6 Expensive Things That Are Worth The Money
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Price is only part of what makes a purchase worthwhile. I also consider how often I'll use something and what time or effort it might save. These six purchases mattered to my family at the time; they aren't a shopping list everyone needs to follow.
1. Washing Machine
I did most of our laundry by hand for about three years, using a laundry plunger, a spin dryer, and space in our small apartment to hang clothes. It took a great deal of work. After another move, we bought a used washing machine for $140, a significant expense for us then. I was thankful each time I could load it and let it do the washing.
2. A computer that meets my work needs
In 2018, I bought a refurbished iMac for about $910 including tax. My six-year-old laptop was slowing down the research, writing, image editing, and coding I did for the blog. The replacement suited that work and let me use the software I wanted. For me, the value came from meeting an actual work need.
3. Phones that suited our daily use
In 2017, we replaced our Nokia Lumia phones with iPhone 7s. They cost us $99 each at the time. Being able to take photos and transfer them to my computer with AirDrop saved time in my blogging work.
4. Traveling to see family
When we lived in Texas in 2018, visits to my husband's family in Finland and mine in Minnesota required travel. Once we could afford it, we made longer visits to both. We lost family members shortly afterward, and I'm grateful we had that time together.
5. A home with repairs completed
We once moved into a rental where promised repairs hadn't been completed. Problems with the roof, walls, fixtures, and locks made daily life difficult.
The house also had pest and wiring problems. For our next rental, we chose a home where the renovation was finished before we moved in. The difference in our day-to-day comfort was substantial.
6. A baby swing
After our second baby arrived, we bought this swing. It was a purchase made for a particular moment in our family life, rather than something I'd suggest every parent needs.
What expensive things do you think are worth the money?
What feels expensive, and what feels worthwhile, depends on your budget and circumstances. These were choices that helped us at the time.
Which purchase has been useful enough that you're glad you made room for it?
