Financial Expert Reveals the 10 Items Worth ‘Splurging On’ If You Want Them to Last ‘a Decade or More’

NEED TO KNOW

• George Kamel revealed the 10 items he believes are worth splurging on

• In an Aug. 17 TikTok video, the financial expert and social media personality shared his wisdom about spending

• His list includes luggage, leather boots, watches and more

George Kamel is spilling the secrets to splurging.

In a video he shared on TikTok on Aug. 17, the 36-year-old financial expert and social media personality applied his expertise to a popular trend where creators share the items they would shell out the big bucks for.

"Today, I'll be sharing a list of 10 timeless items you should splurge on upfront to make sure they last a decade or more — and save you money in the long run," he said in the opening of his video.

The first item worth spending on, Kamel shared, is luggage.

"Luggage really only exists for one purpose: to be nonchalantly thrown around by airport baggage handlers," he joked. "If you buy the cheapest suitcase you can find, don't be shocked when a wheel snaps off mid-airport sprint."

As a result, he explained, buyers are constantly replacing their luggage, and those costs can add up quickly. When shopping for high-quality luggage, Kamel recommended looking for polycarbonate, 360-spinner wheels that have a smooth glide, heavy-duty zippers — and, if possible, a warranty. 

Next, Kamel says he thinks it's worth splurging on leather boots — "good leather boots age like George Clooney ," he joked.

"When you invest in real leather boots, they actually mold to your feet. Over time, they become more comfortable — more durable," he said. "But cheap boots — the color fades, the stitching gives up, and the sole bottoms out faster than Meemaw's blood sugar in the cinnamon bread line Dollywood."

He also noted that high-quality leather boots can be resoled, which is much less expensive than replacing the entire boot. When shopping for a leather boot, he suggested opting for full-grain leather and high-quality stitching, which he admits might set you back between $200 and $300.

Third, Kamel recommended investing in a watch. And though he's been known to wear a smartwatch from time to time, he acknowledged that they tend to become obsolete in just a few years — whereas his Rolex is still a timeless piece.

When shopping for a watch, Kamel suggested opting for quartz "for accuracy," looking for solar-powered options because they are more "low maintenance," and selecting water-resistant options so they can last in the rain or the hot tub.

Fourth, Kamel said everyone should invest in a quality set of knives — which he calls "one of the smartest investments you can make in your kitchen." Not only are higher-quality knives safer because they "cut cleanly and predictably," he said, but they also don't dull as quickly as their cheaper counterparts. 

When shopping for knives, Kamel suggested looking for high-carbon steel and full tang construction.

Also in the kitchen, Kamel said it's worth it to invest in cast iron skillets, which he described as "basically immortal."

"The more you season it over the years, it creates a natural nonstick surface, meaning wear and tear can actually improve the quality," he said. "What else can do that?"

While shopping for cast iron, Kamel suggested looking for a thicker variety that has more even heat retention and one with a pre-seasoned surface.

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Sixth, Kamel advised that everyone should invest in high-quality tools — because "once you own a good set, you're basically good for life," he said. 

Seventh, the financial expert said that everyone needs a quality winter coat: "We're talking timeless — it'll look just as good a decade from now, if not better," he said. "So instead of re-buying something every other winter because the zipper broke or the lining tore, invest once, buy once, cry once."

As far as coats go, Kamel admitted a quality one may set you back anywhere from $200 to $400, though he added that the clearance rack can be a great place to find a better deal.

His eighth recommendation for splurge items is musical instruments. 

"If you're just starting out learning an instrument, do not invest in a high-quality version quite yet," Kamel advised, adding that many people don't continue to play after they buy an instrument.

But if "you're serious," he continued, "quality matters more than you think." He said that cheaper instruments often get out of tune faster, don't sound as good and can hurt your fingers.

Ninth, Kamel suggested investing in a high-quality mattress. After all, he said, "you spend about a third of your life sleeping."

Cheap mattresses, he said, will quickly lose support, leaving you stiff, tired and mad at the world every morning; a high-quality mattress, on the other hand, will "change your life." And they'll last much longer.

When shopping for a mattress, Kamel suggested looking for a high-density foam model, and if you're a hot sleeper, opt for one with cooling materials inside.

And finally, Kamel advised investing in a high-quality stand mixer for your kitchen. Cheaper options, he said, often "stall, overheat [or] burn out the first time you ask them to do something demanding," but a well-made mixer could be a "one-time purchase."

"With basic care, it'll last you decades and save you from replacing a cheaper model every few years," he said.

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