Making a big purchase is anxiety-inducing, especially if you're not sure it's worth the investment. A user on a popular online forum asked for advice: “What seemingly expensive purchase is the smart frugal purchase in the long run?” People shared their responses in the comments.
1. Construction
Suppose your home needs repairs or you plan to add an addition. In that case, hiring a quality contractor is essential rather than going for cheaper options. A botched job will cost you more in the long run when you hire a second maintenance specialist to fix someone else's mistakes.
2. Therapy
While therapy is expensive, especially because many therapists in the U.S. don't take insurance, taking care of your mental health is essential for your quality of life and your ability to make money.
According to one commenter, they pursued therapy to help resolve self-sabotaging behaviors and found success came much more naturally. “I've already received a return on investment financially, and I no longer feel like suffering is a fact of life.”
3. Tires
Good tires are worth the investment because they will last longer and keep you safer. If you drive your car daily, tires require a lot of wear, so always buy reputable tires.
4. Winter Coat
If you live somewhere that gets ice-cold in the winter, you want to invest in a high-quality winter coat. Cheaper winter jackets can be heavier than quality ones and still feel half as warm. Unfortunately, the cheaper the jacket, the quicker it will fall apart, and you will need to buy a new one.
5. Deep Freezer
While many people might wonder why on Earth they'd ever need a massive freezer, others believe purchasing a brand-name deep freezer can help save tons of money. Why? Because that way, you can buy food when deals are good and freeze fresh meats, fruits, and vegetables for weeks instead of relying on current prices for your daily meals.
6. Shoes
Good shoes can make or break your foot health. If you always purchase the cheapest shoes, you'll never get the arch support your feet deserve. That can lead to many problems that could lead to injuries that require physical therapy or even surgery to resolve. Prevent expensive procedures when you invest in high-quality footwear.
7. Mattress
“My dad always used to tell me, ‘There are two things in this world a man should never cheap out on. His boots and his bed, because if he's not in one, he's in the other,'” shares one commenter. This person's dad was a wise man. The average person spends one-third of their life in bed. Knowing that, don't you want to ensure your mattress is as comfortable and supportive as possible?
8. Cast-Iron Skillet
While non-stick pans typically cost a fraction of the price of a quality cast-iron skillet, investing in the latter will save you money in the long run. Non-stick pans will only last a couple of years before the non-stick materials begin to peel off. But according to one respondent, “I own a cast-iron skillet that's well over 70 years old. It looked the same when it belonged to my grandmother.”
9. Electric Toothbrush
If you live in the U.S., you probably know that good dental insurance is hard to come by. That means it's essential to care for your teeth every day. If you invest in a good electric toothbrush, chances are you'll need less dental work in your lifetime, which saves you from spending money and being in pain.
10. Solar Panels
If you're a homeowner, consider switching to solar power to fuel your electricity. While solar panels cost a big chunk of change upon installation, your electricity prices will surely drop significantly, saving you big overall, not to mention the bonus that it helps the environment.
Do you have any favorite purchases that cost a lot upfront but save you big in the long run?
This thread inspired this post.
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