There’s a difference between being smart with money and being unnecessarily frugal. Some purchases might seem like a luxury at first, but in the long run, they add immense value to your life.
You may have heard of the 50/30/20 rule. (Senator Elizabeth Warren talked about it in her book as well). Essentially, you spend 50% of your after-tax income on needs, 30% on wants, and 20% on savings. However, sometimes it’s nice to switch things up and maybe spend 50% on an indulgence.
Whether it’s something that enhances your everyday comfort, improves your experiences, or even makes your home a more enjoyable space, certain splurges are completely justifiable.
However, if you’re going to invest in anything, it’s good to make sure it’s something that truly improves your quality of life. Here are three things you should never feel guilty about spending extra on.
#1. Car Upgrades
Like it or not, a car is often an extension of your lifestyle. If you live in a busy city, you probably spend a lot of time in traffic. Did you know that in New York, people spend over 102 hours every year stuck in traffic? Yes, that is on the extreme end, but if you’re in one of the 25 largest cities, you still spend 43 hours/year in traffic.
Honestly, it doesn’t matter whether you spend hours commuting every week or take long road trips. Upgrading your vehicle has the potential to completely transform your driving experience.
Unfortunately, people tend to view their cars as utilities and, as such, tend to get too budget-conscious. They tend to go for the bare minimum, and that’s just not fun. Life is made better by the little things, and indulging in some QOL upgrades can make every trip feel so much better. In that context, getting a better stereo system with some powerful subwoofers is a fantastic option.
As BOSS Audio Systems notes, you can find options that fit in any configuration or size. You could even DIY install them if you’re up for a small challenge. Let’s be real, factory-installed speakers are terrible, sound flat, and often lack bass. If you love music, installing high-quality speakers is a game-changer.
On the other hand, maybe you prefer to spend long commutes in better physical comfort. If so, consider heated or ventilated seats. They make driving ridiculously comfortable, especially in those winter months.
#2. Ergonomic & High-End Furniture
A lot of people think of furniture as just another household expense. However, the reality is that the quality of the furniture you use every day affects your health, productivity, and even your overall mood. Sometimes, the side effects can be quite specific as well.
Meghan Markowski, a physical therapist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, points out three serious issues that come with bad posture- incontinence, constipation, and heartburn. She also notes that researchers are constantly looking into the effects of posture on mood, sleep, and even jaw alignment.
If you work from home, you already know how important a good chair is. A top-tier chair from brands like Herman Miller, Steelcase, or Humanscale can range from $1,000 to $2,000. That’s a lot of money, but the level of comfort and support they provide is unmatched.
Ideally, your chair should feel supportive even after a full day of sitting. So you should be asking yourself if that need is fully met right now. Of course, furniture extends beyond chairs, which is why one of the most justifiable splurges is a luxury mattress. High-end mattresses can range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more and use premium materials like natural latex and high-density memory foam.
Some even come with handcrafted coil systems that everyone ought to experience at least once in their life. It’s expensive, but you use your furniture every single day. So, it’s worth getting something that supports you, looks great, and lasts for years to come.
#3. Travel and Unique Experiences That Create Lifelong Memories
There’s a reason people always say that experiences are more valuable than material things. A well-planned trip, a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, or even just a spontaneous getaway can leave a lasting impact. While it’s easy to hesitate about spending money on travel, it’s one of those splurges that always pays off in memories and personal growth.
Moreover, recent research from Edith Cowan University shows that traveling frequently is one of the best defenses against signs of aging. As Fangli Hu, PhD candidate at ECU, explains, the experience of travel elevates metabolic traits and can also trigger adaptive immune system responses.
The beauty of travel is that it exposes you to new cultures, ideas, and perspectives. It’s one of the best ways to learn—whether it’s through food, art, history, or simply experiencing a different way of life. When you travel, you step out of your routine, which can be refreshing and inspiring.
While budget travel has its perks, there are times when splurging makes a significant difference. Some experiences, like a safari in Africa, a Northern Lights expedition, or a Michelin-star dining experience, are worth spending extra on because they’re unforgettable.
Even if you’re someone who prefers saving money, there are ways to make travel splurges more manageable. Remember, at the end of the day, no one looks back and regrets the money spent on exploring the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best upgrade for a car?
The best car upgrade depends on your priorities. If you’re looking for comfort and fun, then sound systems and better seats are great. However, if you’re looking for performance upgrades, high-quality tires are often the most impactful. They improve handling, fuel efficiency, and safety.
2. Why is Herman Miller so expensive?
Herman Miller is expensive because of its focus on high-end ergonomic design, premium materials, and extensive research-backed innovation. Unlike cheaper office chairs, Herman Miller products are designed to maintain comfort and posture support over years of daily use. The brand also offers extensive warranties, often up to 12 years, which reflects their confidence in product longevity.
3. What are some different types of travel experiences?
Travel experiences vary widely, from luxury vacations at five-star resorts to budget backpacking adventures. Cultural immersion trips let you explore history and traditions, while nature-focused experiences like safaris or hiking expeditions connect you with the outdoors. Adventure travel, wellness retreats, and food tourism offer unique, memorable journeys.
All things considered, not all splurges are wasteful. Some purchases add immense value to your life by improving your experiences, well-being, and overall quality of life. Remember, you are not going to do this every week and the returns often motivate you to live better, and in a way, that more than makes up for the money you spent.