11 Life-Upgrading Purchases You Should Never Feel Guilty About

In this episode, Chelsea discusses the self-care spending you should never feel guilty about, especially because of the tangible difference these things can make in your quality of life.
Learn more about getting great credit no matter where you're starting from with CreditRepair.com: www.creditrepair.com/?tid=17191
Based on an article by Gina Vaynshteyn: thefinancialdiet.com/11-self-...
Watch more of The Financial Diet hosted by Chelsea Fagan here: • THE FINANCIAL DIET
The Financial Diet site: www.thefinancialdiet.com
Facebook: / thefinancialdiet
Twitter: / tfdiet
Instagram: thefinancia...

[@thefinancialdiet]

One purchase that you won't feel guilty about is a ticket to our upcoming workshop with TFD's resident investing expert, Amanda Holden! Grab your ticket before it sells out: bit.ly/THESTUDIO9!

[@fairlymoon448]

is this mainly geared towards an american audience? cos Im not from the states but this sounds interesting

[@only20frickinletters]

1. Therapy 2. Subscriptions you actually read 3. A couch 4. Car maintenance 5. A laptop that lasts 6. Sneakers 7. Air temperature and quality 8. Internet 9. Tools 10. Kitchen basics 11. Health insurance

[@siasmith6746]

Thank you

[@KyanneSummer]

Thank you 😊

[@Ashas.Garden]

Gracias.

[@Ro53mary]

Thanks so much for this!

[@littleray3899]

Thank you they make there videos so damn Long for a list of 11 items. Shit 😤😤

[@jesswithie]

Surprised you didn't include "A good bed" on there. The mattress industry is crazy dumb, but a good set up is so vital to good sleep. Still love this, thank you!

[@notsoperfectlyme7276]

YES!! We finally broke down and bought a new mattress 2 years ago.. LIFE CHANGING!! Much better sleep, and don’t wake up hurting. Only problem is getting out of it in the morning. Soooooo cozy!

[@thefinancialdiet]

Ooo, good one. And so true!

[@Double0pi]

I was also surprised this wasn't mentioned! Both that and a good, supportive desk chair for home use have really helped my productivity.

[@NotHPotter]

It sorta was. Invest in what goes between you and the floor!

[@sierrashavon6459]

@@notsoperfectlyme7276 What kind of mattress? I need to buy a new one asap!

[@irenebrackett8094]

Attention: Please don't make purchases such as exercise clothes/equipment or kitchen appliances aspirationally. Chelsea loves to cook and would be cooking whether she had those items or not but if you don't cook now having an expensive Dutch oven or mixer won't make you a cook. And if you don't exercise at all having a pair of Nike's won't make you work out. Make investments based on who you are and what your true needs are

[@novalinnhe]

This is a great point.

[@hypatiakovalevskayasklodow9195]

I think it should go without saying that people who feel guilty about purchasing these items already buy only what they need. Maybe I'm wrong but seem unlikely. It was "better buy quality trainers than break your ankle in bad ones" which implies someone is already working out.

@@hypatiakovalevskayasklodow9195 , actually, running in expensive shoes isn’t any safer than in cheap ones but rather the opposite. It’s been experimentally proven.

[@hypatiakovalevskayasklodow9195]

@ where?

[@Vizivirag]

This is so important! Like, for me, a couch? I don't have one, I don't need one, why I'd buy one? But good quality repairable leather shoes cost an arm and a leg with my budget, but they could last for 5+ years and my feet are much more healthier than in the past, whem I bought cheap plastic ones.

[@hoikatia]

it makes me so sad seeing my older family members ridicule therapy when they actually unknowingly so desperately need it

[@ingridl677]

"Many people are in therapy because of the people that dont go to therapy"

[@Redorgreenful]

@Ingrid L Trueee. My father paid me to stop taking psych meds but he had anger issues he never went to therapy for. Can you guess why I needed therapy?

[@meghansullivan6812]

right! :(

[@prittyugly86]

They "don't need it". All of them wow.

[@pete5668]

Based on my personal experience, therapy is a royal scam.

[@Merrybandoruffians]

Recently I’ve realized that personal finance shouldn’t be about shaming and depriving yourself. It should be about having control over your money so you can intentionally spend on the things that are important to you. I just bought an iPhone 12 after months of debating and feeling guilty about it. I’ve had an iPhone 7 for years now but was holding on to it (even though it’s super slow and glitchy) because I had bought into feeling guilty about spending money since I’m working on building savings. But I realized, I use my phone every day and it’s not something I buy often, so why not get a new phone? Definitely worth it.

[@MiniDress360]

I did exactly the same. I use my phone so much and so I’m glad I’m able to pay the extra to have an good quality one.

[@shelbymary212]

I completely agree! In the last year I had to unexpectedly replace my iPhone and my car. For months I was really bummed about having to squeeze these payments into my budget. But I use both every single day, they are both safer and easier to use, and it makes my life easier to not have to worry about a dead phone or a car that is falling apart.

[@shoobamocha]

It's a great feeling to be able to upgrade lol I still had an iPhone 5 a year ago until I upgraded to an X

[@mutkova]

iPhone is not the only and definitely not the best mobile phone brand, and you should consider that is not a best buy option in terms of quality and the price. There are a lot more affordable brands out there, with more to offer. In my opinion, if we are talking about investing a little bit more money into something that is worth buying, an iPhone is definitely not it.

[@Merrybandoruffians]

mutkova How does one quantify their opinion of what constitutes a “quality” phone?

[@iloveprivacy8167]

Glasses! (For those who wear them.) I see the world through them, and the world sees me through them in return. Good glasses are worth every penny.

[@barvdw]

Agreed for the glasses, less with the frame. I splurged on the glasses, but can't bring myself paying 100s for the frame. I wouldn't buy the cheapest frame, but a decent mid-range? Yes. I paid about 300 for my set-up, glasses included and partially reimbursed afterwards.

[@ellax325]

@@barvdw You should check out websites like Zenni optical that allow you to order glasses for a fraction of the price of those in the optometrist office. I go to my doctor, get my prescription and then order them myself online. It's cheaper, so I don't mind splurging on a back up pair if necessary. They also come with all the bells and whistles like transition lenses and blue light filters.

[@barvdw]

@@ellax325 Sorry, not American, but for those looking for glasses, good tips.

[@mariasanu304]

Expensive glasses are a scam. Look up Luxotica, they’ve a monopoly on the market and charge crazy high prices

[@barvdw]

@@mariasanu304 not arguing that, but that's the thing with monopolies, it's hard to avoid them.

[@wrenchguy2937]

If it really makes you happy, spend money on it. Seriously. Videogames and rockclimbing are the biggest stress relievers to me and I spend time with people I love when I do it. No shame. It's a journey. You should be happy while you are on it while being still focused on the end result.

[@novalinnhe]

Great advice! :)

[@muoian]

As a Canadian I’m always shocked about medical access being budgeted

[@JehanineMelmoth]

Same here in the U.K.!

[@abiola33]

@@JehanineMelmoth Ditto!

[@MsJbetancur]

As an American I'm appauled.

[@anne7441]

A sincere thanks from the USA for reminding people that health care should not be a chunk of your budget! We need to catch up with the rest of the 1st world countries.

[@slgw12]

And yet about half the country is against universal healthcare :(

[@D0NTsmokeCRACK]

Never skimp on things that come between your body and the ground... couch, bed, shoes, tires etc

[@emboudreaux]

Thank you so much for highlighting the importance of news subscriptions. I was a journalist for 13 years and had to leave the industry as my publication's corporate owner hacked and slashed until there was almost nothing local left. I have subscriptions to three news publications and voice my support for ethical, trustworthy sources any time I hear people spouting off about fake news. Good, independent journalism is essential to maintaining a strong democracy, and fewer and fewer people appreciate that.

[@elodiei.5087]

To the students out there: try to see if your school has a psychologist. My uni offers psychologists to their students, mine helped me out of depression years ago and I haven't been depressed ever since. I wouldn't have been able to afford one and don't think I would've been able to graduate without her help.

[@rebeccaanne3083]

Same for me. So thankful for my university counsellor! Lots of workplaces have Employee and Family benefits that include at least a bit of therapy

[@goldiemew]

Same. It was God sent and really helped me through tough times.

[@melisaames6551]

Makes me so glad that having a therapist isn't so taboo as it used to be. To be honest I think every one needs some level of therapy.

[@elodiei.5087]

@@goldiemew I went back to school a year ago and just got my second degree. I was so happy she was still working there and I went back as soon as school started just to be sure. Needless to say she did an awesome job again.

[@dorothee2314]

Living in Europe, I think we‘re really lucky to have access to affordable healthcare. Hospitals aren’t places of luxury over here, but at least a broken leg or an appendectomy won’t ruin us financially, plus we get up to six weeks paid leave if we’re ill.

[@YaoiHoshi]

They shouldn’t be places of luxury anywhere...The us is so fucked up.

The “unseen” cost of such alleged “affordable healthcare” is a lower purchasing power and less control over your personal finances thus contributing to increase malinvestment.

[@D19950701]

@ yes, also more social justice and all more fortune people kinda pays for those who are in trouble. And if you are not fortuned - others help you too. We can not judge people by their finances because every situation is different. Sometimes it may be not fair financially but it is a right thing to do. Americans are too individualistic and they do not work as a team, because helping others and having social security no matter what is a key for a healthier society in many ways. People dont buy because they are poor in Europe

[@Vizivirag]

@ Universal healthcare is cheap on an individual level, because everybody contributes. It is a fraction of even a low income, and it is immesureably useful. How it is a bad investment? I can't imagine spending that money in a better place.

[@rachelk4805]

@ How much purchasing power do I have if I am forced to pay the out of network fees at the hospital the ambulance brought me to? Private insurance companies do not exist to heal sick people. Insurance companies exist to make money, and they do that by acting as an unnecessary middle man. And people literally die so they can make a buck. So... don't get me started talking about hidden costs. People have known private insurance screws over average people for decades. We feel it in our bodies, we see it in the suffering of our loved ones.

[@ColleenJoudrey]

I had actually gone off my anti-anxiety medication for nearly a year because of the guilt of paying for it while barely keeping afloat financially. Being uncomfortable for 10 months really wasn't worth the $500 I saved.

[@mulanfa5091]

Aww. Here in the UK, we pay for £9.15 for every prescription. I spend £9.15 for a monthly supply of Sertraline. Mental health matters. Please don't neglect yourself.

[@kelseycoca]

If it costs you your peace of mind, it's too expensive

[@jessicacole8404]

Here in the US, I paid over $30, or £21.86 pounds, for sertaline. For 1, I bought the generic, because pharmaceutical companies will charge $$ to $$$ more for their brand. #2, I used the good RX app, and used a manufacturers coupon. The app is pretty common, but if this was a few years ago, and I didn't know it exists, then I would have paid £40.81, and my meds are 'cheap'. I have government health care temporarily since I'm pregnant, but our health system is a fucking joke, and expensive as hell

[@alison2984]

@@mulanfa5091 how come... I get it for free I've never had to pay for any of my prescriptions

[@mulanfa5091]

@@alison2984 I think it is because I am working that's why I need to pay for it.

[@NHarts3]

Investing in good laptop is such a great one. A lot of people opt to buy something cheaper more frequently. But I've found getting a really good laptop that I look after well lasts me a minimum of 5 years and is often times faster than other newer models in a lower price range. The key is "looking after it well". People are often amazed that my devices run so well and the battery life is so good after so many years of use. Just spending a bit of time researching how to take good care of your laptop or phone makes a difference to how much time you can keep that device for. And having a device that works really well is such a game changer for daily work. (And you don't have to get a macbook or iPhone to have it last this long. I've always been on windows/android).

[@hollysmith7828]

Oh 100% agree. My expensive laptops/PCs have double/triple the life that my parents cheap devices do. My last PC was so old when I tried to get it repaired it was classed as an antique.

[@mspishposh]

Agreed, I’ve had my MacBook since 2011 and she’s still thriving.

[@rosabellavitaalvarez-calde5836]

My Dell has been running happily since 2011! Of course I take good care of it and have invested in upgrades and maintenance

[@nata3467]

I only buy quality shoes and computers too. Some things may be cheaper but you pay for it in the long run. My computer was expensive but it survived the humidity of Haiti, Honduras...along with crazy electricity in both. 14 years and going strong. Definitely a good long term value.

[@the9file]

@@nata3467 amazing story

[@aurora4218]

I think the way we need to approach anything in life that we might want to approach more stringently (spending and diet in particular) is to ask: What is load-bearing for me? In college, buying coffee drinks was load bearing because it got me into a public space to get my studying done. In pandemic, a pair of nice slippers is load-bearing for me because it helps me feel put together but still comfy while working from home, which has a huge impact on my mental space. But plenty of purchases that other people find essential just aren't load-bearing for me.

[@Plezosaurus]

I like your idea!

[@novalinnhe]

I *love* this idea! Thank you so much, I will have to remember this :)

[@andrewstambaugh8030]

A big one for me was memory foam mats for several places in the house. My feet start to hurt very quickly standing on hard flat surfaces. I also hate doing dishes. Eliminating the "my feet will ache by the time I'm done" factor removed a huge roadblock to getting a regular chore done that I already struggle with. (and they are really nice to come home from work, take off my shoes, and run my feet through)

[@lison973]

Thanks for making therapy #1. I had a friend who had everything going for him. But because his mental health was not in order, he threw it all away and ended his life. Mental health is so fundamental.

[@mspishposh]

Either build your computer or get a MacBook. I’ve done both but will say my MacBook been flourishing since 2011. 9 years & counting and I will never regret this purchase.

[@nicolealexis8527]

Same! I had mine from high school to the end of grad school. Best purchase!

[@Catyren]

Same, got mine at the beginning of 2014. Still works just fine (and wasn’t actually that expensive at the time).

[@tanyalua8774]

YES! My MacBook Pro is from 2012. When it started slowing down last year I just upgraded the RAM cards for $70 and it’s running like new.

[@shelbymary212]

For kitchen products to invest in, glass tupperware has been a game changer for me. It's dishwasher/microwave safe, doesn't get discolored like plastic tupperware, and even leftovers feel a little more fancy in glass. It makes meal prepping 50% more effective for me. A set of glass tupperware would be a great gift to ask for this holiday season.

[@patrickwalker6698]

Having a set of, and knowing how to use tools can save a lot of money. I've built my gaming PC, upgraded my cheap laptop, made car repairs that I can do myself with medium effort, and fixed the springs in my cheap couch.

[@dinyahome]

I love Spotify and Netflix so much! I don’t regret those subscription.

[@smileyginger1]

I don't miss Netflix that much since my no-longer-smart-TV decided to stop supporting it, but man, my Spotify subscription is worth its weight in gold, especially in the car.

[@hepcatliz]

Me too! I have just the one music and one video subscription, and they are totally worth it for me

[@ayeshamela7845]

Same. Especially Spotify. And now that I'm a student again, it's half the price- along with access to Hulu and Star!! I had a Pandora subscription, but the app constantly glitched and became more frustrating than useful.

[@miaatkinson1067]

@@ayeshamela7845 The Spotify/Hulu/Star student discount has changed my life

[@Shay416]

@@smileyginger1 lol same. And this coming from someone who use to purchase 1 album a year.

[@nataliekmaguire]

This was so timely for me - I've been trying to talk myself out of buying new furniture, particularly a couch. The only thing I disagree on is a laptop. If you NEED a laptop (ie, you need a portable computer for work reasons), get a laptop. If you're only using your laptop at home, get a computer because it's SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper - you can purchase a far more powerful machine for far less than that what you'd spend on a laptop, and you can replace items as you need/can afford them (ie, upgrade your video card) on a case by case basis, rather than having to buy a whole new machine. My fiance and I have an old laptop that we keep for watching television whilst eating dinner or if we need a computer on the road, but 99% of our computing is done on our desktop computers.

[@roxanneconner7185]

Agree 100%

[@catherinesanchez1185]

That’s what I did ! I have an iPhone and a desktop computer . I would only invest in a laptop if I needed it for work .

[@technojunkie123]

1000% agree with not skimping on health insurance! It took seeing my mom (who was healthy & had cheap insurance) suddenly be faced with thousands of dollars of medical bills due to an unexpected surgery to open my eyes that paying more for an insurance with a lower out-of-pocket max was so worth the peace of mind

[@lillianharkin1766]

My fiancé got into tens of millions of dollars of medical debt from age 18-23 because he didn’t have medical insurance that covered his surgeries. It’s so important to have a good insurance plan! 👏

[@patriciomejia1114]

Chelsea: "#1: Therapy" Me: *likes this video immediately*

[@NikeWinged]

The couch thing is so true and I know bc just last year I finally got rid of a hand-me-down couch that my parents bought in 1991 making it LITERALLY OLDER THAN ME

[@diahprasetianingtyas6822]

Mine would be an ergonomically office chair at home for WFH. Has been a life saver during long zoom/con vid meetings.

[@ldg44]

I totally recommend building a PC /desktop computer. Parts can be replaced and upgraded as needed. It doesn't get thrown out the second the CPU or graphics card isn't cutting it.

[@thisisnotausernameXD]

While that is generally great advice, I think laptops have their place too. As a recent student who needed a laptop and now professional who moves often, a laptop is just more convenient and less of a hassle

[@martah5369]

Honestly, I don't really know people who own computers personally at all if they are not gamers or students. Things may be different in my country but if you need a laptop or a PC for work, the employer should supply you with one (on which you don't do too many personal things). For the rest a phone or possibly a tablet is enough.

[@sarahskali8563]

YAS to all here; I have a 5-10 year rule where these types of items have to last that duration of time to be worth the investment. My car is 10 year old, bought used for college, and my MacBook Pro is 10 years old that I got for freshman year of college with my savings from highschool. Best investments ever; I’m now in a position to replace both. The math on what the total cost of my laptop was $100/year for my laptop; and $500/year for my car. I compared to my friends and family that also had these items in a 10 year period and the average was that all had bought 3 computers in that 10 year span and also about 3 cars in that 10 years because they wanted to “trade in”; which is crazy to me.

[@thefinancialdiet]

Such a great rule! Investment pieces are just that, an investment, but they are so worth it in the long run.

[@kandrisa]

I have the same rule. Replacement shopping is not fun nor therapeutic.

[@susiep6447]

This is such an interesting perspective. Thanks for sharing! I too have had the same used car and computer from college.

[@ArtamStudio]

As our car payments got down to its last year, we started getting trade-in come-ons from the dealership. Why? The current car works just fine, we take care of it, and we don't want to get locked into another lengthy cycle of car payments. Sadly, a couple of friends have taken the bait...multiple times!

[@ginam1136]

My macbook pro turned 12 years old this year 🤣 I did get a brand new MacBook from my work though so I don't use my personal laptop nearly as much as I used to

[@DanaYi13]

"free couch FOR ME?" idk why but that made me laugh and I love it!

[@AF-gi6pr]

I feel so privileged because my therapy is paid for by my health insurance.

[@emilycurtis4398]

Yup. I work at a MH clinic and our insurance doesn't cover mental health services. (It helps that most of us our married and we use our partner's insurance.)

[@sweettagada22]

You live in the US ?

[@amdl270]

Omg that's awesome. I wish websites like Glassdoor would disclose which employers do and don't give benefits like that

[@AF-gi6pr]

@@sweettagada22 No, I live in Germany where they have a state mandated health insurance. I know a lot of Americans don't like the idea of that but I personally think it is beneficial to everyone.

[@sweettagada22]

@@AF-gi6pr I m French so I like this system don’t worry.. but even here we don’t have therapy in our health care, or only if you have a real pathology (such as schizophrenia)

[@notsoperfectlyme7276]

A croc pot is one of my best kitchen investments.. when we all work late and are too tired to cook when we get home, which leads to grabbing fast food, that adds up. Just toss something in the CP in the morning and dinner is ready when you get home. I have a roast in mine now!

[@notsoperfectlyme7276]

Also, my electric can opener from the early 80s finally died recently. I grew up using this thing! Almost 40 years of use. Things were made to actually last back then, though.

[@notsoperfectlyme7276]

@@NotAFanOfHandles That is what I get for quickly typing out a response without proof reading! 😂

[@dagnyarizona]

I had two very productive sessions at Apple that helped me clear 80GB of space. I deleted all that I could and they helped me clear some more complicated internal things! It made my laptop run much quicker and it was free. Definitely recommend that everyone do that once in awhile! (I’ve had my MacBook Air for at least 5 years)

[@kathrynsamuelson1983]

Once, when I was working in downtown Chicago, I witnessed a young woman step into a divot in the street and pitch over (why she was wearing heels commuting???). She struggled, she couldn't walk without pain. A police officer was standing there ready to call for an ambulance. She said no at first - she was an independent contractor with no health insurance. She finally said yes. I called the place she was working at for her and explained that she was on the way to the ER. After I thought about it, I called back and said that they should take up a collection to help her with the bills as she had no HI. They, of course, hired her as an independent so they wouldn't have to pay benefits - or so I assume. But, no we don't need a universal health insurance.

[@JacyndaMinor]

Yeah but somebody might have to give up _their_ health insurance for that! If they have to change their insurance to a plan that’s _different_ well that’s just not worth the adjustment, just so a few hundred million Americans can access life saving health measures. Oh, and if everyone gets to survive preventable illness and have less pain and suffering they will make theeee liiiiinnnneeessss loooooooonnnnnggg and then there will be like, A THIRTY MINUTE WAIT to see a doctor!!!😱 Ugh. Today is a particularly testy day as the ACA case is in the Supreme Court today. I lost my healthcare around March and I’ve been struggling without my blood pressure and thyroid medication and it’s like, man. Oof. Tying healthcare to employment is so stupid, it just sucks.

[@kathrynsamuelson1983]

@@JacyndaMinor Yes, it's really, really stupid.

[@hrjanardhan313]

Since most people are working from home, a good chair, desk and a mattress. Your back will thank you.

[@marleee.2174]

My boyfriend and I got our couch from Macy’s and we love it. We even got it around Labor Day too so the price dropped by like $400 :)

[@thevioisme]

Don’t sleep on good glasses if you use them everyday. Worth the extra money spent on those lenses.

[@karolynanderson2033]

So glad you mentioned tools! I invested in a hand drill, level, good hammer and more this year when we moved in June and had a surplus of time to renovate! Also invested in a good Wusthof chef's knife and a very nice Santoku!

[@samanthasolomon9028]

Just discovered your videos and just wanted to say how great they are. Totally down to earth, thoughtful/mindful advice. Love it, thank you

[@MariannaAmidala]

I love how calm you are in this episode Chelsea ❤️

[@giovannihernandez4493]

Always a good day when Chelsea pops up on my feed! 🔥

[@jenm3056]

loved this video! the theory was already such a paradigm changer with financial health which does tend to be punishing and not thinking of holistic health, which makes us immediately reject and even over spend. thank you for offering this human approach.

[@MinimalistBosnian]

My best friend works at Journey’s and I bought myself some Doc Martens with her discount and they were still $90 and I bought them because I don’t have any nice shoes outside of work but I’ve noticed that they’re the only shoes I wear outside of work now so they’re totally worth it in my eyes! I hope to get many years of wear out of them ❤️❣️ I agree, not every purchase is unnecessary.

[@JeanineMarieCompassion]

Thank you for endorsing therapy! i am a therapist for women in CA and AZ (for 35 years!). Great to see you endorsing working on one's mental health. Your channel is very thoughtful.

[@cfloster]

I just started therapy with better help and they gave me a low income discount. I pay 35$ a week without insurance coverage.

[@sgstevenson23]

I needed this! I’m really trying to get away from my budget feeling like just deprivation, but instead making a budget of things to budget FOR and what I truly need and what will be more fulfilling than impulse needless purchases.

[@kathrynsamuelson1983]

If you have a car, don't skimp on the car insurance. I was rear ended and found out my insurance covers medical expenses. It was merely $5000, and I've upped enormously for not a lot of cost. Wish I had the higher coverage back then. With a Dr.'s diagnosis it paid for chiropractic, acupuncture and massage. I probably could have gone longer, but the money ran out. He was uninsured (got a slew of tickets including his truck wasn't registered, using someone else's license plates and not having insurance), so I would have to sue him (decided not) or come up with treatment plan with a specific end date to tap into the uninsured coverage for this (it paid out fully on the value of the car, towing, and car rental). Decided not to bother. You can go years with trigger whiplash again. I recommend State Farm. They were great through all this. (State Farm sued him to recover it's outlay.)

[@MinimalistBosnian]

Thank you!!!! I’m a delivery driver and car insurance is my holy grail. Nothing bad has happened in almost five years but car insurance prevents expensive tickets too. My full coverage Geico insurance is $100 a month for my 4 year old car. It’s worth it, can’t go without it.

[@kathrynsamuelson1983]

@@MinimalistBosnian yes, it is

[@rene7065]

I learned this the hard way. Someone sideswiped my legally parked vehicle (on 4/20 at around 4:20pm) and after filing a claim I was informed that because I didn't have collision on my policy I was on the hook unless the driver responsible was found. Fat chance. I'm looking at a couple thousand in the the hole and will be getting suspicious stares from people for a long time until I can justify the cosmetic repair.

[@kathrynsamuelson1983]

@@rene7065 The driver who hit me was uninsured. Thank goodness I had uninsured motorist coverage. State Farm sent me a letter that it was going to sue him to recover everything they had covered for me. It was at least $9,000.

[@w0rtktze279]

Thank you Chelsea, for your inspiring positivity that always lifts my mood in rainy, greyish days. Your voice and explanations are are truly great :)

[@KireiC]

Seconding the toolkit and kitchenware advice! In college my dad gifted me a small travel toolkit (screwdriver with interchangeable bits, basic pliers, mini screwdrivers, etc.) which was very useful for alot of miscellaneous tasks as a student and then as a renter, and we added on other small tools as we went, like a handsaw and corded drill. But, when we moved into our house, I sprung for a cordless tool set with a drill, small circular saw, and reciprocating saw, for under $200 - it's been a great investment for me as a homeowner, and has helped with so many home projects over the years! Your kitchenware advice is basically what I tell people re: knives and pans. As a culinary graduate I have a bunch of cutlery I got as part of my educational tools, and the French and paring knives, plus the bread knife, see the most action by far in my everyday home cooking. Plus, try to not only get a quality knife, but one that fits your hand well - if it's quality, but the handle is a little too big to get a grip on, or its overall size is too large - or too small - keep looking!

[@dominiquetheeasyminimalist]

Healthy food, mattress and pillow, sustainable purchases, a good winter coat and boots (I live in Montreal), and I so agree with the kitchen basics, I’m just in love with my Le Creuset...

[@pri.sci.lla.]

I just got health insurance and I am so grateful. I wasn’t covered since I was 18 and it’s very nice to know I can go see the doctors now.

[@nativefraulein5801]

High quality, regularly replaced sneakers very true. I have a walking disability and hip bursitis--- a bad or worn out pair of sneakers can really harm my overall ability to move and health.

[@accidentsafe]

I'm 35 and just signed up for insurance for the first time (and I'm excited about getting an HSA). Do a video on HSAs!

[@aprilcoteb4286]

This was one of my fav videos of yours. Very relatable.

[@Random999S]

I f you choose to buy long lasting items you end up saving lots of money ! Quality is always the cheapest option in the long run.

[@laexploradoraaaXD]

Definitely agree, especially when it comes to your personal computer and sneakers. I bought a Surface Pro 3 in 2015 with all the bells and whistles and it still runs just as well, if not better than some low-end computers on sale now. I used to buy cheap sneakers but found a good pair of Nikes in the clearance rack at Nordstrom Rack and I've been using it for over a year.

[@MsSassyMT]

Great list! The insurance thing is huge! My daughter had breast cancer at 27. With the wrong insurance, she'd still be dealing with bills years later.

[@divineconquer7648]

Hey, Chelsea, I Love your show!! You don't just say do this or don't do that, you explain Very Well the why, what, who, where, when, and how of it all. It is always a JOY watching your show, because you may be upper-middle class or whatever, you speak to EVERY INCOME BRACKET and All People, and that shows me that you are REAL!! Only one thing I would add is home medical supplies like alcohol, first-aid kits, various tapes for medical purposes, and doing in your head like you said - Look ahead for a year and imagine what COULD possibly go wrong, and make a list from that imaginary outcomes. Thanks a lot for all you ARE and all you DO!! Randy A.

[@bagery]

Great list. I would like to add my issue with therapy. I've not always had access to the type of therapy I've needed through work or sliding scale. At $150 an appointment, it has not been something easy to spend on at any point in my life unfortunately.

[@AshleyZieman]

As a Swedish viewer i am at a loss over the fact that Americans can drive basically anything on the streets no matter how much of a danger it is. I saw some one who duck taped their bumper on... Crazy. I'm Sweden we have to check our cars once a year and if we don't repair and fix unsafe measures we are not allowed to drive out car because it is deemed not safe.

[@connieclark1288]

Thank you Chelsea. Very helpful information. Thank you.

[@Cat-and-Tilly]

...buying a top that makes you look like a million dollars! Love that color, pattern, ruffle. You’re looking good on the inter webs.

[@StaciLichterman]

Great list. I would add vacuum to the list. Especially if someone has a pet. I bought a few different cheap vacuums that broke or needed repairs. When I finally broke down and got a refurbished Dyson, it felt like a lifesaver. Spending some money on a good vacuum is a good investment.

[@takarasights]

I also found a $3,000 leather couch on the street in my neighborhood. It a has a couple minor problems, but fantastic couch. LOVE it. Benefits of living on the border of a very wealthy neighborhood!

[@Juacline]

My sofa came from the Habitat for Humanity store for $150 (beige fabric) and is really comfortable. I've also found other good furniture deals at thrift stores at the beach because people buy beach houses and then donate everything inside.

[@sgstevenson23]

That is such a great idea 😯

[@derekandlindsey-millionair9562]

Love this topic! You have to invest in yourself for your own good. Self care is super important for your life happiness. I love how you pointed out things women need to buy to be taken seriously by the world!! YES!! -L

[@pennyflow-realestateinvest2296]

Another day, another banger, keep it up 🔥🔥🔥

[@woodywoodverchecker]

I would have added "a bicycle". You don't have to spend a lot on something that gets you around practically for free, at almost zero risk of catching Covid-19.

[@Zzmora]

It's a great investment but it depends a lot on the city/town you live in. Some are just not bicycle-friendly at all... Either bc it's very car centered or because it's not a very flat city (my case 😔).

[@woodywoodverchecker]

@@Zzmora you get used to riding hills. And if you don't want to, you can get an E-Bike.

[@rodgerlang884]

@@Zzmora Or if you live in the country. Where I grew up I could walk to the grocery store or pharmacy, but if you wanted to go anywhere else, even the closest department store, it was a minimum 15 miles of mostly country roads. Closest mall or, once they started cropping up, Wal-Mart/Target, etc was about 40 miles. It's still that way, even the town I live in now is 8-10 miles to a lot of that

[@TranscendingNormal]

I so agree on all these things! In particular, I finally upgraded my couch when I moved into a new house recently. The price of the leather couch I wanted made me gag a bit, but it’s been so much more comfortable than the Walmart couch I had for the last few years! I can actually nap on this couch! Bonus points: my cat doesn’t like the feel of leather, and so avoids it like the plague

[@MsBloo]

Love this! I never skimp when it comes to my electronics such as a monitor, Laptop, or bed as I want to make sure that the items that I will be using on a daily basis will last long term. This is also why I invest in storage bins for moving purposes so I can save money whenever I need to up root. I have saved SOOO MUCH due to me unexpectedly having to move 3 times in a 1 1/2 years! Ugh what financial saver my storage bins have been.

[@HeronCoyote1234]

When I graduated from college in 1977, my best friend at the time convinced me to purchase a Sterns and Foster loveseat. It was out of my budget, to be sure. But what an investment! I had that loveseat till 2005, when I donated it to the local fire station, for their lounge area. It was still in excellent condition, but I needed a sleep sofa, as circumstances changed.

[@akina1053]

Agree with the sofa investment. It's a high quality sofa and had a custom made tailor to cover it. We have it for 2 decades now.

[@judymclaughlin6993]

I needed that. Thank you Chelsea!

[@dianacobian]

Chelsea I love your channel it is so helpful.

[@katiemelina]

That latte I buy before work gives me motivation and energy before my waitressing job which I notice in the end when I’m more energetic I make a lot more money. The latte pays for itself and then some.

[@sarahgreaton8907]

The knives are SO important! I love my victorinox knife set and I have a sharpening steel with it that helps so much where it lengthens the knives lifespan! And same with clothes, following the care instructions on knifes is super important

[@rebeccaknight5074]

Thank you so much for defending the coffee shop latte! I get a daily morning 4 espresso latte because it helps me wake up and function through the sleepy drag of my pernicious anaemia, and its also the kind of quality and strength that I can't just replicate at home (and believe me I work the discounts and free drink rewards!) without it, it can take me literally hours for me to actually 'wake up' and impact me at work, but people do just think its a completely unnecessary pointless purchase.

[@kittyfloof1610]

I love me some espresso 😋

[@annaswanson5903]

The latte thing pisses me off, milenians are not financially doomed because of lattes and avo toast but rather so many other things that I won’t rant about

[@Jay-ho9io]

Basically anybody that trot that out immediately rates being blown off, and ideally being blown off as they ask for help after they've been run over by a truck. "Sorry I can't hear you over how good this toast and latte are."

[@chibiktsn3]

As a millennial who deeply misses being able to go to a physical department store, department stores often give you fairly high quality or at least mid-quality items for decent prices, and often have sales which help make those profession suits or couches more affordable.

[@elenaadler4633]

Here for the financial tips, but really enjoying your blouse, Chelsea!!!

[@KellieSuePeters]

Ok - LOVE alllll of these - so helpful! But this one - especially when Chelsea says those reasons why you need good workout shoes - totally made me laugh out loud with empathy and just damn!! It’s so so true!!! Alll of that about working out. I used to be a trainer and never missed Yoga practice but for months I sat on my butt eating ice cream crying as I watched way too much tv trying to drown out my loneliness and anxiety. So. Yeah. Now I’m working out and bought good trainers because I absolutely concur that they are so necessary. Also, agree with her thoughts on therapy. lol Yet another brilliant episode. THANK YOU!!! P.S. I bought a Pottery Barn sofa 0% financing for a year.

[@bellestrange1951]

In 2003, we were moving in to a house, and my dad saw someone across the street was tossing their old couch as they moved out. It was a huge sectional and cost about $1800 in today's money. Dad got it free.

[@fagerdam]

I ordered an expensive couch today so I really needed this video! The couch is beautiful, great quality, hand made, natural materials, all that jazz. And I could afford it. But still I’m like ”yikes was this crazy” 😅 I hope it will end up being an investment ☺️

[@astitchatatime8195]

I also would recommend a good handsewing kit (just needles, well fitting thimble, thread, scissors and pins) for around $30, to mend clothes with. It's an easy thing to learn and can save a lot of money in the long term

[@SerenityM16]

When I was working security in a booth in winter, I was shocked about how much better I felt buying a cheap $15 air humidifier “oil defuser” from amazon because it no longer was stupid crazy dry in the booth

[@devlinfae]

Found an amazing therapist, and seeing them twice a month has been a game changer.

[@lovepilie]

Love your videos Chelsea! I would appreciate having breaks within the video, so we can skip down the list if needed ;)

[@supergirlie123]

100% agree on the kitchen tools. I still need good knives but I just bought a 5qt dutch oven from Target. First time I used it I made curry and it was amazing.

[@trainsplanesandotherthings5187]

Buying a Townhouse and moving from an Rental Apartment was my biggest upgrade, considering in L.A rent can be the price of a Mortgage & more..

[@samanthak9078]

This is so good and makes me feel good about the investments I've already done and the ones I'm planning to do. Thanks!

[@oleanderwyvern]

I picked mine up at a thrift shop, but the one purchase that has payed for itself 1000x over is a small frying pan (perhaps medium sized if you're cooking for more than 2) and a silicone spatula. It's been 6 years and I still use them every single day with barely any sign of wear.

[@jigglypuff4ever]

Recently bought new running sneakers, hiking boots, and looking for a new laptop (since mine can’t run programs I want to use). Thank you this made me feel better about wanting a new good laptop

[@juliemoore6957]

Such great info! Thank you! Also, I love your blouse! Where did you get it?

[@ReettaJ]

Couldn't agree more with the couch. After almost 10 years of cheap and handover couches we finally invested in a new one. It was expensive, but now we actually use the living room!

[@babiblackbb]

Couldn't agree more! I was also on the cheaper option of all of those things and moved to the other side (or planning to move) and gosh, it's a HUGE gap at having a good life and good mental health. I'd also put good furniture in general, specially bed and appliances, because having bad ones can lead you to a lot os frustration, misery and wasting time; some good quality clothes, the golden pieces you will use for the rest of your life, because it's worthy and amazing to your self image, that can potentially lead you to a better job and income; and also the ONE thing you love the most. For example, let's say you love hikking. So buy the quality stuff to do it, pamper yourself into it. Because you will constantly use it, and will improve a lot this quality time you have, and then make you happier about the overall experience and your mental health, again. A cheaper and lame version of those things can make someone give up from a hobby/purpose, and this is terrible at so many levels.

[@SoccerDua]

Chelsea! Where did you get your confidence from? Your poise is beyond your years, and I’ll admit you’re very much a role model for me (and I think we’re the same age ha). If you have any advice, would you consider doing a video on confidence, self-esteem, and integrity?

[@hasitdawnedonyou]

When buying electronics like phone and laptop I find that it’s so important to buy a good one because yes we use it daily n so important. Buy something you like that’s also important. I wanted a MacBook Air for so long n when I finally bought it, absolutely no regrets

[@gwillis01]

As a therapy user, I can say you have to be a little bit patient with the process. Try it for ninety days. It takes a while for the therapist to learn gradually about your life history, your family background, and your most important concerns. It takes time to build up a trusting, durable relationship with a therapist. Please don't quit after just three sessions. Therapy takes a little time to sink in and help you see things from a different angle.

[@HeronCoyote1234]

Thank you for mentioning therapy. “Better Help” is a service that works on a sliding scale. Remember, just because you don’t click or get anything out of sessions with one therapist, doesn’t mean the same will happen with all therapists. See if your health insurance covers therapy. Many companies offer EAP, which is free. Usually six visits.

[@fishstick7104]

Thank you for mentioning the car repairs in a realistic way! My husband and I are now leasing a car because it was CHEAPER then repairing old used cars every month. We live in Michigan and the roads eat cars. So having a new car that could reliably get us to and from work was crucial. We did the math- repairs/maintenance were costing us $300-$500 a month. And (getting in on a bunch of rebates and insider deals) we pay under $200 a month for a fully functioning capable car. It has been SO worth it.

[@MartyD]

I should probably look into getting therapy...

[@BloodyRomance1313]

Please do if you feel you need it! Ask for the insurance codes. You'd be surprised what is covered because of Covid. And if you just call about the codes, many times you can switch things to be covered. Be honest with your therapist. Tell them what's up. They'll help.