Life is a balance, in many ways. In the arena of spending money, there can be a tug of war between spending on super fun, new stuff and practicing restrained spending. But there’s a third category that I haven’t talked about much- and that’s replacing old, obsolete stuff with new. Sometimes, you have to spend (a fair amount of) money to get a new one.
Gosh, it can be so boring to spend money, sometimes a lot of money, replacing things that have worn out or are about to be obsolete. But early this year, in a pique of feeling like a responsible adult, I budgeted the money to get a new one, for a number of things. It might be worth thinking whether you also are due for some replacements or upgrades.
Moving into a new house can be the push we need to upgrade a lot of stuff. And nowhere is this more the case than in technology. We’ve been in this house for over six years. So I know, to the month, when we last replaced a number of tech items. And whether I like it or not, it’s time for an upgrade.
Wifi mesh network
It’s funny to look on amazon at the Orbi wifi mesh network I bought all those years ago. So cheap now! But with a new wireless provider (Comcast, you can suck it for the recent price increase) comes the opportunity/necessity of an upgrade. So we’ll be ordering a new version of the Orbi network to accompany our faster internet speeds.
Orbi Whole Home Wifi 6 mesh network
There are a bunch of different options based on the layout and size of your house. Don’t forget to cover the backyard!
Rachio watering system
Rachio reminds me almost weekly at this point that the original system our landscaper put in is almost obsolete. So it’s time to get a new one, I guess. Not something terribly thrilling to spend money on, but I guess that’s being an adult??
Rachio 3: 8 Zone watering system
Sonos speakers
I’m embarrassed to tell you how old our Sonos speakers are. Here’s a clue- I had just gotten back from maternity leave when I purchased them. Sophie is now in college. You do the math!
The Sonos app doesn’t even work on our first generation speakers. Somehow, Dear Husband has enlisted the aid of Alexa to use them at all. So we are clearly due for an upgrade. But because I am cheap and lazy (sometimes), I just ordered a used Bose bluetooth speaker that I’m going to carry around from room to room until I get up the gumption to drop more money to get a new one.
myQ smart garage door
I’m actually not a fan of internet everything. A smart garage door is on the list of things that probably don’t need to be connected to the internet. BUT. There have been occasions, I won’t lie, when it has been super convenient to be able to do a couple of things:
- Check that someone closed the garage door when they pulled out
- Open the garage door when someone doesn’t have keys to a door
So while the builder installed this item, I do like it, and it’s probably time to get a new one. Full disclosure: I have no idea how to change the time on the time. It has been 12 noon for six years according to the display.
Liftmaster myQ smart garage controller
Coming up soon: A Peloton bike??
With the recent recall of the bike seat posts for the original bikes, I am beginning to wonder if we are going to need to plan for a new one in the next couple of years. The bike is still going strong after 3 years of heavy use, but it can’t last forever. Still, with the company going through a lot of turmoil, I’ll postpone getting a new one for as long as possible I think.
And a few other things…
We got a new TV six years ago, and all new appliances. While the TV is still in fine condition, it’s probably worth thinking about a new one in the next few years. The Thermidor appliances have not been great (we are good pals with the one repair guy in the Bay Area. If only he would make more time to stop by!) so that’s probably on the list.
We’ve have our washer and dryer for years and years. I’m probably jinxing them by even mentioning the fact that they still work. There are laptops and phones (I am determined to keep mine for 6 years! I’m on year 5 so far…) The list goes on and on.
Do you have a regular schedule for upgrading and replacing things around your house that wear out? Any tips for the rest of us?
This post contains affiliate links that may generate commission for Amy and Kate.
