Things Worth the Splurge
Things worth the splurge.
Sometimes a bargain isn’t the best. Trying to save money can end up costing more in the long run. Especially these days when you are at home 24/7. These are the things I appreciate that we made the decision to spend money to do it right.
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Here are five areas where I believe it’s better to skip the discount and spend a little more.
Interior Paint
We used to paint the inside of the house (when we were young) and I have to say, we do excellent work. But in the last few years what became overwhelming to me was the amount of time it would take. Hiring a professional means the time on the project is not your time anymore and of course, professional painters get it done much faster than we ever could.
Estate Planning
A short time ago we decided that we needed to revisit our estate plan. Not an easy task and so important to get it right. It had been so long since we updated anything that we knew that we needed to work with a professional. Luckily I had someone in my network. Right away we were asked questions that we would have never considered. We didn’t have to worry about a learning curve if we had dotted all of the “I”s. It gave me peace of mind.
Mattress
Speaking of getting things off your mind. Going through this pandemic has taught me the importance of a good night’s sleep. That and age have me planning on shopping for a new mattress as soon as we are able. When I think about the fact that I spend 1/3 of my life lying in bed is worth the splurge.
Kitchen Knives
Again, it’s kind of a quality-of-life thing for me. I like to cook, but if poor equipment makes it hard I’m the first one to grab my keys and head for a drive-thru. Having quality knives is a splurge, but if you take care of them they will last forever. It’s a joy to use good equipment.
Running Shoes
Well, for me it’s walking shoes! I wish I was a runner. But again, with age, I have found that it’s worth the splurge to get fitted at the store where a sales clerk can help you. It makes all the difference in making the physical activity enjoyable or not when you have the correct equipment.
What do you think is worth the splurge?
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Janet Schiesl
Janet has been organizing since 2005. She is a Certified Professional Organizer and the owner of Basic Organization.
She loves using her background as a space planner to challenge her clients to look at their space differently. She leads the team in large projects and works one-on-one with clients to help the process move quickly and comfortably. Call her crazy, but she loves to work with paper, to purge what is not needed and to create filing systems that work for each individual client.
Janet is a Past Board Member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals and a Past President of the Washington DC Chapter of NAPO were she has been named Organizer of the Year and Volunteer of the Year.
Janet Schiesl
Janet has been organizing since 2005. She is a Certified Professional Organizer and the owner of Basic Organization.
She loves using her background as a space planner to challenge her clients to look at their space differently. She leads the team in large projects and works one-on-one with clients to help the process move quickly and comfortably. Call her crazy, but she loves to work with paper, to purge what is not needed and to create filing systems that work for each individual client.
Janet is a Past Board Member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals and a Past President of the Washington DC Chapter of NAPO were she has been named Organizer of the Year and Volunteer of the Year.
I couldn’t agree more, especially about knives and shoes. At this stage in my life, I’m tired of making do or replacing things every few years, so in the last few years I’ve replaced my dishes, cutlery, kitchen knives, pots and pans, and probably other things that don’t come to mind right now, with better quality items. Being home so much this year, I’ve been really glad to be surrounded by nice things.
I didn’t think about how much time we are home using these items, but you are right. We replace as needed, but I no longer go for the cheapest. I’m looking for quality.
I love your “splurge” list, Janet! While we do some of the planting and trimming, we splurge on having a crew do the regular lawn and yard maintenance. Once upon a time, we did that too. It’s a time issue. It would take us much longer and we’d rather be doing other things. As far as painting goes, for the last bunch of rounds, we’ve also hired someone else to do that. And what a joy to call in the pros. I’m not a runner, so running sneakers isn’t my thing. However, I do walk a lot. I splurged on some awesome sneaker/shoes that make my feet and back SO happy.
We still mow our lawn. I should say my husband does. I’ve been trying to get him to agree to hire someone to do it. Some things are on my list out of necessity. I buy quality shoes now because I have developed foot issues, so good shoes are a must.
Ha! I can totally relate to the kitchen knives. I bought a cheap set of knives for my daughter for her first apartment. They were SO BAD we couldn’t cut anything. Total waste. If the bargain doesn’t work, it isn’t a bargain!! I splurge on heat in the winter (I’m always cold), and I do spend money on shoes. I have small feet, and I can’t wear kids shoes because they are wide. So, I end up having to order shoes that are both small and narrow. But shoes that fit are worth it to me! We also hire a lawn care team, like Linda. They are here right now spreading fertilizer and spraying weeks, which I think we just wouldn’t keep up with if we tried to do it ourselves!
Ha! I mentioned a lawn care company to Linda. I have small feet too, but not as small as you.
You listed every one of my “splurges.” =) After I had my kids, I developed back issues, so splurging on walking shoes and sneakers became important. We recently saved the money and replace our expensive mattress. And I am so glad we did. Our backs are not in pain after sleeping, and it is pleasurable now.
Mattress made my list because I am shopping for one now.
Yikes. I don’t cook, run, or paint, so these wouldn’t be splurges for me, but your points are definitely valid. And I definitely need a new mattress! 😉 For me, I’ve learned that the essential splurges are good towels (and not just any towels, but bath sheets — the big ones!), a showerhead that delivers incredible water pressure, high-quality bras, good air conditioning, and someone who REALLY knows how to cut my hair. All my splurges are very visceral, things that touch (or impact) my body. Although I’m an organizer, I can easily ignore how things look (and I’m a renter, so I’ll likely never paint a wall); but how things FEEL are essential to bolstering my mood.
I like your list Julie. To each his own. I can agree with you on the towels and I lived with a terrible shower head for years, so never thought of that.
I too learned the hard way. When I tried to cut corners, I ended up paying dearly. You are right about mattresses and running shoes. From top to bottom, we have to protect our back, joints and our feet… which in turn protect our back.
I’ll pay extra for a good warm coat, certain services where I need excellent work done, my hair. ( A bad haircut can turn your month upside down.)
Two recent purchases that I didn’t pay extra for were my rescues. Nevertheless, I still feel like I won the lottery with them.
Oh how wonderful Ronni! The best things in life can be free (or almost free). My splurges have changed as I age. Comfort becomes more important as time goes by.
Shoes of any kind. They support our entire body. Bad shoes mean back issues and other ailments. 100%
Yes. I learned that the hard way.
My top 3, best reason to splurge, in order from your list would be mattress first, then running shoes, and then kitchen knives. Getting a good nights rest and taking care of your body during exercise are fundamental components of living a healthy life. Other things that I feel it’s okay to splurge on a bit is your car, and your home since you spend so much time in both of those.
Those are good ideas too Matt. I think splurges are very personal.