Life can feel like one giant budget spreadsheet if we’re not careful, right? I’ve certainly lost track of how many times I’ve agonized over a purchase, wondering if it’s truly “worth it.”
But what if there are certain indulgences that do more than just satisfy a want? What if they actually save us money or improve our wellbeing in the long run?
Some of these aren’t obvious, yet I’ve discovered that various experts quietly give their stamp of approval on a handful of higher-priced items because of the value they bring to our lives.
Below, I’m breaking down eight splurges I’ve come to believe are completely justified—and why even the most cautious of us will find that they’re wise investments.
1. Mini vacations
I used to think a splurge meant something like a weeks-long getaway on a tropical island, complete with five-star dining.
But I’ve learned there’s a big difference between jetting off for an over-the-top vacation and giving yourself permission to enjoy a well-timed mini break.
Whether it’s a quick weekend by the lake or an overnight stay in the city, those short bursts of rest do wonders for morale—and, in turn, can boost productivity once you’re back home.
According to American Psychological Association occupational-health psychologist Dr. Jessica de Bloom, even a brief vacation “works like a psychological detour—you come back with more energy, creativity, and patience than you left with.”
In fact, folks tend to report less burnout and sharper focus right after they’ve had a change of scenery.
2. A quality mattress
I’ll admit I was late to the game on this one. I used to consider a bed a bed—and if it was cheap and worked, why spend more?
But once I did the math on how many hours I actually spend in bed each year, it started to make sense that an upgraded mattress could dramatically impact my day-to-day life.
After all, if you’re tossing and turning on a flimsy mattress, you’re probably not getting the quality shut-eye you need to be a fully functioning human being.
An eight-week quasi-experiment cited in PMC found that 39 adults who upgraded from their worn-out beds to a pressure-relieving, medium-firm “grid” mattress reported better sleep, brighter moods, and less pain.
The researchers even deemed the mattress “a simple, non-pharmacological fix” for chronic restlessness.
Given that a good night’s sleep affects everything from how we handle stress to our creativity at work, a high-end mattress can pay for itself in better performance and fewer groggy mornings.
3. Ergonomic chairs
Have you ever spent hours hunched over your desk in a rickety old chair, only to stand up and realize your neck and back feel like they’ve aged five years?
That was me for way too long. At the time, I felt like a fancy office chair seemed like a luxury—until I noticed I was cutting my work sessions short because of nagging discomfort.
It turns out, the right ergonomic setup can have a direct impact on health and absenteeism, something that resonates with financial pros who know how hidden costs add up.
A 2024 meta-analysis of 24 randomized trials, documented in MDPI, found that workers using ergonomic interventions (including adjustable chairs) cut their musculoskeletal pain by nearly a third and slashed lower-back-pain odds by about 47 percent.
When you think about avoiding doctor’s appointments and missed work, investing in a well-made chair starts to look like a very practical decision indeed.
4. Paying for professional advice
I’ll confess that I once saw financial advisors as folks who only worked with millionaires, poring over charts and graphs in posh offices.
Then, life got a bit more complicated: saving for a future home, thinking about retirement, and debating whether I needed more insurance coverage.
Suddenly, handing over some money to get expert guidance felt less like a frivolous splurge and more like a necessity.
Research by ILC-UK found that people who took financial advice from experts were significantly more likely to save more and invest. As a result, they ended up with more financial assets and pension wealth than those who didn’t.
Personally, I can truly see the value of paying for financial advice. Having a pro keep me accountable has lowered my financial stress—an intangible benefit that, in my book, is priceless.
5. Healthy, medically tailored meals
Ordering healthy, medically tailored meals might seem like a luxury reserved for people with very specific dietary needs—but more and more experts say it’s a smart investment for anyone looking to take their health seriously.
These aren’t your average salad boxes. We’re talking about meals curated by dietitians and chefs to support specific goals—like blood sugar regulation, heart health, or anti-inflammatory diets.
And they’re not just for people managing chronic illnesses anymore. Whether you’re training for a marathon or just want to avoid the mid-afternoon crash, these meals can be a real game-changer.
What makes this splurge worth it? Time, energy, and long-term health. You’re not only skipping the mental labor of planning balanced meals, you’re also reducing the risk of nutritional gaps that often come with rushed or restrictive eating.
According to a growing body of research, medically tailored meals can lead to fewer hospital visits and improved overall well-being—even for people without pre-existing conditions.
So while they might cost more upfront, they could actually save you money in the long run by helping you stay healthier, sharper, and more energized day to day.
6. Outsourcing house cleaning
My relationship with house cleaning used to be begrudging at best—I’d do a half-hearted job just to avoid feeling guilty.
Most people think paying someone else to clean is a luxury they can do without. And true, maybe you can do without it.
But believe me, the first time I brought in a reputable cleaning service, I realized how much mental load I’d been carrying around day to day.
Instead of fretting over dirty floors or a sink full of dishes, I had time—and the mental bandwidth—to focus on projects, spend quality moments with loved ones, and even resurrect old hobbies.
It’s not all in my head, either. A study discussed in PMC found that Japanese university-hospital physicians who used cleaning services felt “like a weight off,” with many spending more time with family and hobbies.
Those benefits trickled into better work performance, and it’s easy to see how that translates into a positive financial impact over time.
For me, letting go of housekeeping tasks gives me back hours that I can use more productively—and joyfully.
7. Supportive shoes
They might not be the flashiest purchase, but experts agree: splurging on high-quality, supportive shoes is one of the smartest things you can do for your health—especially if you spend a lot of time on your feet.
Whether it’s for work, workouts, or just daily errands, the right pair of shoes can protect your posture, prevent injury, and reduce chronic pain in places you wouldn’t expect (think knees, hips, and lower back).
It’s not just about comfort—it’s about long-term alignment and mobility. Podiatrists regularly point out that cheap, unsupportive footwear contributes to a host of issues like plantar fasciitis, joint strain, and even early arthritis.
Studies show that supportive footwear significantly improved stability and reduced pain in participants with musculoskeletal issues.
So while it might sting a little to drop $100+ on sneakers or everyday shoes, you’re essentially investing in your body’s foundation—and that’s something no sale rack can replace.
8. Mental-health benefits
I used to balk at the idea of therapy co-pays or additional mental-health coverage, assuming it was just another monthly bill. Then I found myself in a stressful season, juggling work demands and personal expectations, and finally decided to invest in a good counselor.
My mental health improved substantially, but here’s the kicker: it had ripple effects everywhere, from my ability to focus at my job to my overall physical wellbeing.
A new cohort study featured in JAMA Network showed that employer-sponsored behavioral-health coverage actually delivered net medical-cost savings.
This means that “every dollar spent on therapy and related services chopped total health-care outlays by more than a dollar over time.”
So if you’re ever on the fence about boosting your mental-health support, consider that it not only nurtures your emotional resilience but can also minimize overall medical expenses.
In my own life, that professional support has been a splurge that keeps on giving.
Wrapping up
The older I get, the more I realize that so-called “splurges” can be strategic moves in disguise.
Spending smart doesn’t always mean spending less; sometimes it means paying for items or services that genuinely improve your life, your productivity, and your health.
We’re often told to pinch pennies wherever possible, but in my experience, cutting corners in certain areas ends up costing more in the long run.
Each of these eight investments has proven beneficial not just for me personally, but according to research and expert opinions, too.
Ultimately, the key is understanding where your money has the power to give back—and trusting yourself to invest accordingly.
