Shopping might not always be the answer, but it can sometimes help more than you'd expect. If you're in a bit of a funk and looking to make a change, making a few thoughtful purchases could be a smart move.
American Author and Personal Finance Expert, Rachel Cruze, shared a YouTube video called "7 Purchases That Significantly Improved My Life." While your preferences, needs, and budget are uniquely your own, some of these purchases could be beneficial for your life as well.
Here are the seven purchases you can make that will improve your lifestyle.
Cruze acknowledged getting a pack of wiffle balls might seem random, but it can be quite useful if you have kids. According to her, it's "a cheap way to get your kids outside and just keep them occupied."
A six-pack of wiffle balls costs about $7 at Target. Since they're so inexpensive, you won't have the unneeded stress of worrying about them getting lost outside. They're also great for the warmer summer season.
Next up is a book called "The Voice of the Heart: A Call to Frugal Living," by Chip Dodd. "If you've not read this book, it is kind of like your first step into therapy," said Cruze.
This book goes into detail about how every basic emotion has two sides to it: a healthy and an unhealthy side. According to Cruze, the book is like Therapy 101.
"Your emotions are your dashboard, right?" said Cruze. "They're just indicating things going on underneath the hood."
This book offers the first steps to understanding what's going on with yourself on a basic level.
As per Healthline, the cost of therapy can range from about $100 to $200 per in-person session or $65 to $85 per online session. However, you might be able to find lower-cost or even free options.
Cruze suggested paying for therapy when you need it. It might not be necessary all year round, but it can help at times.
"There are seasons in my life that I will go every week for like a year," she said. According to her, she feels like she's learned something new every time she leaves a session. If you want to become a better person or build a greater understanding of yourself and your many layers, it could be worth the investment.
Financial Peace University is a course Cruze herself took when she was younger, and one she recommends others take as well.
"FPU is a nine-lesson personal finance course that goes over all the basics with money that you need to know," she said. It includes both simple and complicated core ideas that can help you in the long run. Whether you need help with budgeting, getting out of debt, investing, or understanding insurance, it can be a good personal investment.
On the official website, Financial Peace University starts at about $174. However, there are times when it's discounted. Right now, for example, it's about $80.
The next purchase Cruze suggested if you're looking to improve your life is, in fact, a kitchen gadget. Specifically, it's the Pampered Chef Veggie. It comes in two sizes and can chop nearly anything you need for your recipes, whether it's onions, peppers, or anything else you can think of.
With this purchase, the goal isn't just to save you time in the kitchen -- though it can certainly do that. According to Cruze, it can also save you money since prechopped vegetables are often more expensive. By buying veggies in bulk and using this chopper instead, you won't have to spend so much at the grocery store.
Term life insurance is something Cruze swears by. "A lot of people mistakenly choose whole life insurance," said Cruze. But the reality is that not everyone needs it.
Whether you go with whole or term life insurance, it's still often worth the purchase for the peace of mind it brings.
"If someone is dependent upon your income, you need life insurance and specifically term life," said Cruze. She also spoke about how term life insurance is less expensive than whole life insurance.
This might not be the most cost-effective purchase you'll ever make, but it can pay for itself over time. It can also be a splurge that makes you feel good at the moment, which isn't necessarily a bad thing -- as long as your budget allows. Plus, if you get a good-quality bag, it can last a long time.
"My never full tote by Louis Vuitton has gone strong for ten years," said Cruze. According to her, she brings her everywhere -- work, airports, anniversary dinners, etc.
"They're going to cost you, but they're really great quality," she said. "They will hold up."