I’m always saving for some kind of big purchase. And by big purchase, I mean anything over $100. Sure, I could afford to buy these things without saving up for them, but there’s something fun about having a savings account devoted to these “big” purchases. I have a very specific method for saving for these items, which I’ll talk about soon, but for today, let’s discuss some of the big purchases I have in mind.
1) A new reading chair
This is the next big purchase on my list, as I am really sad to be without a reading chair in my office. Reading on the couch is fine, but as we’ll discuss later, not ideal. The chair can’t be too big because I need it to tuck into a corner of the office, but it does have to have an ottoman. What I really want is one of those “chair and a half” deals because they look like the coziest place to read (or nap, let’s be honest, a lot of napping would be happening). But those are way too large for my office so I have to settle for something smaller but just as cozy! Below is what I have in mind – it’s a little over $300 but I’m not sure about the shipping fees. It’s from Wayfair and last time they shipped me furniture, they just dropped it off at the bottom of the stairs and expected me to bring a 100+ lb box up four flights of stairs myself. (I’ll stop venting about this one day.) However, I think I can select some sort of special “doorstep” shipping for a fee, which is what I’ll definitely be doing.
2) A walking pad
I’ve gone back and forth on getting a walking pad for my office. In my old place, it was a space issue. I know myself well enough to know that my walking pad needs to be within easy reach–if I stored it in my bedroom closet, I would never use it. So it would need to be stored near my desk, but my desk was in my living room and I didn’t want a walking pad hanging out there.
In the new place, it’s more of a, “Will I even use this?” quandary. I’m still not sure. I have a standing desk, although I rarely stand and work because I’m a lazy bitch. And I find it hard to just… stand and work. I think walking while I respond to emails or call into a meeting would be easier, in a sense? That’s what I’m telling myself, at least. And it would ensure I’m actually getting more than… checks Oura app… 3,000 steps a day. (This is not a joke.)
It’s something that’s on my mind, but I need to do a lot more research. I don’t want to spend too much money on this purchase because I’m still not sure I’m going to use it as much as I should, Maybe the key is to buy something that’s on the cheaper side (under $100) and if I can prove to myself that I’m capable of using it the way I envision, then I can treat myself to a more expensive version.
3) Litter Robot
I want one so badly. Everyone who owns one talks about how life-changing it is, and while I don’t necessarily find scooping the litter to be a terrible task, it is a task that I would like to move off my daily to-do list, please and thank you. Alas, these babies are expensive (the one I want is $800) so I’m waiting for it to go on super sale. However, did you know Litter Robot is also FSA/HSA eligible? You just have to obtain a Letter of Medical Necessity for one of their qualifying conditions (and I definitely qualify for a few of them, lolz). It’s something I’m thinking about… not this year, as my FSA is quickly being depleted (wah), but when it’s time to sign up for 2027 health insurance, I might consider increasing my FSA limit so I can buy one.
4) A new bedframe
This isn’t a super pressing need, as I just bought this bedframe a few years ago, but those adorable daughters of mine have ruined it with their precious little claws. They like to stretch and use the headboard on their front paws, and Eloise especially loves using the headboard as leverage to climb on top and then use the top of the headboard as another prime scratching location. They also use the side rail – they get on their backs, hook their claws into the side rail, and then pull themselves down the length of the rail while scratching as much of the material as possible.
What did I expect, though, when I bought a bedframe that doubles as a perfect scratching post for cats? It’s my own fault, really.
Anyway, at some point, I will need a new bedframe and I will probably opt for something that they can’t destroy so easily.
5) New living room furniture
It is time to replace my sectional. It’s a beautiful sectional that I love oh-so-very much, but the cushions are starting to sag and lose their shape. They’re sewn into the couch completely, so it’s not like I can try to reshape them. I can only sit on certain parts of the couch because other sections have no support. And now that I’m in a bigger space, I can also look at buying a bigger sectional. I’d love a U-shaped sectional and definitely something with removable cushions. (I can’t even put one of those couch covers on because of the way the cushions are sewn in!) This purchase will be going on my 2027 goals list, for sure!
Any big purchases on your wishlist?
I like your list! I’m thinking about a walking pad, but I’m on the fence. I don’t have enough room for a treadmill in the new house, and the pad that I have my eyes on can go up to 4.0 MPH and has incline, so that’s close enough to what I need. But even though I could put it away when I’m not using it, it would still take up space, and I really only need it for the extreme bad weather days when the dog won’t go for a walk.
I’m with you on standing desks being overrated. I don’t regret getting one since once in a while I do use it, such as the time when I hurt my back and sitting for long periods was painful, but it’s not an everyday thing.
The only furniture purchase that I have left is to get a loveseat for the living room. I don’t use the room very much since I have a huge den, so it’s more of a “I am a functioning member of society” thing for when I have visitors.
I also don’t regret my standing desk! I do like to use the standing part from time to time, but definitely not as much as I imagined I would!
I wonder if you can find a walking pad on Craigslist or a neighborhood Listserv? It seems like the kind of thing people are always buying then not really using?
I keep a list of things I want to buy- some are small things (like pens or stationary or a new yoga mat) and some are larger. I think one big item on my list for a while is I want my own pair of ice skates so I don’t have to rent them when I go ice skating. I don’t know why I haven’t just bought this yet, though. Oh also I want one of those countertop ice makers. But I don’t really have the space for that.
That’s a great idea, Diane! I’ll check FB Marketplace first.
A countertop ice maker sounds so fancy!!
My “big” purchase this week was purchasing a new Kindle last night when my 7-year old one died on me! I tried to trouble shoot it but gave up after 3 different things did not work. I figure I got my money’s worth on the last one considering I’ve used it every day for 7 years! I looked up when I bought it and it was July 2019 – kind of uncanny that it died the same month as my previous one died!
The biggest “purchase” we have coming up in the next year or 2 is replacing the retaining wall along the north side of our house + replacing the fence. Parts of the fence were destroyed during a thunderstorm this spring, but it doesn’t make sense to replace it until we replace the retaining wall. I don’t know how much it will cost but I am going to guesstimate – GULP – $30k! And it adds no value to our house. Sigh.
Besides that, I would like to get the stand-up vacuum that Elisabeth posted about today. My mom has something similar and it’s so handy to use to vacuum up crumbs and such. Phil uses a broom and dustpan but I think a vacuum would be SO MUCH BETTER. But he is not convinced we “need” it… yet.
Your Kindle definitely had a good run! 7 years, especially when you use it as much as you do, is a long time! I’m glad you gifted yourself a new one, yayyy.
Home purchases like that are such a nuisance. My mom just had to replace her hot water heater and it is SO expensive for something that is so… boring. Necessary, but boring.
GET THAT VACUUM!
My husband had a standing desk when he was in the office – I think it was a convertible one, actually. It was good for him because most of the day he was sitting in meetings, and so standing helped his back, etc. I don’t think I would ever use a walking pad, personally, because I am not that coordinated!
One thing I miss from our Calgary house is my giant reading chair. There was really no place for it here, so we…what did we do? Donate it? Sell it? You know what, I can’t remember, all I know is I don’t have one. But the couch works nicely and sometimes I like to stretch out my legs so I look like the letter L, it’s good for my varicose veins.
I don’t have any big purchases in mind, but I do have a lot of travel expenditure coming up!
I am not sure I am coordinated enough to use a walking pad AND do work, but I’m going to give it the ole college try, at least. I really need to get more steps in!
I’m shall now picturing you reading as you practice the alphabet with your body!
The chair you showed looks so comfortable! I have a sit-to-stand desk, and I love it. When my blood sugar is high, standing helps it go down. With my continuous glucose monitor, I can see it happen, which is really cool and motivating. I’ll be very interested to know about your walking pad if you get one. My upcoming expense is travel – but not fun travel. I have to go see my eye specialist for my yearly checkup.
Oh, that’s very interesting information that standing helps with blood sugar! It sounds like it’s something I should know, but nope! I will be sure to talk all about my experience with a walking pad if I get one!
Boo to not fun travel. I hope it’s a good visit!
I love having a ‘wish list’ of things to save up for. I rarely just drop money on things that are more than $100, so I totally get your approach.
My favorite place to read now is the hammock – or the (regular) couch otherwise. What’s the appeal of a reading chair for you?
Oh, a new bedframe… what a timely reminder. Remember how I keep saying that I want to buy a bedframe and here were are like what? 5 years later? And I still haven’t bought one LOL
I love my standing desk at work and have gotten used to work standing when I get into the office in the morning at least for the first 4 hours – then in the afternoon I alternate between sitting and standing. I think it’s just getting into the habit.
We also have a walking pad. I don’t use it that much (because I usually run or walk outdoors, and I have access to a gym with a tread) but I am sure I’ll use it more during the colder month just to get some extra steps in. It connects with the Peloton app, so I can even take classes on it.
Oh, I just like having numerous spots where I can read if I want! The couch is nice, but I just loooove the coziness of a reading chair. Plus, my couch isn’t all that comfortable now so I don’t love sitting there and reading!
The thing about the walking pads no one discusses is the balance issue. I don’t think I could walk and type at the same time, not from a physical perspective, but vestibular-ly. Do you have any motion sickness issues? Can you read on a kindle while walking at a reasonable enough pace? I can read but once I go to involve my arms like you would in typing that’s where I can’t handle it. Something to consider because I’d LOVE to be able to walk and reply to emails! Maybe it would work to walk while you’re in meetings?
I can do the elliptical/bike/treadmill while reading on a Kindle. I find it a little harder to use my phone to do something like respond to a text, so it might just be something I do while editing content or while in meetings. Time will tell!
Ooo! Did you decide on the chair? Do we need to bribe your brother to carry it up???
I had a walking desk and liked using it for listening meetings. I didn’t feel like I could do much other than that or read emails/documents while using it.
I have a new iPhone on my big purchase wishlist!
I’m pretty sure I’m going to buy the one I posted… just need to save my monies!
I think a walking desk is such a great option for meetings! Get some steps in and stay awake, too. HA.
Oh fun list.
I wish I had a sanding desk but there was no way to fit it in my office with the way I built the furniture around. Sad. Will be interesting to see if you can make it work with a walking pad. And I feel you on the 3000 steps. Being at the home office all day, bad weather and laziness it is easy to even go below. I DO NOT talk from experience…
My big purchase… mhm maybe a membership at the golf club if we do that.