6 Things You Should Spend Money On That Are Worth It
Things worth spending on: Check out 6 smart ways to spend without wasting money. Safety, sleep, pets, insurance & more
Listen to the podcast episode
Find the podcast on:
Apple | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Pandora | Stitcher | iHeartRadio | Deezer | Pocket Casts | PlayerFM
Being smart with your money doesn’t mean you have to pinch pennies everywhere. Some things are just worth spending money on because cutting corners could cost you a lot of money in the long run or even mess with your mental health. Whether it’s investing in reliable home appliances, staying on top of dental care, or making sure you’re eating good food, spending a little extra money can really go a long way in making life easier, safer, and more comfortable. Let’s talk about where it’s a good idea to ask your bank account for more and why it’s worth it.
This post may contain affiliate links & I may earn a small commission when you click on links – at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn money from qualifying purchases. You can read the full disclaimer here.
1. Safety things
Keeping safety in mind, there are just some things you shouldn’t skimp on. Whether it’s getting good protective gear for your kids, investing in solid home security, or making sure your car checks all the safety boxes, these are areas where spending smart really pays off. Let’s dive into why these things matter and how they can help keep you and your family safe.
Protective gear for sports
Some things are just worth spending money on. Like protective gear for your kids, for example—while your six-year-old might not need top of the line pads for playing touch football, your sixteen-year-old in competitive hockey definitely does. Safety is one of the most important things to consider when making these decisions, and cutting corners could have a major impact on their well-being.
And let’s talk helmets: bike helmets, skateboarding helmets, horse-riding helmets; don’t skimp on those. Head injuries can cause long-term damage, and that’s just not something you want to mess with. Your brain is your most valuable resource, and we don’t have the tech to replace it, yet! Make sure to stick to the helmet-wearing rule, too. My two-year-old won’t even get on her balance bike without her “pink hat” on. Trust me, it’s a great way to build good habits early.

Home security
When it comes to home security, you really don’t want to cut corners. Sure, you might find a great deal on a system, but there’s a big difference between a good sale and getting stuck with something that won’t actually protect you. I’m all for snagging a bargain, but make sure you’re going with a reputable system that’ll have your back in the long term. Do a little research, check reviews, and make sure it’s the real deal before you pull the trigger.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are solid times to shop for tech like doorbell cameras and home security systems, but even with great deals on the table, don’t just grab the first thing you see.

Vehicles
When you’re buying a a new-to-you vehicle, make sure to check out the safety features of that particular model. Don’t just go by the general reputation of the make. Instead, take a look at the specific vehicle’s history and see if there are any recalls.
You can use the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to look up details like recalls, past incidents, and the vehicle’s history through services like Vehicle History. For recalls, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website is a great place to check. And if you’re worried about theft or salvage, turn to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, as it has that info.
2. Baby safety things
Baby gear is one area where it’s not worth skimping. While there are plenty of ways to save money when raising a baby, safety isn’t the place to cut corners. Spending a bit more on good stuff, like a safe car seat or crib, can make a big difference in the long run.
Regulations for baby equipment change from time to time, so make sure any gear you’re reusing is still up to date. If it’s been recalled or is no longer safe, replace it right away, even if it costs a little more. There are plenty of other ways to save money on babies, but don’t skimp on their safety gear.
Sleeping & sitting devices
Standards can change dramatically between siblings even. My six-year-old slept in a Rock’n Play exclusively for months. It was the only way she’d sleep, and its portability was so convenient. By the time my second was born 3 years and 9 months later, Rock’n Plays were being recalled and called unsafe.
I had to scramble to find a replacement sleep solution for those pre-crib nights, and she still doesn’t sleep nearly as well as my older daughter.
Rather than buying an older crib and saving money, I advise purchasing a new crib that meets current safety standards.
My parents saved the crib my siblings and I used, but that drop-side design is no longer considered safe. You’re probably safe to reuse a crib between siblings but look for recalls on that specific model first.

Car seats
Never, ever buy a used car seat. Even if the seat has been in a minor fender-bender, it could be compromised, and that’s not something you want to risk with your baby.
Your auto insurance should replace a damaged car seat, so it’s definitely worth submitting a claim to get a new one. Just keep in mind that not everyone plays by the rules, and some people might try to resell a damaged seat without letting you know its history. Stay safe and get a brand-new one.
What if buying a high-quality baby car seat could put you in a tough spot financially? Don’t stress, as there are ways to get one for free. Just dig around, and hopefully, you’ll find the help you need.
Here’s the thing: a child in a used car seat could be at risk if there’s an accident down the line. For their safety, always go for a brand-new car seat. If you’re worried about the cost as your little one keeps growing, don’t stress. Stores like Target and Wal-Mart offer car seat trade-in programs a few times a year. You can trade in an old car seat and get a coupon for a discount on a new one or other baby gear. It’s a great way to save a little while still keeping your kiddo safe.

3. Shoes
How many hours do you spend on your feet each day? Depending on your job, it could be a lot. Stay-at-home parents, especially with little ones, are constantly on the move, up and down all day. When you’re putting that much strain on your body, having a solid foundation matters—I’m talking about wearing good quality shoes. They make a big difference in how you feel at the end of the day.
In my own life, I have noticed I experience much less knee and hip pain when I’m consistently wearing high-quality, cushioned shoes. Just remember that even good shoes wear out over time, so you should replace your everyday shoes before they wear out or get holes.
I like to watch Zulily and 6pm for deals on my favorite brands, then purchase shoes I know are comfortable and supportive. After trying on various brands in a local store, I stick to a few favorites and purchase them online for less.

4. Anything sleep related
Can you tell I am the mom of two young children? Can you tell my husband is working overnight shifts right now?
With all the chaos of managing kids and weird work hours, we don’t skimp on anything that helps us get some good sleep. Whether it’s investing in a good mattress or making sure we have blackout curtains to block out the light, we know these little things make a huge impact.
When you’re running low on sleep, you’ll do whatever it takes to actually get some rest. That’s why we don’t hesitate to invest in good stuff when it comes to sleep quality. For us, it’s more than just comfort. It’s an investment in our financial situation. Being well-rested helps boost productivity, which means good money in the long run and brings you closer to financial independence.
Mattresses
If you sleep 8 hours a night, you’ll spend over 2,900 hours in bed each year. Even as the parent of a young child, sleeping much less than that, having a good mattress is crucial to comfort during waking and sleeping hours.
A good quality mattress can be expensive, but if you average that purchase out over all the hours you’ll spend sleeping, the nightly cost is reasonable. The benefits of a good mattress can’t really be measured.
As someone who deals with arthritis and inflammation-related pain on a daily basis, anything that helps me feel better is a worthy investment. During my last pregnancy, when pain kept me awake most nights, we invested in a Tempur-Pedic mattress topper too.
We couldn’t afford a new mattress, but that topper made a huge difference in my comfort level. My husband even admitted it was a good investment after a few nights.

Don’t skimp on Other sleep aids
Black-out curtains, white noise machines, fans, eye masks, cooling sheets… whatever helps you sleep well are worth the investment.
The Hushh Portable White Noise Sound Machine has been a life-saver on road trips with our girls. When we’re at home, it lives in the master bedroom, proving it’s versatile and long-lasting.
For the last year, we’ve been sleeping on Cosy House sheets and they’re the best. They have deep pockets (to fit over the mattress + Tempurpedic topper), elastic straps to keep them on the mattress for restless sleepers, and they’re both smooth and cooling. They also have a lifetime warranty, which was the main reason I tried out this brand.
My sister swears by her Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones for a quiet sleep. I think they look uncomfortable as heck for sleeping, but I discovered that Bose makes Sleepbuds too. I haven’t tried them, but they look promising for comfort and noise-canceling.
If you want more sleep tips, read 6 Easy Self-Care Ideas for Busy People.
5. Dog Food
It feels like there’s always a new story about weird ingredients in dog food, right? I wonder if the same thing happens with cat food too, but I digress. When it comes to my pets, I just can’t bring myself to cut corners on their food. One of our dogs has a grain allergy, so finding the right food for her can be tricky.
At first, we went all in on the crazy-expensive brands, like Blue Buffalo Wilderness and Authority. Yeah, those are pricey.
But then we found Nature’s Domain Salmon Meal & Sweet Potato by Kirkland Signature at Costco. It worked wonders for her, and after checking with our vet, we were relieved to hear that the ingredients were just as good (if not better) than the pricier options. So now we’re all set.
Even if you find a brand that doesn’t have any harmful ingredients, it’s still really important to make sure it has the right nutrition, especially as your pet gets older. That’s where regular checkups with your vet come in—they can help guide you to the best choice for your dog’s health.
Good nutrition and the right food is an investment in your pet’s well-being, and it saves you a lot of stress (and money) in the long run.

6. Insurance
When it comes to insurance, the list seems never-ending, right? There’s renter’s or homeowner’s insurance, auto insurance, health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, and life insurance. You’ve also got things like professional indemnity insurance, and who knows what else? It can feel like you need a policy for everything these days.
In the end, you shouldn’t skimp on necessary insurance, but what’s “necessary” really depends on your specific situation.
The cheapest option isn’t always the best deal. Sometimes it might mean fewer benefits or less coverage, and that’s not something you want to gamble with when it comes to protecting your family and belongings. You need to look at both the costs and the benefits when shopping for policies.
If you’re looking into homeowners insurance, make sure you get a policy that covers 125% of the replacement cost. This helps with demolition and debris removal in case of damage, which can end up costing a lot of your hard-earned cash.
In the Frugal Year Challenge, I dive into more specifics on how to save on insurance while still getting proper coverage. The course is currently free, but in 2025, the price will go up. It’s all about finding a better way to save on things like insurance, so you can focus on your savings goals and still protect your financial security.
The challenge covers 12 different areas of frugality, helping you make meaningful changes in your life and your net worth. These are the kinds of changes that will set you up for a better future and take you one step closer to the financial freedom we all dream about.

Bonus! Here are…
Other Areas to Spend A Little More Money On
- Financial expert: Having a solid financial advisor can help you avoid major money problems down the road.
- Real estate: Buying the right property in the right spot can really pay off in the long run, so invest in good real estate and hold onto it.
- A dishwasher: It’s a huge help when you’ve got a ton of dishes piling up and no time.
- A washing machine: A reliable washing machine will save you trips to the laundromat and money in the long run.
- Home theater system: For family movie nights and some bonding time.
- A good book: You’re as good as the books you read!
What else? Only you can decide.
Putting It All Together
There are certain areas of everyday life where spending a little extra can save you so much money down the road. Whether it’s investing in upgrading your sleep situation with a great mattress, installing a more reliable home security system, or getting better quality safety gear for your little ones, these choices are worth the investment.
Don’t hesitate to invest in your safety and your family’s well-being. And while you’re at it, toss a good book into the shopping cart so to help you unwind after a long day. These are all decisions that can lead to a long time of comfort, peace of mind, and even healthier finances. You’ll find that spending a little more on the most important thing – like protecting your home or your health – really pays off in the long run.
These are all the must-not-skimp things in our home, except for pet food (we don’t have any pets). But, of course, the big one is kids’ safety! Thanks for the reminder on sleep aids.
Sleep is the best haha!
Thank you for the tips
Thanks for reading!