Sometimes, it pays off to pay out. In an economy dense with young professionals and retirees desperately seeking financial independence, many fall into the trap of spending the least amount possible on everything. While this might seem like the best way to get out of debt or bolster your savings account, there are certain products and services that offer a higher return-to-investment ratio by spending more up front. Read on to see when leading financial experts recommend splurging over saving.

*Things That Keep You Healthy

More often than not, quality of life is determined by level of health. According to Cornell University research, based on 2010 U.S. Census data, health was the leading contributor to reported happiness levels. Additionally, journalist Jamie Ducharme, in her 2019 article for Time, compiled a meta-analysis of several peer-reviewed scientific studies that thoroughly back the common knowledge: Healthy people live longer; with various healthful living habits showing a 17-35% decrease in risk factors for early mortality. At the end of the day, this is the only body you've got. Spend the extra buck.

Like putting cruddy gas into a high-performance sports car, a bad diet is destructive to a healthy body. Financial guru Dave Ramsay, on his online database of saving tools, recommends paying more for healthy food now than you could spend on doctor's bills later.

Pesticides and processed chemicals are scientifically known to cause cancer and decay in the body. Aim to buy minimally processed foods and organic produce. If the extra charge for organic food is hurting your budget, at least purchase organic strawberries, nectarines, spinach, kale and apples, which rank highest on the Environmental Working Group's list of pesticide-laden produce.

Proper vision and healthy eyes enable life as we know it. Pay extra for quality check-ups and prescriptions for contacts, glasses and whatever else might be needed to keep your peepers healthy.

The perfect gym is the one you'll actually go to. If a rock-climbing gym membership, expensive cycling classes or hiring a personal trainer are the only ways you'll make it to the gym to take care of your body, be willing to pay the price. Also consider your footwear. Proper running and exercise shoes will protect your arches and Achilles. And sadly, you can't train hard enough to out train an injury. Save money, pain and time by investing in your soles.

*Things You Use Every Day

No, that fancy handbag that only goes with one outfit does not make the list. Items you rely on every day or ever week? Yes, indeed.

And where do we spend more time than almost anywhere else? With eight hours of sleep a night, humans spend a third of their lives in bed. Financial journalist Emmie Martin, contributor to CNBC Online, put sleep gear at the top of her 2017 list of worthwhile purchases. From a quality mattress designed for your sleep needs/temperature to a pillow that will provide proper rest, consumers benefit from investing in sleep quality. In the International Journal of Preventative Medicine, 2014, research showed that subjects with high-quality sleep patterns reported higher quality of life scores and showed lower markers for depression.

If humans spend a third of their lives asleep, many spend another third sitting. Consider investing in your chairs, desks and other workplace areas. Dr. Kelly Starrett, author of "Deskbound," calls "sitting the new smoking." Owning a chair that promotes good posture and ergonomic habits will be a boon to your back. And a standing desk could be a good long-time investment.

When we're not sleeping or sitting, there's a high likelihood we are eating. You probably won't create a habit of cooking all that healthy food you've bought if your knives are dull and your stove is garbage. Invest in tools to facilitate healthy cooking and eating habits.

*Things That Earn You Money

Laura McCamy, writer for Business Insider, offers this unique category in her 2019 article on strategic spending. Purchasing high-quality business tools converts spending now into earnings later.

Time is money, and efficiently functioning technology, websites, media tools, etc. will save time. Splurging on a workable laptop or tools for your small business will also make you want to work harder.

Finally, invest in your investments. Quite often, busy people who are trying to make ends meet don't have the time or capacity to take on the world of investing. Instead of trying to manage your own portfolio, Forbes online Journalist Peter Lazaroff recommends hiring a financial advisor. There's no substitution for expertise but make sure to find a firm that fits your needs and expectations.