I have had my fair share of buyer’s remorse.
At 20, there was the beige and white striped outfit that I had to have (coincidentally-not identical to one a friend owned.) It looked great on the friend, but on me? Not so much. Plus, I never could wear it around her or anyone who might bump into her. Copy cat style is not a good idea.
Then, there was the ugly old car that I felt pressured to buy but hated from the start. It was big and ugly and didn’t have air conditioning [gasp]. My parents knew it was a bad idea, but I ended up with it anyway. (That was the year I apparently had no backbone and wasn’t smart enough to listen to my parents…Uhg. My early twenties were not my finest 1/2 decade.)
Of course, there were lots of uncomfortable shoes that I desperately needed, projects that would relax me or make me extra money that were never completed, the high-style-low-quality couch that is very uncomfortable and always rumpled-looking, and a whole host of other stuff that prove I have wasted some money in my day. Sheesh. I would hate to see the total on that!
Now, I am trying to be a little smarter with money. Note: I said trying, so I still make mistakes. (Don’t get me started on the dryer that I wish would just die, already.)
Wanting to focus on the positive side of buying, I came up with a little list of things that are well-worth the money. Some might seem trivial; none are necessities. But these are some things I think was money well spent: (It occurs to me that our dog is expensive.)
- Sealants on kids’ teeth. Not sure of the up front cost, but both kids have healthy, beautiful teeth!
- Dog grooming. Around $50 every 3 months. This might seem frivolous, but the hair was driving me crazy! I lasted for 8 years…I am thinking of learning to do this on my own. Just thinking. Now, if I could just shave the people who live with me, my hair problems would be solved!
Lily after grooming...Ok. The bows might be a bit much...
- Anal gland expression by the vet. $24 every 6-8 weeks. The vet offered to teach me how to do this. I declined. This is perhaps the best $24 ever spent.
You'd look like this, too, if you needed your anal glands expressed.
- Generic clip-on sunglasses. $13. I just bought these today upon the suggestion of a friend. I can’t believe the difference–or that I hadn’t thought of buying these before! Thanks to my friend Cathy, I no longer keep vampire hours.
- Hubby’s Jeep. My hubby works hard and has always had practical, “family” cars. This purchase was pretty big ticket (though he got an awesome deal.) The reason it was money well-spent is the feeling it gives him when he is in in with the top down! Total relaxation and decompression. Definitely worth the cash.
- Quicken. Yeah, I’m talking software. This check-keeping, account-balancing, downloading program has made my life so much easier. I always know how much money we have (well, almost) and can download transactions with the push of a button. Balanced finances make me smile.
Quicken
I am sure to think of other personal best buys, but these were some that came to me instantly. Any money well-spent in your life?
Happy Friday! Enjoy your coffee.
I’d have to say that even though I felt it to be a frivolous purchase at the time, I’m coming to appreciate the grill that my husband just haaaad to have after we moved. Not only is it good quality, it makes him happy to be able to get outside and cook a meal for us. Plus, let’s not lie, it’s nice to have him take charge every so often! The man can grill a mean pork chop, let me tell you!
So enjoyed stopping by today! Oh, at the buyer’s remorse I’ve had in my 57 years. Ugh! And, I certainly agreed with your “worth the money.” Quicken and Quick Books are just “the be all, do all” as far as I’m concerned and I would have to add a computer that that as well. Of course, must have a computer for those two programs.
) Happy week-end!
I’ve been using Quicken forever and ever, and love it as well. One of my best buys was the used washer and dryer the previous tenant in my flat sold to me…nineteen years ago. Although they were (conservatively) ten years old at the time, they are absolute champs. I’ve had them repaired a number of times, and every repairman who has seen them (though they may have a stake in this) has told me never to get rid of them. All metal, made during the height of Maytag’s quality years, they should last forever.
But a fun money well spent? Itouch, hands down. Calendar, contacts, fun organizational stuff, plus my favorite study Bible, several books, games, nifty stuff…and all my music and books on CD.
And I’m totally with you on the vet visit – so very worth it!!
Diane, I have to agree that the iTouch is great! I got one for Christmas and am still learning all it can do. Such fun!
Hmmmm, I would have to say my higher priced vacuum. When it died a few months ago, I decided to save money by buying an inexpensive upright. I have HATED it from the moment it came home. Last week, my husband had my old one repaired…next time, I’ll just spend the money to buy the higher end one. Totally worth it!
Star, sometimes you really do get what you pay for! Some things really don’t matter to me, but I agree that a vacuum does. I would buy the best that was in the budget.)
Thanks for stopping by!
I love Quicken! So easy and nice to be able to reconcile my transactions as I make them (w/ online banking). My best “big” purchase in the past few years was a chest freezer!
The BEST money we ever spent was to go through Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University at our church. Funny thing is, I’m looking around our house and most of our big ticket items were given to us. We are very blessed!
Ah yes, those purchases you regret almost instantly. I know that feeling yup, I sure do!
One of the best things I’ve done to help with money is to make a weekly meal plan (I only do dinners because I know what lunch stuff my kids and I eat, as well as breakfast and snacks, and DH is here for dinner and takes leftovers to work the next day). I end up going to the store once a week (with all three kids!) instead of going back and (always) getting extra’s.
I’m in love with my iTouch too! We managed to sell stuff on Craigslist and Kijiji to get enough $$$ for me to get the 32 G one
I LOVE the organizational stuff and some of the games!
Have a great week, and thanks for stopping by my blog!