Frugality doesn’t always look like clipping coupons or buying the cheapest option. Sometimes, what seems like a splurge can actually be the smarter financial move. It might raise some eyebrows at first glance, but when you dig into the details, it often makes perfect sense.
Take, for example, hiring someone to deep clean the bathroom every two weeks.
On the surface, that may sound unnecessary.
If the alternative is a spouse missing work to take care of the kids or sacrificing extra income to do the cleaning themselves, then suddenly, that “luxury” turns out to be a smart, frugal investment.
Here are some other choices that may seem extravagant, but are actually grounded in good money sense:
Quality Items
Cheap can get expensive.
Replacing low-quality items, such as vacuums, blenders, kitchen tools, or ladders, with higher-quality alternatives, even if they’re used, pays off in the long run. Estate sales and secondhand shops can be goldmines for durable goods that won’t break or need replacing every year.
Spending To Improve Health
Having good health is one of the best frugal living tips. Even if you have good health insurance, being sick can be very expensive. Of course, this isn’t totally in your control, but there are things that you can do to improve your chances of having good health.
Spending money on preventative care, healthy food, exercise, and other items necessary for your health may seem extravagant, but it will save you money over the course of your life.
Professional Deep Cleaning
When you own your home, occasional professional deep cleaning isn’t just a luxury; it’s maintenance. It helps preserve the value of your home, reduces allergens, and gives you more time to focus on other priorities, such as repairs or gardening. For busy homeowners, it’s not about being lazy; it’s about using time and energy wisely.
Massage
A massage might seem like a treat, but for someone with chronic back pain, it’s a form of preventative care. Spending an hour on a discounted massage can mean avoiding missed workdays or doctor visits. In that context, it’s not indulgent, it’s practical.
Mental Health Therapy
Therapy can be expensive upfront, but it often pays off in ways that are harder to quantify: better decision-making, healthier relationships, and greater emotional resilience are all byproducts of good mental health. When you’re mentally stable, it’s easier to stay financially stable too.
Espresso Maker
Investing in a high-quality espresso machine and grinder can significantly reduce daily coffee shop expenses. Making your favorite drinks at home is not only cheaper, it’s also more convenient. You get barista-level quality without the time (or cost) of a daily detour.
Grocery Delivery
Even with delivery fees and tips, online grocery orders can save money. By avoiding the store, you skip the impulse purchases that sneak into your cart. You also save gas, time, and stress, especially during busy weeks.
Home Cooking
Cooking restaurant-quality meals at home often costs a fraction of what dining out would. Dishes like tenderloin or artisanal pasta can be made for far less when you source ingredients yourself. Plus, home cooking allows for creativity and customization, without the restaurant markup.
Frugality doesn’t always wear a price tag. Sometimes the smartest financial decisions are the ones that *look* extravagant from the outside. However, when you break them down, these choices often protect your time, health, and long-term wealth more effectively than the traditional penny-pinching approach.
Read More:
- 30 Ways To Get Free Stuff (That Aren’t Scams)
- 12 Best Coupon Apps To Help You Save Money
- 13 Ways To Earn Money From Paid Surveys [At Home, Online & More]
