Many people stress over spending money on non-essential items. Why buy something when you can get a cheaper alternative and save the extra cash?
This frugal mindset doesn’t always pay off. Some items are worth the expense. It’s often better to buy one quality item that will last a long time and positively impact your life than to cheap out and buy the generic version repeatedly, suffering all the while.
While enjoying the R/askreddit community on Reddit, I found a thread asking users to share items things that are 100% worth the price.
Consider unfolding your wallet and upgrading your life with some of these purchases!
Pillow
A good pillow doesn’t cost much, but we often see the $5 Walmart pillow and think, “Eh, good enough.”
It’s not.
A good pillow can help you get a better night’s sleep, reduce neck and back aches, and feel overall refreshed.
As one user said, “Why not splurge on such an item and get the best one you can afford? Even a good pillow won’t break your bank.”
Contraceptive
Some people skip out on contraceptives because they can’t afford them, and if that isn’t short-sighted, I don’t know what is.
“Cost of condom $1, cost of not wearing condom, $200k+,” stated one user.
It’s true. Children are far more expensive than any contraceptive. You definitely can’t afford to have kids if you’re stressing over the cost of protection.
Movers
DIY moving is all the rage, but many folks won’t go back after hiring movers, even for a short-distance move.
“I hired movers the last time I moved, and it was the best thing I’ve ever done. They did it all, start to finish. It was the only stress-free move I’ve ever had,” shared one user.
I can relate. I hired movers for my last two moves, and although the cross-country one was expensive, it was worth every penny. The local one was much cheaper than I thought it would be, making moving a breeze.
The Dentist
We have a collective fear of the dentist, perhaps stemming from Steve Martin’s iconic character in Little Shop of Horrors.
In reality, the dentist isn’t that bad, and splurging on preventative care can save you loads of money and heartache in the long run.
Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as it seems, as dental care is unaffordable for many in the US. “Last time I saw a dentist in the US was 2010ish, and it cost me about 6 grand for a few cavities and cleaning,” said one user, who continued to say they decided to get work out of the country for far less.
Office Chair
If you’re an office worker, you’ll likely use your chair for eight hours a day. You don’t want to skimp on something that supports you so much.
“My new office chair was the reason I only rarely get sciatica pain now,” replied one user.
Another added that upgrading their office chair helped reduce back pain.
Bidet
Americans never embraced the bidet, but many users claim it’s life-changing and 100% worth the cost.
“I cut down my toilet paper use by 80%, and my butt has never felt cleaner,” exclaimed one user.
Another added that the bidet comes in handy during toilet paper shortages, as they discovered in 2020.
Retirement Savings
All too many of us skip out on retirement savings because we feel we need that extra cash in our pockets right now.
That’s a bad idea.
Saving for retirement is essential. You never know what the future holds. Many people are forced into retirement before they intended, and if you don’t have savings to fall back on, you may be in for a bumpy ride during your golden years.
TSA Pre-Check
If you’re a frequent traveler, TSA Pre-Check is worth every penny. It allows you to skip the security lines and get to your gate faster, saving you hours of time and stress.
Many Redditors agreed that it’s worth it even for occasional travelers, while others said Global Entry is a must if you travel internationally.
Travel
Traveling is expensive, but many users agree it’s worth the cost.
“I just came back from a trip to Tokyo with wife and kids. Totally worth it!” exclaimed one user.
I agree. I spend all my extra money on traveling. Nothing beats exploring ancient ruins, trying an unfamiliar cuisine, or seeing the world from a different perspective. The memories you make will last a lifetime.
I’ve never regretted spending money on a trip.
Home Inspection
With the home-buying frenzy of the early 2020s, many people decided to waive the legally required home inspection.
That’s a bad idea.
A house is one of the most significant purchases of your life. You need to know what could go wrong before putting so much money up.
Skipping a home inspection is a giant risk too many people can’t afford.
“I had a great inspector that found major non-disclosed structural issues with a house I put a deposit on. Walked away with all my money returned,” said one user, glad they didn’t buy a home with such a massive problem.
“ I just can’t put that much money on the line without having someone knowledgeable and able to have more than a 15-minute walk-through look at the house,” added another.
Some Things Are Worth the Money
It doesn’t always pay to be frugal. Sometimes, it’s worth spending money to enhance your wellness, prepare for the future, or make lasting memories.
Do you agree with Redditors that these items are worth the money? What else would you add to the list?