In spite of the old saying that you get what you pay for, we all know that quite often, what’s most expensive doesn’t have the best quality or value. However, there are some things that absolutely are worth spending top dollar on. Keep these in mind when you make spending decisions.
Health
Health care is expensive; we all know that. However, skimping on it, especially preventive care, frequently leads to bad results. Also, maintaining your own health through a good diet and exercise can be expensive, but you’ll look and feel better and will typically live longer.
Good Divorce Lawyers
Divorces can be messy, painful, and expensive. If you ever have to go through one, you’ll be tempted to save money by hiring a cheaper lawyer. You’ll probably regret it if you do.
Mattresses
Good mattresses come with hefty price tags, and it’s fair to ask why they’re so expensive. You can’t change that, though, and you might as well spend more. It will last longer, you’ll sleep better, and your back will thank you for it.
Shoes
You don’t have to buy the most expensive pair of shoes you can find, but you should avoid buying cheap shoes. Quality shoes last longer and provide better comfort, which is important for your back, knees, and feet.
Tires
Replacing tires is something no one looks forward to since even cheap tires aren’t really that cheap. Spending the money for better tires results in better handling and durability, though.
Direct Flights
No one really understands why it costs a lot less to take two or three flights that zig-zag across the country rather than one direct one, but that’s the way it is. Unless there’s a huge difference between a direct fare and one with connections, you’ll be happier spending more so that you spend less time in airports and on planes.
European-Style Butter
Sure, it can be twice as expensive (or more) as the generic brand in the grocery store, but there really is a big difference. European brands use less water, so the butter is sweeter and creamier.
LASIK
The price tag may look hefty, but in the long run, LASIK is the way to go. It’s safe, effective, and permanent, and you never have to deal with the hassles of glasses and contact lenses again.
Dental Care
Follow the standard advice to go in for a checkup once a year. Your dentist can identify and remedy minor issues before they become major ones that can be ugly, painful, and expensive.
Bidets
Sure, they’re more expensive than a package of toilet paper, but over time, they’ll save you money, time, and discomfort. They’re also really not that expensive; you can find reasonably priced attachments for existing toilets on Amazon.
Air Conditioning
In the winter, you can reduce energy bills by lowering the thermostat and turning to blankets and extra layers. In the summer, there’s only so much you can do to cool a home down without AC. Yes, the energy bills will go up, but it beats sweltering inside, especially at night when it can be hard to sleep.
Invisalign
One of the first things we notice about other people is their smile, as in how their teeth look. Brushing and flossing keep your teeth healthy and clean, but they don’t help with overbites and crooked teeth. Adults who pay for Invisalign end up feeling happier and more confident about the way they look.
Well-Made Clothing
This doesn’t necessarily mean designer clothes, which are often just status symbols and not that high-quality. Well-made clothing may cost a bit more than cheap discount brands, but it looks better, fits you better, and lasts longer.
Express Passes for Theme Parks
This can also apply to any situation where you can spend more money to spend less time waiting in line. Many theme parks have express passes that cost well more than a regular day pass, but they allow you to skip the long lines. Even if you go just one day, it might be worth it.
Snow Blowers
If you live in a region that regularly gets measurable snowfall in winter, a snow blower can make a world of difference. In addition to saving time and toil, they can keep you safer; every year, people suffer back injuries and even heart attacks while shoveling snow.
Hotel Rooms
No one is suggesting you should only stay in outrageously expensive luxury suites. However, when you do a search for hotels in a town and most are coming up within a certain price range and there’s one outlier well below the others, don’t be surprised if you find an unclean room and seedy clientele.
Electric Toothbrushes
They make a huge difference in efficiency and results. And they’re really not all that more expensive than a decent regular toothbrush.
Office Chairs
There’s a general rule that you should spend good money on anything that comes between you and the ground. There have already been a few examples in this article, and here’s another. Considering how much time some people spend in the office, you want to sit in something that will be comfortable for hours at a time.
Noise-Canceling Headphones
Noise-canceling headphones are great for enjoying music without other sounds intruding. However, they’re nice in general as a way to reduce distractions and stress.
Moving Companies
When you moved into and out of your first apartment, maybe you were able to stuff your belongings into a U-Haul or maybe even your own vehicle. Years later, with kids and a lot more possessions, moving yourself can be a nightmare. It’s not cheap to hire a moving company, but it makes the process so much easier.
