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I remember staring at my screen for hours, calculating all pros and cons, wondering if my idea was crazy or genius.
All this drama was created by a single and seemingly innocent thing—an electric water flosser I was thinking of buying. From “Do I really need an electric flosser if I can’t be bothered to floss?” to “is it just another drop in a never-ending sea of consumption that destroys the planet and is dangerous to my wallet?”, it was about a week-long battle of intense reflection. The price tag didn’t help either.
But it turns out that sometimes getting yourself an expensive purchase leads you to a way brighter place than instant regret and a drop in endorphins.
This thread on r/AskReddit has people sharing “what expensive purchase have you made that has paid for itself many times over because you saved money in the long run?” and it’s an illuminating read. From quality cold weather gear to a Dyson vacuum cleaner, some things are worth our penny.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
A vasectomy. After we had two children we knew that was a good number for us. We both come from huge families and we know how hard it is financially and emotionally to provide for a large number of kids. Wasn't even that expensive either.
Allan Breum 3 years ago
This one should have more up-votes; Not only is it financially and emotionally responsible, its also environmentally responsible.
#2
When I moved back to my home town over a year ago I bought a 27' sailboat to live on because rent here is outrageous. Boat cost $4,500 to buy, and moorage at a decent marina is about $170/month. Rent for a studio apartment or 1br here is $900-$1300; every month I save between $600 and $1100, so the boat paid for itself in 4-9 months.
#3
I live in Minnesota and am a single woman. One winter I missed two shifts at work because my car wouldn't start and I didn't have anyone who could jump it and road side assistance couldn't be there for hours. After that, I went out and spent a little over $100 on a portable car starter. It is a small black box that connects to the battery and jumps the car without needing someone else's car. This has saved me so much time and money.
Also being a single girl who at the time worked at night, I didn't have to worry that some stranger stopping to help might have ulterior motives. I feel much safer and always keep it in my purse. Added bonus, I can charge my phone with it too. I've been singing its praises ever since!
Cayna Louise 3 years ago
Someone gifted me one of these after my basically fine battery decided it can’t run the radio for 10minutes And then start the car. I’ve had to use it just once but it was at night and the relief of not needing someone to come help was awesome.
#4
Quality cold weather gear.
Not only does it work better and look better, I've had a couple jackets for over 5 years now that see heavy use. Meanwhile I have a couple friends that basically buy and throwaway cheap gear every season. Works like s**t, looks like s**t, ends up in a landfill, costs more in the long run. Lose, lose, lose, lose.
#5
Windows.
New windows on our house. Replaced the old single pane metal framed windows. It was like a waterfall of cold air coming off of them and the noise from the street was obnoxious. Heating bill was cut in half.
Missy Moo Moo 3 years ago
Me too!! Replaced all my windows including bathroom windows, the sliding door, and even the front door with double glazing tight seal glass... I hear NOTHING, the temperature is always perfect and my glazier tells me that I could throw a brick at them and they wouldn't break. Best purchase!!
#6
An Old Truck.
23 years ago, I bought a used 1991 Toyota 4-cylinder truck. Paid it off early. Its now 29 years old, and refuses to die. Good gas mileage, low insurance. I change the oil myself...
#7
I bought a duplex in 2016 right before everything got very expensive in my area. I live in one side and rent out the other. My mortgage is $1000 per month and I collect $1060 in rent each month. So it worked out.
#8
For women, I would say a menstrual cup. You can even find cheaper options than the DivaCup, but man, the amount of money that I'm saving on not buy pads and tampons is amazing. If you're a woman who is struggling financially, a one time payment for the menstrual cup is an amazing investment.
#9
Laser eye surgery. No more needing to buy new glasses every couple of years, no more forking out for contact lenses. Also avoided the incidentals like glasses repair kits, eyeglass cleaners, all the consumables that go with contacts.
Saving money long run isn't even the good part. The good part is not needing glasses.
Kirsten Kerkhof 3 years ago
I totally second that! I had lens implants (because my eyes were too bad for laser), and while it is a fair chunk of money to pay, I haven't had to buy glasses for over 10 years now, and when I'll need reading glasses I can, if I want, go budget instead of having to buy multifocals (I cannot wear contact lenses, or at least couldn't when I still needed to).
#10
Dyson vacuum. Bagless. Don't even remember the model. $400.
Got it 15 years ago, thing is a beast and with some attachments can do anything, never even needed maintenance.
#11
I bought a 500.00 bicycle to use as my main transportation. 500 doesn't sound like a lot but when you're only making 8 an hour, it took some time to save up for it. With public transportation being 2.50 a ride the bike paid for itself in about 3 months. I used that bike for about 3 years. I still have it but i moved so i can't use it for the same purposes.
Otter 3 years ago
I have a $1000 bicycle, it's about ten years old now and going nowhere. I figure it's paid for itself in fun, good health, and gas saved as I ride it around town instead of driving. The other expensive item I think that's paid for itself is a decent camera, it's now three years old and has provided a great deal of creative joy, and closeness with nature. It's definitely good for my mental health, and good for my physical health as well, as if I want to photograph wildlife I need to get out and do some hiking!
#12
A very expensive suit.
This was the late 90s and I was 20 years old getting paid by the hour to do glorified help desk work. I had dropped out of college a couple semesters in because I needed to work. A recruiter called me out of the blue saying they needed someone right away. Could I interview the next day. The employer was the largest privately held company in the US and they had a reputation for being a VERY conservative suit and tie operation.
All I had was a poor fitting sport coat I got when I worked at circuit city. I called my father and he said go to Nordstroms, explain the situation and they'll get one done for you. So that's what I did and $600 later I'd emptied my bank account and was walking out the door with a new suit freshly altered that night.
I did the interview and just hit it out of the park. They offered me $55K starting salary to do app support. Which in the 90s was a crap ton of money for a guy going from making not a lot of money.
Marcellus II 3 years ago
Lots of people feel more confident in good suits, and many interviewers find that important so it works.
#13
Cast iron skillets are one of the rare things you can buy that get better the more you use it and will change your steak game forever.
#14
I have 6 acres of land with a fair amount of trees on it. I spent about 25k for a backhoe that has saved, and will save me tons of back-breaking work.
It's amazing the amount of stuff I can do that would take huge amounts of energy without the backhoe.
Need a tree taken down and the stump removed? Give me an hour. Need a dead horse buried (true story)? Give me about 2 hours. Need a 100 foot long trench dug for water or power? Give me an hour. Need a 15 foot deep hole dug for who knows what nefarious reason? Give me about 2 hours. Need to flip a car? Give me about 2 minutes. Plow something? Completely destroy your yard? Move that dirt? Drag something heavy? Unstick something stuck?
It was a s***ton of money for me, but incredible what I can do.
#15
I buy most clothes at thrift stores. I found a cheap 1970s men's suit in good fabric but needed to tighten waist and shorten and de-flare the trousers. I soon realised I couldn't fix that by hand so in 2019 I bought a sewing machine (AU$300 in a %50 off sale).
Since then I've tapered about 8 of my business shirts (I have small waist compared to the shoulders). Tapered the legs on many of my thrift store trousers (several really high quality well preserved 1970s flares, or basic wide-legs from the early 1980s), shortened a couple of casual shirts and about 8 t-shirts. I even sewed new elastic onto all my old underpants as the elastic went loose but the fabric part was still good.
Given the cost of alterations the machine has probably paid for itself already.
...even a small taper to a shirt or trouser leg can make a huge difference to the item. Things that fit perfectly look 100 times better and you feel great wearing it.
M O'Connell 3 years ago
I found a Singer portable machine (c.1929) in the dumpster behind a sewing machine store. The only thing that was missing was the bobbin cover plate, it just needed a cleaning and oiling. It's somewhat limiting in that it's a straight-stitch machine (and undesirable, which is why it was tossed), but it has served me well for 10 years for the odd repair to a piece of clothing, and I made a duvet cover with it.
#16
A good pair of boots, specifically Doc Martens, though really any stupidly sturdy boot works. I only ever have one pair of shoes I regularly wear, and I do a lot of heavy lifting, woodworking, etc etc. I used to get a pair of about $90 boots every year/ year and a half, decided to spend like $150 on a pair of Docs and they have lasted me about 4 or 5 years now of constant, heavy use. Only regret is that I didn't get the more expensive boots with the lifetime warranty that they offer.
Steve Barnett 3 years ago
There's an adage 'Buy a good pair of boots and a decent bed. If you're not in one you’re in the other'.
#17
Not necessarily expensive these days - but a vacuum packing machine for the kitchen is the best thing I've ever invested in. I rarely throw a scrap of food out nowadays, and freezer burn is a thing of the past.
Apart from using it for sous vide, I also make bacon/ham/salt beef using the equilibrium method... so had perfect dry cured supply for years. It's a piece of cake to produce and a different class to store crap. And lasts for many months when kept vacpacked!
Steve Barnett 3 years ago
Hi OP. I totally concur. I've entertained the idea of getting one, however my reluctance in getting one is because of the excessive use of plastic; I use zip locked bags which I clean and then reuse. Please note that I’m not criticising you in the slightest.
#18
Every Toyota I've owned
Forrest McCanless 3 years ago
My '91 Accord has 318,000 miles - engine never been overhauled; baby bro bought it new. Daily driver even now. Recently calculated that the engine has rotated right at a BILLION revolutions!
#19
Kenmore Washer and Dryer purchased new from Sears in 1998. They are still going strong and I guarantee when they do kick the bucket... the new washer and dryer I'll have to get from Lowes will be lucky to last 10 years.
#20
I went to one of those shoe stores that does a 3D scan of your feet. I got scanned and learned that instead of having flat feet (like I had thought for years) I actually have high arches.
I got a pair of $120 sneakers with a pair of $50 arch supports.
NO MORE KNEE PAIN!!
Marie Callender 3 years ago
How in the world does someone confuse flat feet with high arches??
#21
When my wife and I purchased our home about 25 years ago, I had to go oversess for what turned into an extensive trip. When I came back, we had some really nice Danish furniture. She had also purchased very expensive mattresses. Since I did pay for all of this, I take a tiny bit of credit, but it was really her good sense! I am lying on that same bed and mattress now, and all of it is still in great shape, even after many moves including a few international ones. She also taught me that spending good money is worthwhile for dress shoes and appliances. That too has always worked out well in the long run.
M O'Connell 3 years ago
I will wholeheartedly agree about the dress shoes. I always had uncomfortable relatively cheap dress shoes. I was fed up and asked the associate at the shoe store to put me in something good, which was a pair of Nunn Bush shoes, which are probably the most comfortable shoes I own.
#23
A weighted blanket. I get a better quality of sleep with it.
Also, I got a bidet attachment for the toilet a couple years ago. It's a good investment, saves on toilet paper. A lot of them aren't even that pricey.
#24
Not an expensive item, but something totally worth having for large dogs who love to play fetch is getting a Chuck-It stick and balls. Its paid for itself 100 times over.
#25
Also, less of a money investment and more of a time investment, but antique hand tools. A lot of tools aren't made anymore or aren't made well. And even if they are, they're often intended for use with power tools and don't work well with hand tools. You need to go to tons of yard sales to find some of them, but they'll last longer and work better than anything else on the market.
#26
When I moved into an apartment with a washer/dryer hookup, I went out and found a used pair for ~$350.
Best investment of my life. I've probably made double that back by now from how much I've avoided spending at the laundromat.
#27
I bought a great travel backpack that I take everywhere instead of a suitcase. The money I have saved when I fly by not paying for a carry-on or checked bag has easily paid for the bag itself many times over.
Jos Tiguidou 3 years ago
Only if you never carry more than 20kg...cuz that's the limit on carry-ons. Some airlines, it's even less!
#28
Hydraulic floss has helped me keep my teeth so much cleaner saving so much on dental...
Pungent Sauce 3 years ago
Looks to be a WaterPic and yes, way better than struggling with floss. Super clean feeling with a little hydrogen peroxide in the mix.
#29
Bidet - Not super expensive, but saves on toilet paper. I've used it for about a year and I love it.
#30
A $600 electric fireplace. We don't need to run the heat as high or as often because it heats up the area we stay in the most during the day.
What do you think ?
Unwelcomed Guest 3 years ago
I would have to say my son. Yes I had to make a small deposit at the beginning kind of like a joining fee and the upkeep over the years has been exorbitant, it has been well worth it seeing him grow into a well adjusted nice young man and brought countless joy over the years.
AnnaLisa Walter 3 years ago
My father-in-law's saying was that he couldn't afford cheap things.
Kim Contreras 3 years ago
I don't know how to make a numbered comment but when I had no money, (but worked) and knew I couldn't cope without help, I invested every cent I could come up with to see a psychiatrist that cost a lot to see and didn't accept insurance, I am so thankful I made those sacrifices at that time - and continue to do so, because with her outstanding care, concern, and KNOWLEDGE, I have become an emotionally balanced human being. I did my research and made what I thought was the best choice to keep me out of the hospital (or morgue) and have never regretted it.
Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
I'd say best purchase was hard flooring. Carpets are horrible little storage places for icky stuff, and hard flooring doesn't need a vacuum, and afer 15 years, the hard flooring is fine, and carpets are worn/dingy, etc., so.... Hard flooring if you own your home. (And before anyone tells me how you can't afford one ---- neither could I till my forties. Rent rent rent for all those blasted years, you better believe I figured out the cost of capret in my time, effort, and vacuum cleaner filters UGH)
M O'Connell 3 years ago
Or if you are going to buy carpet, buy good quality carpet. The carpet in my house is worn out, but considering that it was installed in 1993, it's had a great run and I plan on eventually replacing it with something of equal quality.
Load More Replies... Robert Thompson 3 years ago
trailer for my lawn service. Before having the trailer, every morning, I would load up my equipment in the truck, and after work, unload my equipment back into the garage. Saves 16 min 5-6 days a week for 14 years. Added value, my truck bed is available for green waste haul off.
Amie Redman 2 years ago
Yes! Cannot upvote this enough! 10 years now and going strong!
Load More Replies...
Xenon 3 years ago
Whole house generator for me. Live in tornado / strong storms area and am never without power. The other thing is a tankless water heater. No more waiting for the water to get hot or running out mid-shower.
Nancy Baldauf 3 years ago
Yes! I got my whole house generator after Hurricane Sandy made my life miserable in the cold of winter. In addition to the usual, I have an electric gate across my driveway, an elevator because I can't climb stairs, electric garage door opener, and my boiler heats my water and radiators with an electric pump. My generator is my security blanket.
Load More Replies...
Patti Vance 3 years ago
can't agree w/comment that being poor is more expensive. yes, it takes time to save up for something that's pricey but in the long run it is worth it. one thing for me is shoes. used to buy cheap shoes that broke down fast. finally started getting well made shoes. not only last longer but feet, knees, back don't hurt. downside of this is that cobblers/shoe repair places have disappeared for the most part. the first time i bought $60 slipper i even thought i was crazy but 5 yrs later still good shape, warm & supportive.
All's Gravy 3 years ago
As others have said, being poor is expensive. My motto: I'm too poor to buy cheap stuff. Buy cheap, buy many times over. However, expensive doesn't guarantee quality. Value for money can be calculated on cost per use/wear. A £500pair of Church's shoes will go with everything from city to country, restaurant to football terraces for decades.
GenericPanda09 3 years ago
I didn't actually buy them but I got issued with some really good quality socks in the military - still going strong with pretty regular use nearly 27yrs later.
David Taylor 3 years ago
2nd this the only socks I will wear anymore are my military issued socks, so comfy warm and hard wearing
Load More Replies...
James016 3 years ago
My Drill and bit set. Can assemble all sorts quickly with it, have put up security cameras, list goes on. Used it to assemble a trampoline instead of using a screwdriver or the little tool the company provided. Saved a lot of time with that. It also came with a second battery
Chucky Cheezburger 3 years ago
My wife and I bought our washer and dryer 21 years ago. We got the base models, nothing fancy because we couldn't afford the higher end units. Both still going My cousin bought the higher end of the same manufacturer a few years after we bought ours. Nothing but trouble out of them. We both had to rebuild the dryers around the same time. Theirs kept going out...ours...well, I'm listen to them hum along as I type this. Theirs are long gone. Something I believe is that oft times, the bells and whistles aren't worth it. Just more things to go wrong.
Amie Redman 2 years ago
Water flossers DO NOT remove bacterial layers between the teeth and around the gingival sulcus. That is bullshit. They are only good for cleaning large debris, like if you ate broccoli or something, or have braces and crud in them. Use floss, people! I have been in the dental field for 15 years and cannot stress this enough! Don’t waste your time with a water flosser. Throw it out. Buy some floss.
Grady'sRaider 3 years ago
When buying a ride on mower, don't buy the cheap 13 hp. Buy the 20+ hp unit for the extra cash. It will outlast the 13hp by 2-4 times and do more work better. My 21 hp craftsman has outlasted my neighbour's 13 hp by 2. Only repair, a worn drive belt.
Heather Talma 3 years ago
For me it's my kotatsu. Don't have to have the heat up half as much cause I stay under the kotatsu so much.
Leslie Burleson 3 years ago
I bought the most expensive Dyson. It looked really cool. It didn't function any better than a $40 vacuum from Walmart. Huge disappointment.
Jasmine Hufflepuff Henderson 3 years ago
My iPad and Mac laptop. It's made college so much easier for me since I can just transfer files from my iPad to my Mac laptop immediately. It's helped me stay organized and by going paperless has saved me from wasting so much paper because I hated throwing out my journals due to them causing clutter.
Lylan Daina 3 years ago
Can I add to these items, also gardening tools. Good quality expensive gardening tools are worth every penny and will last forever.
Unwelcomed Guest 3 years ago
I would have to say my son. Yes I had to make a small deposit at the beginning kind of like a joining fee and the upkeep over the years has been exorbitant, it has been well worth it seeing him grow into a well adjusted nice young man and brought countless joy over the years.
AnnaLisa Walter 3 years ago
My father-in-law's saying was that he couldn't afford cheap things.
Kim Contreras 3 years ago
I don't know how to make a numbered comment but when I had no money, (but worked) and knew I couldn't cope without help, I invested every cent I could come up with to see a psychiatrist that cost a lot to see and didn't accept insurance, I am so thankful I made those sacrifices at that time - and continue to do so, because with her outstanding care, concern, and KNOWLEDGE, I have become an emotionally balanced human being. I did my research and made what I thought was the best choice to keep me out of the hospital (or morgue) and have never regretted it.
Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
I'd say best purchase was hard flooring. Carpets are horrible little storage places for icky stuff, and hard flooring doesn't need a vacuum, and afer 15 years, the hard flooring is fine, and carpets are worn/dingy, etc., so.... Hard flooring if you own your home. (And before anyone tells me how you can't afford one ---- neither could I till my forties. Rent rent rent for all those blasted years, you better believe I figured out the cost of capret in my time, effort, and vacuum cleaner filters UGH)
M O'Connell 3 years ago
Or if you are going to buy carpet, buy good quality carpet. The carpet in my house is worn out, but considering that it was installed in 1993, it's had a great run and I plan on eventually replacing it with something of equal quality.
Load More Replies... Robert Thompson 3 years ago
trailer for my lawn service. Before having the trailer, every morning, I would load up my equipment in the truck, and after work, unload my equipment back into the garage. Saves 16 min 5-6 days a week for 14 years. Added value, my truck bed is available for green waste haul off.
Amie Redman 2 years ago
Yes! Cannot upvote this enough! 10 years now and going strong!
Load More Replies... Xenon 3 years ago
Whole house generator for me. Live in tornado / strong storms area and am never without power. The other thing is a tankless water heater. No more waiting for the water to get hot or running out mid-shower.
Nancy Baldauf 3 years ago
Yes! I got my whole house generator after Hurricane Sandy made my life miserable in the cold of winter. In addition to the usual, I have an electric gate across my driveway, an elevator because I can't climb stairs, electric garage door opener, and my boiler heats my water and radiators with an electric pump. My generator is my security blanket.
Load More Replies... Patti Vance 3 years ago
can't agree w/comment that being poor is more expensive. yes, it takes time to save up for something that's pricey but in the long run it is worth it. one thing for me is shoes. used to buy cheap shoes that broke down fast. finally started getting well made shoes. not only last longer but feet, knees, back don't hurt. downside of this is that cobblers/shoe repair places have disappeared for the most part. the first time i bought $60 slipper i even thought i was crazy but 5 yrs later still good shape, warm & supportive.
All's Gravy 3 years ago
As others have said, being poor is expensive. My motto: I'm too poor to buy cheap stuff. Buy cheap, buy many times over. However, expensive doesn't guarantee quality. Value for money can be calculated on cost per use/wear. A £500pair of Church's shoes will go with everything from city to country, restaurant to football terraces for decades.
GenericPanda09 3 years ago
I didn't actually buy them but I got issued with some really good quality socks in the military - still going strong with pretty regular use nearly 27yrs later.
David Taylor 3 years ago
2nd this the only socks I will wear anymore are my military issued socks, so comfy warm and hard wearing
Load More Replies... James016 3 years ago
My Drill and bit set. Can assemble all sorts quickly with it, have put up security cameras, list goes on. Used it to assemble a trampoline instead of using a screwdriver or the little tool the company provided. Saved a lot of time with that. It also came with a second battery
Chucky Cheezburger 3 years ago
My wife and I bought our washer and dryer 21 years ago. We got the base models, nothing fancy because we couldn't afford the higher end units. Both still going My cousin bought the higher end of the same manufacturer a few years after we bought ours. Nothing but trouble out of them. We both had to rebuild the dryers around the same time. Theirs kept going out...ours...well, I'm listen to them hum along as I type this. Theirs are long gone. Something I believe is that oft times, the bells and whistles aren't worth it. Just more things to go wrong.
Amie Redman 2 years ago
Water flossers DO NOT remove bacterial layers between the teeth and around the gingival sulcus. That is bullshit. They are only good for cleaning large debris, like if you ate broccoli or something, or have braces and crud in them. Use floss, people! I have been in the dental field for 15 years and cannot stress this enough! Don’t waste your time with a water flosser. Throw it out. Buy some floss.
Grady'sRaider 3 years ago
When buying a ride on mower, don't buy the cheap 13 hp. Buy the 20+ hp unit for the extra cash. It will outlast the 13hp by 2-4 times and do more work better. My 21 hp craftsman has outlasted my neighbour's 13 hp by 2. Only repair, a worn drive belt.
Heather Talma 3 years ago
For me it's my kotatsu. Don't have to have the heat up half as much cause I stay under the kotatsu so much.
Leslie Burleson 3 years ago
I bought the most expensive Dyson. It looked really cool. It didn't function any better than a $40 vacuum from Walmart. Huge disappointment.
Jasmine Hufflepuff Henderson 3 years ago
My iPad and Mac laptop. It's made college so much easier for me since I can just transfer files from my iPad to my Mac laptop immediately. It's helped me stay organized and by going paperless has saved me from wasting so much paper because I hated throwing out my journals due to them causing clutter.
Lylan Daina 3 years ago
Can I add to these items, also gardening tools. Good quality expensive gardening tools are worth every penny and will last forever.
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