The Value of Investing

When we talk about long-term investments, it doesn’t just mean financial portfolios or retirement savings. Long-term investments are important items that add value to our lives, like a car or a good mattress. They are investments simply because it’s worth spending on these items, so you can save in the long run. 

It may seem counterintuitive, because if you save money now you save in the future, right? Technically, yes. But in the case of investments, your spending pays off over time. Let’s take a look at four items you should consider investing in and how that saves you money moving forward.

A Car

A vehicle is a long-term investment simply because you hope to have the car for many years. When buying a car that is new to you, you’ll be thinking about many aspects, including the mileage and age of the vehicle. With a car, it might not be a bad idea to purchase a newer model. That way, you may not have to worry so much about repair and upkeep in the future. 

Clothing

Certain items of clothing are staples for your wardrobe and worth investing in. Good walking shoes, sturdy jeans and a heavy winter coat are all pieces that can reward your spending. Solid shoes will treck on for a year or two of heavy wear. Plus, robust jeans and a high-quality winter coat can last for seasons to come. 

A Mattress

Sleep has a huge impact on our quality of life and having a good mattress is an important part of that. Many people underestimate the value of a mattress, but it is certainly a long-term investment because ideally you’ll have it for about eight years. Therefore, don’t be shy when it comes to spending on a mattress. Your future self will definitely thank you for the restful nights of sleep.

A Rainy Day Fund

Though you aren’t spending money, a rainy day fund is still a long-term investment and it has great benefits. That’s because the unexpected can happen to anyone. You never know when you’ll need extra money for car repair, a vet bill, dental work or any other urgent need that arises. Saving a little bit every month in a rainy day fund pays off in the long run because you’ll always have a stash in case of emergencies. 

Enjoying Your Investments

Approaching purchases as long-term investments can be an empowering way to uncover the value of everyday items. We so often focus on the bottom line and cutting costs that we don’t stop to think that investing can ultimately mean saving. With some thoughtful budgeting, you can enjoy the value of your car, clothes, mattress or any other meaningful item both now and well into the future.