Value for money is important when you’re shopping. Food should be more than affordable – it needs to be healthy, nutritious, and tasty too. When it comes to clothing, footwear, furniture, kitchenware, appliances, and tools, great bargains are a false economy if they wear out or break after a few uses. You’ll get better value from quality items that last for years, even if they cost more upfront.

Some brands offer proven long-term value that practically shouts, 'I'm worth it!' However, you may be ignoring other products and services that quietly pay for themselves in ways you may not even notice. An item doesn’t always have to put money directly into your pocket for you to consider it a good buy. Sometimes, the value is in the way that it saves you from spending more, makes your life easier, or protects you from a nasty surprise.

Here are some buys that justify their price tags.

A comfortable office chair

An ergonomic chair seems like a luxury – until you add up the cost of back pain, physio visits, and lost productivity. If you work online or in an office, you spend much of the day sitting down. Investing in proper support helps you focus and reduces physical strain. The long-term benefits include a healthier alignment of your muscles and bones, and more comfortable, productive working conditions.

Credit cards with benefits

When used smartly, the right credit card does more than let you tap at the till. Rewards programmes often give flight discounts and access to airport lounges – and qualifying transactions earn you reward points. Depending on the rewards programme, you can use these to shop, pay bank fees, invest, or withdraw as cash.

Credit cards with purchase protection and extended warranties can also spare you extra costs if something goes wrong. Pay your balance in full every month so you aren’t charged interest, and the perks can often outweigh your card fees. 'Credit cards can pay for themselves' sounds like a wild idea – but it’s true.

A sourdough starter

A tiny jar of starter costs almost nothing to maintain and yields endless loaves for the price of flour, water, and power for your oven. It might take a while and some experimentation – finding the right mix of kneading, fermenting, and resting times to suit your preference – before you produce a loaf that has the perfect taste and texture. But once you do, you’ll be hooked! Over time, you’ll spend less on shop-bought bread, and your kitchen will always smell like a bakery.

Short courses and regular upskilling

Online courses and certifications add to your expenses, but they’re also a long-term investment in your career. Learning new skills keeps you relevant, helps you advance in your job, and can even give you a freelance income stream on the side. What you spend on a short course could start paying off at your next salary negotiation or job offer – it might even turn a side hustle into a profitable registered business.

DIY personal care

Learning to do your own hair, nails, or grooming could save you a fortune every month. You can pay for face-to-face lessons or even find free online tutorials from industry professionals to maintain your sharp, professional look at home. What you spend on lessons, nail and skincare kits, good clippers, and a hairdryer could deliver a consistent, lifelong return through significant savings on salon visits.

Insurance

Insurance is the classic 'small price now, big saving later' product. An affordable monthly premium quickly becomes just another debit order in the 'essential payments' section of your budget, but it can turn into a vital financial shield. A car accident, house fire, or medical emergency could cost hundreds of thousands of rand. Without cover, you’d need to secure a large amount quickly, and if you’re not able to take on major debt, your options could be severely limited. With the right insurance cover, a single claim could solve the problem. What you’re really paying for is peace of mind, but your premiums also deliver a return on investment when your insurance pays out.

Houseplants, vegetables, and herbs in pots

They won’t lower your bills by that much, but thriving plants make your home feel calmer and boost your mood. Happier people tend to spend less on quick-fix retail therapy, so a meditative few hours spent caring for your greenery instead of hitting the mall is a money-saver already. Plus, if you grow your own herbs, fruit, and vegetables – even in pots on a balcony, if you don’t have a garden – you’ll save money on at least part of your food budget.

Dashcams, security, and doorbell cameras

A dashcam is a once-off cost, but it can make a big difference if you’re ever in an accident, or you fall victim to crime or a reckless driver on the road. Dashcam footage speeds up insurance claims, reduces disputes, and in some cases even lowers premiums. Footage can also be offered as evidence in civil or criminal cases.

Likewise, interior and exterior surveillance cameras and doorbell cams not only increase security by letting you see who is on your property, but they can also deter crime and, if necessary, provide evidence. These gadgets pay for themselves not by earning direct income, but by protecting you from loss, or from being held financially liable for something that wasn’t your fault. Search our dash, security, and doorbell cam options on Avo SuperShop for a great deal.

Banking with Nedbank

If you want to buy things that pay for themselves, start with your banking products. A Nedbank Credit Card helps you turn everyday spending into rewards, travel perks, and so much more. The right Nedbank Insurance cover can protect your finances from sudden losses, and digital banking via the Money app or Online Banking saves you time and money.