Not every purchase needs to be practical—some just make life better.
While saving money is smart, sometimes the things that bring us the most joy are the least frugal. I came across a thread where people shared the non-essential, non-budget-friendly purchases they happily splurge on, just because they love them.
From luxury candles to ocean-view hotel rooms, these top-voted responses reveal what people are spending on purely for happiness—and why it might be worth doing the same.
1. Vacuum Cleaner
One person bought an $800 vacuum cleaner and said it’s like driving a BMW in the vacuum world. It’s made vacuuming fun for this person.
Another one commented on it, “I second this. After many bagless/wind tunnel vacuums, we finally splurged on a Miele canister. You can never go back once you’ve seen the quality.”
2. Being a Single Woman
Lisse said, “I am a single woman and have lived alone for most of my adult life, even when it stretched my budget. Was it the smart financial decision? No. Did it greatly increase my peace of mind and mental well-being? Hell, yes!”
Another added that she loves knowing that when she gets home, everything will be where it was left. No one will have eaten her food, and her cat is still inside with no chance she was accidentally let out. Plus, if she’s tired and wants to go to bed before cleaning up or rushing to work without putting anything away, there’s no pressure because she answers to no one. Her words, not mine.
3. Soft Towels
One mentioned, ”Really soft towels. They changed my life.” A lot of users related to this comment.
Someone added that they broke up with their partner and bought bath towels for $90 a piece. They thought it was glorious, and they still use them today.
4. Metal Detector
Someone said they have a $300 metal detector and $100 of accessories for it, because why not? We only live once.
Another excitingly added, “I know this is a thread about not being frugal, but I’ll take any chance to shill for public libraries. My library loans out metal detectors (and other hobby stuff like sewing machines and fishing rods). It’s a nice method to test out a hobby for free before you invest in your own equipment. Ask your local library if they have a ‘Library of Things.’” We love those tips!
5. Lego Sets
Lego sets make a lot of people smile, and people simply love playing with Legos. You only get one life, someone added.
Another user commented that his friend added the Star Wars Lego Millennium Falcon set to his wedding registry.
6. A Dog
One said her dog is a discretionary expense because pets are, but he makes her happy on a daily basis.
Another added that a pet saves your mental health. She also said she typed this with something small and fluffy on her lap. You go and connect the dots.
7. Books
Books. Just keeps buying books.
Someone replied that he loves books if they’re a bit older. He enjoys new books if he’s looking forward to them or when it’s a preorder for a series he likes. He asked if he would ever catch up on his books. The answer he gives is maybe. I think that’s a fair answer for any book lover.
8. Gym Membership
Someone said, “High-end gym membership. I know I could do the same thing for cheaper, but I like guilt-tripping myself into going, and I like the reward of being somewhere nice when I work out.”
Another person agreed with them. They go to a small gym where they know their trainer and the trainer knows what weight they used last week and about their health barriers. They say it’s expensive but 100% worth it.
9. Heating and Cooling Fixtures
One person commented, “I keep my heat in my house around 70 in the winter, the heating bill be damned! I still wear warm socks, sweaters, etc., but you can only do so much in an old, uninsulated house. Winter is depressing enough, and I’ve chosen comfort over coins. It’s made a significant, positive impact on my mental health.”
Another commented with the same problem, but the other way around. They said that Phoenix, Arizona, gets ridiculously hot, like, raising blood pressure hot. They are way more productive when it’s cool. So when the air conditioning broke, they were exhausted and foggy because their body prioritized staying cool. They paid for the air conditioning to be repaired quickly.
10. Spices
Someone mentioned, “2-3 times per year, I will go into a dedicated spice/vinegar/oil shop and stock up, as well as pick up a few gifts. Getting high-quality spices can go a long way to doctoring up cheaper meals, and you typically don’t have to use as much if it is fresh/good quality.”
They buy smoked pepper, smoked or flavored salts, some Vietnamese cinnamon, some rubs, taco seasonings, and more. If you’re into cooking, these spices can add much flavor to a dish.
Get Rich Quick? Not Exactly, But Here Are 12 Trusted Ways To Build Wealth With a Normal Job
This post says you can build wealth with a normal job. Working towards becoming wealthy, following viable financial plans, managing your finances smartly, and having a disciplined attitude toward money will help you achieve financial independence.
Source: Reddit
Writer for Radical FIRE.
With a passion for crafting captivating travel and lifestyle content, Iris brings a unique perspective shaped by her personal journey in the care sector, coupled with a background in customer care and writing.
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