Best Money Spent, Under A Hundred Bucks?

[goodmoneygoodlife]

This is a Tim Ferriss-y question, but I think it's a good one.

Was wondering if you guys had anything you guys spent <$100 in the past couple years that's made a positive impact on your life?

I think the FIRE community loves being frugal - but I think strategically spending is more important than saving money. So was curious if there's anything you guys bought that's given high ROI, financial or mental or otherwise.

[Omy]

I love my Aerogarden (purchased on sale for $65 in December). Having fresh herbs at my fingertips in the winter is awesome.

I also purchased a shower curtain on Redbubble (under $60) that had a friend's design on it. It brings a smile when I pass by.

I don't usually buy frivolous items, but these two purchases have brought me joy.

[Freedomin5]

My pressure cooker cost around $40. We use it at least 3-4 times a week. I use it to prep lunch, saving me from having to buy lunch at work, and to make simple dinners that are healthy and delicious.

[wooooooooooooo]

1. Replaced a 20 year old Hoover upright vacuum which broke with a Shark Navigator. I don't like the attachments as much as my last one, but the maneuverability, power, and being able to turn off the brushes to vacuum hard floors rather than sweeping makes me happy every time I use it.

2. A weekend camping trip to a forest campground with $6/night off season rates on a weekend that stayed slightly above freezing - the whole weekend was about $35 + wear on my vehicle.

3. Rechargeable headlight/tail lights ($70) for my bike to be able to bike after dusk/dark on dedicated trails in the fall when days are shorter.

4. A tripod floor lamp to replace a cheap torch light I'd had since high school ($75).

[stashja]

1. Instant pot. This + countertop convection oven = unplug conventional oven and stove forever. That caused our electric bill to drop by $20/month... While baking bread nearly every day during the pandemic.

2. $14 USB book light. Voila: no need for living room overhead lights at night in winter, just a lamp. Average kWh/bill: 300.

[joe189man]

slightly more than $100, but airpod headphones, having wireless headphones that sync seamlessly is awesome

[RunningintoFI]

$25 diffuser makes a world of difference when using all night while sleeping.  I don't wake up with extreme dry mouth or nose bleeds in extremely dry winter conditions anymore. 

$39 rechargable hand warmers.  Absolute gift in the upper midwest at this time of year when walking to work. 

$15 balaclava and $19 ski goggles.  Allows me to walk to work in sub-zero temperatures and arrive like a beacon of warmth.  Recouped the value in a couple weeks of not driving.

If you want something that isn't surviving the cold - $52 for a RENPHO hand held massager that works great for after those long workouts. 

Notice a theme of dealing with stupidly cold winters here.. 

[BikeFanatic]

Probably my favorite purchase ever was my Gerbing electric jacket on eBay, $75 and I use my RC Lipo
Batteries to power it. Made commuting on my electric bike more bearable in winter. My old muscles love the warm up in the cold mornings.
I got mine on eBay, probably used, was an older version. I would say though if you pay full price they come with a warranty and You will need it if you use the jacket often. The one I have the sleeves are out but the torso still works and the neck is amazing. Akin to seat warmers in the car, so comfy when you first get out on a cold morning!

[NorCal]

I can't remember the exact price, but it was around $100.  Probably a little more.

A ceiling fan in our bedroom made a huge difference in the summers.  Our upstairs gets hot, so it made the room MUCH more comfortable.  It also greatly increased the number of nights we could just open up windows and turn the fan on instead of run the AC.  It probably paid for itself in a single summer. 

[AMandM]

Had to replace a toilet seat, spent $5 extra for the soft-close feature. I have toddlers four mornings a week, and now they can`t slam the lid down or smash their fingers.

[Virtus3]

Bidet and soft close toilet seats.

[Sugaree]

The $20 LED lightbar that I put in my tiny, dark pantry.  Now the light comes on when I open the door just like the fridge.  Every couple of months I have to pull it down and charge it, but it is attached by a magnet so it's super easy.

[Hula Hoop]

I don't remember the exact price but our cheap IKEA cast iron pan is fabulous. I think it cost around Euro 30.

Same with the knock off Instant Pot that I bought a few years ago.  I think it was 50-60 Euro.  Makes all kinds of yummy and quick dinners.

Pick pocket proof laptop backpack is also great for my walk to the office a few times a week and also as a general backpack.  30 something bucks in the US.  https://www.amazon.com/Anti-theft-Backpack-Business-Charging-Resistent/dp/B01MR6LNZZ?th=1

[Fishindude]

The little Coleman one burner Butane stoves are great for camping, using on a table top or tailgating, etc.   
Make a real hot flame, spark ignition, burn for several hours on a canister, and can be purchased for about $20

[solon]

The $20 LED lightbar that I put in my tiny, dark pantry.  Now the light comes on when I open the door just like the fridge.  Every couple of months I have to pull it down and charge it, but it is attached by a magnet so it's super easy.

Hey this sounds like a thing I need! Do you have a link?

[Hall11235]

This one is easy.

Tushy Bidet - Completely changed my bathroom experience. Cannot recommend it enough. It has reached the point where I will just 'hold it in' until I get home if reasonable. Other bathrooms just cannot compare.

Also in the bathroom space -
The Squattypotty - A little weird at first, but, when combined with the bidet, makes going number 2 a transcendent experience.

I think both of them together is ~$135, but, if you buy them separately, each is under ~$100... ;)

[boarder42]

Cast iron pan enameled on the outside for our glass induction range.

[boarder42]

This one is easy.

Tushy Bidet - Completely changed my bathroom experience. Cannot recommend it enough. It has reached the point where I will just 'hold it in' until I get home if reasonable. Other bathrooms just cannot compare.

Also in the bathroom space -
The Squattypotty - A little weird at first, but, when combined with the bidet, makes going number 2 a transcendent experience.

I think both of them together is ~$135, but, if you buy them separately, each is under ~$100... ;)

Bidets are the shit! I don't get why every toilet doesn't come with one

[solon]

This one is easy.

Tushy Bidet - Completely changed my bathroom experience. Cannot recommend it enough. It has reached the point where I will just 'hold it in' until I get home if reasonable. Other bathrooms just cannot compare.

Also in the bathroom space -
The Squattypotty - A little weird at first, but, when combined with the bidet, makes going number 2 a transcendent experience.

I think both of them together is ~$135, but, if you buy them separately, each is under ~$100... ;)

The bidet I bought changed my life. Let's just say I'm a lot ... cleaner ... now.

I got this one for 65$: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00P2XZIP2/

[E.T.]

I've gotten a few co-op video games on Steam sales to play with my spouse over the last couple of years. Lately we've had a lot of fun bonding time playing Deep Rock Galactic (~$15 on sale).

$35-40 on a dried flower bouquet, it's beautiful and it lasts for a very long time.

$10-20 for native plant seeds. I'm excited to try growing things from seed and if it works out, it will provide seasons of enjoyment for very little cost.

[boarder42]

This one is easy.

Tushy Bidet - Completely changed my bathroom experience. Cannot recommend it enough. It has reached the point where I will just 'hold it in' until I get home if reasonable. Other bathrooms just cannot compare.

Also in the bathroom space -
The Squattypotty - A little weird at first, but, when combined with the bidet, makes going number 2 a transcendent experience.

I think both of them together is ~$135, but, if you buy them separately, each is under ~$100... ;)

The bidet I bought changed my life. Let's just say I'm a lot ... cleaner ... now.

I got this one for 65$: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00P2XZIP2/

Or used very good for $39.04.

[ObviouslyNotAGolfer]

Meditation cushion: I recommend these round ones by Florensi. For YEARS AND YEARS I was uncomfortable in sitting meditation, but then we stayed in an awesome AirBNB on the California coast and they had one of these. I knew I had to get one after sitting on it for a few seconds. If you hate meditation, it may be because you are sitting the wrong way. These look great, feel great, are very durable, and height adjustable: https://florensi.com/products/meditation-cushion-16x16x5

Sound Soother: Adaptive Sound Technologies Sound + Sleep https://www.soundofsleep.com/soundsleep/ Great for chilling out to rain, waves, crackling fireplace, train, and other very relaxing sounds. Great for drowning out all the infernal racket foisted upon us by our very LOUD society. Good sound quality with a lot of useful features (timer, "richness control", etc.)

[Virtus3]

Cast iron pan enameled on the outside for our glass induction range.

What is the purpose of the outside enamel? I don't think I've ever seen that.

[Kris]

We recently got a clear plastic bird feeder that attaches to the window in my office. So birds are flying up and having a nice snack about four feet away from me, and I get to just watch them do it. It's lovely, relaxing entertainment for about $30 plus bird seed.

[boarder42]

Cast iron pan enameled on the outside for our glass induction range.

What is the purpose of the outside enamel? I don't think I've ever seen that.

prevent scratching the cook top i spent alot of money on my induction range dont want to inadvertently scratch it.  Got it from kohsl with 35 coupons for 10s of dollars.

[Virtus3]

prevent scratching the cook top i spent alot of money on my induction range dont want to inadvertently scratch it.  Got it from kohsl with 35 coupons for 10s of dollars.

Ah. We use our regular cast iron on a glass induction range and haven't had any issues but I didn't even know you could get them with only the outside enameled.

[DaMa]

Several years ago I replaced my inexpensive socks with SmartWool performance socks that have an elastic band under the arch of the foot.  These all but eliminated my plantar fasciitis.

[kina]

A small (1L) electric kettle. It lives on my counter and is used multiple times daily. ~$25

In addition to heating water for tea, I wait a fraction of the time for hot water than it takes for the faucet to deliver and no expensive under the counter system to maintain or install. The time for water to boil for tea or coffee beats any regular cooktop (haven't done a speed trial with the induction burner which might be as fast or faster).

this is the one I have:
https://smile.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach-40998-Electric-Kettle/dp/B00ZPN3O2I/ref=sr_1_9?crid=3DT7HRPZ3JM2G&keywords=hamilton+beach+electric+kettle&qid=1643975538&sprefix=hamilton+bea%2Caps%2C79&sr=8-9

[Anon-E-Mouze]

Two amazing sauce bases that have completely transformed my Asian-influenced cooking: 1) Aroy-D Red Curry Paste (about C$7-12); and (2) Okazu Spicy Chili Miso Sauce (about C$10-13). Although these are both consumables, they last a long time (especially the curry paste), so the price per serving is probably pennies. It's so easy to use these products to make a home meal that tastes as good (or better) than a restaurant meal so I'm much less tempted to order take-out or delivery.

A couple of bowl cozies ($25 for two, made by someone in the neighborhood) - protects fingers from hot bowls and protects laps from spills. Here's a link to instructions on how to make your own:
https://www.allpeoplequilt.com/bags-pillows-gifts/gifts/free-soup-bowl-cozy-pattern

You put your bowl of soup, chili etc in the bowl cozy and pop it in the microwave. Then you can pick the cozy up by the corners without burning your fingers, and set your cozied soup bowl in your lap for a comfy meal on the couch - or outside on the deck. I first saw one when we were having a porch visit with my in-laws on a cool October day. The cozy insulated our fingers from the hot bowl, kept the chili hot a little longer and provided a bit of spill protection.

They make great inexpensive gifts, too, especially if you can make them yourself.

[FLBiker]

Wow, all this bidet talk has really got me thinking...

The purchase that came to mind for me, though, was a brush and shaving soap.  I *hated* shaving for many years.  I got a badger hair brush and some decent shave soap (probably $15 for the brush and $6 for the soap) and a couple of thrift store bowls.  I'm still using the same old Mach 3 I've been using for a million years (I strop it with a towel and change the blade like once a year.  Shockingly (to me) I know truly enjoy shaving.

[ObviouslyNotAGolfer]

Wow, all this bidet talk has really got me thinking...

The purchase that came to mind for me, though, was a brush and shaving soap.  I *hated* shaving for many years.  I got a badger hair brush and some decent shave soap (probably $15 for the brush and $6 for the soap) and a couple of thrift store bowls.  I'm still using the same old Mach 3 I've been using for a million years (I strop it with a towel and change the blade like once a year.  Shockingly (to me) I know truly enjoy shaving.

I remember as a young boy watching my dad shave this way... I never did.

I got an electric early on and never looked back. Remingtons and Norelcos turned out to be no good. Then someone gifted me a Braun series 5 in two thousand freaking six (2006), and it still works! However, the battery is running down and I will need a replacement soon (have to shave with it plugged in for the last couple of minutes.) I will probably just get another Braun series 5. I am intrigued by the series 7 and 9. If one of these could shave off (HAHAHAHAH) even 30 seconds or so every time I use it, I would gladly pay the extra price for one. However, I will have to check again, but I think these have big-ass charging bases, and I don't want to have to lug that extra crap on overseas trips (or any trip)! My 5 series has a pretty small plug.

I have wondered why so many younger guys are into shaving, especially with old-fashioned methods. I resent every second I have to spend in front of the mirror dragging any kind of cutting apparatus over my face. I think I've figured it out though: When you are shaving with a razor, you have to PAY ATTENTION and cannot simultaneously be on eight Zoom meetings, watching 15 TikTok videos, and liking someone's Fecebook bullshit. You have to PAY ATTENTION and live in the moment and away from your screen! Perhaps it qualifies as a form of meditation, or at least mindfulness. Am I on to something?

[Sailor Sam]

The most recent was spending $30 to get the baby boi a snuggle bed.

[Silverwing]

I spent $20 on a US based service called Chip Drop and got about 20 yards of arborist mulch dropped in my driveway last week. I did my whole yard and a few neighbors! The $20 was to reimburse the arborist for their cost to use the service, but it’s not mandatory.

[SpareChange]

Wow, all this bidet talk has really got me thinking...

The purchase that came to mind for me, though, was a brush and shaving soap.  I *hated* shaving for many years.  I got a badger hair brush and some decent shave soap (probably $15 for the brush and $6 for the soap) and a couple of thrift store bowls.  I'm still using the same old Mach 3 I've been using for a million years (I strop it with a towel and change the blade like once a year.  Shockingly (to me) I know truly enjoy shaving.

I remember as a young boy watching my dad shave this way... I never did.

I got an electric early on and never looked back. Remingtons and Norelcos turned out to be no good. Then someone gifted me a Braun series 5 in two thousand freaking six (2006), and it still works! However, the battery is running down and I will need a replacement soon (have to shave with it plugged in for the last couple of minutes.) I will probably just get another Braun series 5. I am intrigued by the series 7 and 9. If one of these could shave off (HAHAHAHAH) even 30 seconds or so every time I use it, I would gladly pay the extra price for one. However, I will have to check again, but I think these have big-ass charging bases, and I don't want to have to lug that extra crap on overseas trips (or any trip)! My 5 series has a pretty small plug.

I have wondered why so many younger guys are into shaving, especially with old-fashioned methods. I resent every second I have to spend in front of the mirror dragging any kind of cutting apparatus over my face. I think I've figured it out though: When you are shaving with a razor, you have to PAY ATTENTION and cannot simultaneously be on eight Zoom meetings, watching 15 TikTok videos, and liking someone's Fecebook bullshit. You have to PAY ATTENTION and live in the moment and away from your screen! Perhaps it qualifies as a form of meditation, or at least mindfulness. Am I on to something?

Maybe. Add in a dash of in home spa treatment, perhaps? I briefly used a safety razor back in the day. Turns out I value efficiency over pomp and circumstance when it comes to shaving. Bought a Panasonic ES-LT41 8 years ago and never looked back. It's still going strong. 

[314159]

I have tried electric razors but they haven't shaved as close as I've liked. Maybe I used the wrong ones, maybe not.

In any case I much prefer my Leaf razor. It uses safety razor blades (I get them for about 6¢ each, 100 at a time) which you snap in half (turns out all safety razor blades are designed to do that!), and you use both edges at once. I indulge in a fresh blade each time.

And I'll add another vote for a bidet! I still need to get a spotty potty though.

[Malossi792]

Wow, all this bidet talk has really got me thinking...

The purchase that came to mind for me, though, was a brush and shaving soap.  I *hated* shaving for many years.  I got a badger hair brush and some decent shave soap (probably $15 for the brush and $6 for the soap) and a couple of thrift store bowls.  I'm still using the same old Mach 3 I've been using for a million years (I strop it with a towel and change the blade like once a year.  Shockingly (to me) I know truly enjoy shaving.

I remember as a young boy watching my dad shave this way... I never did.

I got an electric early on and never looked back. Remingtons and Norelcos turned out to be no good. Then someone gifted me a Braun series 5 in two thousand freaking six (2006), and it still works! However, the battery is running down and I will need a replacement soon (have to shave with it plugged in for the last couple of minutes.) I will probably just get another Braun series 5. I am intrigued by the series 7 and 9. If one of these could shave off (HAHAHAHAH) even 30 seconds or so every time I use it, I would gladly pay the extra price for one. However, I will have to check again, but I think these have big-ass charging bases, and I don't want to have to lug that extra crap on overseas trips (or any trip)! My 5 series has a pretty small plug.

I have wondered why so many younger guys are into shaving, especially with old-fashioned methods. I resent every second I have to spend in front of the mirror dragging any kind of cutting apparatus over my face. I think I've figured it out though: When you are shaving with a razor, you have to PAY ATTENTION and cannot simultaneously be on eight Zoom meetings, watching 15 TikTok videos, and liking someone's Fecebook bullshit. You have to PAY ATTENTION and live in the moment and away from your screen! Perhaps it qualifies as a form of meditation, or at least mindfulness. Am I on to something?

I have a 9585 (was a gift!). The big-a** charging station just went caput I think but it was fun while it lasted.
Anyway, it uses the same small plug as the razor. You keep the station plugged in, just kinda put in the razor after use, push a button, and it gets cleaned, lubed and charged.
When you travel you take the charger (which should be the same as yours) and the razor which too has a connector for it, and wash it under running water (unplugged of course) after use.
Pretty neat system. Chronically underutilized because I'm lazy to shave often enough. Cuts damn close.

[FLBiker]

Wow, all this bidet talk has really got me thinking...

The purchase that came to mind for me, though, was a brush and shaving soap.  I *hated* shaving for many years.  I got a badger hair brush and some decent shave soap (probably $15 for the brush and $6 for the soap) and a couple of thrift store bowls.  I'm still using the same old Mach 3 I've been using for a million years (I strop it with a towel and change the blade like once a year.  Shockingly (to me) I know truly enjoy shaving.

I remember as a young boy watching my dad shave this way... I never did.

I got an electric early on and never looked back. Remingtons and Norelcos turned out to be no good. Then someone gifted me a Braun series 5 in two thousand freaking six (2006), and it still works! However, the battery is running down and I will need a replacement soon (have to shave with it plugged in for the last couple of minutes.) I will probably just get another Braun series 5. I am intrigued by the series 7 and 9. If one of these could shave off (HAHAHAHAH) even 30 seconds or so every time I use it, I would gladly pay the extra price for one. However, I will have to check again, but I think these have big-ass charging bases, and I don't want to have to lug that extra crap on overseas trips (or any trip)! My 5 series has a pretty small plug.

I have wondered why so many younger guys are into shaving, especially with old-fashioned methods. I resent every second I have to spend in front of the mirror dragging any kind of cutting apparatus over my face. I think I've figured it out though: When you are shaving with a razor, you have to PAY ATTENTION and cannot simultaneously be on eight Zoom meetings, watching 15 TikTok videos, and liking someone's Fecebook bullshit. You have to PAY ATTENTION and live in the moment and away from your screen! Perhaps it qualifies as a form of meditation, or at least mindfulness. Am I on to something?

I don't think I count as a younger guy, but you might be on to something.  Personally, it has more to do with not getting a rash on my neck, which always happened when I shaved with regular cream (even fancy cream).  I also do kind of like the ritual of it (it's like making looseleaf tea, which I also enjoy).  And I do like to meditate.  That said, I don't so social media / tiktok or any of that so it isn't like shaving is my oasis.  I do it the bare minimum (twice a week when I have a beard, three times a week when I don't) and I get the best results (in terms of non-rash) using the brush and soap combo.

[jnw]

Waterpick.

[jiimmy]

Bidet

Pull up bar

Electric toothbrush

[OzzieandHarriet]

Six new low-lint white towels from Target. IIRC about $30. Gave all our old crappy towels (that never got really clean no matter how we washed them) to a local animal shelter.

[Malossi792]

Good, wired headphones.

[wenchsenior]

Swimsuit, cap, goggles.

Unquestionably the best purchase of the last 5 years.

[DaTrill]

If you live in a one-party consent state, a small recording device ($50) to document all office interactions (why I prefer WFH as all interactions are documents and achieved).  Might result in a mid-six figure settlement as this eliminates all "He-said-She-said" accusations.  The short story is I was accused of saying something inappropriate and provided the entire conversation, will most likely result in a libel settlement and removal/prosecution of accusing co-worker.  If one is in a two-party consent state, not sure if this has the same value.     

[Dicey]

Six new low-lint white towels from Target. IIRC about $30. Gave all our old crappy towels (that never got really clean no matter how we washed them) to a local animal shelter.

If you really want to make them last, sew around all four sides before you wash them. Trust me.

[SimpleCycle]

I spent $50 ten years ago on an online CBT course for insomnia.  Literally changed my life.

[OzzieandHarriet]

Six new low-lint white towels from Target. IIRC about $30. Gave all our old crappy towels (that never got really clean no matter how we washed them) to a local animal shelter.

If you really want to make them last, sew around all four sides before you wash them. Trust me.

The problem with the old towels was that they stank. They never smelled clean even after washing with detergent, vinegar, bleach, hot water … I got fed up finally when we were prepping for some guests and I realized I didn’t want their impression of our house to be one of squalor.

[Sugaree]

If you live in a one-party consent state, a small recording device ($50) to document all office interactions (why I prefer WFH as all interactions are documents and achieved).  Might result in a mid-six figure settlement as this eliminates all "He-said-She-said" accusations.  The short story is I was accused of saying something inappropriate and provided the entire conversation, will most likely result in a libel settlement and removal/prosecution of accusing co-worker.  If one is in a two-party consent state, not sure if this has the same value.     

While it was slightly above the $100 mark, I feel the same way about my dashcam. 

[Dicey]

Six new low-lint white towels from Target. IIRC about $30. Gave all our old crappy towels (that never got really clean no matter how we washed them) to a local animal shelter.

If you really want to make them last, sew around all four sides before you wash them. Trust me.

The problem with the old towels was that they stank. They never smelled clean even after washing with detergent, vinegar, bleach, hot water … I got fed up finally when we were prepping for some guests and I realized I didn’t want their impression of our house to be one of squalor.

Hmm, I was referring to the new towels. Don't you want to make them last?

[OzzieandHarriet]

Six new low-lint white towels from Target. IIRC about $30. Gave all our old crappy towels (that never got really clean no matter how we washed them) to a local animal shelter.

If you really want to make them last, sew around all four sides before you wash them. Trust me.

The problem with the old towels was that they stank. They never smelled clean even after washing with detergent, vinegar, bleach, hot water … I got fed up finally when we were prepping for some guests and I realized I didn’t want their impression of our house to be one of squalor.

Hmm, I was referring to the new towels. Don't you want to make them last?

These towels will probably outlast me 🙃

[tygertygertyger]

Seconding Kina's electric kettle. LOVE mine, and use it daily for tea or boiling water quickly for cooking water.

Really have been wanting a bidet for a while. I've heard other good things about Tushy. Might have to get around to that.