In today’s environment of rising prices and the increasing cost of living, it’s vital that we monitor what we spend. But, it’s also important to remember that just looking for the cheapest options won’t necessarily save us money (or be good for us) in the long term.
High-quality items can often outperform cheaper alternatives and are likely created with superior craftsmanship – enhancing your daily life and providing greater satisfaction when using the product.
Here are 10 things in your everyday life that you should consider splurging on, and why quality matters over quantity for these items.
Read Also: Guide To The 50/30/20 Budget Rule, And How It Helps You Save For The Long-Term
#1 Sunglasses
It might not be the first thing that pops into your head when you think of splurging but sunglasses are a crucial purchase, even more so in regions or countries where it’s sunny all-year round.
Despite there being some really cheap options out there for sunglasses, there are in fact four different categories that relate to the protection they offer from ultraviolet (UV) light.
Categories 0-2 offer very little protection against UV rays and are typically used for fashion purposes.
Source: Vision Direct AU
UV rays are bad for our skin, as we all know. But they can be equally damaging to our eyesight too. Indeed, as we get older the risk of developing conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) – that is the progressive decay of the macula, a part of your eye responsible for central vision – is heightened by extensive UV exposure.
By spending on a top-tier (Category 4) pair of sunglasses and looking out for anything that states “UV400” lenses, we can be sure that we are protecting our eyes properly.
#2 Mattress
Getting the recommended 8-hour night’s sleep means we may spend a third of our lives on the bed. This is even counting the time we laze on the bed or lay in it with our phones in hand.
A good bed can potentially provide a higher quality sleep, lowering the chances of being afflicted by a range of ailments and illnesses, from increased risk of heart disease to a higher likelihood of developing diabetes.
While that might not mean having to splurge $5,000-$10,000 on a mattress, it does require us to be more discerning about the types of mattresses we are suited to.
Normally, that means spending a good amount of money on a mattress that works for us. That’s because everyone’s individual body temperature and sleeping preferences (i.e. sleeping position, firmness of mattress) will vary.
#3 Water Flask
In a hot climate where we constantly need to be hydrated, having a good quality re-useable water flask is important. It can also serve as a reminder that we should drink up!
Typically, having a cheap, plastic water bottle isn’t sustainable over the long run – both for ourselves and the environment. First off, it doesn’t keep our drinks cold (or hot) and second, plastic water bottles always run the risk of having the plastic potentially break down and leach into our drink.
It’s much more preferable to buy a good quality vacuum-insulated metal or glass water bottle, with many brands out there offering options – including the likes of Zojirushi, S’well, and Hydro Flask.
#4 Luggage
Given how often Singaporeans travel in the modern era, it’s worth investing in a quality piece of luggage or a suitcase that is durable enough to withstand being tossed about.
The last thing you want after a long trip is to find your luggage coming out at an airport carousel having been busted at the seams or with bits falling off.
In terms of durability and quality, it’s important to have a quality piece of luggage for your travels – including ones that have combination locks or weighing scales built-in – saving you from having to find a replacement piece or getting a claim from your travel insurer.
#5 Coffee Machine/Espresso Maker
With the rising price of coffee at cafes everywhere, it can make sense to buy a coffee machine for your home, especially if you’re a daily coffee drinker.
While you may enjoy the “ritual” of going out to buy your daily coffee, the cost can quickly add up. If you’re already drinking higher-end coffees, you may already be spending a pretty penny on your daily fix.
Instead of splurging on a good cup of coffee outside, you will probably end up saving money by splurging on a quality espresso machine at home. You also enjoy peace of mind that it will unlikely break in three or six months’ time and you can make as many cups as you like without feeling too guilty.
Of course, the whole point is that you’ll also likely end up making better quality coffee as you can choose your own beans and adjust the flavour profile to your liking.
#6 Shoes
When it comes to footwear, the old adage “you get what you pay for” holds significant truth, especially when considering the impact on your health, performance, and appearance.
Quality shoes are engineered with superior materials and technology. This provides better support and shock absorption, and can help prevent or alleviate common issues like knee pain, back pain, and foot fatigue.
If you play sports or exercise regularly, high-quality sports shoes are also designed to provide stability and enhance your performance. Similarly, premium work shoes offer better support and comfort, which can improve posture and reduce fatigue.
A high-quality pair of shoes also often boast better design, craftsmanship, and materials, which not only perform better but look more stylish and refined. Wearing well-made shoes can also elevate your overall appearance, contributing to a more professional look in the workplace as well as displaying your style preferences. This boost in appearance can significantly uplift your confidence and even sporting performance.
While the initial cost of high-quality shoes is higher, they often prove to be more cost-effective in the long run. Investing in a good pair of shoes is not just another purchase either; it’s an investment in your health, performance, and overall satisfaction.
#7 Sofa
Like a mattress in your bedroom, our sofa is the centrepiece of your living room. Besides spending a lot of time sitting on it relaxing or watching the latest Netflix series, any guests coming over will likely form their first impression of your home based on how your sofa looks and feels.
In any case, spending on a quality sofa will mean that you won’t have to replace it every few years due to wear and tear.
Splurging on a great sofa will ensure you look forward to coming home from work and relaxing in what you know is the most comfortable environment for your own personal taste.
#8 Suit
While heading back to the office isn’t always a necessity in the post-pandemic era, for many lines of work professional attire is still the default.
Both men and women should invest in a quality and well-tailored suit or blazer jacket to look sharp in your work environment and professional events. Looking and feeling good in your clothes can also translate into more confidence in your professional interactions.
Furthermore, with quality smart attire, it will last a lot longer than a cheap suit or blazer, and won’t require you to be shopping around for your next professional piece on a regular basis.
#9 Kitchenware
Not all of us can be the next Gordon Ramsay in the kitchen. If we cook at home often (or even if we don’t), having the right equipment for the task is worth spending on.
This can include anything from a quality chef’s knife and cooking pans to a more professional-type KitchenAid mixer for those of us who bake regularly.
Having an equipment that has a reputation for quality means it will both last longer and provide a better experience in the kitchen.
#10 Handbag/Backpack
Rounding out the top 10 list of things to splurge on are handbags or backpacks. This can also be lumped in with the “professional attire” list as many women and men carry these things into the office.
Whether that’s a work tote bag (for your laptop, makeup and phone) from Yves Saint Lauren (YSL) or a sleek office backpack for men from Tumi, the quality aesthetic, comfort, and craftsmanship means it will last a lot longer than a cheaper alternative.
And if you do require one for work, you’ll likely be using it on a daily basis meaning it needs to be durable and high quality to last.
By having a high-quality bag to splurge on, we can save ourselves the trouble of having to find multiple replacements for it in the near future.
Read Also: 5 Things To Consider Before Investing In A Hermes Handbag
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