There’s no doubt about it, things are tough out there for a lot of people right now.
The pandemic and the resulting quarantine has caused so many people to lose their jobs and caused a lot of other folks to tighten their belts financially while we ride this out and see what’s next.
And we’ve all made a purchase or two over the past year that we might not have made during normal times.
So what’s the best purchase you’ve made in the past year.
Here’s how AskReddit users answered this question.
1. Always a good thing.
“Therapy.
I went in specifically for relationship issues and now she’s found that I’m very prone to work related burnout and even found PTSD related to two hurricanes/typhoons I’ve been through.
I probably should have gone years ago, but better late than never.”
2. Boom!
“Purchased a solid 14k gold Swiss watch at a garage sale for $5.
Probably my purchase of the year.”
3. I can see clearly now.
“Got my eyes zapped with the SMILE procedure.
Wow. I’ve worn glasses for almost 20 years and i’m just amazed.
Two months later I still go to take off my glasses and remember i’m not wearing any!”
4. Now you’re one of us.
“My first cup of coffee.
I recently left the Mormon church (which teaches that drinking it is sinful) and found this to be a simple joy that I was missing out on!”
5. A new best friend.
“My dog. Wanted one my whole life.
Finally decided I was settled enough and ready for the responsibility. Adopted her in august (I’m equating the fees and such with the purchase) and while she has turned my life upside down, it’s great.
The last week or so has been rough but I have to get up every single day to walk her and by the time we get back, it’s pointless to go back to bed so I prepare her breakfast then mine and then I do the things I need to get done.”
6. Wow!
“A self-stirring coffee mug.
It’s so much fun, I actually look forward to getting up because it means I get to use it.”
7. Ridin’ in style.
“I dumped a clunker car for a new one. It was a money drain plus the value had dropped much further than I thought.
The amount of stress relief was immense and the money saved even with a new car payment is very beneficial.”
8. VR.
“My first VR headset! It’s winter, and I hate running outside during winter, it’s not really ideal and a good way to hurt yourself.
With VR, I can have a LOT of fun and do my cardio everyday! Some games out there are a real full body cardio workout.
I love it.”
9. Like floating on a cloud.
“Honestly, probably the anti-fatigue floor mat I picked up for $24 that now lives by my sink/stove.
Standing there is like floating on a cloud and makes cooking or cleanup so much better.”
10. Gettin’ in shape!
“You know what? It’s a Peloton (and other home gym equipment).
I rapidly gained weight early this year – lost my job at a hotel, lost my father, our wedding was cancelled. I ate my feelings (and arguably, I still am!) With no gyms open and honestly no desire to exercise, I just…faced getting heavier and heavier and sadder and sadder.
I know it’s gimmicky but d*mn the peloton really turned around my relationship with my body and health this year. I love the classes, and it encouraged me to get outside and start running again. I bought the thing in August, and I’ve now lost all of the weight I gained this year and I’m simply feeling better. I’m drinking less and eating better just because I feel more connected to my body and health, and the endorphins from exercise have helped me keep my head up every day.
Seriously, it was worth every cent…and it was not cheap.”
11. Take care of yourself.
“Counseling and anti-depressants.
I’ve put both off for so long, and my mental health has improved significantly.
Please talk to your healthcare provider if you’re unsure about either; counseling especially has been so good for me.”
12. Ha! That’s awesome!
“A mouse jiggler that will keep my status as Active on my computer while I take a nap.
The best purchase while working from home.”
13. Well fed.
“An instant pot.
Used it so much and kept the family well fed.
Cut the time I spend in the kitchen by a lot!”
14. A timesaver.
“Robovac that vacuums and mops.
I am not exaggerating when I say it saves hours of cleaning each week. 5 of us here all the time, a dog and a cat.
It runs daily and my floors don’t stress me out anymore.”
15. A new hobby.
“An acoustic guitar.
Figured that I might as well learn something while cooped up indoors.
I never knew fingertip callouses could develop so quickly.”
Okay, you know the drill…
Now we want to hear from you.
In the comments, please tell us about the best purchase you made in the past year.
Thanks a lot!
