5 expensive winter essentials worth investing in

The key to making smart financial choices is ensuring you have the money to invest in the things that matter. These winter essentials can make a big difference in your health, safety, and general quality of life.

1. Electric snow blower or snow blower

If you have a sizable driveway, get some type of powered snow removal equipment. seriously. Your back will thank you.

They make really nice electric snow shovels for small drives and sidewalks. It’s much faster than a manual shovel, even on large areas. There are units with a variety of battery sizes, some quite inexpensive, but buy the largest battery you can afford. It’s worth it if you don’t need to charge it in the middle of your work.

Those who have a large area to clean can invest in a gas-powered snow blower. (Electric ones are just not popular yet.) If well maintained, they can last for many years.

2. Winter tires

Certainly, if you live in an area with mild winters and only drive in the snow a few times a year, a good set of all-season tires may be sufficient. However, if you live in an area with long and snowy winters, getting proper winter tires can greatly improve your safety.

Tests show that winter tires perform better than most all-season and all-terrain tires. Not only does it stop better on ice and snow, but it also prevents spins during takeoff.

Buying winter tires also means changing your tires twice a year and storing your off-season tires. Don’t forget to include those costs in your budget.

3. Generator

A reliable generator is somewhere between a luxury and a necessity, depending on where you live. If you live in a frigid climate where power outages are common, having a generator to run your heating and cooking appliances can literally save your life.

Even in areas where electricity is more reliable, a generator can save lives in an emergency.

Options and prices vary. You can find “generators” which are basically very large power banks. These can also charge your phone or run a fan or small refrigerator for several hours. Right down to gas or solar powered whole house generators that can power just about anything.

4. High quality (waterproof) winter boots

Winter boots epitomize the “boot theory”, which states that buying cheap boots is more expensive than investing in high-quality boots in the long run. Cheap boots break quickly and need to be replaced frequently. High-quality boots can last for decades if properly maintained.

Additionally, well-fitting, high-quality boots are good for the health of your feet (hips and knees). Keeps your feet warmer, drier and provides better support.

5. A carefully crafted jacket

Is everything said above about boots? The same goes for a good jacket. High-quality jackets tend to last longer, be more functional, and even more attractive. Win, win.

Search for sale winter gear

In most cases, there are ways to save money on equipment. Here are some things to consider.

wholesale club

Whether you have a membership or not, it’s well worth checking out wholesale clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club. Some of their deals are good enough to pay your dues, and then some. We also have a great return policy.

comparison shopping

While my previous points are valid, I would like to point out that you should not assume that Costco is the cheapest place to buy. And that applies to all other retailers as well.

There is no cheapest retailer every time. Whatever you buy, be sure to check prices at multiple retailers to make sure you’re really getting a good deal.

bonus credit card

There are three ways to use your rewards card to save on big purchases.

1. Purchase benefits: I use cards with bonus rewards for every purchase I can, and I usually get at least 3% to 5% cash back (or equivalent). For example, if you’re splurging on winter boots at a department store, choose a card that offers “Department Store” as a bonus category.
2. Welcome bonus: If you’re making a four-figure purchase, start by opening a new credit card. All other perks aside, a new card’s welcome bonus is easily worth more than $300 on its own.
3. Publisher portal: Many card issuers offer discount portals that provide discount information from partner retailers. I always check offers to see if I can get any extra perks or discounts before making a big purchase. (Check your banking apps and look for ones with “offer” in the name. amex benefits, track offersor Seller’s offer.

offseason steal

If you don’t need a particular piece of gear right now, the best thing you can do to find a steal is to wait until the season is (almost) over. Most retailers have winter gear on sale towards the end of the season and you can find great discounts.

What are the drawbacks? choice. Not everything will be discounted, some will just be kept until next year, and the ones that are marked down can be sold quickly. If you have a specific model or brand you’re looking for, keep an eye on prices so you can buy when the price is right.

I’m all about cutting costs wherever possible, but I also recognize that some items are worth a big investment. Gear that improves your safety and quality of life is worth it.

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