thread as well.
“I got an inexpensive one online for about $30.00, and it has wrecked me for other toilets. I seriously don’t want to go anywhere there isn’t a bidet. Just do it.”
“Mine has a heated seat. Huge quality of life upgrade. I feel so much cleaner.”
12. Hiring Movers
Moving when you are young involves calling up your buddies, asking for help, and paying them with pizza and some beer. The reality is, however, no one likes to help their friends move. It is hard work that leaves you bruised and sore.
The solution is to hire movers. So many commented that hiring movers was the best thing they ever did. But there are some warnings.
One person said, “Yes, but you need to do your diligence when hiring. My ex and I learned a lot when we hired a moving company – there is so much that people need to know with them.”
Another added, “I have never had someone talk about movers without mentioning things they owned disappearing. Never once. That’s enough for me. Maybe if I just had them do the furniture, and I took all my personal effects myself, would I consider it.”
13. Dishwasher
Many people say having a high quality dishwasher is critical.
Not only does it save time cleaning up, but it saves water compared to handwashing.
Some people even recommend having two units – one for plates, glasses and silverware, and the other for pots and pans.
14. Gym Membership
Keeping yourself healthy can lead to a longer and happier life.
Getting a gym membership is a step you can take to ensure that you’re taking care of your body.
Exercise also releases endorphins, which can help you feel better and give you more energy throughout the day.
15. A Good Office Chair
Introducing this superb chair designed to elevate your workspace experience to new heights.
Crafted with sumptuous leather upholstery that exudes elegance, you’ll enjoy the utmost comfort with its plush cushioning that molds to your body.
Every intricate detail has been meticulously considered, ensuring both style and functionality.
Get ready to make a lasting impression with unparalleled comfort and timeless sophistication.
16. Quality Tires
When it comes to ensuring the smooth and safe operation of your car, there’s no need to search beyond a reliable set of high-end tires.
These exceptional tires not only offer extended durability but also provide a range of benefits that surpass those of regular tires.
With their superior performance, you can expect improved cornering, enhanced handling, and greater stopping power.
Moreover, the quality of these tires ensures their longevity, significantly outlasting cheaper brands and offering you extended peace of mind on the road.
Upgrade your driving experience with these premium tires, and you’ll never settle for anything less.
Things Money Can’t Buy
When we think of money, we think of all the things we would buy if money weren’t an issue. But it is important to look at the priceless things money can’t buy.
Usually these things lead to far greater happiness, so it is important you remember to be grateful that you have these in your life.
Live A Life Of Unlimited Wealth
It’s important to stop every once in a while and appreciate the things you have in life.
And with a different perspective, you may find you are far wealthier than you ever imagined.
HOW TO LIVE A LIFE OF UNLIMITED WEALTH
Good Money Habits To Have
In order to get ahead financially, we need to develop good habits. Most people talk about bad money habits to get rid of.
Here are good money habits you need to follow if you want to take the next step financially.
17 GOOD MONEY HABITS TO DEVELOP
How Much Does Happiness Cost
How much money would make you happy?
This number is different for everyone, but in most cases, it is a lot less than you think. Find out where you stand compared to others.
Best Ted Talks On Personal Finance
Ted Talks are a great way to learn about a new topic in a short amount of time. They can be a springboard to getting better educated in many areas of life.
One great example is money. Here are the best Ted Talks on money that will help you start improving your finances so you can live a better life.
BEST TED TALKS ON PERSONAL FINANCE
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.