Best $20 You Can Invest in Yourself This Year
Written by
Jennifer Taylor
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
A new year is a time for a fresh start. If you haven’t done anything yet, don’t panic — you can set goals and begin working toward them at any point in the year. In fact, meaningful changes don’t always require a significant time or financial commitment.
Here’s a look at five different ways to invest in yourself this year that cost $20 or less.
Workout Gear
Invest in your health by purchasing exercise equipment that can be used anywhere. For example, Target sells a three-pack of Blogilates Resistance Bands for $9.99 and a two-pack of Blogilates Booty Resistance Bands for $10.29.
Versatile and easy to store, these bands can allow you to get a workout in anywhere. Use them at home when you can’t get to the gym or put them in your for a convenient workout when traveling.
Financial Literacy Book
Giving yourself the gift of financial literacy is something you’ll never regret. Whether you’re a novice or more experienced, buying a personal finance book to further your knowledge is always a good idea.
Some ideas to get you started include “Financial Literacy for Young Adults Simplified: Discover How to Manage, Save and Invest Money to Build a Secure and Independent Future,” by Raman Keane, “Get Good With Money: Ten Simple Steps to Becoming Financially Whole,” by Tiffany the Budgetnista and Simran Kaur’s “Girls that Invest: Your Guide to Financial Independence Through Shares and Stocks.”
Each of these books is under $20, so you can boost your personal finance knowledge and have change to spare.
Healthy Cookware
It’s not just the food you eat that matters, it’s also the cookware you use. Throw your toxic skillets away and invest in a healthy option.
Priced at $17.99, this 8-inch GreenPan Ceramic Nonstick Skillet is toxin-free, so you can cook your food safely. Free of PFAS, PFOA, lead and cadmium, this non-stick skillet has ergonomic handles, is safe for use in both the dishwasher and oven.
Packing Cubes
Change the way you travel by placing your belongings in packing cubes. Designed to help you stay organized and fit more in your bag, it may take just one trip to make you wonder how you ever traveled without them.
Bagail offers a set of eight packing cubes, starting at $19.99; price varies by color. Made with anti-tearing material, these lightweight cubes are water resistant, equipped with a thickened buckle and interior pockets for organizing and have double zippers for durability.
Portable Sound Machine
Improve your quality of sleep by purchasing a portable sound machine. Whether you can’t sleep when it’s too quiet or noisy neighbors keep waking you up, a portable sound machine can be a game-changer.
The Homedics White Noise Sound Machine has six digitally recorded sounds: White noise, thunder, ocean, rain, summer night and brook. Compact and light, it has an auto-off timer and volume controls, putting you in full control of your slumber experience.
While normally priced at $23.99, previous discounts have seen this product drop below $20. Keep an eye out for any price drops.
Editor’s note: Prices are accurate as of Jan. 29, 2025. Prices and availability may vary by location.
More From GOBankingRates
