A proper bed. And I mean the whole thing: frame, mattress, linens, comforter, pillow, sheets and whatever else you need to get a good night’s rest.
If you can reasonably afford to spend $500, spend $500. If you can afford $1,000, spend $1,000.
When I moved to Munich, I decided to get the same bed from IKEA I’d had before. I brought my mattress on the first day, which is also from there. They make decent ones by now, with softened springs inside or foam.
For the first few days, I slept on the floor, but on a good mattress nonetheless.
Then I started assembling the frame for my bed…
…and the slatted frame.
I feel I sleep even better in it, because I’ve assembled it myself. Must be a psychological twist, but it works.
If you live to be 90 years old and sleep 8 hours a night, you will have spent 30 years in bed.
A third of your life is not something you should cheapen out on. Don’t sleep on sleeping!
I write more here.
Full Health Coverage.
Why spend an extra amount of money on getting ourselves fully covered, right?Wrong.
My friend in grad school had basic health insurance that covered 50% of costs. He did not bother to increase his cover value because he had to pay an extra €20/month. Yet, he was perfectly fine with spending the same amount on two rounds of Piña Colada.
Long story short, he met an accident and was taken to the emergency room. This brief visit, even after social security benefits, costed him hundreds of euros. The amount of money he spent could have covered him for years if he hadn’t become Mr. Scrooge.
Do yourself a favor and get a Full Health Coverage Plan. Don’t be that guy!
A Costco membership.
You see these bad boys here?
Those are Kirkland Signature (Costco brand) on the left. $25.99. And those are Maui Jim on the right. $299.
And they are virtually identical.
Both are polarized with great viewing.
The Kirklands are made in Italy. It’s hard to see but the Mauis are made in Japan.
Again, $25.99 vs. $299. So, is a Costco membership worth it? HELL YES IT’S WORTH IT!!!
I think these Kirkland’s are actually Mauis, just branded under the Kirkland name. The only thing that’s throwing me off is the “made in Italy” vs. the “made in Japan.” But isn’t “made in Italy” more desirable than “made in Japan” when it comes to fashion accessories? I mean this is greater perceived value, right? Yet you’d be saving $273 buying the Kirklands over the Maui Jims. Heck, you could buy the Costco membership along with the glasses and you’d still be saving $219.
And this is just one example.
The Kirkland Signature golf balls flew off the shelves last year and sold out making the headlines. Golfers raved about their performance on the greens. But the balls were a third of the price of the “premium” balls. One of my golf pro buddies told me that the Kirkland balls were/are actually Bridgestone balls.
And don’t get me started about their 1970’s food court prices. That’s another story.
I’m pretty cheap but I do like quality. I recognize value when I see it. And that’s why I love Costco.
Get a membership.
Books! It is amazing how much value you get for your purchase. Hours of entertainment and learning, followed by more hours when you reread them. And if you buy the books used, the value skyrockets even further.
My wife doesn’t want me to listen to NPR, because every time I do I wind up ordering another book. California is in danger of sinking into the Pacific Ocean just from the weight of our books. So these days I order most of my books on my Kindle. Then I can travel with a few dozen books in just a few ounces.
This answer will probably shock you.
It will shock you because it is probably the exact opposite of what you are thinking.
But if you really think about it, this answer will make total sense.
So what is the one thing that's worth the money?
I will give you a hint, it's not really a thing at all.
It's experience.
Paying money for an experience will always trump paying for any material thing. Period.
Why is this so?
It's is simply a matter of return on investment.
Any material thing you pay for will eventually be gone.
Houses crumble, cars rust, clothes disinegrate.
Experiences however, last forever.
That happy memory from your trip across the world, or taking you kid to their first baseball game, or simply going on a first date.
Those memories. That feeling of happiness. They last inside your mind forever.
What's even better, you can recall that memory anytime you want to. For no additional cost.
It is like having your own personal happiness ATM.
So the next time you pull out your wallet. Think about how you are spending your hard earned money.
Think about your return on happiness.
Think about that because the best investment you can make is in yourself.
Marc Stevenson is the Founder and CEO of Livn.org.
Masters Tournament Tickets
Tickets to one of golf’s most prestigious tournaments are only $250 for all four days. That's only $62.50 per day. It cost more to go to a pro football game. For $62.50 you get full access to the entire course. Seating is not assigned.
Once inside, the bargains continue. The food and beverages are incredibly cheap. Beer for $3 and Pimento Cheese Sandwiches for only $1.50.
Now consider that you are watching the world’s greatest golfers on one of golf’s greatest stages playing their greatest rounds while you drink a $3 beer. Incredible bargain and very classy of the Augusta National Golf Club to not gouge the patrons (their word for attendees).[1]
Worth every penny!
Footnotes
It is worth every penny:
- Saves Cooking time by 1/3rd when compared to closed container. Try making lentil soup in an open pot and see the difference.
- Saves gas/electric, therefore, your money by 70%[1]
- Saves Vitamins - none of the nutrients sneaks out since its a close system.
- Saves water, lesser evaporation
- Most importantly, I feel it tastes even better than conventional method. Have you tried the pressure cooker Biryani? It is absolutely YUM!
Data for nerdy Quora Community :
Pic Credit - University of Florida
For those who don’t know about this marvelous invention, this is how I explain the pressure Cooking - imagine a air-tight sealed pot trapping the steam to rise the internal vessel temperature, which results in faster and efficient way of cooking food. It is Thermodynamics 101. Don’t be surprised to hear a loud steaming off noise from the cooker. I can’t think of any western cuisine which you can’t make using a priceless pressure cooker.
Pic credit -catalystsummit.org
Footnotes
Many great answers over here. I will add one thing which I hope will be useful for many programmers/developers and anyone who has to think a lot at work. Anyone in general if you are a “Knowledge Worker”.
The ‘Bose qc-35 bluetooth noise cancelling headphones’
It costs $349 but, absolutely worth it!
- Its super comfortable and light weight.
- It fades out pretty much all the noise around you. Also, you can listen to some instrumental music at a very low volume and hear nothing around you.
- If you get bothered by people at your workplace making calls, talking, some construction noises going on in the next building. This headphone will help you eliminate all of it.
- I even take it to gym, helps me avoid all the messy wire situation.
- Very flexible and sturdy, most likely you won’t break it unless you intended it to happen or maybe drop it from a tall building or so.
- Very handy and useful during airline travel.
- Its rechargable and a single charge can last very long!
The only con I can say is the price, but I have been using this since over an year. Hands down, one of the best investments considering my productivity.
Thanks for reading!
Image Source : Endagdet.comP.S: for Metalheads, with reference to the image : Gojira is awesome :D ;) \m/
#1: A top-of-the-line noise-cancelling headset
I used to think headphones were headphones were headphones. Man, was I wrong.
Just this past week, after a bonus from work, I purchased Sony’s 1000X Noise-Cancelling Headphones.
I’ve used so-called “noise-cancelling” headphones in the past but never really noticed much. I figured it was just a marketing term to justify a stupidly-high price.
And, in most cases, I think it is. But not with these headphones. Seriously: Put these on and the world disappears.
I spent $350 on them, and it was worth every penny.
#2: High-quality gut-health-focused supplements
Anyone that follows me on Quora knows I’m a gut health fanatic; but I didn’t used to be. For most of my life, I thought the supplement industry was a scam.
And, to a large degree, I still do. There’s a lot of garbage out there that ultimately amounts to nothing more than expensive urine.
But after finally wrapping my head around the importance of gut health, and getting my hands on some high-quality, clinically-tested supplements, I’ve had a change of heart (and gut, if you’ll forgive the pun).
After experiencing the transformation in my physical and mental health, I’m never going back. I spend around $100-$120 on supplements each month, and it’s one of the best investments I make.
#3: A (really) good pair of boots
I don’t think I’ve shared this on Quora before: I don’t do shoes; at least, not when I can avoid them. I mean, why would I wear a pair of sneakers when I could wear a pair of boots?
But, like with any type of footware, you’re going to get what you pay for. I’m still a ways from being able to afford the upper-echelon of men’s boots, but I still try not to skimp.
They look great, feel great, and stand out in a world of Nike and Converse. I usually spend $150-$200 on a pair of boots.
Boots, supplements, and headphones. At the end of the the day, what more does a man really need?
Alright, maybe a few other necessities. But not much. Here are a few more things my wife and I have found to be expensive but absolutely worth the money:
- Organic, local-raised/grown fruits, vegetables, and meat,
- Dyson Ball Vacuums,
- Really good coffee,
- A quality tattoo artist,
- Travel (local or international), and
- A quality bra (or so I’m told).
Want more? Feed your inner capitalist with these articles:
Condoms.
Think about it...
- Herpes treatment: $187.92
- Gonorrhea treatment: $203.85
- Genital Warts treatment: $968.00
Even worse…
- Raising a child in the U.S.: $16,200.00 per year (give or take)
Or...
- Trojan Latex Condoms: $20
Hm.
This is a hard one (pun intended).
Let’s see.
No disease, a clear conscience, and great sex?
Priceless.
Wrap it up, gents.
Sources:
I would not depend solely upon saved capital or a fixed pension.
One lesson I have learned after I retired 20 years ago is to have an income stream that continues even after you are old. I am now 80, and am into writing and consulting. Why? To cover living expenses & property taxes.
There is only one thing about paying off your mortgage and living in a house or condo you own. The property taxes alone— on a home bought for under $1000 , seventy -five years ago, in many places can be $50,000 a year or more.
My own condo charges + taxes (they call them “charges” in Europe) were $100 a month thirty years ago, and they are $3500 per month now—and they go up every year. The government statistics say there is no inflation. But my fixed expenses seem to go up nearly 10% a year. Sure, the rent on the same place might be $100,000 a year, but if you don’t also have an income, it is very tough to live in a nice place even if it is fully paid for. Solution, don’t depend upon capital or a fixed pension. Inflation isn’t equaled by the current average 3% a year on your capital.
My advice? Try to have an income stream that continues even after you are old. I am 80, and am into writing (book sales) and consulting. It covers living expenses & property taxes. I always write books about my own experiences in problem solving. Two of the recent ones are How to have an Invisible Income & Portable Trades & Opportunities. Peter Taradash
Worth every penny…
The one thing in my life that I absolutely love as far as material things go is my Kindle. I don’t know how I ever lived without it, if I have to choose between my Kindle and my Iphone, the Iphone will have to pack its bags.
I have a website about Life Hacks, and I think a Kindle is one of the best life hacks there is. How’s having a library in your backpack for an awesome life hack.
It’s just amazing to have all your books in one place and you can skip between books without ever getting up from your chair, or in my case the bathtub!
I just love to way it simplifies everything. Don’t get me wrong, I still love the look and feel of a real book, but when you are traveling or waiting somewhere nothing beats a Kindle.
With features like highlighting, wikipedia, dictionary and internet connection it’s just a jewel of a product to have by your side. Don’t worry, I don’t work for Amazon or Kindle, I just love the product and I can’t wait to get one with a back light so that I can read in the dark.
Buying books on a Kindle is also super easy, no need to give all your details every time, you just download the book you want and in a few seconds it’s in your library. What a pleasure.
Please come say hello at Life Hacks HQ if you would like more tips and tricks to simplify your life.
A Waterpik.
It’s nothing short of a miracle.
Flossing is time consuming, especially if you have braces, which is why so many people neglect to do it. Even then, many people don’t do it properly. Not doing so can lead to the formation of plaque.
“Plaque generates acid, which can cause cavities, irritate the gums, and lead to gum disease.”- More Reasons Why You Should Floss
Although Waterpiks are around $80, they’re totally worth it. They save you both expensive dental treatments caused by gum diseases and time spent flossing.
With the Waterpik, you are now able to floss in less than 30 seconds with superior efficiency.
Excluding all basic necessities, such as shelter and food, there are many other things that are worth the money. For a student like me, the following investments served to be a crucial part of my life:
NETFLIX
Although it seems strange to consider something so mainstream and entertaining as a worthy investment for a student, it’s true. Many times, teachers recommend a movie or a documentary, many of which you can find on Netflix. As mentioned, the site is home to many amazing documentaries. This past month, I have binge-watched docs about the World War II (especially the Nazi Secret Files series, which is amazing). Also, you always have many other entertainment options, my favorite one at the moment being House of Cards and some documentaries about drugs — both the usage and the criminalization. All in all, Netflix is a great place to entertain yourself and learn, which certainly helped me at school.
Finally, even if you can’t find all of the movies on Netflix, you can always go to Yesmovies - Watch FREE Movies Online & TV shows, although that’s not an investment.
GRAMMARLY
I am pretty sure that all of the essays I did in 9th grade were at least 10% better because of Grammarly. Not only does the site give you suggestions for your writing, as it explains why. In return, you learn a lot of different things regarding grammar and language usage. It is great. In fact, I recently considered cancelling my subcription, because I now feel that I can apply the skills I learned in Grammarly into my own essays by my self. Maybe.
But remember — although grammar is important, nothing will save your essay from bad concepts. Grammarly is just something that can help the striving for perfection in the final draft.
WATER BOTTLE
It seems bogus, but water bottles are seemingly life-saving for any student. If I don’t have mine with me, I simply don’t drink water. Long story short, it is convenient, more accessible, and it keeps you hydrated.
Lastly, make sure to have the ones that keep the water cool inside throughout the entire day. Those are the best. Here is the one I have:
NEWSPAPER SUBSCRIPTIONS
Contrary to many people, I actually don’t give much importance into people knowing everything that is occuring throughout the globe. In other words, it’s completely OK if you don’t read or watch the news (especially for people my age). For me, it is much better to read a fiction book rather than keeping up with the news everyday. Books are magical and everlasting; news are usually temporary and forgettable.
However, just like a book, newspapers tell stories. Non-fiction ones. The kind of stories that can be valuable to an average citizen. If you’re an American concerned about your security, stories regarding government surveillance will likely interest you. If you’re a Brazilian (like me) unsure with the future of the nation’s democracy, stories focused on the corruption schemes within the government might interest you. And the list goes on. Everyone has a reason to read the news. You don’t have to want to know everything.
Most of all, I read the news because of Model United Nations (which makes me agonized not to know what’s going on in the world, because that’s the mindset that many MUNers have) and because of my personal interest in journalism. Many times, it has nothing to do with my interest in global affairs.
As for the moment, I am subscribed to the NYTimes and The Washington Post. In my opinion, they are the two best news outlets out there, as they demonstrate amazing journalism, dedication, and especially scrutiny. My parents don’t read American newspapers, so it was hard to convince them. It was worth the money though! Plus, it doesn’t even take that much time to read; I usually do it on my way to school, and a little bit afterwards when I get home.
The New York Times building in New York City.
MUSIC
Learning how to read and play music is like learning anot...
(more)
Everything that satisfies you is worth the money.
A high quality Canon or Nikon DSLR is worth the money.
Digital Cameras / Cameras & Photography: Electronics (Amazon.in)
Digital Cameras / Cameras & Photography: Electronics (Amazon.in)
Office Chair
A Kindle e-reader
A MattressYou spend up to a third of your life in bed. Your sleep is critically important, and a good quality bed makes sleep comfortable.
Mattresses & Box Springs (Amazon.in)
Mattresses & Box Springs (Amazon.in)
Good shoes
Men's Shoes : Amazon.in
Men's Shoes : Amazon.in
Holidays/Vacations
The stresses and routine of every day life for most people can take it’s toll. I believe you should try to get away at least once a year if you can. It’s a great way to reset, get away from things/people and enjoy yourself.
Also, there is an entire planet out there for you to explore. Don’t just live your life where you are. No matter how nice your hometown/country is, how much you love it – go and explore. There are so many sights, cultures, landmarks, people, architecture, scenery, activities and cuisine out there vastly different from your own. Why would you not want to experience it?
- A good bed & pillow.
You’re gonna spend 25% of your life there, at least. Keep your neck and spines in good shape. - Good shoes.Especially if you walk or exercise regularly. They’re cheaper than knee treatments, too.
- Great books. You can learn so much from the best people on Earth by just spending a relatively small portion of your income on books. For example, these bookshave changed my life.
- Income-generating assets.
Turn your money into your workers and let them work for you. In other words, invest your money. Of course, knowledge is required, but that’s another topic on its own. - Last but not least…Time.
If situation allows, buy time by outsourcing low-value tasks. Then, use the freed time to produce even more value.
My rule of thumb: Anything that enhances health, growth or fulfillment in the long run is worth the money.
I write more here.
Nice headphones.
When the iPod first came out, I solely used the white headphones that the device came with. Why did I need anything else? As far as I knew those headphones sounded really good.
One day, online, I saw a pair of heavily discounted, fancy, over-ear headphones and I decided to splurge. They arrived in the mail a few days later. I sat down, plugged the headphones in and hit “play.”
Oh my god!
The difference was crazy. I heard parts of my music that I didn’t know existed. The music was so much crisper, the acoustics sounded better and the bass hit much, much harder.
Since that experience I’ve been converted.
I’m not someone who walks around everywhere with their fancy headphones, I just prefer them now.
Spending quality time with the Family - your wife, children and old parents
No matter how much you spend, it is always not enough
A HEALTH CHECK UP
Getting an Annual Check up for you and your family to test your blood, your sugar, your cholesterol and other aspects of your health
GOOD NATURAL AND HEALTHY FOOD
When I was young, my abusive parents would always buy the cheapest of the cheapest food - not because we were poor - but because they were stingy - especially for me. But in my case - I make sure - my entire family - even my dogs get good quality food.
GOOD QUALITY EDUCATION
For the members of my family. I was educated in a cheap school - so that my parents could save money.
A LIBRARY OF BOOKS AT HOME
Filled with the best sellers from the greatest minds of our generation and on our planet (that is why I have spent around $550,000 on books and still continue doing so)
THE RIGHT MENTOR
And by this, I do not mean ‘school teacher’ but someone who can help you develop your skills, your talents or whatever it is you want to specialize in.
TRAVELING TO NEW COUNTRIES
The amount of knowledge and experience one can get by traveling - by meeting new people, new cultures, experiencing new traditions and customs - it is just so priceless and unforgettable.
THE RIGHT INVESTMENTS FOR YOUR FAMILY ESPECIALLY CHILDREN
To help them achieve their dreams, their goals and save something for their future - is another gift you will find priceless. And by this - I mean for their education and learning. NOT for their pocket money and lavish lifestyle.
FREEDOM TO DO WHAT YOU LOVE…
If you can create a lifestyle like I have - where I am able to work and do what I am truly passionate about - NOT for the love of money but for the love of living life and its true purpose…and for a sense of fulfillment - that is absolutely worth the money Billion Times over!
And finally….
SPONSORING A CHILD……
It is not all about Me, My, I and My Family, My Children and My Future….if you can even donate a small sum of money to a child to help it complete its education, give it a better life or even give it food for a day - that in itself is worth a countless times more than what you give.
This is what I find ABSOLUTELY WORTH THE MONEY
Loy Machedo
Two words - Amazon Prime.
The following is an excerpt from this article.
Amazon Prime is a paid service ($99 per year, plus a free 30-day trial or $10.99 per month) that gives Amazon shoppers a few distinct advantages. Members of Amazon Prime are eligible for free one- or two-day shipping on most items, among several other perks.
Here are the main reasons why you should subscribe to Amazon Prime:
- Free two-day shipping on eligible items to addresses in the contiguous U.S. and other shipping benefits. For more information, go to Amazon Prime Shipping Benefits.
- Free same-day delivery in eligible ZIP codes.
- Prime Pantry: Access to Prime Pantry, where members can purchase and ship to addresses in the contiguous U.S. low-priced grocery, household and pet care items for a flat delivery fee of $5.99 for each Prime Pantry box. Prime Pantry orders cannot be shipped to addresses in Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico.
- Prime Now: In select cities, you can get one hour delivery for tens of thousands of products from local stores. For instance, in New York City you can now get delivery of beer, wine and spirits from Westside Market, Union Square Wines and Vintage Grape. Chicago, Los Angeles and Baltimore also participate in this program.
- Deals and Discounts, Compliments of Amazon Mom: These include 20 percent off diapers through Subscribe & Save and 15 percent off eligible products from your baby registry.
- Prime Early Access: Get 30-minute early access to Lightning Deals.
- Savings on Video Games: 20 Percent off new, physical video games during pre-order and through two weeks after release, and comes with free, release-date delivery.
- Kindle First: Early access for members in the U.S. to download a new book for free every month from the Kindle First picks.
- Parents will enjoy savings on FreeTime Unlimited, which brings tons of kid-friendly content to your account. Prime members pay $2.99 per month, while non-Prime members pay $4.99.
- Prime Video: Unlimited streaming of movies and TV episodes for paid or free trial members in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. You can also add video subscriptions to Showtime, Starz, A&E, AMC and many other streaming entertainment channels.
- Prime Music: Unlimited, ad-free access to hundreds of Prime Playlists and more than a million songs for members in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
- Prime Photos: Secure unlimited photo storage in Amazon Cloud Drive.
- Kindle Owners’ Lending Library: Accessible to members in the U.S.
- Video Add-On Subscriptions: You can order third-party streaming apps through Amazon Prime to keep all your video content in one place. For instance, you can add Showtime Anytime and HBO Go to your account.
- Twitch Prime: Most gamers are already familiar with Twitch, the popular game-stream broadcast service, but may not know about Twitch Prime. Amazon Prime users also get access to Twitch Prime, which allows them to watch Twitch streams completely ad-free. In addition, they get monthly in-game bonuses for titles like Hearthstone and Smite, as well as exclusives emotes and badges for chat and profiles.
- Amazon Elements: Access to Amazon Elements products, Amazon’s own line of everyday essentials.
- Membership Sharing: Two adults living in the same household can create an Amazon Household to share certain Amazon Prime benefits.
LASIK Eye Surgery. $1,500.00
I have purchased a great many wonderful things but none of those “things” improved my physical function as a human being. LASIK did. It was 10 years ago and I still tell everyone LASIK was the best thing I have ever purchased. Period.
- Aston Martin was fast, but I needed to wear glasses to drive it, until LASIK.
- Sightseeing on your European trip of a lifetime is incredible, when you can see the sights. Ahem, LASIK.
- Having your choice of every brand and style of sunglasses is possible only if you wear annoying contact lenses, or have LASIK.
- Swimming in the ocean or pool and being able to open your eyes under water without losing a contact lense is possible only with LASIK.
- Never having to think about glasses, or contacts has been such a joy. There is no longer a routine in the morning and evening. I also don't have contact lense clutter all over my vanity.
If you have been considering LASIK you will not regret it. It's inexpensive and will increase your quality of life every single day from the moment you open your eyes in the morning and every waking hour thereafter.
A good tea towel.
When I was at university, everyone had cheap tea towels. You’d rub the dishes to dry them but it would just smear the water all over the dishes.
I went shopping with my parents and bought a few good items for the house.
One of them was a rather expensive set of tea towels.
They were magical.
You’d just rub the dishes and the water would disappear.
It was rather too satisfying.
A really good mattress. It's a ten year investment.
Think about it for a second. You spend up to a third of your life in bed. Your sleep is critically important, and a good quality bed makes sleep comfortable. You also wake up feeling refreshed.
People spend over $1000 per year on coffee before work. They spend thousands per year on going out and getting drunk. Thousands per year on going out for dinner.
Yet if you ask them how much they spent on their mattress, you'd probably get a response like “Ah I dunno? Like a grand maybe?”.
Priorities.
Spend several thousand dollars on a bed if you have the means. It's well worth the investment.
Comments
Post a Comment