A recent viral thread on r/Frugal asked a simple but revealing question: “What’s the best one-time purchase you’ve made that saved you money long-term?”
Hundreds of responses poured in, from practical household items to clever personal investments.
The common theme? Spending smart once can save for decades.
Here are 11 of the best “buy-it-once” purchases people swear by—all drawn directly from Redditors who put them to the test.
1. A High-Quality Jacket That Lasts Decades
Several users mentioned buying durable coats that outlasted trends and time.
One wrote, “I bought a jacket at the end of winter half price sale from a high end outdoor camping shop in 1999. It will not wear out and is as good as it was when I bought it.”
Twenty-six years later, it’s still going strong, proof that quality outerwear beats cheap seasonal buys every time.
2. A Library Card (Completely Free)
Among all the suggestions, the humble library card stood out.
“Not a purchase, but a free library card. This saves me more money than just about anything else,” one user wrote.
Books, movies, digital resources, all for zero cost. The return on investment couldn’t be higher.
3. A Good Bicycle
Transportation costs add up fast, but a solid bike can be a lifelong money saver.
One person summed it up perfectly: “Bike. Saves on transport costs, free exercise and good for the soul.”
For many, cycling replaced gym memberships and commuting costs in one stroke.
4. Reliable Cookware That Lasts a Lifetime
Durable kitchen tools appeared again and again: cast iron skillets, Dutch ovens, and All-Clad pans.
One person said, “I bought a full set of Calphalon pots and pans, and it’s been the best thing I’ve ever purchased for the kitchen.”
Two decades later, they’re still like new.
Another added, “I have my grandmother’s 80 year old Dutch oven.”
5. An Instant Pot or Air Fryer
Kitchen gadgets that make home cooking easy were among the top money-savers.
“I bought an Instant Pot Duo 8 years ago and it’s definitely helped us avoid a bunch of takeout,” said one user.
Another wrote, “My air fryer. It’s a lot easier to drive past fast food drive thrus, knowing I can get just as good nuggets and fries at home.”
Convenience, savings, and better eating—all in one purchase.
6. Hair Clippers
A surprising number of people credited simple hair clippers for decades of savings.
“I went through three sets of $20 hair clippers before I invested in my $60 Wahl clippers. I’ve had them for almost 30 years and they’re still awesome,” one said.
Another added, “Haven’t paid for a haircut in 20 years.”
With barbershop prices rising, it’s a classic example of small upfront cost, big long-term payoff.
7. A Chest Freezer and Vacuum Sealer Combo
Buying in bulk saves money, but only if the food keeps well. Enter the deep freezer and vacuum sealer duo.
“We can freeze leftovers and split large box store buys into portions,” said one person.
Another added, “My chest freezer and vacuum sealer paid for itself in 4 months.”
For large families or avid cooks, it’s a game changer.
8. A Durable Pair of Boots
Clothing may not seem like a money-saving investment, but when it lasts a decade, it is.
One person shared, “I bought some Muck Boots for about $100 and have not had to replace them in a decade.”
Another from Canada said, “My Merrell winter coat that I bought in 2010 is indestructible and very warm.”
High-quality footwear and outerwear pay off when they outlive years of cheaper replacements.
9. A Bidet
Plenty of users named this a total game-changer for both their budgets and daily comfort.
“$30, installed it myself. Haven’t bought toilet paper in about 2 years,” said one person.
Another added simply, “Bidet.” Not glamorous, but undeniably frugal, and environmentally friendly to boot.
10. A Coffee Maker or Espresso Machine
Few categories inspired as much passion as home coffee setups. From $15 pour-over kits to $500 espresso machines, the savings are huge.
“Now that I know how cheap it is to make coffee, I won’t buy it out unless I’m desperate,” one user said.
Another noted, “Espresso machine and grinder. Far better coffee than Starbucks or equivalent, and each cup I make saves me $5 versus buying a coffee.”
Even modest machines like a French press or cold brew carafe earned raves for cutting daily coffee shop habits.
11. Buying a Home Instead of Renting
It’s not an option for everyone, but those who could make the leap said it paid off big.
“Buying our house instead of renting,” one wrote simply.
Another echoed that after 12 years, “our mortgage is now less than a one-bedroom apartment.”
In a world of rising rents, owning property remains one of the most powerful long-term savings moves.
Smart Spending That Pays Off
Across hundreds of replies, a clear pattern emerged: frugality isn’t about being cheap, it’s about being deliberate.
Durable, well-made, and reusable products save money year after year.
Whether it’s a kitchen appliance, a reliable coat, or a simple library card, one-time purchases can transform everyday spending habits.
The overall takeaway is clear: one thoughtful purchase can replace years of recurring expenses.