Finances: the way my mother puts it, they’re simple. Take in more money than you shell out. Sound advice, I say. But what happens when something essential arises that I need to spend money on? I’m not talking the strap of a Louis Vuitton bag or a fancy wine, but things like health care, home appliances, or cars. I’m trying to watch what I spend right now, but when I absolutely need something, what should I actually spend more on—rather than logging onto Craigslist or doing without—because it might last longer or because the quality is better?
1. A Mattress
It’s the place we go to drift off to sleep, roll over to start each day, and do many other, ahem, activities. This isn’t somewhere to cut corners. “A high-quality mattress will have features that make it worth more than the cheaper or used versions,” says Trudi Davis, a former mattress salesperson. She says a good mattress will be consistent in firmness—meaning the corners and the middle have equal give. It’ll also have thicker, higher quality padding that prevents sagging, making it last longer and helping you avoid back and neck problems. We spend about a third of our lives in bed. If we do it right, we can spend the other two-thirds well-rested.
2. A Refrigerator
I’d probably go without a bed before I’d go without a fridge. According to Lowe’s refrigerator buying guide, a fridge for two people should have eight to ten feet in storage space, with an additional foot for every additional person. Make sure your fridge has an Energy Star rating. This means it’ll save you money the entire time you own it since Energy Star fridges use 10 to 20 percent less electricity. A good refrigerator will also make your food last longer, with frost-free features, temperature control, and drawers that keep delicate foods at stable temperatures. That said, there’s absolutely nothing vital about some of the latest inventions I saw in my local Sears—I’ll probably forego the customizable digital displays, flat panel TV mounted on the door front, and built-in filtration.
3. Running Shoes
As a runner, I learned the hard way what scrimping on running shoes will do to your body. When training for my first marathon, I went to Payless and bought a pair that cost about thirty bucks. My first thought: sweet deal. Three weeks later? I’d developed shin splints and runner’s knee. After a scolding from my doctor and being forced to take two weeks off from my training schedule, I went to my nearest running store and picked up a quality pair, plus pads to put inside of them for more cushioning. I never had shin splints again. Whatever your workout is, invest in the right equipment. Otherwise, you’ll be spending money down the line on medical bills and the equipment you should’ve gotten in the first place. You’ll run for a good six months in a quality pair of shoes—and contribute to your health and happiness.
4. Food. Sometimes.
Speaking of health … choosing quality food over cheap, processed stuff translates to lasting health benefits (and less medical bills down the road). This doesn’t mean making hundred-dollar restaurant bills and gourmet salad bars part of your routine, but it does mean shopping smart at the grocery store. When funds are limited, nutritionist Jane Davis says the organic priority list should look something like this: fruits and vegetables, meats, dairy, eggs, then grains. In the produce section, go organic first on thin-skinned fruits and veggies, since they absorb pesticides at the highest rate. (Things like strawberries are very absorbent.) If you still can’t swallow the Whole Foods prices, checkout a nearby farmer’s market. They’re usually cheaper than any grocery store and you can ask the farmer directly whether chemicals have been used on the food you’re about to buy.
5. Medical Expenses
Even with healthy eating and exercising, we’re still bound to end up at the doctor’s office eventually. How to preempt paying for an ambulance, emergency room visit, physical therapy, and anything else that comes along with an unexpected illness or injury? Regular doctor and dentist visits, of course. (It’s another one of those things that our mothers always told us.) If your health insurance doesn’t cover the dentist, like mine, check out other plans. I found that many do cover 100 percent of preventive checkups. At the least, you can deduct what you pay from your taxes. Regular cleanings and checkups can catch a health problem early, which not only saves money, but possibly your life.
