Three Investments you can Splurge on

20 years ago, I was just starting my first real job as a developer. I was admiring my boss’s new car one day and he gave me some advice 🦉.

He said, ‘There are three things you should not be concerned about spending money on because you’ll spend a lot of time with them!’

They were — your bed 🛌, your car 🚘 and your chair 🪑.

I’ve reflected many times on this over the years and for the most part, where I could, invested in these times where it made sense. In fact, I’ve also offered similar advice to others as I’ve progressed in my career.

But it’s 2023 and I thought, ‘This list is a bit outdated. What’s more relevant for today, knowing the actual first principle feels correct’

This isn’t about being too ‘𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒖𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒚’ or splurging unnecessarily but it is about being conscious that the items that benefit you, are not to be taken lightly.

Now I’m coming from this thinking about being in a career that is more creative and technical, so your mileage may vary. But take a few minutes to think about the items you spend much of your day interacting with and that benefit you financially or personally.

So, if I was to offer the same advice today the three things I would pick are...

𝐀 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐁𝐞𝐝 🛌

This is still a no-brainer!

You spend (or probably should be) 1/3 of your life sleeping.

Don’t skimp on this. Upgrade it as and when it’s needed and if you’re considering between two, get the best one.

If your partner is a tosser and turner, go BIG, and firm 💤💤💤

𝐀 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐤 ⬆️

Throw the chair in the garbage or at least it’s fine to have something pretty ordinary.

Instead, find ways to stand and be active. If you’re like me though and still spend a lot of time at the desk, this is a great investment.

I find I often alternate throughout the day when using a standing desk.

If you run a company or startup, invest in these for your staff.

The great thing about these is they are so cheap now so there really isn’t an excuse.

And, you can also get creative! My co-founder Charles once hooked up a treadmill to one 🏃

𝐀 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐨𝐩 💻

Your computer is where your craft is.

Don’t feel guilty spending on this one. Preferably a high-value, highly resellable laptop. Which basically means some form of Apple laptop.

I aim for a 2-year life out of mine and find I can get around 50% back when selling privately.

Not only does that make it a whole lot cheaper, but the system never slows down as I don’t end up with loads of useless work on there.

In fact, get good at resetting your computer up. These days with everything on the cloud it shouldn’t be more than half a day to be back up and doing 80% of your workload. Then load the rest back on as needed.

Look, you might be a Windows person, I get it, but there’s a reason it’s always the cheap and crappy Dells causing issues around the office 😉

Anyway, that’s my three must-have, guilt-free purchases 🛍️.

What are yours?