I was cleaning out a closet the other day and came across something I bought years ago that’s still getting regular use. It made me realize that not every good purchase has to be expensive, sometimes it’s the things you use all the time that end up giving you the most value. It got me thinking about everyone here. What’s one purchase you still feel good about because it saved you money, lasted a long time, or just made life easier?
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I bought a used 1994 Nissan truck in about 2002. It had a little over 100k miles. It’s been my daily driver, off and on, ever since. It has almost 300k miles now. I’ve never carried it to a garage, any minor issues I could fix. I paid $3200 when I bought it, I could, get more than that now. Best buy I’ve ever made.
For me, it would have to be my cast iron skillet. I bought it years ago without thinking too much about it, and it’s still one of the most-used things in my kitchen. It cooks everything well, it’s easy to maintain, and I haven’t felt the need to replace it. Looking back, it turned out to be one of those purchases that just keeps paying off. Definitely money well spent.
Without question the 27" HP all in one computer, $999 saving $380 off regular price has been invaluable for both personal and professional work and play. As one of millions who suffer from essential tremor I am now able to use the text messenger from Google on the computer’s display so that I can use the 101 keyboard rather than fumbling with the tiny keypad that my gorilla fingers struggle with. Professionally I am working on illustrating a cousin’s book that will be available on the shelves of Target, Walmart and other sellers as well as Amazon in Kindle and print versions just in time for Christmas. I had purchased the AIO from Best Buy on the 0% financing offer that I paid in 10 payments after selling my previous 24" desktop. No regrets, no debts!!!
Thanks for mentioning cast iron skillets. Some simple bits of cookware – uncomplicated, no non-stick coatings to wear off – can last forever. I have three cast iron skillets, varying sizes, and collectively they get used at least twice a week. I also have a Reverware pot from the 80’s which I also use regularly, but some might suggest I’ve hung on to it for sentimental reasons, being the first pot I bought after a fire.
Here’s another which some might be comepletly unaware of: a spurtle. I have them in two shapes, but the one I use regulalry is the dowel-shaped one with a rim at the end. We eat a lot of oatmeal (year round) and their shape is great for getting into the corner of the pot. I think they run about $15.
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The used Baldwin piano I bought for $800 while in dental school has served me for 50 years now, and I enjoy it nearly every day.
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These are exactly the kinds of replies I was hoping to see. It’s cool how everyone’s answer is so different, but they all have one thing in common, they’ve brought value for years instead of just a few weeks. I especially enjoyed reading about the piano that’s been played for 50 years and the computer that made everyday life so much easier. Those are the kinds of purchases that really pay for themselves over time. Thanks to everyone who’s shared so far. I’d love to hear a few more, what’s something you bought that you still think was worth every penny?
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In 1997 I was having back and neck pain from my profession. Bicycling was my main exercise, but riding conventional bikes hurt too much. US News and World Report came out with an article about recumbent bicycles, featuring a cheap one and an expensive one.
At first I was going to buy the cheap heavy one. After doing some checking, I decided to buy a top-of-the-line aluminum Easy Racers Goldrush, made in California. At that time it cost me $2000. One of the best decisions I ever made! 100 mile trips were a breeze with no pain. Though I have 12 recumbent bicycles now, very exotic and some very fast, the Goldrush I have been riding for 29 years is still my favorite bike. The manufacture of them has stopped, and I cannot get another new one if I wanted. Which makes it all the more precious to me.
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My bicycle. I ride it almost daily in retirement. It has paid for itself many times over for the fun and life it has given me. I only have one, but I’ve ridden 25,000 miles since I bought it in August 2020.