Whether money is of concern or not, we all want to spend our money wisely, which includes determining when to save and when to splurge. It’s hard to determine what to do when you’re investing in yourself, after all, you want to treat yourself to what you deserve, but you also want to ensure that you’re making wise financial decisions.

Let’s flesh out what’s worth splurging on and when to save your dollars.

Splurge:

Splurge on health care and dental care.

Splurge on health care and dental care. They will often have lasting results and it’s important to invest in yourself. If you’ve ever considered fixing your teeth because you have noticed your teeth shifting as an adult, I recommend Invisalign clear aligners.

It’s the most advanced teeth straightening system out there, and when it comes to my teeth and physical appearance I need to go with something that’s tried and true. I’m actually in treatment and people are amazed when I tell them I’m wearing my Invisalign clear aligners because they’re virtually undetectable.

Although I had metal braces as a teenager, my teeth began to shift and I developed another overbite over time with flaring of my front teeth. My smile looked nice from the front but was visibly uneven from the side.

Flaring front teeth

Flaring front teeth

I began Invisalign treatment in March and the experience has been worlds different from my metal braces. I have found them to be more comfortable. I can actually eat and since I change the weekly aligners myself, I feel involved in my treatment and feel that I have more control. I’m also thrilled with how quickly I am seeing results. I literally saw my teeth shifting within the first few weeks.

If it’s something you’re considering, consult an Invisalign provider to see if you are a candidate. The Invisalign brand has an easy-to-use Doctor Locator feature to search for Invisalign-trained doctors in your area. That way you can ensure that you are talking with an experienced orthodontist or dentist about your treatment.

Getting x-rays for my Invisalign treatment.

Getting x-rays for my Invisalign treatment.

Save

Save when there is a comparable alternative such as going to the local esthetician school or massage school for services.

Everyone likes to treat himself or herself every now and then, but treats don’t have to break the bank. When you visit high priced salons and spas, you are typically paying for the experience, yet what you really are seeking is the result — refreshed skin or relaxed muscles. Students at local schools are required to get their hours before they can graduate. As a result, the school often has programs that allow them to offer their services to the public for a nominal price. Students are still under the watch of an instructor, so you still have an expert overseeing the process, you just won’t feel it in your wallet.

I have received one-hour facials at a well-known reputable esthetician school for just $25!

Splurge

Splurge on items that you will use continuously such as personal or household electronics.

I don’t know how many times a day you use your computer, but my life is on my computer and it’s something I’m willing to splurge on because the quality is the most important thing to me when it comes to items I use frequently. It’s important to note that cost doesn’t equal quality, though, but quality will often cost you a little bit more. So it’s important to budget for items you use regularly, such as your computer or your mattress. They get daily use and must stand up to the demand and you will also want a company that will stand behind their product.

Save

Save when it is something that you can easily do yourself and it would otherwise be a splurge out of convenience.

There are some things we can do ourselves, but we pay for them out of convenience and not lack of skill. Time does equal money, but when money is tight sometimes it’s best to do those tasks yourself such as doing your own laundry instead of paying for wash and fold service, or washing your own car instead of paying for costly detailing. A manicure can cost anywhere between $10 and $35 a visit, but an at-home manicure kit will cost you less than $10. If you add up your manicures and pedicures for the entire year, it adds up. This is money you can keep in your pocket!

In closing

When splurging, focus on items that you will use frequently or that will have a lasting impact on your quality of life. These are items that count and you want to make sure that they can live up to their demand and that they won’t cost you more in the long run. But it’s also important to keep in mind that cost and quality don’t necessarily mean the same thing.

Do your research before making any splurge purchases to ensure you’re spending your money the right way.

Note: I received complimentary Invisalign treatment in exchange for sharing my treatment experience. All opinions are my own.

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Created by nationally recognized millennial money expert Tonya Rapley, My Fab Finance is a leading financial education and lifestyle blog for millennials who want to become financially free and do more of what they love.