3 Services Worth Paying For To Actually Save Money
While paying for services might seem like an unnecessary expense, certain conveniences can actually save you money in the long run -- especially when you calculate the true value of your time.
Here are services that deliver genuine returns on investment.
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House Cleaning Services
Professional house cleaning typically costs between $100 and $200 for a standard cleaning of a two- to three-bedroom home, according to BobVila.com. While that may seem steep, consider the time investment: Deep cleaning your home yourself takes three to five hours (or more) depending on size.
If you value your time at even $30 per hour -- less than many professionals earn -- that's $90 to $150 worth of your time spent scrubbing floors instead of working on a side project, advancing your career or simply resting.
Many cleaning services offer discounts for recurring appointments, bringing costs down to $150-$175 for biweekly service. For busy professionals, parents juggling work and childcare or anyone experiencing burnout, this investment literally buys back hours in your week.
Laundry Services
Wash-and-fold laundry services typically charge $1 to $2.50 per pound, with average loads costing $20 to $30, according to CNBC. While doing laundry at home costs only $2 to $3 per load in utilities, that calculation ignores your most valuable resource: time.
The average person spends two to four hours weekly on laundry -- washing, drying, folding and putting clothes away. That's 104-208 hours annually, or the equivalent of 2 1/2 to five full work weeks. If you earn $25 per hour, you're essentially paying yourself $2,600 to $5,200 per year to do laundry. Suddenly, spending $1,500 to $2,000 annually on a laundry service looks like a bargain.
Certified financial planners note that outsourcing laundry makes sense when the time saved can be redirected toward career advancement, side income or preventing burnout that could jeopardize your primary income source. Many laundry services offer pickup and delivery, eliminating trips to laundromats entirely. For apartment dwellers without in-unit washers, this becomes even more valuable.
Meal Kit Delivery Services
Meal kits might seem extravagant at $9 to $12 per serving, but they often cost less than dining out and can actually save money compared to traditional grocery shopping when you factor in food waste. Meal kits also save one to two hours weekly on meal planning and grocery shopping. For families constantly tempted by expensive takeout after exhausting workdays, meal kits provide a middle ground: convenient, portion-controlled meals that cost significantly less than restaurant food while requiring minimal effort.
The Bottom Line
The key to determining whether these services are worth it lies in honest assessment of your time's value. If outsourcing these tasks frees you to earn more money, invest in your career, spend quality time with family or simply avoid burnout that could compromise your income, they're not luxuries -- they're smart financial investments.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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