4 Things You Can Do Now to Save Money for the Future

There are a lot of things you can control about your money. Budgeting, saving, having challenging financial conversations with your partner, making smart investments when you can… all of these savvy habits will contribute to setting you up for success. Frustratingly, though, not *everything* is within your ability to manage (sorry to all the control freaks out there!), and there are factors playing out in the world at large that impact how effectively we can meet our financial goals.

If you’re a millennial, it might seem like the odds have been stacked against you. According to a recent study from Bank of the West, 60 percent of millennials believe in the American dream — a comfortable home of their own, a life unburdened by debt, and the promise of retirement after a rewarding career — but that doesn’t mean that the circumstances of their first decade or so in the adult world have been particularly conducive to achieving it.

“Millennials have drawn the short end of the stick so far when it comes to the market cycle, with many graduating from college and heading into a job market with little to offer them and record under-employment,” Ryan Bailey, head of Bank of the West’s retail banking group, says.

In addition to this subpar employment situation, millennials are paying down student loan debt after a bull market that would have been friendlier to them, and aspiring young homeowners were likely not ready to close on houses when housing prices and interest rates were low. Today, home buyers can’t deduct state and local property taxes from federal tax bills, according to Bailey.

Yeah, things have been pretty grim so far. But guess what? Generally speaking, they’re turning around! And given the fact that millennials still have plenty of years to plan for major milestones like home ownership, retirement, and the like, time can actually be an advantage to them now.

“Time is your new BFF,” Bailey says. “As hard as it is to get started, remember that your money has more potential to grow now than it ever will. Future you will thank you.”

Here are a few tips from Bailey that will help you make the most of this newfound time to benefit your financial future.

1. Get consistent. If there’s anything millennials have learned from the not-so-great financial circumstances they experienced in early adulthood, it’s that it can be nearly impossible to accurately time or predict the market. In order to establish a cushion for yourself and to ensure that you’re planning well for the future, set aside a fixed amount of your paycheck each month. With time on your side, this investment can really stand to grow! Your 401(k) could be a good place to start.

2. Try before you buy. You might be under the impression that owning a home is always the best option, which probably has you feeling rushed to make it happen. Resist the urge to hurry. According to the Bank of the West study, 19 percent of millennial homeowners say that their space doesn’t work well for them and 20 percent discovered damage after they moved in. When you have an abundance mentality with respect to time, you’ll be more likely to consider all factors before you decide to buy a home. This goes for other big purchases too. You don’t need to rush major investment decisions… nor should you.

3. Remember to account for expensive one-off purchases. “Here’s a secret,” Bailey says. “Adult finances are not hard, as long as you take stock of what you own and what you owe.” This includes random big-ticket purchases like wedding gifts and vacations. Budgeting is great, but if you don’t account for one-off expenses as part of said budget, it’s going to catch up with you. Balance those expenditures by tightening the purse strings elsewhere that month, or include a buffer for miscellaneous items in your regular budget.

4. Don’t live in denial about your debts. If you’re drowning in student loan debt or struggling to pay off old credit card bills, it can be easier to, well, not think about it. That’s not going to serve you well in the long run, though. Keep your debts top-of-mind and prioritize short-term debt with high interest rates first. The sooner you’ve settled these matters, the sooner you’ll be able to focus exclusively on what you want to save for and invest in going forward.

Rest assured that there’s hope for your finances. “It is important to keep in mind that, while time has worked against you so far, there is still plenty of it on the horizon and it can now work for you… if you take advantage of it,” Bailey advises. “Don’t let the past dictate the future. Making smart investment decisions will position you well to build the life you want to lead.”

How do you try to make time your friend when making big financial decisions? Tweet us @BritandCo!

(Photo via Getty)

Money doesn't have to be complicated, but our decisions can make things harder than they have to be. From dipping into our savings account for a shopping spree to running away from investing, we're always one step away from having an even weirder relationship with our finances. Plus, childhood lessons and our current mindset can affect how we view sticking with a budget.

It's something Tori Dunlap, founder of Her First $100K, sees often, prompting her to be an open book about the financial mistakes you're probably making as I type this. Ready to learn which money habits are lingering in your life like a toxic ex?

Keep scrolling to see which common mistakes are really holding your finances back!

Kaboompics.com

1. Not automating your savings

When's the last time you actually put money in savings when you said you would? Let me guess: it went towards your fave Chick-Fil-A meal or the Valentine's Day decor you couldn't resist buying. This is a judge-free zone, so I'm not here to make you feel bad, but sometimes our best efforts to save money fall flat. Yet have no fear because there's a solution that stems from something you've been overlooking.

"One of the most common money mistakes is not automating your savings. If you’ve ever gotten to the end of the month and felt guilty because you didn’t save any money (or as much as you hoped), this is one thing you can do to help yourself out," says Dunlap. According to her, this looks like you taking the time to "set up an automated transfer from your checking to your savings, at least once a month." You could "set up the transfer on the first day of the month, maybe on the first and half-way through the month, whatever works for you."

But don't worry about getting things "wrong" because Dunlap doesn't think the amount you transfer has "to be a lot" because "even $20 means we're choosing progress." In her opinion, the very act of automating your savings means "you're doing the hard thing first!"

Yan Krukau

2. Overlooking high yield savings accounts

In addition to having an automated savings transfer, it also matters what kind of account you're putting your money into. I'm 100% guilty of going beyond a basic savings account as a broke college student because I was terrified I wouldn't understand the terms of what I was doing. Apparently I'm not the only one because Dunlap says we tend to overlook "ensuring that savings money is going into a high yield savings account. But, what is it?

"This is just like a normal savings account, but it’s going to earn you WAY more in interest. Basically, your savings are going to make you more savings," she shares. If you're scratching your head and need more information, we've got your back! Basically, "this is going to be the perfect account to keep your emergency fund in," according to Dunlap.

Instead of being limited to when you can access your funds (like a certificate of deposit or CD), she says "you can take your money out at any time, your money is insured," and "the partner" she and her team "recommend" doesn't have "fees" or "minimums." However, she warns "terms always apply, so check with your bank" before making a hasty decision.

Christina Morillo

3. Treating your retirement account as an investment

Full transparency moment: I didn't start paying attention to my retirement account until I left my prior job and had to roll the funds over. Even then, I thought I didn't have to focus on investments because I was sure my new IRA covered all the bases. Wrong! "...one of the biggest financial mistakes is believing the misconception that a retirement account itself is an investment–your IRA is not the investment, it's an account that HOLDS your investments," stresses Dunlap.

Her advice? "Don't just put money into a Roth without actually investing it. It’s a two-step process: make sure you transfer money into your account, and then buy investments with that money."

marissa gradei

4. Going into debt to enjoy yourself

I fear little treat culturesunk its teeth in us and hasn't let go. I'm a recovering shopaholic who puts things in my cart and empties it if I ever feel the urge to do some unhinged damage to my debit card. Still, there are other people who are still in the trenches of living a FOMO-life.

"We know Millennials and Gen Z-ers are more likely to splurge or go into debt for travel, events and entertainment than their generational counterparts–there’s nothing wrong with having a little fun money (plus, I don’t blame them after the pandemic), but we want to make sure we’re not going into debt or dipping into an emergency fund to make it happen," says Dunlap.

If there's something you really want to do, back away from the credit card and listen to Dunlap's suggestions first. She says, "For something like a big trip or a concert, I would suggest starting a sinking fund or a dedicated high-yield savings account. That way, you know you’ve saved that money for the exact purpose you’re using it for, and you get to protect your emergency fund and credit cards in the process."

Vlada Karpovich

5. Waiting too long to start a retirement fund

Be honest: do you have a retirement fund? If your answer is no, Dunlap is ready to have a heart-to-heart with you. "In addition to not investing, I see a lot of women waiting too long to start preparing for retirement," she says. It's so easy for Millennials and Gen Z to think our elderly years are far away, but that doesn't mean we can't start planning for them now.

Also, saving or investing your money while you have debt isn't a sign of irresponsibility. Dunlap says, "You may have heard that all of your debt needs to be gone before you start investing–sure, some of your debt needs to be gone." Of course she'd like to see "your high cost debt like credit card debt" lowered as much "as possible before you prioritize investing," but she doesn't want you to "wait too long to start investing because" you think your "other finances aren't perfect," you're clueless about next steps, or think you "need a billion dollars to get started."

All you have to do is try. "...you’ve got to start somewhere, and something is better than nothing," adds Dunlap.

Artem Podrez

6. Bypassing investing because you have limited information

Financial literacy is important, but you're not incompetent because you have limited information about investing. Dunlaps says she sees "people believing the misconception that investing means you’re just selecting individual stocks and taking a gamble on them." Though she agrees it's "an option," she wants you to realize it's "not the only one." So, what to do?

"You can also consider investing in index funds. Essentially, this is a group of companies or groups of stocks. So rather than putting all of your eggs in one basket, you’re putting your money towards something more diversified and low-risk, that’s going to be less of a gamble long-term," suggests Dunlap.It's actually something she likes and teaches about in Stock Market School. "...index funds made me a millionaire," she offers.

BRB, going to sign up so I can get my finances together once and for all.

Nataliya Vaitkevich

7. Shying away from budgeting because you don't want to be restricted

Friends, we can't keep running away from the "budgeting" word. It hasn't helped us, especially if we've been crying about sneaky expenses that are doing a number on our accounts. There's a reason we keep running from it though.

"A lot of us associate a budget with restriction–the idea that in order to save money, you have to restrict yourself and keep a tighter budget. But if you treat money like a diet, it will inevitably fail," Dunlap points out. Here's a secret she wants you to know: "It’s not your fault that you’re not sticking to your budget, it’s just psychology! If you tell me I can’t have fried chicken, all I’m going to do is want fried chicken. Psychology."

Mikhail Nilov

Her point is that "a super restrictive budget just doesn’t work, it's not sustainable" because "your budget shouldn’t stop you from doing things." Instead, she feels "it should be the thing that allows you to do things comfortably." You know like buying those new pair of shoes without calculating if you're going to forfeit part of your cell phone bill.

Dunlap further says, "I’m not going to tell you to stop spending money, because that’s not the solution. I am just going to tell you to stop spending money on things you don’t care about." Her number one suggestion for "helping your budget" is to "establish 3 areas of your life where you get the most joy (ex. eating out, traveling, nesting)."

"When you review your budget, these are going to be the 3 areas you make sure your spending is in line with," she also says.

Porapak Apichodilok

8. Pretending your debt doesn't exist

How many of us are guilty of ignoring the credit card bill until we get our statement? According to Dunlap, that's a terrible idea. "The first thing is to make sure you know your numbers, and aren’t running from them–the only way to take control of your debt is by avoiding what’s called the Ostrich Effect.

This is when you avoid addressing and accessing a situation because you’re afraid of what you’ll find," she says. Wondering who the ostrich is in this situation? You are because you're keeping your "head in the sand." However, it's "so common when it comes to debt, but conquering it is the first step to making progress."

Next up? Get familiar with "tackling debt" by "building an emergency fund — regardless of how much debt you're in," says Dunlap. Even if things feel like they're going really well, she knows "life is inevitably going to throw you a few curve balls." Here's looking at you unexpected car crash that totaled my car last year.

"If you're not prepared for emergencies, you still need to find a way to navigate them–whether that’s dipping into your savings, using credit cards, or asking family and friends for help. We don’t want you to have to do that–we want you to have an emergency fund that you can use," she says. It "safeguards you from going into more debt in an already stressful situation," according to her.

Photo by: Kaboompics.com

After you've started building a nice emergency fund, she can't wait for you to use her "favorite debt handling method" called "the Debt Avalanche."

  1. Write down all of your debts, listing them from highest interest rate to lowest, and how much the minimum payment is on each.
  2. Calculate your total minimum payments to give you an idea of how much you need to pay every month to keep current.
  3. Start paying extra on the credit line with the highest interest rate. Keep paying the minimums on the rest. This process works best when you focus on one bill at a time.
  4. Once you’ve paid off the debt with the highest interest rate, move down the list to the next one and start paying whatever extra you can towards it each month.

Again, Dunlap doesn't want you to feel like you have to have a fail-proof system in place. "Start where you’re at — you’ll be amazed how fast that debt will start disappearing even with just an extra $15 – $20 a month."

Noted! How can I create attainable financial goals this year?

Mikhail Nilov

Now that you're ready to stop making financial mistakes, you can start thinking about your overall money goals for the year. Dunlap says, "One thing you can do to make your goals automatically more achievable is attach them to a mission. It’s one thing to give it a deadline and make it specific, but thinking about what achieving it actually means to you is going to drive you to accomplish it a little more."

An example she gives is you saying "'I will save my first $100K (specific) by the end of 2026 (timely)'," but she asks, "what does that mean to you, what does it get you? Why is important?"

Per her suggestion, "add your answer as a part of your goal statement." She says you could write something like "'because I want to have enough money to quit my toxic job (mission-driven).'"

Doing this "makes accomplishing your goal about more than the money, and reminds you why you're doing it in the first place," she says as her final piece of guidance.

Sign up for our Weekend Scroll newsletter for more ways to have a great year!

The world has rapidly evolved over the past few decades, and now that technology has reshaped practically every aspect of our daily lives, plenty of hobbies that once brought joy and connection have faded into obscurity.

These (now) old-school hobbies remind us of simpler times filled with creativity, hands-on activities, and genuine social connections.

From the thrill of drive-in movies to the excitement of playing games with someone IRL, here are 10 old-fashioned hobbies and pastimes that Boomers (and many others!) miss today.

Scroll to see all the old-fashioned hobbies to bring back in 2025!

1. Soap Carving

Valeria Boltneva

Soap carving was once an accessible hobby that allowed people of all ages and skill levels to create intricate designs from simple bars of soap. Armed with basic carving tools like knives, you were able to transform an everyday object into a work of art, like a delicate flower or animal.

This pastime not only offered a creative outlet but also culminated in a functional home decor item. Yet, as new crafting materials like plastics became more widely available, soap carving faded from popularity.

2. Quilting Bees

Ksenia Chernaya

These social gatherings brought women together and provided a chance for friends and neighbors to collaborate on large quilting projects. They turned an often solitary task into a communal experience filled with laughter and conversation.

So, the resulting quilts were viewed as deeply sentimental, not just due to the joint effort but also because they often incorporated fabrics from old clothing or keepsakes.

Then, the rise of industrialization and the availability of cheap, mass-produced bedding caused quilting bees to become much more rare.

3. Macrame

Anete Lusina

Another popular craft was macrame, which involved knotting ropes or cords into intricate, decorative patterns. You could use various knotting techniques to create unique pieces, from plant hangers to wall hangings.

This hobby helped add bohemian flair to homes and allowed for endless creative possibilities. It also became a symbol of the 1960s and 1970s counterculture.

4. Drive-In Movies

Paramount Pictures

Long before the rise of streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, going to the drive-in movie theater was a favorite weekend tradition for many. It was a unique (and social) way to enjoy films under the stars.

People would pack into their cars, bring along snacks and drinks, and settle in to watch the latest movies on a big outdoor screen. Not only did this pastime force you to actually go somewhere to see a new film, as opposed to laying in your bed at home, but it also provided a lively and nostalgic atmosphere.

5. Rock Tumbling

Magda Ehlers

This hands-on activity allowed people to turn their rough stones into shiny and smooth gems. Hobbyists would get outside, gather cool-looking rocks in nature, place them in a tumbler filled with abrasive grit, and allow the machine to rotate for a couple of weeks.

Over time, the friction and grinding would smooth the surfaces, revealing the natural beauty hidden beneath each stone's rough exterior. It was relaxing and rewarding and encouraged Boomers to have patience and appreciate the world around them.

6. Going Dancing

Warner Bros. Television

Walk into any major club today, and you probably won't see a lot of dancing (at least in the traditional sense). Modern venues feature mostly EDM shows now, with attendees bouncing or fist-bumping away. But back in the day, local ballrooms, sock hops, and even discos were really "happening."

Dance floors were filled with singles and couples swinging and jiving away to everything from jazz and rock 'n' roll to even pop hits. Going dancing got people out, moving, and enjoying each other's company. It's time to bring real dancing back to today's nightlife scene.

7. Model Rockets

Jacobsen /Three Lions/Getty Images

During the 1960s, building and launching model rockets was a thrilling hobby that captured the attention of people, both young and old. Enthusiasts would carefully assemble small rockets using materials like molded plastic, cardboard, paper, and tubing, then laugh them into the sky.

Aside from being exciting, this activity was also educational, sparking interest in science and engineering.

8. Sand Art

Target

Sand art was another go-to hobby in the '60s, with people layering or arranging colorful sand into intricate patterns inside glass containers.

You could really get creative with colors, textures, and shapes. Not to mention, sand art was pretty accessible and became a fun way to make decorative pieces for the home.

9. Plant Pressing

Nur Yilmaz

This timeless hobby involved collecting plants, flowers, and leaves before carefully pressing them between sheets of paper to preserve their form and color. It allowed people to explore nature and learn about the diverse plant life in their local area.

The best part? The pressed plants could be used for a range of creative purposes, from making beautiful flower arrangements to decorating cards.

10. Pinball Arcades

Matheus Bertelli

If you want to play a game with your friends today, you might turn on your PlayStation or Xbox, plop in front of your TV, and throw on a headset. However, boomers got to experience the excitement of playing in real life at pinball arcades.

By actually going to the arcade, they enjoyed face-to-face socialization in an interactive and immersive environment. There were bright lights, cool sounds, and competition to beat high scores that actually got adrenaline pumping.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Admit it: you rolled your eyes when your friend talked about scoring tickets to see Beyoncé'sRenaissance tour or Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour. You've probably even looked at her sideways when she's shared she pays 50% of her household bills because you don't think modern women should do that.

Whatever your reasoning is, you're aware that you have a habit of judging how your friend spends money and feel like you should stop. But friends shouldn't lie to each other, right? Eh, we've yet to see lying in relationships produce healthy results, but overstepping boundaries is just as worse. This is especially true if your friend doesn't always ask for your financial opinions.

Want to know why you keep doing it even though you're making your friend uncomfortable? Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Navjot "Navi" Hughesof Empower Mental Health has a few hints so pull up a chair to see what gives!

4 reasons you're lowkey obsessed with how your friends spend money

Jayda Anderson

1. You're using money as a way to compare yourself to your friend.

Seeing it worded like this sounds harsh and is sure to illicit the following responses:

  1. "Are you kidding me? I'd never do that!"
  2. "There's no comparison between my friend and I. I love them too much to do that."
  3. "It's not like I'm hurting my friend when I try to give them advice."

Even if you're not proud of it, there's a reason why comparison feels a embedded. Hughes says you're zeroing in on your friend's finances because of your "mindset." She further explains, "...we compare because money either separates you or brings you together. It's a social comparison because it's one of the most powerful tools to create the life you desire." This checks out if you and your friend are always talking about the kind of futures you want.

Here's the clincher: Hughes says, "Some are motivated by others, and some become jealous and hopeless."

Tima Miroshnichenko

2. The childhood lessons you learned about money are on full display.

Did you grow up hearing "money doesn't grow on trees" or "Anyone who doesn't save their money is being wasteful?" You may not think about it, but plays a role in how you look at other people's habits. Hughes says, "...judgment comes from our social upbringing. Some people have a scarcity mindset, so they hoard all their money." This could explain why you're less likely to spend money on things you consider frivolous while thinking your friend who does has lost a grip on reality.

The other side of this is being in a position where you didn't have to worry about money growing up. "If you are from a wealthier family, you know that money is a tool that flows." But, you're not off the hook from having negative opinions about others. You could still "judge others for not being smart and investing their money," according to Hughes.

Shaunna Levy

3. You may be jealous of your friend or annoyed with their complaints.

You can adore your friend while envying them for having the luxury to do whatever they want with their money. It's not to say they're truly in the position be carefree, but their ability to believe they'll be okay no matter what may make you see green. Then again, you may resent your friend for complaining about financial hardships they're in because of bad choices.

Like Hughes has mentioned earlier, there's so many reasons why everyone judges each other. She reiterates, "Usually, it's a place of jealousy," and it can show up differently based on your friend's circumstances.

"If your friends travel and you can't afford it, it creates discontent," she uses as an example, but "if your friends complain about not having money and bad spending habits, you may be annoyed and frustrated because their habits don't align with their perceived values," she adds.

Kaboompics.com

4. You're unable to handle the same criticism you're dishing out.

It's easy to judge others for doing something we think isn't right, but it's harder to accept the same vein of criticism. Hughes says people who consistently critique their friends' spending habits wouldn't have a hard time paying attention to their own choices if they were genuinely seeking "expert guidance on how to manage money instead of avoiding it."

For example, you could feel envious of the friend who has a good relationship with money while you're always spending it as soon as you get paid. "Some people cannot hold on to cash because they don't feel they deserve it. It's the subconscious programming that prevents them from making changes," says Hughes.

Emma Ripperdan

Here's what to do if you're truly concerned about your friend's finances

Approach the topic delicately

Sometimes we love to pose aggressive interventions with our friends because we "know" them. While this may work in some cases, it could backfire if you're adding to the guilt they're already feeling.

"If they ask for feedback or they complain in a moment, you can get curious and ask questions that allow them to realize their mistakes," suggests Hughes. Don't go thinking this is your shining moment to make your friend change, however.

"Ultimately, it's up to that person to receive feedback. If they don't want the input, it's best not to express your opinion as it doesn't impact you..." Hughes remarks.

Pavel Danilyuk

Here's how to set a firm boundary with a friend who can't keep their opinions to themselves

If you've found yourself on the receiving of constant opinions about how you spend money, we know you're annoyed. We're irritated for you because invasive questions or thoughts about money can ruin a longstanding friendship!

You can say something like, "While I appreciate your concerns, I will figure this out". You must take control of the conversation and be assertive if others are crossing a boundary. This usually reflects a lack of boundaries in relationships beyond finances- so chances are your relationship already lacks boundaries.

Need more money tips? You'll love browsing our articles about budgeting, saving money, and more!

In light of our current administration's desire to downsize the federal government, the National Parks Service was hit with around 1,000 layoffs in February – that means the crucial workers that maintain trails and camping grounds, man visitor centers, collect park fees, keep grounds clean, and more are no longer present.

This puts the safety (and cleanliness) of our national parksat risk. Whether it’s first-time visitors that don’t fully understand the mantra of ‘pack in, pack out’ or adventurers seeking their next summit, we’ve lost some of the proper guidance that makes the parks what they are: magical!

Your next visit to America’s national parks may look different at this time as the visitor experience has lost its charm due to these mass layoffs.

As the busy season starts to pick up, we’re sharing 5 ways to visit national parks responsibly and safely.

1. Follow 'leave no trace' principles.

Rachel Vine / PEXELS

Because many National Parks workers and rangers were laid off, each parks’ efforts to keep trails, campgrounds, visitor centers, and restrooms may be minimized, irregular, or non-existent. Following ‘leave no trace’ principles implies your full responsibility for cleaning up the trash, food scraps, and more that you bring into the park.

Leaving no trace also includes staying on designated trails to prevent erosion that could impact local ecosystems and wildlife. And when it comes to wildlife, it’s best to not interact with their habitats – keep a safe distance and never feed the animals you may come across. This is also for your own safety!

For more information and guidance on how you can leave no trace, visitLNT.org.

2. Plan ahead.

Robert Forever Ago / PEXELS

If your national park itinerary includes day hiking, backpacking, or camping, planning ahead will be a key step in making sure your trip is as seamless as can be. This is especially pertinent as certain trails and areas may experience closures in light of the recent NPS layoffs.

So, what does planning ahead look like? It could be checking park websites in advance to be aware of any closures, fees, wait times, or limited services, bringing your own maps, first-aid kits, and packing plenty of food and water.

3. Get familiar with being self-sufficient.

Andy Vu / PEXELS

This next method for responsibly visiting national parks goes hand-in-hand with ‘leave no trace’ and planning ahead. Since certain park rescue and ranger positions were also affected by the cuts, you’ll want to be 100% positive that you’ve brought everything you need in case of an emergency.

You’re not entirely on your own, though. During your visit, you’re sure to run into friendly faces that know basic first aid principles, how to read a map, and how to reach out for help if it’s needed. Make a friend on the trail or campground and simply show up for each other!

4. Be patient and respectful.

Zetong Li / PEXELS

Fewer workers and rangers in the national parks may mean slower service, whether it’s waiting to enter the parks or pay for goods. Of course, a slower process puts on a strain on everyone – visitors and workers alike. Be kind to staff and fellow parks lovers, and avoid peak hours to reduce any strain on park resources.

5. Support the parks through donations and volunteer work.

Lara Jameson / PEXELS

If you can’t make it out to (or simply don’t want to visit) a national park this season, you can still show your love and support for the parks by donating directly to NPS or groups like National Parks Conservation Association.

Additionally, contacting lawmakers in your local government for better park funding can be effective in making sure your voice is heard. Finally, you could also join volunteer programs in your nearest national park for things like trail maintenance or clean-ups.

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For a product to be labeled as "splurge-worthy," it has to deliver a combination of high-quality construction and impressive features. But how do you tell which items are worth the splurge and which will end up being a huge waste of money? That's where this list comes in. We've gathered 41 must-have products that are worth every penny (and then some).

Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

Pet Owners Need The EyeVac PRO Touchless Vacuum

Amazon

As pet owners, we have to deal with a lot of hair getting everywhere. Sweep it up in a convenient way using this touchless vacuum that automatically sucks up hair and debris that is put in front of it.

See it on Amazon

Make Your Home Smarter With Astro

Amazon

The Amazon Astro is Amazon's latest and greatest in smart technology. This adorable home monitor helps you monitor your entire house, no matter where you travel or what's going on in your home.

See it on Amazon

Raise The Standards of Your Cookware With Caraway's Non-stick Ceramic Bakeware Set

Amazon

Several things set the Caraway brand above its competitors, such as its unconventional colors, clever storage, and non-stick ceramic coating. However, the most crucial factor is that Caraway contains no toxic materials.

See it on Amazon

This Sauna Blanket for Detoxification for Any Home

Amazon

I used to go to the gym's sauna all the time when I had a gym membership. But I stopped in an effort to save money. But now I wish I could buy this sauna blanket for my own home to relive the experience!

See it on Amazon

Take a Dip in the Coleman SaluSpa

Amazon

Most of us can't afford to have a hot tub professionally installed at our house. But that's okay! Because we can afford the Coleman SaluSpa. Enjoy taking a soak with sixty soothing AirJets in this four to six-person hot tub from Coleman, the makers of all things outdoors.

See it on Amazon

It's THE Tote Bag!

Amazon

You know the one. It's The Marc Jacobs Tote Bag that everyone's been talking about and TikTok has been in love with for the last few months. There's so much space in here for all of your favorite items, plenty of great pockets, and it's sure to be stylish and look elegant no matter what you decide to pair it with!

See it on Amazon

It's Okay To Be Lazy With This Robot Lawn Mower

Amazon

This highly intelligent Robot Lawn Mower automatically mows yards up to 2700 sq. ft. without a person having to manuever it. You can relax in your backyard while the mower expertly navigates narrow spaces and tight corners around the yard.

See it on Amazon

Custom Mosaic Hanging Lights With 54 Globes To Choose From

Amazon

I've never seen a listing on Amazon like the one for DEMMEX's Turkish Chandelier. Incredibly, there are 54 globe options to pick from, and the number of globes is customizable, as well as the option for the light to be hard-wired or plug-in. The Hanging Lights are 100% handmade in Turkey of hand-cut glass and glass beads. 86% of customer reviews are 5 Stars.

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This Countertop Nugget Ice Maker Went Viral On TikTok, And We Can See Why

Amazon

Influencer @hauskris is obsessed with this GE Countertop Nugget Ice Maker with Side Tank and makes every beverage she can with the perfectly sculptured cubes. This is no ordinary ice machine; it cranks out chewable, crunchable, crave-able nugget ice that is so unlike traditional hard cubes. It is made from compacted ice flakes, making it the perfect companion for homemade cocktails, sodas, and other creations.

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Treat Yourself to an Espresso Machine

Amazon

This espresso machine is great for those who take their coffee seriously. With a built-in bean grinder and bar pump, you can make quality espressos in just a few minutes.

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A Cabinet With Tilt-Out Storage for Laundry, Recycling, or Trash

Amazon

The charming beadboard appearance and rubberwood tabletop of Betterhood's Double Tilt-Out Cabinet make it equally suitable for the kitchen, laundry room, bathroom, or hallway. The Tilt-Out Cabinet can hold up to a 10-gallon trash can and has a weight capacity of 30 pounds. The Cabinet is available in various colors and with the option of double or single doors.

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These Sneakers Are Worn by Everyone in Hollywood

Amazon

These sneakers are a cult favorite this spring, and they also happen to be worn by all of our favorite celebrities. These shoes are lightweight, breathable options for everyday wear, blending in seamlessly with all of your favorite looks you had in mind for the season.

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This Pizza Oven for an Italian Adventure

Amazon

Transform outdoor cooking experiences with this Pizza Oven that is a culinary gem that promises authentic flavors and endless fun. Designed for portability, it's constructed from durable stainless steel and is perfect for backyard gatherings or outdoor adventures. With its ability to create pizzas, the oven doubles as a versatile outdoor kitchen.

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End the Day with a Rustic & Scandinavian Style Bed Frame

Amazon

Turn every room in your home into a shabby chic paradise with this Rustic & Scandinavian Style Bed Frame. Made with acacia wood, this bed frame looks like it came straight from a yard sale without actually having to buy a bed frame that others have slept on.\

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Enhance Your Bedroom With This Smart LED Nightstand

Amazon

Upgrade your bedside with a table that features wireless phone charging and an LED tri-dimming touch light. This modern piece combines functionality with style, providing a convenient charging spot and customizable lighting for your bedroom.

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A Pair of Mushroom Lamps That Were Named a Top Pick of the Year

Amazon

The best Mushroom Lamps of 2023 were reviewed by thespruce.com and LAMPS PLUS' Felix Modern Accent Table Lamps came out ahead. The Lamps got top marks for their affordability, modern design, and long power cord. Each Lamp uses two maximum 60-watt bulbs.

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This Set of Ninja Knives Is Never Dull

Amazon

You don't have to worry about these knives going dull on you because Ninja has created a knife block with a fantastic built-in sharpener. They call it their NeverDull knives and it's a genius way to enjoy your favorite set of knives for years to come without losing a single bit of the slicing power.

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A New and Improved Carry-On Suitcase

Amazon

If you are a frequent flier, this harside expandable luggage is the best gift you can give yourself. Equipped with spinner wheels for easy transportation, this suitcase is ideal for a weekend getaway.

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This Cooling Fan Doubles as an Air Purifier

Amazon

You will feel like you are breathing in fresh mountain air with this 2-In-1 Fan And Air Purifier. It purifies and cools the air around you while removing odors and gases.

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This 8-in-1 Digital Countertop Oven Flips Up and Out of Your Way

Amazon

Throw away your toaster, your air fryer, and your pizza oven because your new kitchen deserves this bad boy, 8-in1 digital countertop oven that, unlike me, can do it all in the kitchen. The magic of this Ninja device goes beyond its functionality and lies in its counter-saving flip-up and away ability, storing the oven in a vertical position against your backsplash. All the controls are digital and easy to use.

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Get the 23andMe Health + Ancestry Kit

Amazon

We can't know everything, but with the 23andMe Health + Ancestry Kit, we can know quite a bit. With this kit, you can learn all about your carrier status and genetic health risks, as well as insights into your ancestry.

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A Serious Antropologie Dupe

Amazon

This baroque-inspired brass mirror completes any entryway or bedroom with glamorous vintage charm! It's also a serious dupe for the ever-so-popular but oh-so-expensive Anthropologie version

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A Tall Corner Cabinet for Hidden Essentials

Amazon

Put clothes, extra soap, and things you don’t want others to see but need in the tall corner cabinet. It is there for convenience when you need it and keeps things orderly. It looks great so you don’t mess with any décor you already started.

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Enhance Your Workspace With the Laptop Screen Extender Full HD Portable Monitor

Amazon

Enhance your work-from-anywhere setup with the Teamgee 14-inch Portable Monitor, now offered at a significant discount. This monitor extends your laptop’s display and boosts productivity wherever you are.

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Take Your Skin Care to the Next Level With This LED Face Mask

Amazon

This LED Face Mask uses seven different colored light therapies to kill acne, eliminate redness, tighten skin and smooth wrinkles. Use it 20 minutes a day three times a week for best results.

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This 55-Inch Samsung Frame Series Doubles as Art

Amazon

Everyone's been talking about the Samsung Frame for the last few years, and that's probably because it delivers a clear, crisp, beautiful picture and looks like a work of art hanging on your wall when it's not in use. You can even change up and personalize the frames for your taste.

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A Towel Warmer Is a Must-Have

Amazon

It doesn’t get more luxurious than stepping out of the shower into a warm and fluffy towel fresh out of this device. It has a large capacity, so you can fit large bath towels, throw blankets, bathrobes, and pajamas, and it works easily with just the press of a button. Plus, it works fast, taking only ten minutes!

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Get Your Documents Instantly, Anywhere.

Amazon

It's now possible to get your important paperwork in hard copy – no matter where you are. Perfect for busy business professionals and students, this wireless printer is cordless, Bluetooth savvy, and won't take up much space. Print anything you need anytime, anywhere.

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This Walking Pad Is a Game-Changer

Amazon

TikTok is all about the walking pad these days. But there's a good reason! The walking pad allows you to get an amazing workout in while you're doing something else like working, writing, or watching TV. It's the work-from-homer's best friend because you don't have to worry about working out after the workday; you've done it all already!

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A Mid-Century Modern Accent Chair From a Brand You Can Trust

Amazon

"Mid-Century Modern" is a label that is often overused, but in this case, it is entirely appropriate. Safavieh's cream accent chair features clean lines, gentle curves, and elegant simplicity often attributed to MCM design. "Safavieh's couture line of home furnishings is the perfect blend of luxury and trendiness, with crisply tailored pieces that exude opulence and sophistication of the highest caliber."

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This Shark NV360 Navigator Vacuum Has Impressive Suction

Amazon

With over 25K positive reviews, it's not hard to see why this Shark Deluxe Upright Vacuum with powerful suction to deep clean carpets is a great deal. It has a detachable pod for cleaning under furniture and a nozzle to clean above the floor, on upholstery, furniture, stairs, and much more.

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You Need the Casper Original Pillow

Amazon

Get your full eight hours of sleep with these comfortable and breathable pillows that are packed with microfiber fill and offer a percale weave that increases airflow so you are always cool.

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Versace Sunglasses for a Stylish Spring

Amazon

These Versace sunglasses are the spring accessory that you’ll reach for every day. They’re such a fashion staple, complementing every outfit you cook up, but they’re also essentials for protecting your eyes against light and harmful UV rays.

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A Freestanding Wine Cooler to Quench Your Thirst

Amazon

Make use of the corner section of your room with the freestanding wine cooler to keep drinks of all kinds refreshingly cold. You can put this in your living room and share its use with friends and family.

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This Samsung Sound Bar Gives You the Best Sound

Amazon

You really can't ask for a better sound than the sound you get from a Samsung Sound Bar like this one! There's a subwoofer included for a deep and brilliant bass, and with Bluetooth connectivity, you can enjoy your favorite albums in a whole new way. The bass and quality you'll get from this sound bar is just unbeatable.

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A Robot Vacuum To Help With Chores

Amazon

Bid farewell to tedious house cleaning with this incredible robot vacuum by your side. This intelligent cleaning companion effortlessly navigates through your home, picking up dirt, dust, and pet hair with ease. Equipped with advanced sensors and smart mapping technology, it adapts to your home's layout, conquering hard-to-reach areas effortlessly. Relax and let this robot vacuum handle the dirty work, giving you more time for the things you love.

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The Google Nest Learning Thermostat Means Even Your Temperature Can Be Smart

Amazon

If you don't already know, the Google Nest Thermostat is a phenomenal way to keep your temperature under control, no matter where you are. That means you can ensure you didn't accidentally leave the A/C on when you left on vacation with just a quick glance at the easy-to-use app.

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You Can Set Up Your Own Security with This Ring Alarm 8-Piece Kit

Amazon

This is one of the coolest deals out there because you can really just set up your very own home security system when you've got this 8-piece Ring Alarm kit. It has all you need to be sure that you're safe and secure whether you're in your home or you're gone on a trip.

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Wake Up Refreshed Using This Alarm

Amazon

Start your day on a bright note with this Alarm, a game-changer for your morning routine. Mimicking the natural sunrise, this Alarm gradually brightens, gently rousing you from sleep. Choose from a range of soothing sounds to complement the sunrise simulation, creating a serene and uplifting wake-up experience.

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These Egyptian Cotton Sheets Are Cozy and Lightweight

Amazon

Don't worry about overheating when you're wearing these super comfortable sheets. The 1000 thread count means the sheets aren't just incredibly soft but also durable and designed to hold up to years of washes.

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Keep an Eye on Your Furry Friends with the Furbo 360

Amazon

Yep, you read that right. This Pet Camera can be manually turned or automatically follow your pet around as they move about the room. The high-quality camera allows you to zoom in and provides two-way audio communication with you and your furry friend. You can even remotely toss them a treat if they're being extra good (which, of course, they always are)!

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