Life is expensive, and especially recently, even the most affluent Americans have been struggling with inflation and skyrocketing expenses. Between soaring living costs, student loans, grocery bills that have doubled, and the average unexpected urgent financial demand, many people dream about things big or small that might boost their quality of life and make daily living more convenient.
Here are 11 things Americans would happily splurge on to upgrade their lives if they had the extra funds, from the practical to the indulgent.
A Quality Mattress
A good night’s sleep is the foundation of a healthy, productive day and a happier, energized, and focused you. However, with good mattresses ranging from $1,000 to $3,000, many people have to settle for budget options or continue using old ones well past their prime.
Research has repeatedly shown that restorative sleep improves mood, cognitive function, and overall health. A good mattress is an investment in your well-being and health. Look for long-term financing plans or seasonal sales to upgrade your sleep at a lower cost.
A Spa Membership
Escaping the daily grind to a serene spa for a monthly massage or facial feels like heaven. However, regular visits can cost upwards of $100 per session. While self-care has proven benefits for our mental and physical well-being, many people consider it an added luxury and find it too expensive to prioritize.
Investing in relaxation could save you from avoidable burnout and stress-related health problems. If fancy spas are out of your budget, opt for a quality massage device or use discount websites to find deals on smaller (not so luxurious) massage and facial services.
A Personal Trainer
Motivation to hit the gym and commit to a workout plan can be hard to find. Having a personal trainer to hold you accountable could give you that push. Personal trainers provide tailored plans, personalized guidance, and techniques that optimize fitness goals. However, most sessions start at $80 and upwards; for maximum results, you’d need a minimum of twice-weekly sessions. This is a cost that’s hard to justify for many.
While a trainer can help you reach your fitness goals, prevent injuries, and make workouts far more effective for long-term results, you can opt for group training sessions or virtual coaching to reduce costs.
An Emergency Fund
Having three to six months of living expenses tucked away in a savings account is a dream for far too many Americans. Yet, with nearly 56% of Americans unable to cover a $1,000 emergency, building an emergency fund can unfortunately feel like an elusive goal.
An emergency fund gives peace of mind for life’s unexpected turns. Start small by automating savings transfer; even $20 per paycheck adds up.
A Fancy Espresso Machine
Imagine starting each day with cafe-quality coffee in the comfort of your kitchen instead of paying for the $7 latte on your way to work. High-end espresso machines start at $500 and go as high as $2,000, which could be too much for coffee lovers to splurge on at once.
Over time, investing in a quality machine could save money by cutting back on daily coffee shop visits. Look for refurbished models to score a deal on popular brands like Breville or De’Longhi.
A Healthy Meal Delivery Service
Healthy eating takes time, and too often, convenience wins the battle between a well-rounded dinner and takeout. Meal delivery kits provide pre-portioned, nutritious ingredients but cost a minimum of $10-$15 per meal, making them challenging to sustain.
Get first-time subscriber discounts and keep deliveries occasional for better cost balance.
A Bucket-List Vacation
Most vacation days are consumed by visiting families, doing home repairs, or running errands. Rarely does the average American budget afford to book a retreat to their bucket-listed place, be that Europe or a tropical island.
Real vacations are mentally nourishing; they inspire creativity and are timeless.
Stay in town or take a nearby weekend outing for an economical getaway whenever possible. Eventually, you can start a fund to check that dream vacation off your bucket list.
Therapy or Coaching
While mental health is equally as valuable as physical, the cost of therapy sessions runs from $100 to $200 per hour. Even for those with insurance, co-pays add up fast, making continued counseling difficult.
Therapy equips people with the tools to handle stress, improve relationships, and work through challenges. It’s one of the most impactful investments people can make in themselves. Many therapists offer sliding-scale payments or lower-cost online sessions.
A Reliable Fuel-Efficient or Electric Car
A fuel-efficient or electric car is ideal for fluctuating gas prices and environmental concerns. However, their upfront costs can be prohibitively expensive for the average family.
Fewer maintenance issues, better gas mileage, and lower emissions make this a car upgrade worth pursuing. To reduce costs, explore government incentives and rebates for electric vehicles.
A High-End Smart Refrigerator
Picture a refrigerator that inventories your groceries, recommends recipes, and lets you know when your milk is near expiration. Smart refrigerators do these things and a lot more, but starting at $2,000 and reaching into the $8,000 range, they remain a dream for many households.
These high-tech appliances reduce food waste, simplify meal planning, and enhance kitchen efficiency. If you want to upgrade, look for sales around major holidays.
A Luxe Home Entertainment System
From state-of-the-art 4K TVs to immersive surround sound setups, a top-tier home entertainment system is the ultimate indulgence for movie buffs and gamers. Prices can easily exceed $5,000 for a full setup.
These systems turn mundane living rooms into cinematic havens, perfectly serving intimate in-house movie nights or hosting extravaganzas. Save up for good components little by little rather than setting a budget to get it all at once.
The Bottom Line
While this list may seem indulgent, each wish represents not just an extravagance but a potential way to enhance the quality of life and ease some of life’s daily burdens. Better sleeping, more finances, or simply experiences alone could make life richer, healthier, and more rewarding. The promise of these benefits is a source of hope and motivation.
Until that day, keep saving and appreciating those tiny luxuries during the journey. Your current financial situation is valid, and your efforts to improve it are commendable.
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