Making smart purchases can have a significant impact on improving one’s overall quality of life. With careful consideration and planning, individuals can optimize their spending to obtain items and experiences that provide lasting value, while avoiding wasteful spending on non-essentials. In this article, we will explore some of the most worthwhile purchases that tend to enhance people’s day-to-day enjoyment, comfort, convenience, health, and general well-being.
Page Contents
Housing
One of the most important quality of life purchases is housing. For most people, housing costs are their largest recurring expense. Choosing suitable housing that is affordable, comfortable, safe, located in a desirable area, and meets your space needs is foundational to quality of life. Consider the following factors when choosing housing:
Purchase vs Rent
Purchasing a home provides long-term stability and equity, while renting offers more flexibility. Consider your long-term plans, job security, and financial profile when deciding between buying and renting. Home ownership has become less accessible recently, so renting is a perfectly viable option for many.
Location
Think about amenities, schools, commute time to work, proximity to family and friends. Living in a neighborhood that allows easy access to necessities, recreation, and community can prevent hassles and stress.
Size
Evaluate how much space you need now and in the future based on your household size and lifestyle. Ample storage and room for hobbies improves day-to-day experience.
Condition
If buying, have the home thoroughly inspected before purchasing. Ensure all major systems (roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing) are in good repair or factor in renovation costs.
Comfort
Look for good lighting, temperature control, layouts that suit your needs, and finishes/materials you find aesthetically pleasing.
Prioritizing housing sets the foundation for quality of life. The benefits of living in an affordable residence that meets your needs is difficult to overstate.
Fitness & Health
Investing in your physical health yields some of the highest returns when it comes to quality of life. Good health allows you to fully participate in work, hobbies, and time with loved ones. Consider spending on the following:
Gym membership
Joining a gym or fitness club provides access to exercise equipment, classes, pools, and sports facilities. This makes it easier to get motivated and maintain an exercise routine.
Home exercise equipment
Having some basic exercise equipment like weights, a yoga mat, or stationary bike at home allows you to workout on your own schedule.
Nutritious food
Eat more whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. These provide the fuel for an energetic, healthy life.
Preventative health appointments
Regular checkups, dental cleanings, cancer screenings, and lab work help detect issues early on when they are most treatable.
Health insurance
Get health insurance tailored to your medical needs and budget. Having coverage provides peace of mind.
An investment in your health and fitness pays off exponentially over your lifetime.
Career & Education
Purchasing career development and education products/services enhances your skills, job prospects, and earnings potential. Options to consider include:
Degree programs
Complete an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s or PhD program. Higher education opens doors to more lucrative, stable careers.
Certification courses
Gain skills and credentials in high demand fields like technology, healthcare, business, or the trades through shorter certification programs.
Conferences & seminars
Attending professional development conferences, seminars, and training helps you stay up-to-date on industry trends.
Career coaching
Working with a career coach can help you navigate career changes, transitions, salary negotiations, and growth opportunities.
Computer & software
A reliable, modern computer and software subscriptions improve productivity and job performance.
Advancing your education and qualifications can enable more meaningful, rewarding work.
Assistive Technology & Home Modifications
If you or loved ones in your household have disabilities or mobility issues, consider:
Assistive devices
Tools like hearing aids, mobility devices, adaptive cooking implements, and technology for low vision aid independence and safety.
Home modifications
Install grab bars, railings, ramps, comfort height toilets, and convert showers to roll-in or walk-in to enable safe mobility.
Smart technology
Smart home devices like video doorbells, programmable thermostats, medication reminders, and digital assistants provide convenience.
Medical alert systems
Medical alert systems like Life Alert allow high-risk individuals to summon emergency help independently.
Though often costly, assistive technology and home modifications allow those with physical or cognitive impairments to manage safely at home, avoiding facility care.
Childcare
Reliable, quality childcare enables parents of young kids to maintain careers and have peace of mind while working. Options include:
Daycare centers
Full-time care at an accredited daycare center with structured learning activities.
In home daycare
Small group care in a licensed provider’s home. Can feel less institutional.
Nanny or au pair
1-on-1 care in your home for infants and toddlers. Provides lots of attention.
After school programs
On-site care at schools during after school hours. Includes homework help and recreation.
Summer camps
Themed day camps during school breaks. Provide enrichment and social growth.
While expensive, quality childcare enables working parents to focus on vocations while ensuring kids are properly supervised and stimulated.
Experiences & Travel
Money spent on experiences like vacations, hobbies, and cultural events often provides more lasting happiness than material goods.
Vacations & travel
Taking relaxing getaways, road trips, and cultural tours creates memories and gets you out of routine.
Lessons & hobbies
Joining clubs, taking recreational classes, or pursuing hobbies provides fun challenges and social connection.
Entertainment & dining
Attending concerts, plays, museums and trying new restaurants satisfies your cultural and culinary curiosity.
Sports & outdoor activities
Participating in sports leagues, golf clubs, boating associations, etc. keeps you engaged and active outdoors.
Life experiences help round out your perspectives, foster learning, and build meaningful memories. The temporary splurges can have lifelong impact.
Time Saving Services
Outsourcing time consuming tasks allows you to spend more hours on pursuits you find rewarding. Services like:
House cleaning
A regular cleaning service tackles the dusting, scrubbing and vacuuming so you can enjoy free time.
Lawn care
Landscaping companies handle the mowing, fertilizing, pruning, and yard maintenance.
Grocery delivery
Curbside pick-up or delivery means skipping crowded store aisles.
Meal kits
Pre-portioned fresh ingredients and recipes are delivered to conveniently make healthy meals.
Child pick-ups/drop-offs
Hiring someone to handle shuttling kids to school and activities can save hours.
Paying for convenience provides freedom to focus on family, hobbies, and rest.
Conclusion
Our spending choices significantly influence quality of life. Focus purchases on:
– Housing suited to your needs
– Health, fitness and preventative care
– Career development & education
– Assistive tools for disabilities
– Childcare and family services
– Meaningful experiences and travel
– Time saving services like cleaning and outsourcing
Consider needs versus wants and invest in purchases that reduce daily stresses, provide security, foster personal growth, and bring joy. Spending on quality of life boosts overall well-being.