Yahoo Lifestyle People Are Revealing The "Worth-It" Purchases They'll Always Make That Actually Improve Their Lives
Making big (or bigger) purchases can be overwhelming and expensive! But often, if you do your research and invest in a quality product or service, you'll save money and time in the end.
Recently, we asked the BuzzFeed Community to share which "worth-it" products have improved their lives. Here are some of the best responses:
Note: Not all responses are from the BuzzFeed Community. Some are from this Reddit thread.
1."A small motorized tire pump. I spent about $40 on one eight years ago. I just plug it into the DC adapter and use it to top off my tires whenever cold fronts come through. When you don't need it, it's small enough to fit under your car seat. Let me tell you, it's SO much better than trying to find quarters to use at a gas station air pump that's broken more often than not."
2."Paying an automotive broker if you're buying a new car. For the first time in my life, I bought a *brand new* vehicle, but I was super nervous about getting the go-round on the financials and stuff. If you're making such a large purchase, their fee can be worth every penny to have someone do all the negotiating and hunting for you. The company I hired pretended to be my brother and I had them on speaker when it was time to go to the dealership to pay and sign; he'd gently interject when they tried to upsell me on some extras I didn't need."
—Anonymous, 35, Colorado
3."I'm usually a penny pincher, but I dropped a ton of money on a new mattress. Now that I'm getting older, good sleep is just required. I spent many days doing research, and I ended up getting my memory foam mattress about a year ago. TBH, it's one of the best purchases I've ever made. Zero regrets."
4."If you have a car that's more than 10 years old, a AAA membership. I've always had very old cars that would have the randomest hiccups. Pick the membership level that covers the tow mileage from your most common commutes or regular trips. Seriously consider the one that covers home (AND APARTMENT, fellow renters!) locksmith services. Got locked out of my apartment once and our building didn't provide after-hours services. The AAA fee for one year is less than half of what that locksmith job was! Bonus: discounts on Hertz rentals, hotels, identity theft protection, travel insurance, and other stuff. For me, the tow benefit has more than paid for itself every year for the last eight years!"
—Anonymous, 35, Colorado
5."I think shoes are something that I tend to spend the most on. I suffer from back pain, and shoes are hugely important not only when it comes to posture but also when it comes to weight distribution while walking and running. I have found that going with a cheaper pair of tennis shoes that usually have no arch support gives me more pain than the more structured shoe."
6."My husband ordered me seat gap fillers which I did not think I needed but WHOA. I am not dropping my phone or chapstick down that tiny space anymore. Super useful."
—Anonymous, 32, California
7."Home air filter delivery. I have a subscription for air filters for the home (FilterEasy). It's one of those things you always forget to replace, then when you see them at the store, you forget what size you need. With the subscription, the correct ones come in the mail, every three months, like clockwork."
8."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."
9."Renters insurance. My apartment building burned down. Got an $18,000 check two weeks later. My rent was $850/month, and I had been paying $15/month for insurance for about 18 months before the fire."
10."Professional movers. The first time I hired them, they had me out of my old place and into my new place in three hours flat — and the new place was over an hour away. My folks and I would've spent all day doing the same thing and would've gotten into who knows how many fights."
11."My countertop dishwasher. I have a studio apartment with no dishwasher included, and the $400 was well spent on not to having to hand wash dishes all the time."
12."Bidet. I cut down my toilet paper use by 80%, and my butt has never felt cleaner."
"I bought a bidet in November 2019, one of those Toto Washlet ones with the heater, remote, dryer, everything. It takes literally one use to get used to, and I will never look back. When the Great Toilet Paper Crush of 2020 was happening, I sat happy, knowing I'd always have a squeaky-clean butt, never having to use much toilet paper at all. If you're gonna get one, get a nice one that heats the water (and preferably the seat)."
13."TSA PreCheck and CLEAR. I'm through security in three minutes when the regular line says 90 minutes."
14."Therapy. Some people have wonderful parents and/or people who guide them around in life, but most of us don't. Most of us are never told how to deal with depression or anxiety, how to fight for our rights or our dreams, or even how to know what's right and what's wrong. Therapy shows you all these tools that we're never told, tools that enable you to fix your life and feel like you're the one taking control over it."
15."Divorce lawyer. Do you know why divorce lawyers are so expensive? Because they are worth it. I’m not saying marriage is bad and not worth doing. I’m saying that if it comes to needing a divorce, a quality divorce lawyer is worth paying for."
16."Bombas socks. I have small feet, and the usual socks I’d get at the store or wherever never fit right. I tried kid sizes, too, and they were the same. I decided to take a chance on Bombas — and I’m never buying anything else again. They’re the only socks that have ever fit me just right, and I don’t care how much they cost."
—L
17."Candles. It sounds crazy, but when I do splurge or am gifted with a high-value candle — such as Jo Malone or Voluspa — I can tell the difference between them and candles I buy from Target or Bath & Body Works. The high-value candle scents linger or travel through the space better and create a vibe without being aggressive or needing to burn for hours."
18."Organic vegetables and fruit as well as quality beef and poultry. We buy our fruits and veggies at a local co-op grocer that sells organic produce directly from farmers in our state and our beef and poultry from the same place. Pricier for both, but a huge difference in quality and flavor."
And finally, this one:
19."Does my dog count?"
—Anonymous, 33, United States
What "worth-it" purchase do you absolutely swear by? Let us know in the comments!
Some submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.
