At CNBC Make It, we understand the importance of making smart financial decisions. From consistent saving to smart investing, we strive to provide valuable insights. But sometimes, the convenience or happiness pay-off is worth the extra cost. Here are seven things our staff thought were worth it.

Discover the Items That Justify the Higher Price

: Sophisticated Tote

After extensive searching, I finally found the perfect work tote. The Go-Getter Tote from Poppies and Peonies is a Canadian brand that I can't recommend enough. Its flat straps don't dig into the shoulder, and it has a zipper for added security. Inside, there are great organizational compartments to keep everything in place. It can fit a ton of items, and the pocket on the outside doubles as a sleeve to slide onto a suitcase. This tote has truly become my go-to.Natalie Wu, our digital rotational associate, loves this tote for its practicality and functionality.

0: Big Water Bottle Bag

Spending nearly 0 on a bag to carry my water bottle might seem like a stretch, but the Dagne Dover Sloan water bottle sling has exceeded my expectations. I bought it for Coachella in April and for long dog walks, and it has been a lifesaver. It holds my 32-ounce Nalgene water bottle along with other small necessities like my phone, keys, cash, cards, hand wipes, and headphones. It keeps my hands free and makes me feel cooler than wearing a backpack.Kamaron McNair, our money reporter, shares his experience with this handy bag.

0: High Quality Rain Jacket

Until recently, I hadn't owned a rain jacket since middle school. But walking my dog in the rain with a leash and an umbrella was a hassle. That's when I discovered the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L rain jacket. It retails for 9, but I found one on Worn Wear in perfect condition for 7 plus .50 in shipping. At first, it didn't fit well, but after cinching the sleeves and waistband, it was a perfect fit. Even in heavy downpours, my upper body stays dry. It's a game-changer.Cameron Albert-Deitch, our success editor, details his experience with this reliable rain jacket.

0: Really Nice Sunscreen

I'm not a "glass skin" skincare girlie; I'm a pale-skinned, acne-prone girl who needs sunscreen that won't break me out. After a popular sunscreen brand caused a two-month-long zit outbreak, I splurged on Lion Pose's AHA Serum at Sephora for . I didn't know what AHA stood for, but I heard it reduced scarring, redness, and dark spots on acne-prone skin. It worked wonders on my dry, patchy skin, so I went back for their Mineral Sunscreen, which retails for . Formulated with women of color in mind, it doesn't leave a white cast and acts as a primer under makeup. It lasted all summer in my beach bag.Megan Sauer, our success reporter, shares her sunscreen story.

0: Countertop Dishwasher

Living in an apartment without a dishwasher is a struggle. That's why I recently bought the Hava countertop dishwasher. It's compact enough to fit under the kitchen cabinets but big enough to hold around four place settings. Set-up is easy - just plug it in, attach the outlet hose to the kitchen sink, fill the water tank, add detergent, and let it run. After the 29-minute speed wash, I always have clean dishes. New models are on sale for 9.99, and I got a refurbished one for 9.99.Jennifer Liu, our senior work reporter, loves this convenient dishwasher.

0: Designer Frames

I used to hate wearing glasses for long periods because they would constantly slide down my face. But Covry, an Asian American-owned glasses brand, changed that. Their "elevated fit" frames sit higher on the nose and away from the cheekbones, solving the problem of glasses marks and mascara on the lenses. I was able to order five pairs to try at home for , and the credit applied to my purchase. The frames start at 5, and with my lenses, the total was 5. They are a game-changer, and I even ordered sunglasses from them.Jennifer Liu, our senior work reporter, shares her experience with these stylish frames.

0: iPad Mini

I've been pleasantly surprised by how often I use my new sixth generation iPad mini. I bought it to watch movies, sketch, read books, and follow sheet music while practicing drums. With its 8-inch by 5.3-inch dimensions, it's the perfect size - big enough for entertainment but small enough to carry everywhere. It's also great for looking up random things on Wikipedia or Google while reading or watching a movie. It's become my go-to device for reading and web browsing.Mike Winters, our money reporter, shares his love for this tablet.Want to make extra money outside of your day job? Sign up for CNBC's online course "How to Earn Passive Income Online" to learn about common passive income streams, tips to get started, and real-life success stories. Sign up for CNBC Make It's newsletter to get tips and tricks for success at work, with money, and in life.