Considering how crazy expensive everything has become, it’s no wonder that frugal living has become a trend as folks prefer to buy beneficial products rather than just-for-show ones. Now, wouldn’t you also prefer to purchase a product that benefits you but doesn’t take a large chunk out of your pocket?
You are not the only one. When Reddit user DaJabroniz asked netizens about a purchase they made under $500 that changed their lives, people gushed with answers. You might even be able to relate to a few, while some will come as a surprise. Just scroll down to find out!
More info: Reddit
#1
Rehab. I’ll be 1 year sober next week.
Shout out to good health insurance.
Image source: DaveyJonas, freepik
#2
A nice bathrobe to wear after a shower. Nicer bed sheets.
But honestly? My cat. Adoption fee was like $200-$300 and I love this cat more than I ever thought was possible to love an animal. My little buddy. ❤️.
Image source: babypink15, Samantha Passuello
#3
I befriended a m****r of crows so now, I get all the benefits of pet ownership without the responsibility because they’ll follow me around and wait for me to come home. Even get excited but if I forget to feed them, they don’t die from starvation. :)
Its not for everyone, but crows were cheaper than therapy at $12/wk.
Image source: AmeteurChef, Mike Bird
#4
Glass bowl set with lids. We can eat out of them, store food, pack our work lunches/meal prep, use as mixing bowls, bake, and they’re so much easier to clean than plastic Tupperware. It literally could cut our kitchen supplies in half if I weren’t afraid to throw away the Tupperware. Baby steps 😂.
Image source: seesumn, freepik
#5
King bed.
I’m only one person, and I don’t care. I’m a starfish at heart.
Image source: Tickly1, mrsiraphol
#6
My treadmill was also life changing, gave me an excellent place to hang clothes.
Image source: BenGrahamButler, diana.grytsku
#7
A vasectomy.
Image source: Rich-Sleep1748, freepic.diller
#8
A Kindle! I love to read but books are so expensive in the US and my local library doesn’t have enough copies of popular books. With my Kindle, I got access to an extensive ebook catalog. I’ve also heard these last a few years without needing to be replaced!
Image source: usually-not-usual, anonymous
#9
Air purifier
Well, I’m not sure it *changed* my life, but the amount of dust I have to clean off the filter is staggering.
Edit- Winix C909 from Costco.
Image source: electricgotswitched, sodawhiskey
#10
A kayak!
Excercise and relaxation . I’m a lake kayaker.
Sometimes I row for miles and get a great workout.
Sometimes I tie a cooler and lunch and music on and float a day away.
Often I combine the two and hit an island for a walk and lunch.
It’s perfect for me and has made three seasons of my year every bit more enjoyable and healthy.
Image source: TravelerRestingSC, Getty Images
#11
$60 electric blanket. Ever since I had surgery last year, I’m cold all the time, especially my feet. It seriously changed my life and everyday comfort.
Image source: babp216, katemangostar
#12
Portable car jump starter ($45) – since buying it, both my partner and my cars have failed to start in the last week and it’s been a lifesaver (thanks bad weather!).
Image source: Aihcdnagelrap, jcomp
#13
CPAP saved my life.
Image source: chaoxad, rawpixel.com
#14
I got a WaterPik. My teeth and gums feel so much cleaner with that.
Image source: Boring-Pudding, WaterPik
#15
$20 add-on Bidet.
Image source: National-Ninja-3714, kshe1
#16
10ft chest freezer for $248 from Walmart during their “deal days”.
Image source: Da5ftAssassin, ScoYello
#17
Air Fryer.
Image source: Positive-Ear-9177, user14773112
#18
I spent $10 each on two laundry baskets to put bedding and towels in. They were just mixed in with my clothes and it caused so much clutter to my area of the bedroom.
I put the items in their baskets and put them in locations that were more appropriate – the bathroom for towels and laundry room for bed linens.
Y’all. I vacuumed our bedroom and put my clothes in the hamper. D**n! I got my life together now! 🙌 Look out!
Image source: Aggravating-Fee-1615, Jessica Lewis
#19
I bought nice bedding and made some adjustments to my bedroom that has greatly improved the quality of our sleep. It’s like night and day.
Image source: Newtonman419, Cats Coming
#20
Delonghi oil-filled space heater. We have ancient baseboard heaters that don’t work well, and have been able to use the space heaters this winter instead. We saved more than we would have spent by now on our electric bill.
Image source: dove-9160, freepik
#21
Cordless vacuum. I use it a lot more than my corded ones.
Image source: Myamaranth, senivpetro
#22
Generator.
Only occasional power outages here, but every time we have severe weather I stress. Now I have enough power and extension cords to maintain heat, freezer, internet, and our aquarium fishes.
Image source: Drew_Snydermann, Benedectin
#23
I bought a large hydroponics unit used on Facebook Marketplace for $400 and I’m eating SO MANY MORE VEGGIES! They don’t go bad and I’m motivated to eat them because I grew them myself and I’m proud. It’s also just a fun lil hobby. Best purchase ever.
Image source: ruthgraderginsburg, Anna Tarazevich
#24
3d printer.
I wouldnt say “it changed my life” but its an appliance that his very useful and paid for itself quite quickly.
Need a beer can holder for my canoe? A wall mount for a sword? A part for an appliance from a company that dont sell part? 3d printer can do it all.
Image source: DrunkenSeaBass, Andrej Lišakov
#25
Picked up a $300 Amazon TV and and mounted it on my outside patio wall. Added a ceiling fan and outdoor carpet. It absolutely transformed that little square of concrete into the most relaxing areas of the home.
Image source: bob3464, dcellini
#26
Rice cooker. I’ve always been a big pasta guy (I blame the Italian family) but getting a proper rice cooker has changed my dinner game.
I don’t even have an expensive one – Black Decker rice cooker cost me
Image source: tweeboy2, freepik
#27
Reverse Osmosis water filter with a tap at the sink.
Image source: rickbeats, m0larMechanic
#28
Food vacuums sealer.
I like to BBQ and it is just my wife and I. I can do a brisket and a pork bit and potion it out.
I also use it when I sous vide. It makes a complete seal
If you buy bulk meat it is usually cheaper so I portion it out into meal size bags.
Image source: donttakerhisthewrong, EyeEm
#29
$500 worth of salsa classes and socials
Life changing in terms of breaking out of the same social circles, getting exercise, learning something hella fun (and hard) and having a skill that I can bring when I travel to other countries.
Image source: JahMusicMan, freepik
#30
Hookless shower curtain. You don’t need shower rings and the liner snaps off for washing.
Image source: sewyahduh, nikitabuida
Follow Us
