8 Smart Purchases to Make in Your 20s

A smart purchase is just another way of saying awesome investment. You might feel strapped for cash in your 20s, but smart buyers will make purchases that will last them into their 30s and beyond. While it’s always tempting to spend your paycheck on a new pair of heels or drinks at happy hour, your future self will thank you for putting that money toward items that’ll pay for themselves over time.

Here are eight smart purchases to make in your 20s that can contribute invaluably to your bank account.

1. A Coffee Maker

Your morning and mid-day pick-me-up cups of coffee from Dunkin’ Donuts and lattes from Starbucks can quickly add up. In fact, you can make $100,000-plus by skipping your morning coffee and making it at home (Seriously. It’ll involve some strategy and take about 40 years, but, still. Go here to find out how).

Consider investing in a quality coffee maker that will withstand many uses. The machine will make your morning coffee more convenient and save you cash. (Some perspective: 72 Venti coffees from Starbucks will run you close to $200, depending on where you live, while a 72-pack of Starbucks French Roast K-Cups costs around $50.) A French press is another option.

2. A Nice Suit

It’s a good idea to invest in a nice suit or business apparel than can be worn to job interviews or important events. Ensure that it fits or get it tailored. A suit may not seem like the most exciting investment in the world, but it is a practical one. If you’ve got this item on your checklist, you can wait for a sale or at least find the perfect piece instead of rushing a week before the big event and splurging on an outfit you don’t love (or, worse, can’t really afford).

3. A Hard Drive

Again, this purchase may not seem particularly fun but it is an item your future self will thank you for. Hard drives are great for backing up important files and opening up more storage on your computer and phone.

4. A Reliable Laptop

A sturdy laptop can be an investment for your leisure time and work life. We do so much work online that it makes sense to invest in a laptop that will have enough storage, battery life and longevity to get the job done. Plus, if you’re still in college or are a very recent graduate with a student ID, there are discounts available for some tech products.

5. A Quality Mattress & Couch

Considering most people spend a large chunk of their day sleeping (or on their phone) in their bed, it makes sense to invest in a mattress.Test out options and sleep on it — literally and metaphorically. Before you invest in a mattress, be sure to read these four mattress shopping gotchas to ensure you get the best deal possible.

The same goes for a couch, another piece of furniture you’ll often spend time on. Kerri Moriarty, of Boston startup Cinch Financial, a financial planning software company, says investing in a quality couch was one of the best decisions she made in her early twenties. “Seven years later the couch has traveled with me to five different apartments, still looks trendy and modern in the space, and is in great shape,” Moriarty said. “I’m glad I invested when I did so I haven’t been uncomfortable and replacing it every couple years.”

6. A Filtered Water Bottle

While plastic water bottles often come in handy, they’re not great for the environment — or your wallet. A reusable filtered water bottle will allow you to stay hydrated on the go without having to constantly repurchase bottles of water. Water bottles generally aren’t expensive, but there will be costs associated with replacing the filter, which is done on a monthly to bi-monthly basis depending on how often the bottle is used. The process is simple: Fill up your bottle with tap water and the built-in filtration system will do the work.

7. An Online Course

If you’ve got a hunger for learning, seeking to pursue a passion project or trying to pick up new skills for a side hustle, an online course can be a great investment. There are endless courses to take that will enrich your life whether you’re learning social media marketing, a new language or even basic coding. Plus, if the course is something that can benefit your job and workplace, you may be able to get your company to pay for it. It doesn’t hurt to make a proposal full of the potential benefits that a particular course could have on you and, by default, your company.

8. Plane Tickets

Yes, sometimes a “smart purchase” involves rewarding yourself — and, really, there’s no better time to spend on experiences than your 20s. Plus, your trip doesn’t have to break the bank. A good travel rewards credit card or airline loyalty program can help you rack up miles to pay for the flight. (Remember, credit cards that offer rewards for your travels tend to require excellent credit. You can see where your credit currently stands by viewing two of your scores for free on Credit.com.) Other ways to save on travel include signing up for fare alerts, traveling on off-peak days and looking into hostels or vacation rentals.

When traveling, don’t forget to invest in some great luggage. Marc Roche, co-founder of Annuities HQ, a retirement advisory network, emphasizes the importance of traveling while you’re young and getting the bang for your buck.”By choosing a well-crafted piece, you’ll be able to pass it — and your stories of adventure — on to the next generation,” Roche said. If you purchase quality travel gear, you’ll be able to use it long-term and have more extra cash for travel.

Image: elenaleonova