If you’re trying to live a frugal lifestyle, you may think that means you should never spend money, and that when you do, it must be spent on only cheap products or services in an effort to save money. However, being frugal doesn’t mean being cheap. It simply means knowing when to spend and when to save and using your money carefully and mindfully while thinking over your purchases before you make them. While there are some purchases frugal people won’t waste their money on, there are others that may be more costly that are worth investing in. Here are some of the most common luxuries that you should consider investing money in and why they make sense.
Babysitting
If you have children, finding a quality babysitter is important to your mental health. As a parent, it’s necessary to get away every once in a while to enjoy a night out with your partner or some friends. It provides you with a much-needed break from the stressors of being a parent and allows you to unwind, so you can come back to your children feeling refreshed and ready to be your best self.
Gym Membership
Investing in your health is important to a long, happy life and shouldn’t be understated. It may seem expensive to pay for a monthly gym membership, but staying active can help prevent diseases and help you live longer. The only caveat is that once you pay for a gym membership, you should be sure to regularly use it or it may end up being a waste of your money. However, if you enjoy working out then purchasing a gym membership is a good use of your money and you shouldn’t feel guilty making this splurge each month.
A Reliable Vehicle
Owning a reliable vehicle is important for your peace of mind. When you have a vehicle you can depend on, you don’t have to worry about breaking down randomly on your way to work. If you have a long drive, having a reliable car for long commutes is extremely vital, as your job is what provides you with income so you can pay your bills. Before you purchase a vehicle, however, be sure to do your research to find which vehicles are highest rated in safety and reliability so you know you’re getting a quality mode of transportation.
Cleaning Services
These days, everyone is busy. After spending long hours at work, the last thing you likely want to do is come home and clean your home— especially if you have a family you want to spend time with after a long day. It may seem expensive, but hiring a cleaning service to take care of your home can pay off dividends in valuable time equity. The time you would have spent cleaning can now be devoted to your family, hobbies, or relaxation. After you invest in a quality cleaning service, you likely won’t want to go back to doing it yourself.
A Quality Bed
Considering the fact that we spend a good portion of our lives— almost a third— asleep, it makes sense why it’s so important to have a quality bed. When you sleep on a low-quality mattress, your sleep quality can be affected which can have a negative impact on your overall health. To alleviate the chances you may end up with back and neck pain, insomnia, and other health issues, consider purchasing a bed that’s going to give you the support you need so you can rest easy at the end of a long day.
While there are many products and services out there that claim to be a good investment, you want to be careful before you commit to a large purchase. Consider the residual return on your investment and whether or not the purchase will make your life easier. If it will, then chances are it’s a worthy purchase but if it isn’t, you may want to steer clear.