15 One time Purchases That Have the Best ROI
Did you know that 90% of luxury purchases depreciate the moment you walk out of that store? But what if we told you there are some exceptions where spending big today could actually mean earning big tomorrow? When it comes to living the high life, every savvy investment counts. Whether it's a wristwatch that gains value over every minute or tech that transforms your home, for those of you who love a blend of luxury and smart spending, we've got something special. Here are 15 one-time buys that aren't just splurges; they're genius moves for anyone looking to get the most out of every dollar spent.
Let's dive into these game changers that promise to elevate your life and your net worth.
Number one: a Rolex Submariner. It's the kind of watch that grabs your eye anywhere, even in the bustling streets of world-class shopping districts in New York, Paris, and Milan. The Rolex Submariner was first launched back in 1953. This watch was crafted in the heart of Switzerland and specifically designed for divers. Today, depending on the model and materials, a new Submariner can set you back anywhere from $8,000 to $336,000 at retail—if you can find one at retail, that is. The real kicker is the blend of Rolex's story, reputation, limited annual production, and high demand pushes the older models to fetch even higher prices on the resale market. It's a symbol of luxury that appreciates in value—a functional timepiece known for its durability and retained value.
Now, the next one on our list might surprise you a little bit: number two, a Le Creuset cast iron skillet. Because who ever thought that simple cookware, a skillet at that, could ever be considered a timeless luxury item? But this isn't just any skillet. In the kitchen, a Le Creuset cast iron skillet isn't like any of the other pans you own. Made in France, these skillets are renowned for their durability and superb heat retention, transforming every meal into a culinary delight. They're investments starting around $200 and above, but their versatility and lifetime warranty make them a kitchen essential. It's a one-time purchase that will quite literally last a lifetime, elevating your cooking with consistent results. This is the kind of cookware you could hand off to your kids and grandkids one day. Even secondhand Le Creuset cookware sells for north of $100 a piece.
Number three: a Peloton bike. Great investments don't just make you money; they also buy you time. Few things can extend your time here on Earth more than a fit, healthy lifestyle. The Peloton bike became a household name almost overnight during the early days of the pandemic. What looked like a trendy way to stay fit at home has proven to have lasting appeal. A Peloton isn't just about cycling; it's about being part of a community that motivates you to hit your health goals. These bikes start around $1,445 plus a subscription for classes. Now, while the hype has died down a bit, the value lies in ditching pricey gym memberships and fostering a consistent, convenient workout routine right in your living room. The home workouts with live classes can replace a gym membership, potentially saving you money and time.
Number four: a Birkin bag by Hermès. The Hermès Birkin bag is the epitome of high-end fashion and exclusivity, crafted in France since the early 1980s and named after actress Jane Birkin. These bags are a symbol of ultimate luxury. They don't just hang on the arm; they tell a story. Prices start around $9,000 but can easily soar to six figures for rare materials. Resale values can be even higher due to their coveted status and rarity. But if you want to buy one of these babies, they are not easy to come by. For many, acquiring a Birkin involves long wait lists or building a purchase history with Hermès, making it not just a single purchase but a purchasing journey.
Number five: a virtual private network (VPN). Now imagine that while you're innocently working away at your favorite coffee shop, someone else is logging onto the public Wi-Fi network that you're using and easily accessing your private data. Or you're traveling through the mountains of Borneo, surrounded by orangutans, and you want to call your niece because she loves orangutans, but you've got no signal or connection. These seem like simple issues at first, but when you're living through it, it could turn out to be a nightmare. So what's the solution? NordVPN. If you've been with us for a while, you know how closely we work with Nord, and that's because the ALUX team is completely remote and we're often traveling all over the world.
When you use NordVPN, it encrypts your internet connection, making it much harder for hackers, identity thieves, or even your internet service provider to snoop on what you're doing online. Want to access your home country streaming services while traveling abroad? They can help you with that. Worried about using public Wi-Fi at airports or hotels? Well, this service allows you to browse knowing your data is encrypted. So today, we've got a great offer for you. With every purchase of the 2-year NordVPN plan, you'll get an extra four bonus months on top and up to 20 GB data vouchers. Nord's new eSIM service gives you a connection in over 150 countries—it's even more peace of mind for your digital and personal safety. To get the deal, visit NordVPN.com/alux. We've also added the link to the description box so you can access it there. It's risk-free with Nord's 30-day money-back guarantee.
Number six: the Kindle Paperwhite. Now, there are few things more frustrating than going on holiday somewhere in the remote mountains of Vietnam or the tranquil beaches of Pico in the Azores, and you're planning to spend your time reading a great book, except that book is so good you finish it on the first day. Now what? How long before you go mad staring at the cows on the mountainside or the boats in the distance? A Kindle will save you here. For a book lover who's always on the move, carrying multiple books can be cumbersome and not to mention heavy. That's where devices like the Kindle Paperwhite come in, priced around $140. It's a portal to thousands of books, readable anywhere, anytime. It's like having a whole library at your fingertips without all the bulk and hassle of physical books.
Number seven: a Montblanc Heritage fountain pen. Imagine sitting in a boardroom signing a deal with a Montblanc fountain pen. It'll instantly bring some weight and statement to that deal. Originating from Germany in the early 20th century, these pens are recognized as much for their craftsmanship as for the role they play as a status symbol. In the movie "The Devil Wears Prada," there is a scene where Nigel comments on Andy using a Montblanc pen; it's a symbol of her transformation from an unfashionable newcomer to a sophisticated insider in the fashion industry. If it's a part of pop culture, it's got to be true, right? Owning one of these—which can cost anywhere from $400 to thousands of dollars for premium models—isn't just about writing; it's about making a mark with style and tradition.
Number eight: a Tempur-Pedic mattress. In this life, there are few things more valuable than a good night's sleep. Poor sleep affects your decision-making abilities, your mood, and even your metabolism. We can try all the sleep hacks in the world and still miss out on the most important one: your mattress. A Tempur-Pedic mattress is renowned for its memory foam technology that conforms to your body's shape, providing exceptional support and comfort. It was originally developed by NASA in the 1970s to cushion and support astronauts during liftoff. The memory foam technology was later adapted for use in mattresses by the Swedish company Tempur-Pedic. It can range from $1,000 to $55,000, but look, it is worth it for something that's going to drastically improve your sleep quality.
Number nine: the Yeti Rambler. Look, we know that $30 might not seem like something that's going to change your life, but hear us out for a second. It might seem like just another water bottle, but trust us: nothing on the market can bring drinks that hot or cold for that long. It's just one of those little quality-of-life things. The Yeti company was founded in 2006 by brothers Roy and Ryan Seiders in Austin, Texas. Now, these brothers were avid outdoorsmen who hated the quality of coolers available on the market. They wanted something that could withstand tough environments and keep their catches and their drinks cold for a long time, so they developed high-end coolers and then expanded into drinkware. With one of these purchases, you reduce your single-use plastic consumption and keep yourself hydrated. It's a win-win.
Number ten: the Apple MacBook Pro. We can go on and on about the iPhone versus Android phone debate, but when it comes to everyday laptops, Apple stands head and shoulders above the rest. Once you use a MacBook, it's really hard to go back. Your Google search will be filled with laptops that look and feel like a MacBook, and it won't be the same. It's also an immediate status symbol—not a status symbol that says you're rich or poor, but that you care about quality and your work. This sleek design makes it look great at any place: creative coffee shop meetings or billion-dollar deals in the boardroom. It's a hub for everything from video editing to software development, and it handles every task seamlessly. With prices starting around $1,300, it's definitely an investment, but if you get AppleCare Plus, you can cover some of the more expensive repairs, so you don't have to pay out of pocket.
Number eleven: Bose's noise-canceling headphones. You're walking down the street, and just as the most important moment on your phone call or audiobook happens, a truck drives past and beeps its horn, and a slew of emergency vehicles race by, and you've missed the moment, haven't you? And it's your fault because your headphones suck. For anyone who appreciates great sound quality, you have to get the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700. The noise will fade, and you'll hear a clear, crisp sound. Great headphones can transform your lived experience, and you can isolate yourself from all the chaos around you. This ability to control your audio environment can be a game-changer in today's hectic world.
Number twelve: an Ancestry DNA kit. Where do you really come from? And we're not talking about the stories from your grandparents or great-grandparents; we're talking about your ancestors hundreds and hundreds of years ago. Because understanding some of this could explain parts of you and your life that you never imagined. Like, why do you enjoy certain foods? Why are you allergic to certain things? Why are you darker or lighter with different features from the people around you? You get to connect the dots across continents and generations, possibly leading to meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging. By exploring your roots, you gain insights into what could influence how you understand your health traits and even family traditions. When you understand your heritage, you really learn to appreciate your place in human history.
Number thirteen: the Herman Miller Embody chair. Could a chair really be considered an investment? Oh, absolutely! Especially when more than 50% of the world works with computers, and sitting for long hours can cause chronic pain, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. Enter the Herman Miller Embody chair. It's not just a piece of furniture; it's a product of extensive research in the field of ergonomics to enhance the way we sit. It was developed with input from more than 30 physicians and PhDs in biomechanics, vision, physical therapy, and ergonomics.
The chair is engineered to mimic the human back with a spin-like design that conforms and adjusts to the body's movements. The design helps to maintain better posture and reduces the discomfort of sitting for a long time. It retails for around $1,200 bucks, so it might take some saving, but it is totally worth it.
Number fourteen: the Leica Q2 camera. Imagine you're hiking through the lush landscapes of New Zealand, camera in hand—but not just any camera, the Leica Q2. Now, this isn't just about snapping pictures; it's about capturing moments with a device that epitomizes the pinnacle of optical engineering. The Leica Q2 features a full-frame sensor, high resolution, and fast autofocus, which are crucial for turning fleeting moments into lifelong memories with unmatched clarity and color fidelity. Owning a Leica is about owning a piece of history. Each camera is built on a legacy of quality and innovation dating back to 1907. This camera not only enhances your photography skills but also becomes a companion that enriches your travel experiences and everyday life by capturing the world as you see it, in all its detail and beauty.
Number fifteen: buying land in an emerging market. If you'd visited São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro 20 years ago and thought, "Wow, this place looks like it's going to get really popular; I should buy some land here,” and you didn't do that, well, you'd be kicking yourself now, right? Land in emerging markets has a lower initial investment, which makes it more accessible and reduces financial risk. As the area develops, it appreciates significantly over time. The infrastructure will improve, the economy will grow, and real estate prices will increase, which means you'll be sitting on a gold mine. Things move a lot faster these days, but still—the coastal towns in Vietnam, smaller towns between Lisbon and Porto, and bigger and smaller towns in Montenegro and Georgia's reforms to attract foreign investment make places like these pretty attractive one-time buys.
And there you have it, ALUX: 15 one-time purchases that provide the best ROI. But we're curious—what would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments the one purchase that has provided the best ROI in your life. We'll be right there with you to join the conversation. We'll see you back here next time, ALUX. Until then, take care!