When you don't keep track of your finances, it's easy to get carried away and spend more than you should. This can quickly complicate your life, leading to such things as a lack of funds during emergencies, or even an inability to pay your bills.
Good purchasing decisions, on the other hand, stem from buying what you need before what you want, and Reddit user Salut_eti_serpent got interested in how different people define them, so they asked everyone else on the platform to share the products and services they feel were 100% worth the money. Here are the top answers.
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Salut_eti_serpent came up with the idea for this post at the beginning of their day. "It was early in the morning. I was just waking up," the Redditor told Bored Panda. "I honestly thought it was probably a question that had been asked before and didn't expect such a turnout."
As of this publication, the discussion they started has over 3,600 comments. "The answers are all very different, but I saw something come up more than once. For example, investing in what connects you to the ground: a mattress, good shoes, tires... I never thought of it that way, and it seemed to be a common thought!"
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Salut_eti_serpent believes their post has received so much attention because it tapped into human nature. "I think it turned out to be so popular because it talks about money and satisfaction, which are closely related to our emotions and desires."
And it's true. "Part of why we survived as a species is we're wonderful users of stuff," says American psychologist Tim Kasser, who has extensively studied the ties between materialism and well-being. Our ancestors might not have had teeth and claws or hard shells, but they could make weapons and armor to protect themselves. When we're feeling insecure we orient towards materialistic solutions," he says.
We live in a culture that continually defines our worth as people based on our bank account.
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"Over the course of human history, there have been many ways to demonstrate that one is a successful person… our social economic system channelizes that so the way to demonstrate it is to show you’re wealthy," he explains. "The scorecard for success is about money."
The system itself depends on people telling themselves they need those truck tires or that pair of shoes or whatever else ads convince us we need.
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But according to Kasser, if we become less materialistic, our well-being improves, and if our well-being improves, we tend to be less materialistic.
To reap the rewards of this lifestyle, you don't need to sell all your worldly possessions and move to a mountain hut. Kasser believes one thing that can help is reevaluating your relationships with people who focus on the materialistic.
And as this thread has shown, making smarter purchases—focusing on quality over quantity and investing in meaningful, long-lasting items—can also contribute to a more fulfilling life.
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Ketamine therapy. $400 a session but my psychiatrist just has me on a payment plan with 0% interest so it’s no stress. Despite the price it’s the only thing that has helped me get rid of my self harm thoughts and live life as “normal” as possible. 100% worth it.
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My dog. Every vet bill, every toy, every trip. He saved me.Paying movers when moving into a new place.Lending people money I know I'll never see back. Giving these people 20-30 dollars was worth having them actively avoid me.I got some good advice from my grandfather when I was young.
Never skimp on the things that connect you to the earth. Dont skimp on shoes, tires, and bed. There are obviously others in those categories but I agree. Quality tires will save your life, good shoes will save your feet, and good bed will help you sleep. I'd also throw desk chair in that conversation.The adoption fee for my cats.Had an ex that was acting weird, making accusations against me. I purchased a security camera system around memorial day last year. June 18th last year she showed up to my house with a shotgun.
Worth every penny for that security system. There was no he said, she said.A good pillow and a comfortable mattress.Travelling! I have learnt so much from other cultures by moving all over the world.Lasik. Went basically blind at 6 years old and now have 20/20 at 31. Never having to worry about contacts or glasses again is a game changer.Paying to have my apt cleaned.Custom anything
Because why buy from a big box store when you can support the local economy/artisans
I was faced with this dilemma back in 2021. Wanted a new bed frame and everything I saw at a store was $2500+ and they were 20% real wood, 80% MDF
Went to my local Mennonite carpenter and charged me the same, in REAL MAPLE WOOD. Now I have a bed that would last us until we die.My shelter dog. He’s the best!As a guy, hair transplant. didn't do much research was just In India for work and had the money. Legit see myself in the mirror and smile when i see my hair.My polarized prescription sunglasses. Pricey but so worth it, especially since I love to fish. Feels like I have xray vision when I look at the water.A library card.A quality and comfortable sofa/couch
Good dental care and braces is well wroth it to me
But for safety I would say quality tires is a must.My bicycle. I’m not a serious cyclist but do like long rides several times a week and the happiness I get is worth every penny I balked at.Divorce.Tailored clothing. Growing up, I had unusual measurements and no off-the-rack clothes every really fit me, and it greatly affected my confidence.
In adulthood I was surprised to learn just how big a difference it makes to wear clothes that actually fit you.I spend the little bit extra for quality garbage bags.A good PC.. I buy a new gaming PC once every 7-10 years? Maybe a part or two to extend it's life somewhere in the middle. But when it comes time to get the new one.. I spend so much time on my PC.. I have zero regrets spending for a near top of the line one (I still want a good deal so I'll shop around.. but I don't mind getting the best parts).A private ADHD diagnosis and therapy for CPTSD. Spent thousands, every spare penny I have, lived at home for months so my parents could support me. Would have gotten it for free on the NHS but would have waited in purgatory for years. Instead, I’ve spent those years being happy.Angle grinder/Dremel. You can do or make most things necessary to accomplish most any projects with that combo. Soldering iron too. Heat gun. Most rework and fabrication tools really. Brazing/welding rods....Impacted wisdom teeth out.Quality furniture. We recently bought a new sectional with 3 recliners. Most expensive piece of furniture I've ever bought. Worth every penny for someone with back issues.Therapy. Best thing I ever splashed out on .My solar panels.Bought a shoe stretcher. All my shoes are wider and feel better now.A bed upgrade. If you sleep with a partner in a double bed, I highly recommend the cost of a bigger bed. It's a lot. New mattress, new frame and new sheets. But it's so worth it.
We upgraded to a king sized bed last year and it's wild how good it is. I slept alone in it for the first time last month and I felt like a tiny baby in a giant's bed.
Edit to add; my comment caused a duvet debate. My fiance and I settled on separate single duvets. Singles are the right size for us to snuggle into without them falling off the bed too much. It's been life-changing. Sometimes it's less comfortable during our non sleep bed activity but mostly it's fine.
