Buy the best
what nice stuff is worth it?
After being raised in the Midwest with frugality drilled as a virtue, it took me a while to learn that sometimes buying nicer things is a better deal and not just burning cash for status. Here are some things I think are worth buying in higher quality, where the better version really is better.
My over-arching theory is if something is used frequently or ceremoniously buy the better version.
- Clothes
- Shoes, shirts, pants, jackets, warm winter coat and boots. They’ll last longer. Fit matters more than quality for how you look though so make sure to get something that fits or find a tailor.
- Exceptions: socks, undies, sunglasses, hats. These are more frequently replaced and less noticeable difference in quality.
- Bedding - you spend a lot of time in bed
- Drinks
- Alcohol - you'll consume it slower, enjoy it more, and have more fun sharing it with friends. You generally don’t need to go higher than $20-40/bottle for wine. Good whiskey $60-80/bottle.
- Coffee and tea - good stuff is widely available now, not expensive, and much better than cheap options
- Luggage - good luggage lasts for a long time, Briggs & Riley does lifetime warranties. Cheap luggage fails at the worst times.
- Tools - if you need it once, borrow it, if you need it again buy a good version. I’ve liked Milwaukee Tool.
- Tinned fish - high quality tinned fish is available in most grocery stores these days. The better versions are fresher and tastier. Source from Portugal.
Expensive things to avoid and buy at lower price points:
- Rugs - get something with natural fiber at the lower end of price points
- Cars. Price != quality of manufacturing (e.g., Toyota)
Things I’m trying to figure out:
- Furniture? Depends how frequently you'll move?
- Economy plus for long-haul flights?
- Gym memberships - location matters most. Planet Fitness is better than Equinox if you’ll go to it. The exception is if you value being around attractive people… then go to the fancy gym but be honest about why!
What would you add / remove / swap to these lists?
revised Feb 2025
