Why Vivian Tu Says Spending More on Certain Luxuries Pays Off
Financial coach Vivian Tu explains that buying higher-quality items once, rather than repeatedly purchasing cheap versions, saves money and improves wellbeing.
After working in sales and trading at JP Morgan, Vivian Tu noticed that affluent peers preferred one well-made watch rather than a rotating wardrobe of accessories. Her early mistake of repeatedly buying $6 pantyhose, which failed after a few hours, taught her that a single higher-priced purchase can be more economical than many cheap ones. Today, as the CEO of “Your Rich BFF” and SoFi’s chief of financial empowerment, she advocates for thoughtful splurges, including silk bedding that improves her sleep and eases eczema symptoms.
Tu also values spending on expert instruction—makeup lessons, French language classes, and cooking workshops—as evidence of genuine financial comfort. Her approach blends personal experience with broader advice on discerning worthwhile expenditures.
Why it matters
Understanding when to invest in quality can help consumers stretch their budgets and enhance daily comfort.
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