Remember, being frugal is different from being smart with money. While our savings are good, some purchases are fundamental to your health, happiness, and even long-term finances. How? Being cheap on some items actually costs you more over time since you’ll keep on changing them. Here are the 10 things that are worth spending extra money on.
10. Direct Flights Over Connections (When It Makes Sense)
Trust us when we say that nonstop is a better choice since it’s a shorter time and less chance of delay. Not to mention the overpriced meal you’ll likely spend on the airport waiting for your flight. So, yes, consider the hidden cost of that “cheaper” connecting flight. Paying a little premium for a direct flight will give you peace of mind and more pocket money for your travels.
9. Investing in Your Own Education and Skills
Investing in your knowledge will bring you the biggest return for your money. Yup, we’re talking about those major fees for graduate school or a minor purchase like a book and fitness classes. If you want to learn everything there is to your career, then don’t hesitate to take that professional certification course or language classes. Investing in yourself leads to career advancement and improved relationships, so they aren’t really a waste of hard-earned money.
8. Quality Bedding and Sheets
You must always prioritize your bedding as this will give you a restful sleep that impacts your overall well-being. Invest in high-thread-count sheets made from quality materials such as Egyptian cotton or linen that feel better on your skin and last longer than their cheaper alternatives. You spend a third of your life in bed; might as well give your body something good to rest in after a long day.
7. A Proper Office Chair
An ergonomic chair at home is an investment in your health. How? It will improve your posture and ease your body aches and pains after hunching for a long time. This is especially true if you’re working from home. Note that a quality ergonomic chair features proper lumbar support, adjustable armrests, and a seat height. While it may cost several hundred dollars, it’s cheaper than physical therapy bills.
6. A Reliable Car Seat (If You Have Children)
Did you know that car seats have expiration dates? Invest in a quality infant car seat and not the hand-me-down ones from your sister. You cannot compromise the safety of your child, so invest in a new, quality car seat that meets the current safety standards.
5. Ethically Sourced Coffee
While inexpensive coffee beans taste fine, think about how they are made. Getting them cheaply in the U.S. might mean that farmers who grew those beans are getting shorted. Beyond the ethical reasons, it’s a much higher-quality coffee that you should know, especially when you drink a cup daily. Just imagine that a fair trade and ethically sourced coffee will give fair compensation to farmers as you enjoy better-tasting coffee.
4. Professional Services
Don’t save your money for services you would need, like a mechanic or a plumber. And make sure that they are the best for the job to save yourself from horror stories. Cutting corners when it comes to professional expertise will lead you to costly mistakes and dangerous situations. While they may be heavy in the pocket, you’ll save yourself from the stress.
3. Quality Kitchen Knives
A nice set of kitchen knives is always worth the splurge, especially if you cook regularly. You see, cheap knives tend to dull quickly, which keeps your meal prep frustrating. Quality kitchen knives include a chef’s knife, paring knife, and serrated bread knife. Just sharpen them occasionally, as they last a lifetime.
2. Quality Shoes
Trust us, those cheap shoes will only last you months until you need to buy a new pair again. Pay a premium for durable shoes with Goodyear welt construction, which will allow a cobbler to easily replace worn soles. Opt for brands like Allen Edmonds, Birkenstock, and Dr. Martens as they’re known for their longevity.
1. A Quality Mattress
Never be a cheapskate when it comes to your mattress. Why? A good, quality mattress will provide maintenance of spinal alignment that will work through your pressure points easily. It will also give you a proper blood flow to your entire body. Meanwhile, a cheap mattress damages your back and neck, which will cost you your sleep.