"It's A Lifetime Purchase": 25 Things That People Say Seem Like A Splurge But Are Actually Worth Every Last Penny
Whenever I need to make a big purchase, I'm the type of person who needs to look at every possible option, read about a thousand reviews, and spend, like, six months just picking out which color I want. Why am I like this, you say? Because I'm terrified of dropping too much money on something that turns out to be an absolute waste.
Recently, u/poplarc asked people on Reddit to share things that seem like a splurge but are actually totally worth it in the long run, and I really loved learning about the items that people say are actually worth the price tag. Here are some of the top comments:
1."Tools last forever in most cases. I have a half inch Black and Decker model #1 electric drill and press. It was my great grandfather's, over a hundred years old. I just used it this weekend to run some half inch dowels through a mailbox post's cross lap joint."
2."For work from home folks like myself, an office desk chair. For years I had back and neck pains and frequently needed massage or other therapy until I invested in a setup that works for me. Now I'm not only saving on therapy, but I'm sure my body will thank me in the coming decades."
3."For me, it is a 100% natural latex orthopedic bed. It cost me maybe five times a basic spring bed one, but it alleviates my S.O.'s back pain he has been having for years. And while my small body needed a little time for adjustment due to the hardness, now I love it and wish I could transport it wherever I go travel (obviously won't since it's over 100 kgs weight). It's now just a little over two years old but looks as pristine as it was when I bought it. I expect it to last 30 years or more."
4."Litter Robot. I hate scooping litter more than anything. I hate the smell of cat pee, but love my kitties. I was using premium litter in a normal litter box, but I was able to switch to a cheaper litter without increasing smells. Plus, I go through litter about 40% slower with the auto sifter. In four or five years, the litter robot should pay for itself in litter savings."
5."I bought some New Balance shoes. They've lasted longer than any other shoe I've bought. I will buy them again when these go to that great shoe store in the sky."
6."3D printers. I bought one as a toy for me to have fun with. Turns out, just by making plastic parts for appliance and the odd modeling and printing contract, that thing paid itself four times over by the end of the first year I had it."
7."We bought a tap filter for the kitchen, and it's been a godsend in a town where I don't trust the water. Also, a water filter pitcher for the fridge. No more bottled water, and it tastes great! I also bought a glass carafe set for my bedside table. It has silicon around the bottom to keep it from sliding, and the glass fits over to the top of it like a lid. It was only $9. I'm drinking more water without having to think about it due to these purchases. Total investment: about $70. Total saved in two weeks: $9. But it will pay for itself in a few weeks in saved bottled water expenses, and I feel better overall."
8."Birkenstocks. For someone with flat feet, I have two pairs which I wear alternately every single day. It’s so comfortable and so far sturdy. I’ve had mine for over two years now, and they feel and look great."
9."A good TV. Mine lasted like 10 years, and it’s just now acting weird."
10."An enjoyable hobby. I bought an expensive acoustic guitar 15 years ago, but I have played the hell out of that thing and enjoyed it so much. Even though I play less often now, it’s a lifetime purchase that I’ll be able to enjoy at 90, god willing."
11."For day to day living, I'd say, an Instant Pot. Such a great, easy, effortless way to cook inexpensive food. But it's a waste of money if it's just going to clutter up your counter space, unused."
12."Good luggage. Sure, you can get lucky with a bag from TJ Maxx or somewhere, but most likely, the zipper will break or a wheel will come off. I'd rather get a really good quality brand that lasts a good while."
13."A quality toothbrush and water flosser. In my opinion, the best toothbrush ever made is the 2006 model of the Sonicare. It’s a giant, white, dildo-esque jackhammer that has kept me out of the dentist for nearly 20 years. Waterpik is a great way to floss and does a way better job. Tooth and gum health gets very expensive when you have to play catch-up and get crowns/veneers/extractions/fillings."
14."Good slippers! I dropped $145 on a pair of Stegmann wool slippers/clogs, but oh my God, it's so worth it. I wear them literally every day, and my back pain vanished nearly overnight. I've had them for three years now, and they're still going strong."
15."Period underwear. It was an investment initially, but now I only use pads on extreme flow days, meaning I've probably saved a lot of money on disposable feminine hygiene products."
16."Massage therapy. I use my HSA funds and go once a month. Keeps my body moving right and prevents long-term issues. Most people see it as an indulgence, but it's cheaper than a chiropractor, and I feel like it works better. Also, I'm more active now that things don't hurt which means I am overall healthier. Lower medical bills in the long run."
17."Electric cars. They're more expensive than gas cars, but the savings you get from the cheaper fuel source and less maintenance, combined with the federal and state (if you live in one that doesn't suck) money you can get for it, makes them cheaper in the long run if you keep it for a while."
18."Our Vitamix is just about to turn 10, still works perfectly after being used once or twice most days since we got it. I wouldn't expect a normal blender to survive that long, and even if so, they also do not blend near as well."
19."Lasik surgery by a good doctor. By the time I was an adult, I was so nearsighted that my eyes focused at literally four inches in front of my face. It's saving me years of appointments, glasses, and contacts, not to mention vastly increasing quality of life and eliminating my dependence on something very breakable."
20."Clothes and furniture that’s made of 100% natural fibers and materials. They just age beautifully. Linen clothes get softer, leather couches get a nicer patina, and solid hardwood just becomes vintage. I definitely get a lower lifetime cost per use."
21."Custom orthotics. Spent $300 since I have flat feet on some custom molded orthotics. Got them in 2016, and my podiatrist told me yesterday that they are still in good shape. My feet and ankles thank me eight years later."
22."Solar panels and a home battery."
23."A propane two-burner camp stove. I use it in my outdoor kitchen to save on my electric bill in the summer. The AC just can't keep up with cooking inside."
24."For me, a really great bag (messenger, backpack, etc). The bag I purchased was spendy, but I've had it for 10 years with zero issues. Also, a great pair of boots."
25.And finally, "The single greatest upgrade you can make to cheap bikes is buying new tires. My bicycle tires are 60 goddamn dollars a piece, and they aren't even considered 'expensive.' They are so, so much better than $45 tires, and anything below that is almost a joke. My favorite thing is when I switch from a $40 pair of tires after the snow is all melted to a $95 pair of tires, and I just fucking fly down the road. It's unbelievable how much more comfortable and how much faster you can ride on better, supple tires."
