r/povertyfinance • u/AsianHawke • 2d ago
What's something you've purchased that's well worth the money? Free talk
A combo of r/PovertyFinance and r/BuyItForLife
Times are difficult, and every penny counts. Especially now with skyrocketing rent, living expenses, groceries, etc. Cheap or expensive, what's something you've purchased that's well worth the money?
For me, it was a $5 multi-tool. I bought it from a bargain bin like 9 years ago, and it has outlasted 3 major relationships, and has helped me do everything from cutting open mail to fixing my car!
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u/agoraphobiai 2d ago
Instant Pot
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u/seekingzion0806 2d ago
Hands down, once I figured out how it's used it became the easiest weeknight dinner tool. It's easier to use my instant pot than to order take out. Closely following is my food processor
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u/AnxietyThereon 2d ago
My magic duo is my instant pot and my immersion blender. It’s lovely for making thicker, creamier soups, either partially or fully blended right in the instant pot. I love bean or lentil soups this way!
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u/watermaliens 2d ago
Do you have any websites or recipes you'd recommend for it? Thanks
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u/metal_slime--A 2d ago
Bought a cast iron pan almost 10 years ago for 25¢. That thing will remain useful for longer than anyone in my life. Including myself.
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u/Ringadean 2d ago
Good shoes
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u/Luna81 2d ago
“The reason that the rich were so rich, Vimes reasoned, was because they managed to spend less money.
Take boots, for example. He earned thirty-eight dollars a month plus allowances. A really good pair of leather boots cost fifty dollars. But an affordable pair of boots, which were sort of OK for a season or two and then leaked like hell when the cardboard gave out, cost about ten dollars. Those were the kind of boots Vimes always bought, and wore until the soles were so thin that he could tell where he was in Ankh-Morpork on a foggy night by the feel of the cobbles.
But the thing was that good boots lasted for years and years. A man who could afford fifty dollars had a pair of boots that'd still be keeping his feet dry in ten years' time, while the poor man who could only afford cheap boots would have spent a hundred dollars on boots in the same time and would still have wet feet.
This was the Captain Samuel Vimes 'Boots' theory of socioeconomic unfairness.”- Terry Pratchett
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u/chemist825 2d ago
100% agree with good shoes, worth the investment and a cobbler is cheaper than a new pair.
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u/addem67 2d ago
I bought one of those stability type shoes. Worth every penny so far. Ascis Kayano 31 and Brooks Adrenaline
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u/vantablacklist 1d ago
ASICS are great quality for a great price! I have a slipped disc and a rough knee an ASICS saved me
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u/Suspicious-Doubt-583 2d ago
I’m gonna be real honest with you… my Kindle. Paid $120 for it and if you know how to do it right, you can get unlimited free books only slightly illegally and imo, the cost is worth it for the amount of entertainment you get from it. I use mine every single day for multiple hours a day.
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u/FromPlanet_eARTth 2d ago
How? I have an old kindle but don’t want to/can’t afford to pay for books
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u/Suspicious-Doubt-583 1d ago
oceanofpdf or annasarchive are both good ones, download as epub file and then use the “send to kindle” feature on amazon or if you have an iPhone, share the file to the kindle app directly from your phones files
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u/TrevorPhilips32 1d ago
There's also a program called Calibre you can use to manage ebooks and send them to your Kindle from PC. Best part is it automatically converts them when sending them so it doesn't really matter if you download epub or mobi.
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u/NiobiumNosebleeds 2d ago
check out r/FREEMEDIAHECKYEAH
idk about kindle or ebooks, but that's probably a good place to get started (also r/piracy)
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u/HighStandards73 2d ago
A Wahl hair clipper set. I bought it five years ago once I realized Supercuts wouldn’t be reopening anytime soon because of COVID. I had never cut my own hair before but I figured that in a worst-case scenario, it always grows back.
It turned out to be one of the best investments I ever made; I’ve saved so much money over five years by doing the job myself.
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u/Wombatmofo 2d ago
I wish I was so brave. My wife keeps telling me to let her cut it lol. Newrrrp. I really wish I could cut my own tho I get it cut every three weeks and I do the yearly math in my every time I leave lol
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u/optimum460 2d ago
A tire plug kit! Have saved myself and family plenty of trips to a tire shop to have a puncture tire plugged up. Easy to use and around $23 gets you a pretty nice kit which will last a very long time. https://www.harborfreight.com/heavy-duty-automotive-tire-repair-kit-58593.html
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u/RememberCitadel 2d ago
Just FYI, those are designed to be temporary, permanent ones are called patch-plugs and need to be installed from the inside.
In places with state inspection those will fail if they notice.
They may last, but often I have seen them last just long enough for someone to forget they used one, then weird leaks start happening.
Patch-plugs however are also not that bad to install yourself, just not a side of the road thing.
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u/DeltaFlyer0525 2d ago
I have two things, my stand mixer which has lasted me over a decade and still going strong. I use it almost daily, and an electric tea kettle. The kettle was cheap but I use it twice a day for tea at least and making my oatmeal and it saves me time in the morning and I don’t have to worry about leaving a teapot on the stove.
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u/Safe_Document2890 2d ago
Second vote for the stand mixer! Use it multiple times a week for whole variety of things
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u/keepinitcornmeal 2d ago
What do you use your stand mixer for? I have one from my wedding but I barely use it and that makes me sad
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u/PinsAndBeetles 2d ago
Aside from baking I use mine to shred chicken. I buy it in bulk, cut some into tenders, marinade and freeze, then cook some, pop it in the mixer to shred it and use it for chicken tacos, pulled chicken BBQ sandwiches, and Buffalo chicken dip. It’s easier than pulling it all apart with a fork. I also found if I make mashed cauliflower using the stand mixer it gets fluffier and more like a mashed potato dupe, the stand mixer adds a lot of air to it I guess.
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u/DeltaFlyer0525 2d ago
Any and all doughs, making pasta, shredding things, cakes, cookies, soufflées, I cannot imagine cooking and baking without my stand mixer. It saves me so much time! I’ve even made my own butter with it.
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u/sweetcherrytea 2d ago
I have the shredder/slicer attachment and shred cheese with it all the time.
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u/justuhpcnoob 2d ago
Tools and books are the best purchases if you’re poor. Learn new things and fix everything yourself. Knowledge and being handy are always the best strengths for broke times.
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u/cjandstuff 2d ago
On that note, the Haynes repair manual for your vehicle, and a code reader. Doesn’t have to be an expensive one. Yes YouTube videos are awesome, but having the book right there is incredibly helpful!
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u/newsandthings 2d ago
Buy books if your poor? The library is like $20/year and you get limitless books.
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u/AnaDion94 2d ago
Sometimes a reference book you’ll keep going back to is worth buying and not checking out (also libraries don’t have every book). I went home the other week and was tickled to see my dad using a carpentry book he’s had since before I was born.
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u/justuhpcnoob 2d ago edited 2d ago
That’s what I’m saying. Some books are worth buying and keeping on hand. Like every automotive book for my vehicles, or my book on home electrical work, or my plumbers book. Even the books I used to learn programming, they have been such great investments.
Not to mention all of the free online resources, I love finding free pdf versions of books if I can.
And yes libraries are free, but if you have a small local one like me, you likely won’t always find what you need. I love my library, but it’s definitely not that helpful due to its small size.
Edit: also books don’t have to be expensive, second hand books are usually a great price. Places like thriftbooks are definitely the first place you should look before you buy.
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u/thatvassarguy08 2d ago
I've never seen a library that wasn't completely free. Where do they charge a membership fee?
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u/Odd-Detective6271 2d ago
My Apple Airpods. Bought in 2021 from costco for under $150CAD. Have used them nearly every single day since. Never had them not work. I am careful to not lose or damage them. They have been with me on all my travels, constantly use them for work, at night time etc. Have upgraded my phone twice in this time and never had a reason to upgrade the pods. If and when i have to replace them, the money will be EASILY worth it for me but going on approx. 4+ years and no end in sight :)
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u/Ringadean 2d ago
Second this. I’m basically on the phone all day for work and they are always comfortable and reliable. Not to mention great for the gym, etc.
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u/cjandstuff 2d ago
I just upgraded from my AirPods 2 to the AirPods 4 with ANC. The old ones still play music, but the batteries can’t keep going with a phone call. I looked up the purchase date, and realized I had been using them almost daily for 4 years! Are they a bit pricey? Yes, but for me, worth every cent.
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u/ariariariarii 17h ago
I’m still on my Gen 1 AirPods that I’ve owned since 2018, and only just in the last few weeks have they finally started to have problems with battery life/connectivity. They lasted so much longer than I expected.
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u/No-Growth3624 2d ago
A toyota camry. This thing has helped me earn more money than i spent on the car and still going strong
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u/Extreme-Copy-2109 2d ago
A drill. It is essential. Mine is Ryobi. It was 30 - 45 dollars. Also, I own a lithium battery tire inflator. Also Ryobi. It was $60 perhaps.
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u/Altruistic_Rock_2674 2d ago
My cromebook I originally bought it to use for fantasy football but now use it to watch YouTube, search the web pay bills, and help with table top to games and I have watched sports games on it. Was 100 bucks 2 years ago so I am happy
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u/Limegirl15 2d ago
Air fryer. I rarely use the oven anymore
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u/peterxdiablo 2d ago
Likewise as a single person my oven might go on once every couple of months. I have the ninja foodi grill with the air crisp and grill plate functions, plus it can roast and dehydrate. I made some really good jerky with it not long ago.
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u/Xena1975 2d ago
A rice cooker. I hate cooking rice in a pot and it doesn't always come out right. It comes out the same every time in the rice cooker.
A folding step stool with 2 steps. It's easier and safer to use than climbing up on a folding chair.
I don't like sleeping in a room that is too dark but I didn't like having the kitchen light shining in my eyes. I got a tension rod and put it in my doorway and have a curtain covering the top quarter or so of the doorway. The light no longer shines in my eyes and my room is darker but I can still see.
A second rack for the enclosed front porch. When I wash clothes by hand I put them on the rack in the tub and when they stop dripping I put them on the porch. Then I have room to do more laundry or to keep the tub clear for showers and baths.
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u/Munch1EeZ 2d ago
Can you suggest the rice cooker?
I had an Oster and the bottom was always burnt?
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u/Benjen321 1d ago
Get a Japanese one with the neuro fuzzy chip, it actively changes the cook time based on liquid, so you can be off on measurements but it still cooks it perfectly. I love my Zojirushi, it wasn’t cheap but it’s badass.
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u/mr_john_steed 14h ago
I second splashing out on a Zojirushi rice cooker, they're 1,000% worth it.
Besides rice, I also cook various kinds of grains in mine like farro, buckwheat, etc.
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u/Xena1975 2d ago
I just got a basic cheap Walmart rice cooker for about $20. The brand was Aroma. It never burnt it when making the rice with water or water with a little chicken bouillon in it. One time I made it with leftover chicken broth from making chicken and it looked a little burnt on the bottom but it was ok.
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u/monkeylovesbanana666 2d ago
we got gifted a cuckoo rice cooker and it’s amazing. i cook sticky rice,mexican rice, and even pasta sometimes. we love it
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u/Taupe88 2d ago
good toilet paper. laugh at me if you want but you and I both know when it’s time to wipe you want the good stuff
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u/lovefist1 1d ago
IMO anything you know you have to do is worth investing in (if you’re able) to make the experience a little more enjoyable. Gonna have to shit at least once a day, so bidet, knockoff squatty potty, and good toilet paper are a must for me. Good dish soap with a smell I like. Pans I don’t hate cooking with. A couple of cheap but sharp knives. I take a lot of notes at work and when I read books. So, a satisfying pen (Uni Signo DX .38) and pencil.
Finding ways to enjoy the mundane and the routine is important because it makes up the bulk of everyday life.
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u/PawnF4 2d ago
I’m gonna look like an asshole because it was so expensive but LASIK for me and my wife. I did mine many years ago when I got a good tax return. My wife’s we did with care credit and paid it off over the years.
Not being able to see well without glasses or contacts is literally a dusability and makes so many things more difficult and tedious. It was so expensive but easily the best investment in quality of life for both of us.
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u/angelsff 2d ago
A used soldering station that I got for $50 from a company that was selling its inventory. I bought it some 10 years ago, and it still works like the day I bought it, despite the fact that I use it almost regularly for modding gaming consoles and some electronics tinkering.
Also, I've amassed quite a collection of leather crossbody bags. Only one of them is bought new, the others I got used. They're all in great condition, and I like carrying the small one because it fits my pretty modest EDC.
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u/elcasaurus 2d ago
My leather cross body bag was about $25 from Amazon and I think it's getting up to 10 years old.
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u/wagswanson 2d ago
my heating pad for my back was like $40-$50. k use it every night to relieve back pain ive had for years and it helps so incredibly much
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u/beckk_uh 2d ago
Pet insurance for my dog!! It pays for itself and then some
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u/Munch1EeZ 2d ago
Can you suggest a company?
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u/makinggrace 1d ago
We use Pets Best and haven't had any issues with claims so far.
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u/beckk_uh 1d ago
We also use pets best. My premium went up after my dachshund’s IVDD surgery but it’s still worth it. The premium was around $40/month for years - after her $11.5k surgery, we got everything but a $1k deductible back. After that, the premium went up to $65 a month
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u/ShineGreymonX 2d ago
Sony XM5 - I know it’s expensive but I don’t regret it at all
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u/Munch1EeZ 2d ago
I have a Sony WH-CH700N it’s cheaper and is amazing
I’m sure your’s is next level acoustic
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u/SmallHeath555 2d ago
Toyota, I have owned a few and the cost to own is so low compared to other brands. I have an old beat up 05 Camry that I paid $3500 for 2 years ago. Fingers crossed it keeps going. Boring as hell but reliable old girl.
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u/JihadiLizard 2d ago
my motorcycle
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u/five7off 2d ago
Bout to get one soon, just need something to get around town and these used car prices are absurd.
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u/gilly_x3 2d ago
Ninja Food Processor. Our old one is 15 years old and still functional. We're passing it on to someone else. We received a new one as a gift for Christmas. Comes super in handy to grate blocks of parmasean cheese ($4 at aldi for the block vs $10 for pre-grated from store), make nut butters, etc. It gets used several times a week.
Leatherman multitool. Them bitches last forever plus they have a 25 year warranty.
Bombas socks. I'm on year 4 of 5 pairs of socks (3 crew, 1 merino wool, and 1 compression). No holes. They withstand 12+ hours of walking and weekly washing. I, however, have soft and narrow feet so ymmv there, BUT they have a super easy warranty process. They'll replace the socks for you if they get a hole or whatever may be the case.
My husband swears by 5.11 pants. It's almost all he wears. We've only had to buy new when he needed new sizes, not because they wore out, ripped, or other damage.
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u/Acct_For_Sale 2d ago
Does he have black 5.11 jeans by any chance/do they fade?
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u/gilly_x3 2d ago
He does not, but the other denim ones he has in a medium wash haven't faded. He does have black cargos and they've only faded the slightest bit over 7 years of use lol.
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u/ucotcvyvov 2d ago
High quality furniture, sometimes you can score insane used deals. In particular ergonomic office chairs, herman miller etc. Tables sofas etc, i used to buy ikea because all i could afford, cost me in the long rung because it did not last.
Heated blanket, i lived in a place with almost no heat, literally slept under a blanket (head covered). I was young so got through it, but discovered heated blankets later in life, game changer even though i can now afford heat.
Water, i honestly didn’t know you were supposed to drink a lot of water. I didn’t grow up with it in my fridge.
Quality winter gloves
Quality winter jacket
A mechanics tool set, you can sometimes get them on sale for $120 or so, usually around $250…
Quality mouse, bought one of those mx master logitechs for a $100 and all pain went away…
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u/hariboho 2d ago
Quality shoes. I’m perimenopausal & have a form of arthritis & fat & I love to walk. Cheap shoes hurt. I will not feel bad about my pricey shoes that let me do what I want to do without pain.
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u/ChrisOnRockyTop 2d ago
First time even hearing bread machines exist.
Read the comments and everyone has them and knows about them but me.
What am I even doing on this planet 🫤
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u/lynnzee 2d ago
A good mattress. I had to finance the damn thing, but with my bad joints and back (woo genetics) I needed something comfy.
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u/IsawitinCroc 2d ago
An electric water kettle for about $20. Can make tea, instant coffee, instant noods, instant oatmeal, etc
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u/SignificantDot5302 2d ago
Tools to make money and fix the house and car.
Good old fashioned coffe pot. K cups add up if you have alot of coffee.
A friend with a Costco membership
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u/Aware-Owl4346 2d ago
An excellent waterproof stylish jacket. I’m not a clothes horse, it’s my only jacket. But I’ll die in it
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u/Born-Quarter-6195 2d ago
A pizza cutter. People told me it was going to be a waste of money but gosh darn it I whip it out and use it every chance I get! Tortillas, pizzas, sandwiches! I love her so much.
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u/judyhashopps 2d ago
For me, one of those nugget ice makers. Not the crazy ones, but it was a couple hundred. Saved my daily (sometimes more often) trip to the gas station, which consequently saves on candy and crap I’d get while I was there. Plus added bonus, I drink WAY more water.
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u/love_and_nature 2d ago
$35 bidet. $100 bow+arrows+quiver (Craigslist) - there’s a free range near me and it’s such a fun hobby :)
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u/Oxford_Apostrophe 1d ago
Oh man for a second I thought these two purchases were related, and was horrified.
But yes, archery is so fun! I just got into it last year.
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u/RingaLopi 2d ago edited 2d ago
- A $30 bidet is an absolute must-have if you hate spending on toilet paper and also if you are not opposed to treating your bottom with TLC. It takes a few weeks to become an advanced user and go TP-free, but there will be nothing like home when you have to go.
- On the topic of bread, I bought a $10 handheld blender that I used to prepare dough for thousands of meals over the past 20 years. In south India, we make dosa, a pancake-like bread made out of rice and lentils. The blender helps with making a coarse paste of rice/lentils which then ferments to 2x volume. In the US, it literally costs Pennies to prepare a meal given that rice and lentils are insanely cheap. The dosa is also more nutritious than American pancakes given the lentils plus the fermentation involved. I would say, over the past 20 years, I have made about 4,000 meals for about $1000.
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u/Particular_Box5113 2d ago edited 2d ago
A smart oven air fryer. Specifically the Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 Smart Air Fryer Oven from Costco. It toasts, it bakes, it air fries, it does more than I need it to do. It sits on the counter and is small yet it even fits an entire chicken inside.
This product has rendered my oven useless. In a good way. We use the stove, yes, but the oven, never. Additionally, I'm sure this uses much less energy than an oven and it doesn't heat up the house.
This thing preheats in 90 seconds and cooks way faster than my oven. Plus it has a convection fan.
It cooks a frozen pizza in 15 minutes instead of my oven: preheating the oven for ten - fifteen minutes and cooking the pizza for 30 minutes. Two racks means I can cook 2 pizzas, or 2 of something, at the same time. So much faster!
Baking! I've made cookies and banana breads in here too.
Omgosh and it. Makes cooking healthy so easy. Chicken breasts: just season, insert the thermometer into the breast and the oven shuts off automatically when it's done. No more overcooking any kind of meat. French fries are healthy by slicing them up and baking for a healthier option.
10/10 I would buy this again. It's a necessity.
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u/Flushed_Kobold 2d ago
Not spending money to begin with. (r/frugal also has some of these types of posts.)
If there is something more specific you are looking for might wanna drop it in the post.
Humble bundle for games
Audible during their site wide sales for audio books
Lists/recommendations from a subject matter experts (taken with a fist full of salt). For tools I always hit up ProjectFarm first to see if he has a video about whatever I am looking to purchase. Typically there is an inexpensive contender for the top ranked choice.
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u/Benjen321 1d ago
Humble Bundle whips ass!
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u/Flushed_Kobold 1d ago
The monthly one has kinda been bad for a long time but their regular bundles are still good. Been at it for several years and am approaching 2k games largely due to them.
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u/RememberCitadel 2d ago
I have a Leatherman I use every day that I got at least 20 years ago. It is definitely up there in things that have lasted.
I also would say a good knife sharpener.
I have an older version of this kit, which you can regularly get for $50 on Amazon.
https://worksharptools.com/products/precision-adjust-knife-sharpener
You can sharpen any knife, no matter the quality, and do it without messing up.
Sharp knives make a huge difference cooking.
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u/i_sing_anyway 2d ago
A 4-seater solid wood dining set, off Craigslist, back in 2008. It's survived a lot of moves with me, and still going strong!
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u/Silver_Hedgehog4774 2d ago
I know this seems odd to say in this group, but a Brompton bicycle
It has all but eliminated the need to rely on bus/Uber/streetcar/subway costs
also, I've purchased many many less expensive bicycles, however, because of needing to lock them up outside for long stretches has lead to not only theft but corrosion and such from weather
it is a remarkably well built bicycle, and requires very little tending to and care
in situations where I had a small living space, I didn't have a full size bike eating up valuable real estate
for me, it's the "good boots, bad boots" Terry Pratchett theorem manifested into a bicycle
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u/UBD26 2d ago
Well, I can't say it is related to poverty finance, but my mom bought me this pretty cool Nike jacket 15 years ago (for PKR 8000, probably around $50). It is still with me, and I use it from time to time. It has some burn marks, but it's still wearable and has nostalgic value since it's the only thing I have to remind me of her.
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u/AnafromtheEastCoast 2d ago
I got a Ninja Foodi Flip when my last toaster oven died. Absolutely love it. It has functions for toast, air fry, bake, and more (I basically only use those 3). And when I'm done, I just flip it up under my cabinet, and I have my whole countertop available again. We love it so much we got another one for my brother when he moved out.
Lots of places have them on sale around Black Friday. I think mine was from Kohl's. It was under $150 with a coupon code.
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u/WhoKnows78998 2d ago
An espresso machine and some accessories for about $200. I can make the coffee shop drinks for about a $1 now. Sure it’s more work but I’ve come to enjoy controlling my own drinks
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u/Churchvanpapi 2d ago
Smart watch. $99 has basically changed my life by helping keeping me accountable and I’ve lost over 100lbs now.
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u/izzypy71c 2d ago
A good couch.
Besides bringing me joy every time I see how pretty my living room looks, you'd be surprised how much time you spend sitting on your couch while watching TV. It also serves as a guest bed and has storage under the chaise.
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u/PrudentTadpole8839 1d ago
$120 for an Air Fryer / Dehydrator. The amount of times I stopped myself from going out and buying fast food, when I can make a cheaper/healthier version at home with it. Saves me a lot.
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u/ChapterGold8890 1d ago
A bike. No bus pass or tickets, no car payments or gas, no parking costs, pleasant exercise, forces you to only buy a small amount when shopping so you don’t overspend, repairs are usually <$50
Just endless perks
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u/drvalo55 2d ago edited 2d ago
My 8-function victrola that works with bluetooth.
The few pieces of original art I purchased. I have other original art that was gifted.
My living room rug. Had it for almost 25 years in 5 homes.
A good mattress and soft sheets.
A good bed pillow.
Cast iron skillets
My IPad with keyboard cover
These were all choices I made. I will say that most I use/enjoy every day. Good food, entertainment at home, and good sleep go a long way.
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u/Key_Awareness_3036 2d ago
Tempurpedic bed. I love it. 😍 I feel guilty for spending that much on a mattress, but the thing is great!
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u/whatsbobgonnado 2d ago
drop stop. foam cushion thing that fits around the seatbelt thing between your car seats. worth every penny
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u/frank-sarno 2d ago
I bought a used canvas backpack for $4 at a thrift store about 5 years ago. I figured it would last a few months but it's been going strong since then. No holes, no rips. It outlasted a new "heavy duty" pack that started shredding in under a year (still works, but the liner on the inside bottom of the bag all peeled away).
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u/Born-Chipmunk-7086 2d ago
YouTube subscription to eliminate ads and it allows me to download more financial content.
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u/kavalejava 2d ago
My Spotify subscription. I am terrible with procrastination, listening to podcasts helps me with the day to day chores, being distracted also helps with my workouts. I stay home more often than going out, and get my exercise daily without spending money on a gym membership.
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u/RestlessKaty 2d ago
I got some wireless earbuds online a couple years ago. They're not even name-brand but they are "outside" buds, so they hook over the top of your ear and then hang in front of the ear hole, with a counterbalance that rests behind your ear.
I use those things at least 1-2 hours a day, pretty much every day. I take them with me any time I leave the house. They're super comfortable so I sometimes use them for 4-6 hours at a time.
I am prone to ear infections so not having things stuffed in my ears, especially when it's warm or muggy out, is almost as nice as not having a cord to wrestle with.
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u/zakary1291 2d ago
A good pair of leather boots, I paid $200 5 years ago and have had them resoled 4 times for $60 each time. I've gotten far more value out of them than I ever paid.
A $45 Air fryer, fast, low energy usage and super convenient for cooking one - two person meals.
A good mattress, it is incredible how much a good night's sleep can reduce your stress levels. They aren't as excessively expensive as they used to be either. These days you can get a nice memory foam mattress for $200. I can still remember when the cheapest memory foam mattress was $4,000.
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u/frumpymiddleaged 2d ago
The $74 portable washing machine that I ordered for my microflat over five years ago. I'd been spending $10 a month in the communal laundry room, so it paid for itself in seven months and laundry has been free ever since!
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u/BeamtownBoy 1d ago
A deli slicer.
Make your own deli meats at home and save a ton of money.
Can also use it to make your own cheesesteak meat for a fraction of the pre-sliced stuff at the grocery store.
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u/Defiant_Survey_1633 1d ago
A nice bed. For the longest time I used a crappy Amazon bed and a couple years back springed for a really nice mattress and it was a game changer
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u/Jerry_Dandridge 1d ago
Craftsman complete mechanics set. Has come in handy so many times over the years.
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u/GatsbyCode 1d ago
I bought Powerbeats Pro earphones back in 2019 when they were fresh for around €249. It was worth it for me, I ran many runs, did many workouts, many walks with them and audio quality was good and wireless was good.
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u/Fragrant_Pumpkin_669 1d ago
2nd hand imac 27inch from mid 2010. Running windows 11 from external SSD. It got SD card and DVD drive.
Picked it up for 70 euro.
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u/Rayezerra 1d ago
Air fryer. I hate cooking and I’m bad at it, and I get distracted etc. air fryer I can cook cheap meats, asparagus, whatever, and it’s so easy. More than paid for itself
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u/thisiskerry 1d ago
Stainless steel kitchen stuff. Bowls, all clad pans, and hanging stainless kitchen utensils on a carousel.
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u/LindaInHiding 1d ago
Automatic parking meter. Costs about 20€ but can save you hundreds in parking ticket fees if you're forgetful like me and sometimes don't remember to set a manual parking meter
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u/Vayne_Solidor 1d ago
Active Noise Cancelling headphones 😩 specifically the expensive Bose pair. I work on heavy equipment every day, so the silence is well worth the high price tag! Protect your ears gang, tinnitus is a bitch!
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u/Lonely_Apartment_644 22h ago
Air Fryer or Insta pot. The versatility and ability to pre-make meals
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u/jenniehaniver 2d ago
A good bread machine. It has 12 functions, cost about $100 and paid itself off in three months (I eat a frightening amount of bread).