18 Expensive Purchases Worth Every Penny

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Affiliate Links:
Vitamix Blender (amzn.to/4b9G3jg)
Apple iPad (amzn.to/3U9Hk3q)
Apple Airpods (amzn.to/3u1XAsH)
Kindle Paperwhite (amzn.to/3UaFKP8)
Standing Desk (amzn.to/427dD58)
Espresso Machine (amzn.to/3Stexon)
Quality Coffee Beans (amzn.to/3u8BLaU)
Squat Rack (amzn.to/494V3gc)
Quality Sunglasses (amzn.to/494V3gc)
Quality Winter Jacket (amzn.to/3OfgYcF)
Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle (amzn.to/4b0io4F)
Quality Pillow (amzn.to/492xqF5)
Quality Backpack (amzn.to/428szzU)
Cordless Vacuum Cleaner (amzn.to/48Deugm)
GoPro (amzn.to/3S0BLla)
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Timecodes:
0:00 - Vitamix Blender
1:00 - iPad
1:32 - Apple AirPods
2:15 - Kindle Paperwhite
3:04 - Try Aura
4:39 - Standing Desk
5:23 - Espresso Machine
6:06 - Quality Coffee Beans
6:35 - Squat Rack
7:00 - FREE 1-Page PDF
7:16 - Quality Sunglasses
7:55 - Quality Winter Jacket
8:52 - Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
9:52 - Quality Pillow
10:56 - Quality Backpack
11:47 - Hair Perm
11:53 - Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
12:43 - GoPro
13:20 - Lasik Surgery
13:54 - Quality Health Insurance
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DISCLAIMER: I am not a financial adviser. These videos are for educational and entertainment purposes only. I am merely sharing my personal opinion. Please seek professional help when needed.

[@TaeKimFinancialTortoise]

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[@jakeabel1566]

Do you use this?

[@travelmodeon]

Great video, straight to the point! One question: shouldn't be eSpresso machine instead of eXpresso?

[@seb_617]

Comment theme - buy quality stuff and make it last. My grandmother had a saying: “I’m not rich enough to buy cheap things.”

[@Drew458]

Also it's important to find the difference between quality and expensive. Just because it's expensive, that doesn't make it better than the more affordable brand. Many boutique designer companies are actually worse quality than economical brands. I find it's best to find the few brands you really trust in products, invest in them, and make them last.

[@user-lf5bq8nm6m]

Been buying cheap shit all my life, they have warranty, they break and the ahop give me new one. Easy cheap shi..y life

[@johndong7524]

@@Drew458 Yes, there's a big difference between paying more for quality vs overpaying for a brand name. Buying a Lexus instead of a Kia is paying more for quality. Buying Mercedes is overpaying.

[@johndong7524]

@@user-lf5bq8nm6m One year limited warranty??Good luck with that.

[@mellocello187]

I had an Oster beehive chrome iconic blender, and it had to have been damaging my hearing. Now have a Vitamix. Hearing…priceless. Same with my Dirt Devil vacuum, was damaging my hearing. Now have a Miele, also priceless.

[@raycastillo2720]

I like this man has no intros, just right into action 🔥

[@johndong7524]

Intros are for narcissistic boomers who learned some basic video editing and think they're a Hollywood Studio.

[@user-hg8ii2in5x]

​@@johndong7524 No. Intros let people understand what exactly the video is going to be about. Everyone has a different approach to do it

[@johndong7524]

@@user-hg8ii2in5x No, they don't. The topic of the video is in the title.

[@NellyBlueee]

Yea caught me off guard. This was my first video and instantly gave him a like because of that lol

[@Qberticus09]

Love that it gets right into it. No fluff in the intro.

[@zanzibarspice]

I’m with you on the high quality pillow. I don’t wake with neck pain anymore and i’ve saved $1000s on medical care.

[@Michael-li3id]

what one do you use? i have a tempurpedic one but it goes flat in the middle of the night. im a side sleeper

[@blackjag121]

You forgot a quality bed and clothes(including shoes and sneakers)

[@GregRickard]

Quality shoes for sure.

[@adhynugroho9424]

A high quality bed is, in my opinion, well worth the money. No matter how expensive it is... AT THE VERY LEAST... you're going to use it everyday (bar those days you're on a trip).

[@amandaavia]

a quality mattress rather... the bed is not AS important though it needs to be sturdy of course, but the mattress is what you sleep on, the bed just carries it.

[@russellpergola3624]

Invest in your bed and your boots, cause if you’re not in one, you’re in the other.

[@blackjag121]

I still have my Vitamix for over 10 years. It’s loud as heck but works well

[@scottthompson3493]

Had mine for well over 15, it’s bombproof.

[@shauntelcampos3212]

My parents have had theirs for almost 20! I bought mine 6 years ago. One of the best investments. It’s power is unmatched and I use it almost every day.

[@mellocello187]

You must be running it on highest speed. Mine is much quieter than my previous blender which was indeed deafening.

[@jpschlosser]

Love the fab hair. You're like a Korean Johnny Bravo.

[@dirkschittko]

I got rid of every coffee/espresso machine and use only a Bialetti Stovetop Espresso Maker. You'll get it for a few bucks, lives forever, no service required.

[@train_xc]

I just drink my Earl Gray Tea

[@ngoalpo]

Best investment for me would be a self vacuuming robot (Roomba). It cleans and does most of the work for you.

[@claudiaah6603]

I crossed that bridge 2 weeks ago. Best decision ever. Dunno what took me so long.

[@jaredheymann]

Totally agree. We've had a Roborock for over a year and I'll never go back. It's an investment in buying our time. Having three cats, fully automating clean floors is highly valuable.

[@OnCashFlow]

I'm definitely frugal, but here are some additional more pricier decisions that I think paid off: -Ink Jet Printer -Roomba Robot Vacuum -Google Pixel Phone (yes, I'm one of those) -Michelin Tires (or other quality brands) -Carrier Heat Pump (vs cheaper brands) -LVP flooring (vs carpet) -Quality Brand Tools -Museum/Nature Preserve Memberships

[@johndong7524]

@@AtoZandba My HP inkjet is almost twenty years old and it still works fine. I got it at Sam's Club many years ago. Middle of the road products is where it's at.

[@johndong7524]

You only need quality tools if you use them a lot. I don't need a Makita drill to use it around the house once or twice a year. Ryobi will do me just fine.

[@moonlights9146]

I’ll add to the list : - A reliable car, well made with quality materials, like German or Japanese cars. - All kitchen appliances should be bought with a lot of thought. People should consider durability and saving electrify and water

[@eddiestilll]

I got LASIK eye surgery in 2021. Easily 1 of the best purchases that I've made in my life and I highly recommend it to everyone who's even considering it. Stop thinking and just do it!

[@dudebastian]

Could you tell me more about it, because I seen many opinions and people that this is not perfect and some have dry eye syndrome or other inconveniences after this surgery.

[@pmb6667]

I bought my Vitamix in 2013. It's still going strong! It's one of the best small applicances I ever bought. I also bought a standing/elecric desk. As a designer working at my desk, it's great to have and a nice break from sitting while still getting work done.

[@phoenixnmhesq]

My braces, swim buoy, hiking boots, bike, travel, coffee from Costa Rica, Diva Cup, scuba certification my home, parking for work, my Salomon water shoes, Diving boots, my education.

[@gordonnemsy]

Couldn't agree more with the quality pillow (and also quality bed for me), i mean c'mon guys we sleep around 6-8h within our given 24h a day, it's = 25% - 30% of our lifetime, best investment ever

[@nicoleh3703]

Since laser eye surgery isn't available for all prescriptions, especially strong ones, I highly recommend investing in thin lenses. It does cost more as an add-on, but it does relieve a lot of pressure. I also invest in transition lenses since I have to wear mine all the time. It's a lot easier than having to constantly change into sunglasses. I totally agree with the winter jacket. I bought my first name brand one and didn't realize you could get one that can keep you warm but also not overheat while still being relatively thin! High quality footwear is a must for me. If you are constantly walking or are on your feet all the time, a pair of good running shoes and/or winter boots (depending on where you live) is always important.

[@bodaciousbull8553]

Thank you, nice job. Well thought out and well explained.

[@TouchedMove3]

This got a lot of depth in it! Thanks Tae Kim

[@sitode]

Zojirushi rice cooker would be my top. I'm guessing similar to your Vitamix. Worth EVERY penny.

[@FunFactOfTheDay]

The vitamix is no joke - I asked for one as a combo Christmas and birthday present for 2 years worth of presents when I was like 13 years old - almost 30 now, and have used it literally every day since then - did have to replace the blades a few times, but 25 bucks on ebay for some quality knockoffs every few years is totally worth it.

[@richhands5269]

My three favorite channels: Tae Kim, Stock Brotha, & How Money Works. Make my week complete! 🔥 🔥 🔥

[@anupamar426]

Same here

[@CalebTheOwlBoy]

Add The Financial Diet and The Plain Bagel too. And Ericka Williams

[@caroldelgado720]

This is the best video!!! Thank youuuu Tae!!! ❤😊😊

[@aiko3423]

I agree with all of these! Great list...I also invested in an ice machine ($100-$200)..our fridge doesn't have one. But I love it...the kids and I always have ice cold water and drinks whenever!

[@claudioricci1]

Great list - I would also add investing in a good quality mattress- the difference it makes to your sleep is remarkable

[@retirementbudgettravel699]

Interesting video! Thank you!! 👍🏼

[@finalascent]

11:00 - I switched from my $30 Matein to a $110 Nordace - huge difference, makes my carryon only travel experience a LOT better!

[@cheangaroo]

Love the list, and I also agree, lasik eye surgery has been one of the best investments in my life!

[@XInfinity2024]

Good video. I 100% agree on buying a Espresso Machine or coffee maker of some kind. When you buy 1 coffee every day it will pay for its self fast.

[@Harry_16710]

Great list! We use the Vitamix and our Rogue squat rack every day...now we just need the espresso machine. ☕

[@jh26pt2]

I agree with so many of these. I’ll especially second the Lasik recommendation - got mine done about 4 years ago, and it’s been great. (As for haircuts, my wife cuts mine with a shaver we bought for $50. We can’t all have amazing, gravity-defying hair, alas.)

[@amycastor2872]

I'm with him on the Vitamix and good winter jacket.

[@Biltzeebub]

I'd recommend Mystery Ranch for quality backpacks (catalyst or district models). They are a little bit more than the north face one but are more durable and have a great in-house repair policy which I think could stretch the life of the pack to get more mileage out of it. No explanations on that 150usd perm indeed. That pompadour is gravity-defying GORGEOUS!

[@0wlyssa]

I feel the same about my Ninja blender! I make my own hummus because it's tastier and more cost-effective, but I need a powerful blender in order to get the right consistency. Well worth the cost.

[@animal828]

We have the same Vari deck. I got mine at the start of COVID when a lot of startups begin to closedown and got it for a good price (£69/ $80)

[@jackallweil5746]

We also bought a Vitamix hoping that I'd spend less money going out for frappes and we were spot on. That blender is a god send:)

[@Bigdog5400]

As someone who just got LASIK on Saturday, I'm glad the Financial Tortoise agrees with my purchase

[@Mekias]

Best purchase of my life. Been almost 20 years since I got it. Saved way more in time and money over those years than the surgery cost.

[@Antody]

@@Mekias what about all these people who are saying that it's dangerous and possible side effects, or it's blown out of proportion?

[@Mekias]

@@Antody Any time you have surgery, there's a risk. You can't around that. That being said, the success rate for LASIK at this time is really high. Complications happen in fewer than 1% and severe complications are very rare.

[@villentretheimert7789]

@@Antody The thing is, if someone is happy abouth their purchase, they are more likely not share feedback, but if something goes wrong, this people are always the loudest and first to complain. Thats why u can hear so much bad stuff about things, when majority of people are happy with their resoults. Im also preparing for eyesight correction, but i got sugestion by doctor, that i should do SMILE method instead of LASIK, as you recover better after that

[@CrossFitterinRealtime2359]

I had it 10 years ago but now I’m back wearing glasses :(

[@fredswartley9778]

Great video. These are all great items that are worth spending good money on. I would also add quality sneakers to this list. Good quality sneakers can last several years and are worth every penny.

[@daphnedevi]

I’m always looking forward to the plugs for your hair. 😂 I can’t remember if I heard it on this channel, but it rang true when someone said, “we can’t afford to buy cheap things.” Quality matters, it creates a much finer user experience, aesthetic, durability, and if it matters, safety. …in the end it’s cheaper and better for a healthy planet.

[@vikasmikado]

I got the vibe after watching the inexpensive video that this one is coming ❤🎉

[@TheOriginalMarimoChan]

Don't forget the best bed sheets - we love Boll and Branch, worth every penny!! I cannot go back to off-the-shelf bedsheets anymore.

[@praveensg]

I have a Swiss Gear backpack that I have used for many many years now. Not a rip or broken zipper. I replaced it recently with the same one, only because it got stolen.

[@arielmscisney6128]

Good advice overall but I have to make one jab. I used to sell those pillows, and I bought more later from a separate manufacturer. They cost half rate for what he paid. 😜 And yes, they are worth every penny!

[@elindbe3]

A $10 V60 and $40 gooseneck kettle work great for making fancy coffee. I also recommend the Aldi Organic beans.

[@charletfoster8917]

Buying Quality pays for itself💯👊🏿

[@Toby-NL]

High quality and durable bed frames , bed bodems , matrasses , pillows and blankets are always a good purchase. And definitely do make a difference .

[@alexanderlyon]

I have similar sunglasses and I love them, same design as well.

[@ronnytm]

My Ray Bans are going on 15 years now. Even the lenses are still in great condition. Whereas my prescription glasses, which cost about the same only seem to last 2-3 years.

[@fireflymary9269]

Sunglasses: try Maui Jim’s or Costas. You’ll think your Ray Bans aren’t that great after all. I mean of course Ray Bans are great. But the cooling effect of Maui Jim’s or Costas on the eyes are even more eye protective. No eye strain.

[@lorgerdat]

As a man nearing 40s, I cherish nearly exactly the same things.

[@marcinsobczak2485]

I'm 39 and I don't use any of those things mentioned. I'm quite happy buying cheapest stuff that do the job. I drink instant coffee, use 6 yo cell phone that I got for free and use cheapest memory foam pillow. When I see big brand name it is a warning sign to me. And if in some cases high cost wouldn't be a problem I just can't be sure that $500 blender is really better than $100 one.

[@peterl2767]

Great content 👌 👏 👍

[@jpschlosser]

7:14 The thing that grinds my gears about sunglasses is that 90% of all brands are owned or made by Luxottica, i.e. a quasi-monopoly. And because they have very little competition, the markups are outrageous; a pair of $150 Ray-Bans probably costs them about $11.50 to make...

[@spagfishing4731]

Yes, but it does not mean they are all the same quality.... lots of car companies are owned by others but the products still vary in quality.

[@noreluss]

Agree about Airpods and the pillow :D I own airpods pro 2 and I love them. And my pillow is 90€, can't be happier 😄. I also have a cordless vaccum cleaner, and a robot one, very happy :D

[@yk303kk]

I always research before buying and mostly getting decent price and quality items. Hoover was the mistake

[@amandabrown9548]

Loved this video.. just dont agree with airpods.. and the coffee machine way to expensive but most of all way too big can get great quality for less and the blender as well the vacuum my way to go is black & decker cost me like 50$ last forever.

[@Rebel_AF]

Whoa, our lists are so similar!! 😂❤😅 I feel kind of vindicated now, especially about the standing desk, sunglasses & coffee. 😅☕️😅

[@Sarah33Kaufman]

I don’t have to have any of these that he mentioned except the espresso maker. I’ll buy a cheaper one though.

[@foodyrulez]

Shredded memory foam, sounds like Amazon made a MyPillow dupe.

[@lillianbarker4292]

When I got my Air Pods I didn’t know they also make one with noise cancellation. Get the noise cancellation option for travel.

[@TzarNicco]

Thx Tae

[@nateb9768]

I didn't come to appreciate quality jackets until I took a day trip to the coast of CA up above the Golden Gate. I thought it was going to be sunny but I knew it was colder so I brought a North Face jacket I had since I was a teen. On the relatively light hike to the historical point of interest, we were caught out in some coastal showers, at one point it was raining sideways. Glad I had my jacket at least, the rest of me was soaked!

[@clenndesigns7338]

Super agree with the sunglasses

[@illuminatiCorgi]

I've been going back and forward for years about buying a vitamix 👀

[@monikal9384]

I was looking at the standing desk, because I have been wanting to get one for a while, but it does not look high enough in the product videos. Has anyone who's 5'10'' or taller used this particular one? Or do you have one you would recommend for taller people?

[@brandon152lee]

Do you have any recommendations on quality health insurance for self employed people?

[@evapham]

Love that you are to the point. $150 perm no explanation necessary 😂

[@julieprchang]

Appreciated that you shared so many of your life experiences with us. Would you please let me know the style name of your NorthFace jacket? At age of 80, my poor husband does not have a warm enough jacket yet. Also, I could not find a $75 bamboo covered shredded memory foam pillow. What is the exact pillow do you have? I downloaded your pdf but could not find those info. Thanks.

[@bzc133]

Agree with the coffee beans. However, if you want to be simple, just get a nice grinder and a cheap scale. Pour over coffee is the way, no need for espressos.

[@Jbvgghjouy]

Mine: a 34" ultrawide screen. Worth every penny and makes my day tolerable. I previously, I stared at my 15.6" laptop screen.

[@ArchesBro]

Metal water bottle? You can also use a coffee thermos, it is insulated in the exact same way

[@Pinoyguitarist5]

I don't believe in the term "frugal", I think everyone is "intentional". People will buy what they value or prioritize over over things they don't value as much or at all. Spend less on this things that isn't as important, and spend more on things that are important. What those things are will vary from person to person. What is worth it someone will differ from another person.

[@manojgabriel6128]

I agree with Health Insurance, pillow, water bottle lol. I would add Books, anything that's related to my balcony garden I spend a lot

[@mariushebnes5951]

Also one thing that should be mentioned: good cooking knives made with real materials. Feels stupid to me to say, because i live in a boarding school where they make food for me, BUT i know for sure that it must be worth it. Food is something every man needs every day. And the cheapest option, and best, is to make it yourself. And as you say, if you make it in bulk it is way cheaper, and is way more time effective. Nad since it is something that must be done, it should be fun! And it is NOT fun to cook with bad equipment. A good cooking knife that holds its edge and is smooth and feels good, instead of a knife that needs to be sharpened all the time because it is made of scrap metal that fell on the floor from the factory.

[@osvaldosantos8670]

Any brand/model recommendation? Thanks.

[@waterboy2494]

I’d be interested to see your smoothie recipes

[@BronzePedroBronze]

All in all, research what you actually need for your life style and buy QUALITY stuff. To what I add: learn how to extract as much as you can from what you have. A knive is not just worthless but pottentially harmful if you dont know how to use It. A high end Garmin watch is useless if you follow the default workouts or just worry about pace or one metric. Be attentive to not fool yourself into believing that a tool is enough.

[@PenniP]

I have a lot of the same items….WORTH EVERY PENNY!

[@M8TRIX777]

Literally the $300 Northface nupse bubble jackets from the 90s are STILL in fashion among the younger gens

[@dudebastian]

Could someone tell me more about LASIK surgery, because I seen many opinions and people that this is not perfect and some have dry eye syndrome or other inconveniences after this surgery and sometimes these people meet with comments that they faking or they went to bad place.

[@msaucecky]

a quality rice cooker and a set of stainless Steele pans!

[@djcan9503]

Can you share the brand plz

[@scrollinspeckles4564]

IMO Tiger rice cooker, All-Clad pans

[@johndong7524]

I love cordless vacuums, but they don't have to be so expensive. Other brands have caught up to Dyson. You can get a decent machine for half the price of a Dyson vaccum. Things like overpriced expensive puffers, well you're just paying for a brand name mostly.

[@kvgolfa]

Would've liked to hear more about what clothing brands you like other than just for jackets!

[@VivaLaVittoria]

I've had my Vitamix over 10 years and bought it refurbished for $250. It's a war horse.

[@coachderrick3736]

my coop pillow definitely increased my sleep quality

[@dianatran464]

Sir, i am not used to videos that go straight to the main topics. :D

[@Gwenqz]

I spent 4K on an iPad last year and this year Apple told me can trade in for $640 lol

[@edgarjauregui6238]

I got my breville barista express for $470 in 2019 and it’s paid for itself multiple times by now 😂

[@edgarjauregui6238]

@@AtoZandba I agree but I go to really good coffee shops for leisure and the experience. Otherwise I make a better cup than probably any chain and even average coffee shops IMO. I also plan on upgrading to something nicer soon!

[@assetaden6662]

Espresso machine? I spent 20 bucks on an electric kettle and drink tea for dirt cheap. Even though I like coffee, tea is simply better in this case.

[@ParaditeRs]

I have my Samsung Galaxy Earbuds. I have had then for a good 3 years now. Work just fine. Worth every penny I spent.

[@phillipmaire8637]

Your sunglasses link to the squat rack.copied that one twice

[@openhearts5000]

For quality backpacks, I swear by Maxpedition. Mine is 10 years old.

[@katerina.nesterova]

Good tips, thank you! Why eXpresso though? 🤔

[@Medevicerep]

Being raised by frugal parents has made you very appreciative of the finer things in life. They did you a favor.

[@timothylindsay3244]

You sold me on hair perm!

[@davidshelko4558]

I've had my nutra ninja for about 10 yrs LOL

[@mitchreeves1]

I spent £1000 on a coffee macine over 5 and a half years and its still going strong (i do maintain it regularly). I have saved well over £10000 not going to coffee shops in that time. It literally costs peanuts to run. I also don't buy flagship mobile phones. A £400 will still do the job a £1500 will do, it just doesn't look quite as nice and is 0.2 seconds slower loading things, i then only swap them over when the phone actually stops working properly (usually 4 to 5 years), again, i've saved well over £10000 in 10 year's by not constantly renewing phones

[@jasonfreddie1276]

Does meal prepping smoothie’s ruin the taste/nutrients? How far in advance can it be meal prepped?

[@mrdhksan]

I'm not sure if that is you or not bench pressing at 10:15, however, one should not be arching and lifting one's back off the bench. Be careful with the back!

[@mariyork]

Wireless earphones are not good for you, check with EMF reader, they omit tremendous amount of EMF, which will go through your ear and head.

[@neoxonfire8128]

The best blender is the ninja period.

[@brianw2033]

I have and agree with every single one of these. We’re the same person hahaha

[@justStardust940]

the "quality sunglasses" is the only one that is ridiculous. The $10 ones from Walgreens work as well in blocking UV light. And the ones you have aren't even wrap-styled glasses, which means UV comes in from the sides. Also, as with any pair of sunglasses, you're more likely to lose them before they break, regardless of the price tag.

[@amandaavia]

Agree. UV protection on Ray-Bans is just as good as UV protection on a cheap pair. It's like saying more expensive sunscreen works better than less expensive sunscreen... it's the same sh*t lol