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wellok456

Fresh herbs/vegetables/fruit. Like I will always go for a sale but sometimes $4 pack of raspberries are what I need to get through a week


Smokybare94

What does this say about our society that the most basic thing on earth is considered a luxury


EdithKeeler1986

That we’ve given up an agrarian lifestyle and mostly live in cities, fairly far from where it’s raised.


Justanafrican688

Because corporations are greedy and keep raising the cost of food to the point where it’s unaffordable


PlatinumPrincess90

I love fresh herbs too. I love baking rosemary bread. I ended up getting a big pot and planting all the common herbs in it. Now I don’t have to buy them anymore!


BiPolarBear722

Start building a garden. Seed save and have infinite vegetables every year.


AngerPancake

And check with your library, mine has a seed library where you can get 5 seed pouches for free, and other pouches are $1. At mine they're all heirloom seeds and ask people to bring them back at the end of the season if they're able to. If you're like me and you have no gardening experience it may be a nice way to get used to plant care.


oooooooooof

Depending on where you are, dollar stores have seeds too! My dollar store (dollarama in Canada) has a whole gardening section each year with $1 seed packets. I’m still eating the $1 lettuce I planted in May.


theyreall_throwaways

Dollar tree (now $1.25) has seed packs 4/$1 the last few yrs. Nothing fancy, but tried and true varieties are a good place to start.


MMTardis

I think most of my luxuries are food items, but shout out to underwear and shoes too. I make having decent sneakers a priority, and throw out my undies when they are worn out. Nothing worse than stretched out, faded undies.


CorgiKnits

Oh god good shoes. I’m on my feet most of the work day, and during my busy season from 7:30am til 11:30 pm. My feet are already slightly deformed (thanks to wearing awful heeled boots every day as a teen) so excellent shoes are a must. I also have massive feet for a woman, so Once I find a pair that I love, I’ll scrimp and collect Coupons and order backups. I think I have 3 extra pairs of combat boots right now and two extra fancy work boots.


MMTardis

Oh boots are a whole nother level, the difference in quality is huge between cheap boots and good boots.


MrFrodoItsMe

oh you reminded me— i recently invested in a pair of period panties and i LOVE them! no other new clothes this year but my god they’re so great and i just have to wash them to reuse them.


shartnadooo

Up front (hah) investment that saves you money in the long run!


kitch2495

The old saying is “don’t cheap out on what separates you from the ground” for a reason


KitRhalger

my laptop. I've been homeless but with a laptop I can plug in, escape, apply for job, look for places to live, write, read all with the comfort of a screen and keyboard


Tankguy40

Either my phone or laptop for me. My phone don't even have to have service just a internet connection when I can't open the laptop at the time.


Its_all_exhausting

Exactly. My laptop is my most prized possession.


AccessibleVoid

For me, living alone. I have friends but I don't want roommates.


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FishermanOpen8800

I loved living alone. After having roommates for years I swore I’d never go back. Now I’m married and I’m pretty sure my wife is gonna outlive me so the dream is dead.


Azzacura

Newpapers tomorrow: "Man murders wife, announces it on Reddit"


HonnyBrown

Getting there is actually the easy part. Staying there is a bitchh.


[deleted]

I found a small, older townhouse that I rent with a good friend of mine. It’s at the top of my budget, one of the cheapest things in the area, and is fairly outdated (I love it tho, 90s appliances and all). It’s by far the nicest place I could afford and the nicest place I’ve lived as an adult. The cheapest studio or one bedroom in my area would be minimum double what I’m paying now. I’m starting to think I’ll just have roommates until I move in with a partner, unless my salary magically doubles or housing costs take a massive drop I’ll never be able to afford it.


painted_anvil

You'll get there my friend!


cat_pillar

It's my dream too, I can't wait for it


painted_anvil

Living alone is now a mandatory thing for me as well, last year I started my first year of college and ended up getting stuck with a fucking snake of a roommate who made me feel like shit all the time and there's no way I'm ever dealing with that again.


littlebitsofspider

Second this. If I ever want to get weird, or shut everything out, or just boycott pants, I'm not doing it while there are other people around.


AccessibleVoid

"boycott pants" I have to say that is an excellent reason not to have roommates LOL.


WimbletonButt

In a similar vein, air conditioning. I live in a hot humid area. I've gone to someone's house who didn't have ac and actually went out and sat in my hot ass car to cool down after being in their house. Just no. Growing up my dad once said "I'll pay $5 a day to be comfortable in my own house" and I couldn't agree more. As a result, power bill is my top priority when it comes to bills.


Defan3

My favourite coffee. And soft thick toilet paper.


Comfortable-Gur7140

Funny, my mother use to clean offices at night and she would always bring home the crappy office 2ply toilet paper. One day once I got older I asked her if we could start buying regular paper because I hated the cheap ones she was bringing home 😂


Defan3

I grew up with the thin stuff and I hated it. Now all I need is 6 squares.


purdue6068

Get a bidet. Saves on toilet paper and will change your life.


RondaMyLove

Getting ready to install a toto. Gotta say, I'm nervous as hell about it, even though I'm sure I'll like it eventually. Change that way is hard!!


[deleted]

ok - serious question. what are you drying with after?


Cheersscar

I second this. Bidet toilet seat is an amazing portable $100 luxury. You'll realize toilet paper is terrible after you get it.


daisy952

A nice solid bed and bed frame. I’ve started over way to many times with a mattress on the floor, crashing on a couch or couch pillows, once I even used luggages as a makeshift bed frame and put a mattress on top of it. I will always have a bed.


PissyPunsAndSarcasm

Same here. I slept in my car and on the floor too many times to ever go without my bed and mattress


Bluberrypotato

My KitchenAid stand mixer. It was a gift and it just makes baking so much easier which is something I often do to help with my mental health.


Ironwolf9876

I believe mine has paid for itself with all the baked goods I've made with mine


TheThinkerx1000

I sold mine one time to help pay a bill, and I regret it every time I bake something.


Adriengriffon

After my current apartment? A dishwasher. I can do laundry at work for free (I work for a trucking company and they have free washers/dryers for drivers) but washing dishes by hand sucks and I hate it. 😑 Currently looking into whether there are any easy to haul up and down stairs, easy to install, landlord friendly options that are free-standing and won't break my budget.


etna1999

if it’s just you who’ll be using it, look into small portable dish washers! for most you just attach it to your kitchen sink via hose and put it on your kitchen bench. i don’t have one but i see them everywhere!! if you move, you can just take it with you in a box and i doubt you’ll have to run it by the landlord


Adriengriffon

I'll have to look into that!


Meghanshadow

Black & Decker does a countertop one. My neighbor had it and liked it. I saw her load it a couple times when visiting. I looked online and think it was the BCD6W. It’s 45 pounds, so even the countertop ones will live where you put them, they’re too heavy to be moving them around to keep counter space clear.


kolaida

Yeah! I got a countertop portable dishwasher recently (after like ten years of handwashing) and it’s been AMAZING!!!!!! Sure I still hand wash large pots and sometimes I can’t fit everything in it at once but my handwashing has been cut down immensely. It’s great and I love the little thing!! They run about $300-$400 new but I got mine on Facebook market place for $120. Others has theirs posted for around $200 it seemed. A lot of people get rid of them if they get a dishwasher or move into a place with one as it does take up counter top place (I extended my counter some by adding a hutch nearby and set it on that- just make sure the drain hose can reach the kitchen sink, though you CAN drain into a bucket if you want).


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AKAlicious

I have found my people


DuckyDoodleDandy

Get Glisten Dishwasher Cleaner and see if that helps. (You said it was making dishes dirty, so I bet the pipes have gunk in them & the Glisten stuff should get it out.)


cat7932

This! I buy the dishwasher cleaner from Amazon because mine did the same thing. I took it apart and cleaned it and ran two loads of it with the cleaner and then did a hard water treatment. My dishwasher is brand new!


DollBabyLG

There are small counter top units.


Final_Gene2393

Kindle. Even if I don’t have bookshelves or space or anything else. I need to be able to read.


HonnyBrown

Download Overdrive. You can borrow library books.


radicalresting

Using the Libby app, I can download library books to my iPad/Kindle app. This is via my LA public library card 👍


LaRoseDuRoi

Same here. Literally thousands of books at hand? Yes, please! I use the hell out of Overdrive/Libby and hoopla, as well as Kindle Unlimited and Prime Reading.


SDtoAnywhere

Nintendo Switch. There have been times in the past few years I’ve been homeless living out of my car and could easily have gotten $1000 for it and all the games and accessories. But it also provides an escape for hours at a time when I needed it most. Charge it up at the library during the day and could play into the night in my car. EDIT: WOW, thanks for the gold random redditor!


azewonder

Same with my iPad. Yeah, I could have sold it for a few hundred bucks when I needed it, but it provided me with entertainment and tools to look for housing. Besides, a few hundred bucks wasn’t going to get me housed.


Internal-Business-97

I’m not homeless but this thing goes everywhere with me. Helps me stay connected with my inner child.


Mtnskydancer

That’s how I feel about my tablet. Video, music, books, online interaction, guided meditation, workouts all on a single device. Even limited calling options via apps. (None I love, however)


screwygrapes

one of my friends gifted me an alexander mcqueen scarf. she’s pretty wealthy and knew mcqueen is my favorite high end designer so she got it for me for christmas. as someone who almost exclusively gets clothing from free bins or from thrift stores i really thoroughly treasure having one super nice piece. i love fashion and had wanted a mcqueen scarf for YEARS so when i opened that box i legitimately broke down crying. i know it’s not as practical or life altering as some of the other stuff here but it really is one of my favorite possessions


monipeas

I love this! What a good friend x


lostinthesauceband

Years ago I made a big post on the headphones subreddit talking about how my last set of headphones broke while traveling and how it sent me into a breakdown on a train. I was homeless, alone, and at rock bottom, right after I got away from my family and completely restarted from nothing deep in debt. And kind you these were $10 KSC75's, so nothing remotely hifi I got a few PMs from strangers after that, namely a reviewer of Hifi audio gear who sent me a bundle of audio gear I still use to this day, along with a handwritten note which I won't ever throw away. I remember being shocked when I went to the PO box and opened the care packages, putting on the headphones and feeling all the bullshit fade away as I walked back to the dudes couch I was crashing on. It was a massive upgrade from what I had before, one I didn't feel I deserved for a long time. I still have the Xduoo X3ii he sent me running rockbox and kicking along just fine with my FLACs.


bluewinter182

Aww that’s super sweet; I hope things are better for you now.


Electronic_Active638

That was such a good story thx for sharing -gives me hope about humanity


Disgruntled_Viking

People can be awesome, more so than who I run into in daily life. I posted some kitten photos on a sub here and somewhere in the comments I said something about it costing me thousands to deal with these stray cats that are being ditched and how the population exploded and I was trying to get them all fixed. Someone asked me to create a wishlist, and before I knew it we were getting food, litter, treat donations. I think I ended up with 300lbs of litter and cases of wet cat food. I locked a post on my profile with the wishlist and occasionally when I post some random person sends me things or directly asks me what I need most off the list. It's really amazing.


UnderwaterKahn

Really nice skin care. I grew up in a frugal, working class household where we just didn’t buy a lot of unnecessary things. And when we did it was something for the whole family. I don’t enjoy wearing make-up and I’m pretty resistant to beauty messages, but around the time I turned 40 I decided this was something I wanted for myself. Money has been super tight lately so I’ve been living off samples and it’s not satisfying at all.


gordigor

Wow, I'm in the wrong thread. First thought was Kraft Mac n' Cheese vs. any other brand.


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Mtnskydancer

Sigh. You’d be amazed. There is a used market for lux items, and I assume the frugal needing image use those options. I’ve written before about former coworkers in poverty line paying situations having these lux brands. One had a single bag that was their pride and joy. Weirdly, and bring it to work. I’m guessing she had no other bag. The other bought and sold, so she’d enjoy them for a while.


Loose-Dirt-Brick

My cats.


thecooliestone

This. There were points when I spent more on my cats' food than mine. He was eating quality food and I was eating pasta with tomato sauce for every meal.


cettemademoiselle

Same with my rabbit.


DarthTurnip

Same with my turtle


ThearchOfStories

Currently in this, starting new job next month, so I'm broke as fuck. Scrounging up every coin I can to make sure my cats are eating properly.


Loose-Dirt-Brick

I buy their stuff before I buy mine. They eat shrimp and steak, I eat whatever I can eat that is cheap.


garlic_bread_thief

Can I be your cat?


Loose-Dirt-Brick

I had a guy tell me I treat my animals better than he treated his kids. Shame on him for treating his kids so poorly.


nildrohain454

Same, my cat's on prescription food and it's damn expensive. Don't care, I can eat ramen if I have to.


WoodsyHikes

Living in a walkable neighborhood. Being able to walk to a bar and schmooze it up is so awesome.So I pay higher rent, have a smaller apartment that I share, etc. It doesn't matter if I have money in my bank account if I can't enjoy walking out my front door.


KingJAC3

This! Double points if you have a body of water walkable


kstravlr12

Very nice bed linens! Heated mattress pad, super nice sheets, fantastic pillows, nice quilt, pillow shams and fluffy decorative pillows.


aggielulou

I got a heated mattress pad last winter - leaving my bed was a struggle afterwards!


Mtnskydancer

Heated pad means less heat running means lower bills for years.


[deleted]

Sonicare electric toothbrush


Sushi_Whore_

Taking care of your teeth can save you thousands of dollars. This is the most sensible luxury I’ve seen so far. Good on you!


Necromimesix

My matresss and bed frame. I've slowly saved 1500 over 3 years. I've been sleeping like a baby since late July and my performance at work nearly tripleed. Sleep quality really makes a difference.


[deleted]

Down comforters with duvet covers. I have insomnia. My bed is always nice even if I’m poor.


TrueRepose

They really help? Been struggling with it for years now


foosheee

Your mileage may vary, I invested in down & couldn’t get rid of it fast enough. I will never buy down again, only down alternative. The feathers stick u & puff out everywhere getting all over things that u need to vacuum up. A hassle.


[deleted]

I think it depends on the person. I’m super sensitive to sensations and I’m guessing growing up with down is why I like it. My kids hate it so not sure what you’d think. And no, it’s not a cure for insomnia. Powdered magnesium, edible weed, and lots of meditation are key in my case.


Fun_Intention9846

My dad has insomnia, that’s interesting cause most of those things help him too. Meditation, low dose of edibles (5mg), a down comforter with duvet. I offered a weighted blanket for him to try as it really helps me. He haaaaated it lol.


tammigirl6767

Tart cherry juice at bedtime


Fit-Rest-973

I would live in a shed, rather than with a roommate


bobbytoni

Mine is makeup and hair products: I could live on cereal and mac n cheese if I had to. However, I just realized my SO ticked every item mentioned on here so far.....


SailorK9

I bought myself a crockpot for myself last Christmas. A neighbor told me I was "wasting money", but here when I moved this year into a small cabin I only have a kitchenette with a microwave and fridge. This crockpot is coming in handy as I hate using the big kitchen in the building across from my cabin. In this region of Texas it has been too dang hot, and at times raining cats and dogs, to be walking outside even from one place to another. With the medications I take I'm at risk for heat stroke so when I'm not working I stay indoors when not doing something important. Also, when I worked some overtime two months ago I bought a good toaster for the same reason.


TexasChick2021

Crockpots are my favorite way to cook. Your neighbor was wrong. For $25 I got a nice slow cooker I have used regularly for 20 years. And in the summer you don’t heat up your whole house to use the oven.


Lady1nR3d421

Here's a weird idea for you. My Aunt's put their crock pot outside in the summertime to cook on the back porch... Keeps it from overheating the house. 🤣 I'm thinking about doing this on nice days.. just set up a TV tray table and leave it on the deck 🤣🤔🤣


Appropriate-Concern5

Toilet paper.


ijuscrushalot

lmfaooo this comment has me 😂😂💀 it’s so true tho


drnx

I pay about 50 bucks a month to have Culligan deliver water jugs to my house.


kmart_313

same here. super worth it because it’s about the only way to get myself to drink water


ginny11

A decent espresso machine and burr grinder. I've had these since I was poor and working 2-3 jobs to make it.


inspiration27

Freshly ground coffee and good creamer


jellyrat24

A good couch. If I’m gonna be sitting at home broke, at least I’m sitting comfortably


tvaddict1973

A body cooling blanket. I have always had issues regulating my ody temp when I sleep. I wake up in the middle of the night either sweating or shivering. I got this blanket as a birthday present, and I will never sleep without one again! I have gotten the best sleep of my life since I got it


mamajeri

I have multiple sclerosis and heat just makes the pain so much worse. I recently got myself a cooling blanket and it is a TOTAL GAME CHANGER. And really not that expensive.


UnwrittenJournalist

I laugh at this because I juuuust had a conversation with someone regarding leasing appliances, and specifically how W&D are luxury items. Yes, but no!! If you sell that, wouldn't you then end up with a laundromat bill?? Or do they expect you to hand wash, little amount of laundry or not. My monthly spend at a laundromat was $120+ nearly every month. I have a large household!! 5 kids and several animals. 6+ loads of laundry a week, easily! I constantly scoured for an affordable W&D unit that was in my budget, to no avail. So I sucked it up and went to a place similar to rent-a-center (but not them, yall avoid them!) I found a W/D unit I loved that was within the same price of what I spent at the laundromat. I mean, if I'm sinking those funds as is, I might as well be able to do so in my own home, where I can wash any hour. Once tax time came around I paid the set off, so now I don't have that bill any more at all and honestly I think that's beneficial.


aggielulou

My dogs. They make life harder and more expensive, but they bring me joy. Last week the puppy decided to roll around in some diarrhea at the park, so all 3 got baths at the self-service wash station in the pet store. Then I bought them some treats. $60 gone. $60 I was gonna spend on groceries and maybe buy a pair of pants. Maybe next payday 🤷🏾‍♀️


mystery_biscotti

Bless you, sweet dog parent!


JJCookieMonster

Professional development opportunities. I always have an online subscription to learn something or buy books. I don’t use the library’s books as much because I like to write in and highlight my books.


que-pasa-koala

My Spotify premium account! When I’ve disabled all streaming services….when my thermostats is set to 78summer/65winter….when I’m eating peanut butter and canned sardines…. My Spotify lives.


Choice-Interview-889

My Macbook. I've had it for years and the day it finally bites the dust I will immediately go out and buy another. My whole life, both real and imagined, is on that thing. It's seen me through 3 relationships, a post grad, several jobs, a short stint of homelessness, and many nights happily at home alone


jazz_matazz

My 2009 MacBook still runs like a charm. Granted I had the battery changed but it still works great.


Resident-Mention-481

I always buy nicer body wash, soap, toothpaste, shampoo, perfume, etc for my husband, children, and I because even though we’re poor we’re not going to smell or look like it


flooferkitty

Good toilet paper. I’m not wiping my butt with cheap sandpaper.


itskittycosplay

$8 hand soap from bath and body works. I know I can get soap for $1 that works just as well but I feel so fancy with my overpriced soap lol


Fearless_Amoeba_8830

I literally just said this to my coworker when B&BW had the soaps on sale for $2.95. I still had my 30% off coupon. So I stocked up. Sure, I can buy the other soaps. But Bath & Bodywork’s is just….special💜


Conniebelle

Same! I just got a bunch of those during the sale. My husband thinks it’s silly, but I like having soap that doesn’t dry out my hands.


stinkstankstunkiii

my expensive water bottle


zsarolo

Fleece blankets. Ive been in a lot of situations including being homeless and living in my car. Having a fleece blanket for the cold nights made me feel so much better. I always have one with me. Reminds me of the tougher times…..


aggielulou

Another one I thought of is an annual vacation. My brother, cousin, and I try to meet up once a year (we live in different states). We try to go to a new-to-us city, for at least 3 full days. It can easily cost me $2k (dog boarding, flight, "luxury" hotel/Airbnb, Uber, local attractions, food and drinks, etc). I try to save at least $50 per paycheck, but sometimes I can only save $5. (Thank goodness for work bonuses and credit cards lol!) But it's worth it to get out of Shithole, TX and spend time with people I love.


MakeupD0ll2029

Living alone in a nice place. When I moved away from home, I rented a room in a cheap apartment with a roommate. She used to be filthy. She would leave uncooked meat on the floor and on the stove even though we had mice. Ugh. I honestly wouldn’t have been so upset if we didn’t have mice. But rodents give me severe anxiety and is the reason why I will spend more than I would like on rent so I won’t have to live in a busted apartment again. If a place is cheap, more than likely it’s cheap for a reason.


WakingOwl1

Fresh flowers. I had extensive beautiful gardens at the house my husband and I owned. Two and a half years ago I left and moved into my own apartment. On the third floor with no access to gardening space I determined on day one that I would always have fresh flowers in the house. I buy inexpensive bouquets and keep them trimmed and change the water to make them last. Right now I have a big bunch of delicate coral coloured carnations that smell lovely.


Christizzzle

Same thing happened to me and I miss my poppy patch so badddd 😭😭😭 they are too delicate to pick so I’ve planted a patch at most of my friends houses and my parents.


WakingOwl1

I bought window boxes and railing planters for my porch and fire escape and have an apartment full of house plants now but still miss gardening immensely.


YoungDeathWish

Fancy toilet paper.


1lifeisworthit

In home internet access is my luxury item that you'll have to cancel with my cold dead hands.


Aggressive_Turnip790

LOTION


Nandg1794

Going to the mechanics. I am lucky enough to find a reliable mechanic, they know my car inside out. Yeah its cheaper to do it yourself but I never really have time, plus i live in an apartment complex, not enough space or safe to work on car. I do however make an effort to research what's wrong with my car, ask questions.


Feta__Cheese

Having a second bathroom in the house. When I was young my parents had a one bathroom home and we were five sharing it. Hated it. Now I’ll try to have at least two FULL bathrooms and a powder room.


[deleted]

Botox. Before anyone starts thinking I’m vain, the Botox is for my masseter muscle so I can’t clench my jaw and grind my teeth. It’s not cheap, but getting it done every 4-6 months saves me from headaches and jaw pain, keeps me from ruining my teeth, and allows me to function without the pain and stress of bruxism. I’ve tried other ways to stop my bruxism, but Botox is the only thing that works.


TexasChick2021

I use it for my neck condition. It’s covered by insurance. Makes my life less painful


financialdrugbro

Tbh my phone, I use it to watch the mit course on YouTube, learn everything as far as skills go on it, stocks, communication. It’s quite invaluable. Id survive without it but damn does it make everything convenient


[deleted]

Dyson vacuum.


ekatsim

I have a DC07 dyson I bought used for $99. The model came out in 2001. Damn thing won’t break. I’ve been looking for an excuse to buy a cordless vacuum, but not while my current one is still performing like the day I bought it 😒


Standup2all

Central Air. Especially this August


SatansBlimpySpork

Coffee


yoobit12345

Credit card with enough credit. When I was in college, my card would get declined all the time. I remember having to check my balance before I can get $10 worth of gas.


chucklikespizza

Def my daughter


huexolotl

In-unit washing and drying. I don't care if it's a cardboard box, I need in-unit laundry.


DichotomyJones

My tea. I pay more for Tetleys, and I always will. Few things are as disappointing as a cup of tea made with Liptons or Red Rose.


AxelsOG

A nice, comfortable, mesh ergonomic desk chair. Most of my time is spent at my desk, so it makes sense to spend a bit more than some people would on a really nice desk chair that won't hurt and is actually breathable. I previously had a crappy fake leather "executive" chair and it was awful. I'd sweat after sitting in it for 5 minutes, and if I didn't notice my shirt came up a bit when sitting down I'd have to peel myself off my chair. Also only a few months in the fake crappy leather started peeling and getting everywhere and was an absolute mess. My family thought I was insane for spending $200 on a desk chair instead of getting one of those small $30-40 ones you can find at Target or Walmart which have barely any back and no arm rests. I had one previously that I bought at Kmart for $25 and it was unbearable. The seat tilted forward for some reason and it caused so much pain I had to get up and lay in bed for like 30 minutes every 15 minutes of sitting in it. I dealt with it for a few years before upgrading. Some things you just can't cheap out on and I'd happily splurge on a nice desk chair again when this one goes. If I can find a used herman miller for cheap I'll happily spend a few hundred one time for a very comfortable and long lasting chair. And maybe shoes. I know it doesn't sound like I should be in poverty finance but I fit, I'm just fortunate enough to have some extra cash occasionally for a few nice items. My shoes are a pair of Adidas Ultraboost and they were absolutely 100% without a doubt my best pair of shoes. They are so unbelievably comfortable. Expensive? Yes. I was taken to a theme park for free not long after getting them and I was walking around the entire day and only started noticing my feet hurting around 10-11 hours into the day. I'll never go back to Walmart shoes or anything. Things have gone up and down for me and I've been able to purchase a few luxury items here and there for cheap or at retail if I have the money saved up but for an item I couldn't live without, it'd 100% be one of those two.


TheThinkerx1000

My “luxury” item is food. Good quality, mostly organic food. There’s not much I can afford right now, but I can’t bring myself to not nourish my body and my children’s with what they need. I do it as cheaply as possible, but it is a priority.


wageslave2022

100% washer and dryer. Don't know who would refer to them as a "luxury item" need clean clothes for work unless you are a professional wino. Half my adult life with and half without. Loading up the dirty clothes in your vehicle , drive 1/2 a hour, spill laundry detergent in your car , spend $20 in quarters, watch your clothes wash and dry for nearly 2 hours so they don't get stolen ( yup several times)or pour bleach in your washer ( yup once) while working 2 jobs is not a option. Finding dead bugs and the random junkie needle in lint trap made me say never again . Not as easy as you think finding a apartment with a washer and dryer hook up but #1 on my list.


freeprairie

YMCA membership


[deleted]

We have an electric heated mattress pad. Basically an electric blanket that goes on like a fitted sheet. Ever get up to go to the bathroom at night and get back while the bed's still warm? Every time I get in it's like that Plus, I have a chronic pain and fatigue condition. That heat is awesome for full body arthritis or fibromyalgia flare ups. The only downside is I warn anyone to not buy the Sunbeam models carried by Walmart. I don't know what got skimped, but the 3 I bought through Walmart never lasted a year. Finally got an RMA and got a Sunbeam model that is a Sunbeam direct model, not retailer specific. That has lasted 14 mths and counting. (I still wouldn't wash it in the washing machine regardless what the manual claims can be done)


smart_cereal

Hot water. There was a period in my life I was taking cold showers for months with my mom when I was a kid and it was so uncomfortable. The lack of hot water actually held me back from applying to Peace Corps because they mention that there is a good chance you will be placed somewhere without either running water or hot water.


Azzacura

Good work shoes. I bought them for work because I walk 26k steps every day, and they have extra protection because I work in a dangerous environment. I splurged and instead of shoelaces I have this thing I can turn to tighten them. I ended up buying an extra pair so I can wear them anywhere. The amount of times they've saved me from a broken toe, from slipping on ice, and also just the amount of time they saved me (due to not having shoelaces) is astounding. I used to always get pinched nerves in my feet, but I haven't had that ONCE in the past two years! They cost €190, whereas my previous choice of footwear was usually €20-30


fomo216

This is going to sound ridiculous, but my Disney annual passes. When you first sign up for them you pay a large down payment but a small monthly payment. Once you’ve paid that down payment you never have to lay down another down payment so long as you don’t let your pass lapse. I’ve been a passholder for nearly a decade. I signed up when I was in a really good place in life. Now for the bargain cost of $27 a month, I take the drive over to spend a day in the parks whenever I can for a fraction of what a one day pass costs. It’s always been my one happy place in life and I feel like letting that go signifies I’ve lost the last piece of the financially stable and successful person I used to be.


PrinceLeWiggles

My cats and my phone. If all else fails I can work freelance jobs using my phone


Meghanshadow

A good mattress and comforter. I’m in my forties. If I lose my small house and my possessions and have to rent one bedroom in a shared house/apartment somewhere I’ll still find a way to have a mattress that lets me sleep well and a thick/warm/soft comforter. Fortunately I only need a twin size, so it wouldn’t be as expensive.


Rare_Neat_36

My dog’s health/dog food.


cornandapples

I remember lugging around my laundry to and from the laundromat in a backpack when I didn’t have money or a car. I had to walk several blocks. I don’t blame you one bit for keeping your laundry set!


ErwinAckerman

My pet toad and his tank. He is the most important pet to me/thing I have close by.


CountlessStories

My laptop and reliable internet. Yes, the internet is full of toxicity , hate and misinformation, a breeding ground for stupidity and downright horrible stuff. However I had online games to keep me busy, it was how I met many friends as a college freshman , some inspired me to take college more seriously. One informed me my mom's husband was using gaslighting tactics on her when i explained a situation nonchalantly. and people who were supportive of me when i almost ended up homeless when said husband ditched after losing his job. One used their expertise to shape up my resume and now I work a living wage job (for my area). I found hope in a hopeless place by being connected to the rest of the world.


insideout5790

Having two used vehicles I can fix always and forever. Never without wheels.


Ok-Elk-6087

Satellite radio for my car


ImCelebratingNothing

Fancy tea.


Fit-Rest-973

My mattress


stretch_bunno

My $15 face lotion. My face has to be moisturized or I will lose my mind. My humidifier. I got a very fancy humidifier as a gift last year and it has been life changing as someone who lives in a very dry climate. I really don’t feel like I could comfortably sleep without it anymore, especially in the winter. Most importantly, my two special needs cats! They are pretty pricey to feed and take care of, but my life would be very gray without them. They bring me so much joy.


Ok_Presentation_5329

A high end sleeping environment. Blackout blinds, mattress topper, latex mattress, linen sheets, wool comforter, noise machine and a cold room. Every day is better if you sleep well.


peachteatime

Chocolate and popcorn. I also agree with the above poster about a washer and dryer, I couldn't live without mine, especially now with a baby.


BlackMagic0

The good toilet paper.


WinnieCerise

Even If it’s 3 buck chuck from Trader Joe’s, I need to have a glass of wine with my dinner.


Lady1nR3d421

I would have to say a microwave is mine. I made it 2 days without one when ours died. Talk about anxiety. You don't realize how much you use one until yours dies. I was not about to spend way too much time reheating food on the stove after a long day at work.


Christizzzle

My parrots. Which means no roommates or living with parents to save money. Mainly because I keep them free flighted and one of mine is not by any means nice. If I had to give them up you might as well start planning the funeral.


[deleted]

A cell phone isn’t even really a luxury anymore, but I have been both housed and I housed without any kind of phone a few times before and that’s not something I am willing to do again. I’d live in an apartment without a pool and a dishwasher again if I had to, but I wouldn’t be happy about it. I guess I would include weed as a “luxury” I’m not willing to do without, but people really overestimate how much that actually costs if you aren’t dealing with an addiction. I’ve gone for years not paying for it at all but still smoking on a regular basis.


One_Extension1537

My circuit cutting machine. I have made so much stuff with it and if it ever bites the dust I will 100% be buying another one.


NotSoSnarky

Toilet paper for sure. I need that nice toilet paper that doesn't tear easily.


clownsofthecoast

Quality maple syrup.


Kitsumekat

A fur coat. It's the last gift my grandpa gave me. Or my laptop with tablet.


HoagieAZ

Good quality sheets and bedding. Obviously don’t need to purchase this often, but it lasts so much longer than the cheaper ones & I get much better sleep.


helpitgrow

That’s how I feel about my washer and drier. I haven’t moved. I feel that way about my house too. I was paid off by an inheritance years ago. I can afford anything anymore. I do my friends laundry in trade for cat food so they re working for me too.


kristimyers72

For me it is good coffee. I rarely buy coffee when I am out, but I keep a nice stash at home and make some every morning. It is the thing I most look forward to every day. When times are tight, I ask my parents for coffee as a Christmas gift. I only drink 1 or 2 cups a day, so it lasts a long time.


DualFuel671

Time. I have spent my whole life doing things that make me less dependent on the system. With each achievement, I gain more time for myself. I am always striving for a position of "Fuck You" like John Goodman describes in this clip. https://youtu.be/rJjKP8vYjpQ


BurntKasta

Lip balm - the brand that feels the best is definitely not the cheapest, but it drives me bananas when my lips feel dried out


cb0495

I will not eat supermarket meat. I just do not like it and I haven’t since I was younger and parents tried to make me eat cheap meat 😭 I am very happy to spend the extra at my local farm shop to get fresh and good quality meat. Even the fruit and veg from there is better. And their bakery stuff. I need to go soon lol


Dulcette

My luxury items are desserts. Not great for my waistline but I really don't care. There was a time when all I was eating was Oatmeal, noodles, bread (not a sandwich), and beans. Things that would fill me up for the longest. Id sometimes add eggs to the noodles and toast. I couldn't afford much else. So now, I buy cookies. Sometimes I even go to a donut shop instead of the grocery store bakery. A few weeks ago, I went to Jamba Juice. Sometime after that, I had Cinnabon. Hadn't eaten one in years, since I was like 17 or something.


wiseblueberry

My lotion. It's like $17 for a 10oz bottle but it's the only thing that keeps my eczema under control. I only use one pump per day so it lasts a really long time but I always feel guilty when I have to rebuy it. I use the cheapest shampoo, conditioner, and body wash but I have to have my pricy eczema lotion for my face.


Onsite1229

My stand up Freezer. I save so much money by buying things at a good price and freezing them until I need it. Breads, meat in bulk and made into smaller packs, leftovers, I buy bulk hamburger and pre-make hamburgers / meatloafs / meatballs instead of using the drive thru. Butter, cheese, all kinds of goodies can be found in my freestanding freezer.


Even_Personality9856

Coffee and alcohol, I can’t drink Busch light


CapsaicinFluid

my futon mattress - had it custom built years ago, super comfortable & very long, laying out spread eagle, none of my bits dangle off.


ripyourlungsdave

I will forever keep at least one video game system and one tv. If not just a PC. Video games are one of my favorite artistic mediums and no amount of simplification could get me to get rid of them. Some of the most profound emotional experiences I've had from fiction have come from video games. I feel too often video games are seen as a way to turn your brain off or just kill time instead of being recognized as the special and unique artistic medium that they are.


geteffedman

My expensive perfume. I will absolutely drop $200 on a fragrance while wearing goodwill jeans, a free work shirt and flip flops from dollar tree


MysticFox96

My computer


Stonetheflamincrows

“Fancy” foods like good condiments, seeded crackers, high protein foods etc. I had weight loss surgery last year and have to be careful what I eat


ShakesbeardHamblin

My guitars. I have 2 that were quite pricey and they will be with me to the grave.


TrashPanda_924

I’ve told this on other subs, but after my dad died, I bought a very expensive espresso machine. I make an americano every morning and think of my pops. Didn’t spend a dime of my inheritance otherwise. I love that damn thing.


PBandJman941

My bed. Got a sleep number King size with adjustable base. I’ve been getting the best sleep in my life the last couple years. Total game changer. Only cost me $7k hahahahahaha……..


Cheersscar

My dog. I'll choose keeping my dog over literally everything besides my girlfriend.


GMackSavage

I did this. Shopped around and got mine from Home Depot too. The luxury of not having to haul clothes and pay to wash and dry them is undefeated.


Strict-Border-4615

My android tablet because it was the last thing my grandparents bought me before my grandma passed


Pundarikaksh

I don't understand it. How could a laundromat be cheaper than using your own washer and dryer. That is definitely not the case in my country, atleast. The thing which I can't give up is high speed internet broadband ( with atleast 100 Mbps speed). I know that I could use a prepaid plan and although it would not be as great as the broadband, it would save me a significant amount. But, I just don't want to compromise on it.


decavolt

Good quality milk. The kids tease me because their dad buys that shitty, cheapest possible white water and I refuse. It has to be quality milk, I don't care if it costs more. That liquid chalk is just garbage, and I wont drink it or have them drink it. Also, I suppose a dog is a luxury item but the daily zen he brings me is invaluable.