I Abide by a Frugal Budget: 10 Items I’ll Never Regret Splurging On
Written by
Nicole Spector
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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Though inflation is notably cooling, the cost of living is still rising, and millions of Americans are financially strapped. Saving money is as important as ever. But oddly enough, saving money can, at times, come at a cost. For example, you may spend $25 on a coffee maker only to have it break in a few months, prompting you to buy another $25 machine or a pricier one that is known to be more reliable.
It’s wise to aim to keep costs down, but there are always instances when a “splurge” is worth it. GOBankingRates spoke with Laura Pucker, a lifestyle blogger and the founder and CEO of Pucker Up Beauty. Pucker abides by a frugal budget, but said she’ll never regret buying these 10 relatively expensive items, which she considers splurges.
Advanced Repair Serum
Pucker regularly splurges on a sophisticated skincare product: a serum from Estee Lauder that costs $97 per 3.4-ounce vial on Amazon.
“Think about having a small bottle of magic for your face,” Pucker said. “That is my Advanced Repair Serum. A few years back, I saw my skin looked a bit dull, so I spent extra money on this serum. Best choice ever. It feels like a daily vitamin giving my skin a glow, just like I had a very refreshing nap.”
The Office Master Chair
Posture is important for the health of your back, and so is a chair that properly supports it. Pucker once bought a cheap office chair on clearance and regretted it. She later spent much more — $300 — on the Office Master Chair, which she swears is worth every penny.
“Wow, such a comfort,” Pucker said. “My back pain vanished, and those long hours felt less daunting. It’s my throne!”
Chef’s Precision Knife Set
If you spend much time cooking, you probably know how important a sharp, sturdy knife is. Pucker certainly does. She spent $250 on a chef’s precision knife set.
“I bought these knives on impulse during a fancy cooking class and have been happy with them ever since,” Pucker said. “It turns cooking from a chore into a delight.”
On Amazon, a Seido 10-piece knife set regularly sells for $249. Could it be worth the splurge?
Peloton Bike
Peloton became all the rage during the pandemic, when most gyms were closed (or posted too much of a COVID-related health risk to feel comfortable in). Pucker is happy she spent $2,245 on a Peloton bike.
“It made me think differently about exercising at home,” Pucker said. “It feels like having my own personal trainer right in my living room. Plus, I can join live classes that make me forget I’m even exercising.”
MacBook Pro
Here’s the thing about the MacBook Pro: Pucker can’t live without it. Talk about a worthy splurge. You can get a MacBook Pro starting at $1,599.
“Running my business without a good laptop is like trying to cut a tomato with a butter knife,” Pucker said. “My MacBook Pro is my main tool; it makes everything work well, from presentations to product launches.”
Nest Learning Thermostat
A smart thermostat can help you save on energy costs. That fact makes Pucker’s investment in the $279.99 Nest Learning Thermostat all the savvier. It’s also just, well, cool.
“It changes the temperature depending on my routine and has lowered my energy costs,” Pucker said. “It’s very pleasant to return home in winter to a nicely warm house without needing to keep the heater running all day long.”
Inspiring Modern Art
Pucker is an avid art collector — spending around $750 for each piece of artwork. She splurges on this to stay inspired every day.
“Every art I pick has a story, many times reminding me of certain success or place,” Pucker said. “In my living room, there is a colorful abstract painting that I bought just after getting our first big client. It’s a daily reminder of how far we’ve come.”
Tempur-Pedic Cloud Mattress
Pucker described the Tempur-Pedic Cloud mattress she spent $1,800 on as “dreamy.”
“Do you know those ads for mattresses where a wine glass does not fall over? I bought one of those, and trust me, it feels like resting on a cloud,” Pucker said. “Every morning I wake up feeling ready to conquer the world.”
Comprehensive Health Insurance
Comprehensive health insurance may not sound like a splurge, but given how much it can cost depending on your plan, it’s certainly not cheap.
“I understand now that trying to save money by choosing cheaper health insurance is not a good idea,” Pucker said. “After having a small health issue which led to an expensive medical bill, I decided to get a better plan for my insurance. Now, I do not need to think twice about visiting a doctor or getting a prescription.”
Annual Cultural Retreats
Pucker spends around $3,500 a year on a “cultural retreat.” She goes to different places around the world to open her mind and nourish her soul.
“Each year, I reward myself with a journey to places full of culture — like Japan or Italy — and dive into the local way of living,” Pucker said. “These trips are not just vacations; they’re life lessons packed with unforgettable memories.”
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