Things you "bought", which actually paid for themselves

[Jake Smith]

I've been noticing some investments lately that pay off in the long run, and I am very thankful now, that I purchased them.

Like this 16 panel 40 inch fence, for indoor or outdoor use. Used it with Molly as she was passing, and with these new shelter dogs, works great and is easy to assemble.

 

[Beth Gallagher]

Yes, I bought some shares of Exxon stock many years ago. I have made that money back many times over. .

 

[Jake Smith]

Yes, I bought some shares of Exxon stock many years ago. I have made that money back many times over. .

That is great, Beth, so many times we lose money instead of making money.

 

[Mary Stetler]

I bought Sprott physical metal funds for my daughter's account. Hope she doesn't notice that she doesn't need me anymore.

 

[Jake Smith]

This vacuum was only $99.00 off Amazon and I use it regularly, for its price it's been paid for itself.


It's 5.5 hp, 12 gallon vacuum.

 

[Madge Bumstead]

Great started convo, Jake!

• My Electrolux vacuum, now approaching 45 years old!
• My Mauviel 1830 cookware
• A hair blow dryer that's 20 years old!
• My original ironing board now over 40 years old!
• My Rubbermaid cleaning bucket now over 40 years old!
• The two baby cribs I inherited that not only seen previous little ones through their baby years, but seen all 6 of my kids through their baby years! Still have them put away downstairs.
• The old-fashioned cloth diapers I raised my kids in, I'm still using a couple dozen leftovers for windows, dusting, and general kitchen spills and counter top wiping!

 

[Jake Smith]

Great started convo, Jake!

• My Electrolux vacuum, now approaching 45 years old!
• My Mauviel 1830 cookware
• A hair blow dryer that's 20 years old!
• My original ironing board now over 40 years old!
• My Rubbermaid cleaning bucket now over 40 years old!
• The two baby cribs I inherited that not only seen previous little ones through their baby years, but seen all 6 of my kids through their baby years! Still have them put away downstairs.
• The old-fashioned cloth diapers I raised my kids in, I'm still using a couple dozen leftovers for windows, dusting, and general kitchen spills and counter top wiping!

Nice "list", Madge, made me think of our old GE electric radio alarm clock, over 30 years old and the thing still working.

 

[Madge Bumstead]

Nice "list", Madge, made me think of our old GE electric radio alarm clock, over 30 years old and the thing still working.

If it is anything like the old clock radio my folks had when I was younger, the number flipped on the minute, making a distinct clicking sound as the time changed!

How I wish I had that old clock/radio now. It always sat on top of the fridge and mom had it on each morning. A great way it was starting our school days off listening to the radio while having breakfast!

 

[Madge Bumstead]

To add...

• All three plastic diaper pails I used, with one of the tall ones that serves as a garbage pail to this day!

 

[Marie Mallory]

If it is anything like the old clock radio my folks had when I was younger, the number flipped on the minute, making a distinct clicking sound as the time changed!

How I wish I had that old clock/radio now. It always sat on top of the fridge and mom had it on each morning. A great way it was starting our school days off listening to the radio while having breakfast!

We still have our clock radio and it still works fine. Its an old clock radio.
Our old vehicles have defiantly paid for themselves. Lots of comfy trips in my old 1995 van. Jake has kept them running great.

 

[Jake Smith]

If it is anything like the old clock radio my folks had when I was younger, the number flipped on the minute, making a distinct clicking sound as the time changed!

How I wish I had that old clock/radio now. It always sat on top of the fridge and mom had it on each morning. A great way it was starting our school days off listening to the radio while having breakfast!

Things our folks, and Grandparents gave us; today would be really nice to have back. They would be worth a lot more "money", like the old silver dollars grandma gave me, I bought candy with, or the magazines they passed down too. Back then we thought they weren't worth much, but now we know they become valuable, the older they get. I wish I would've known, what I didn't know back then.

 

[Jake Smith]

We bought a golf cart, back in 2003 for $4,000.00; and I thought, "boy", that's a lot of money for that. But now in 2026 it is still going strong, Marie drives it almost everyday, and so do I. I think now, not so bad was it, paying for itself still today.

 

[Mary Robi]

I got the "old farts" lifetime national park pass for $10 many years ago and it has paid off in multiple ways. I go to the national seashore whenever I go to the beach and that's $20 park admission saved right there. We visited a load of national parks, national monuments, national historic places, national whatevers, during the 10 years we traveled 4-5 months a year. Sometimes we also got discounts on campgrounds.

I was surprised at places that weren't part of the national park system that either gave us free admission or a discount when we showed the card. I'm not shy about asking for a discount.

That was a good $10 spent.

 

[John Brunner]

I view any tool I desire need as paying for itself. I installed a water softener maybe 10 years ago and bought a nice PEX crimping tool to do the job. Between splicing into the supply line, installing a couple of filters, then installing the softener itself, there were about 45 crimps. Not a single one leaked. And I didn't have to pay a plumber.

 

[Von Jones]

Well, I have to say if I can carry on the life of a piece of furniture that was destined for the landfill, I have to give my dining room set from Bennington Furniture, now known as Old Brick in Vermont, its props. I'm sure the elderly couple who purchased it years ago paid a pretty penny for it back then and sold it to me for $50. So yeah, it's paid for itself.

 

[Jake Smith]

I got the "old farts" lifetime national park pass for $10 many years ago and it has paid off in multiple ways. I go to the national seashore whenever I go to the beach and that's $20 park admission saved right there. We visited a load of national parks, national monuments, national historic places, national whatevers, during the 10 years we traveled 4-5 months a year. Sometimes we also got discounts on campgrounds.

I was surprised at places that weren't part of the national park system that either gave us free admission or a discount when we showed the card. I'm not shy about asking for a discount.

That was a good $10 spent.

That's what I'm talking about Mary, Because so many times we lose our money instead of benefitting from a purchase. I have a AARP card they say you can save with; but never showed it anywhere, I've been. Wonder if any of "you", know if there's a saving there? Need to get one of the "old farts" cards like you.

 

[John Brunner]

Well, I have to say if I can carry on the life of a piece of furniture that was destined for the landfill, I have to give my dining room set from Bennington Furniture, now known as Old Brick in Vermont, its props. I'm sure the elderly couple who purchased it years ago paid a pretty penny for it back then and sold it to me for $50. So yeah, it's paid for itself.

I always buy used furniture when I can, either direct from the owner or at second hand shops. Higher quality + lower prices.

 

[Jake Smith]

I view any tool I desire need as paying for itself. I installed a water softener maybe 10 years ago and bought a nice PEX crimping tool to do the job. Between splicing into the supply line, installing a couple of filters, then installing the softener itself, there were about 45 crimps. Not a single one leaked. And I didn't have to pay a plumber.

"I think these filters will pay for themselves, and be a beneficial purchase".


I bought a case of these "filters", "John", and so far pressure is way better, and they're sending us clean water, for a better "price" too. The first ones we bought would clog up, and we had hardly any pressure and they were costing us twice the price or more.- These new "filters", say to -
Replace "Ronaqua PP filter 2-3 times a year", depending on water quality
That's way longer than the expensive ones we were buying, that didn't last any time, before they started clogging up.

10 to a case, $119.99 at Amazon.

• SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE: Ronaqua Big High Capacity 20-inch by 4.5-inch, 5-micron sediment filter cartridge offers exceptional filtration for both well and municipal water systems. This premium-quality polypropylene filter utilizes 4-layer gradient density structure, effectively removing a wide range of contaminants, including sediment, rust, sand, dirt, and silt. The result? Crystal-clear water that protects your whole house plumbing and appliances from damage while ensuring better-tasting water
• CERTIFIED SAFETY These cartridges are tested & certified by IAPMO R&T against NSF/ANSI Standard 42 for material safety, ensuring they meet the highest safety standards. Made from premium food-grade 100% polypropylene, they feature unique melt-blown technology that prevents the creation of fiber shedding, eliminating any risk of re-contaminating water. Designed for long-lasting performance, these filters offer reliable & efficient filtration for the whole house, maintaining the purity of water
• EXTENDED PRODUCT LIFE: Replace Ronaqua PP filter 2-3 times a year, depending on water quality, to maintain optimal performance & protection. The multi-layer gradient density structure creates a large surface area with supreme absorption ability, ensuring long-lasting operation of all water equipment in your whole house. Replace when the original water pressure drops by 25 PSI to ensure continued efficiency. Dimensions: 20 inches x 4.5 inches. This design helps save you money & time on repairs.
• UNINTERRUPTED FLOW & RELIABLE WATER PRESSURE – Ronaqua whole house water filters provide a steady, consistent flow. Engineered to minimize pressure drops, these filters use advanced technology to prevent pipe blockages, ensuring smooth & continuous water delivery without interruptions. Compatible with: Hydronix 2PP20BB1M, AquaPure AP810-2, Watts FPMB-BB5-20, iSpring FP25B, Neo-Pure MBGC-45200-05, Pentair DEV910837, EV910837, P5-20BB, CMB-520-HF, Heritage Parts TMP5618907, Liquatec SDF-45-2005
• FITS A RANGE OF 20 INCH X 4.5 INCH SYSTEMS – Perfect for a wide variety of 20-inch big housings. Four separate gradient density layers enhance cartridge performance, offering a higher dirt-holding capacity compared to similar-sized sediment water filters. These cartridges are also compatible with systems Geekpure BB-20B, iSpring HB28BX2 & WGB12B, Premier Water Systems WF45-20-1NPT, SimPure RSWHB002Z_S8, Aquaboon AB-WH20BB, H2O Splash WHBB20T1BL, Hydronix HX-HF45-20BLBK10, Max Water B078FPN68M

 

[Jake Smith]

Well, I have to say if I can carry on the life of a piece of furniture that was destined for the landfill, I have to give my dining room set from Bennington Furniture, now known as Old Brick in Vermont, its props. I'm sure the elderly couple who purchased it years ago paid a pretty penny for it back then and sold it to me for $50. So yeah, it's paid for itself.

That's a "smart", purchase which usually ends up being very beneficial to you, or "profitable" at the least.

 

[Mary Stetler]

Just about everything I bought before 1990.