2 Splurges That Aren't Worth the Money (and 3 to Consider)
Some upgrades make life so much better; others just suck your bank account dry. We calculated which give you the most bang for your buck.
By Ashley Sepanski

Photo: BoraImages
Not Worth It:
1,000-Thread-Count Sheets
Don't spring for anything over 400, says Pat Slaven, a textile expert at Consumer Reports: "It's almost impossible to weave sheeting more than 400 threads per square inch, so manufacturers weave six or even ten super-slim fibers as one in order to market a higher thread count. At that level, you're not getting the softness or the crispness you'd expect."
Don't spring for anything over 400, says Pat Slaven, a textile expert at Consumer Reports: "It's almost impossible to weave sheeting more than 400 threads per square inch, so manufacturers weave six or even ten super-slim fibers as one in order to market a higher thread count. At that level, you're not getting the softness or the crispness you'd expect."

Photo: Orlando Faiola
Probably Not Worth It:
Floor Seats at Concerts
They can cost up to $165 more than the nosebleeds, but you could be paying a premium for nothing. "Some shows—think Cirque du Soleil or Lady Gaga—are best viewed from farther away, so you can get the full effect," says Hallie Yavitch, senior director of events for Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.
They can cost up to $165 more than the nosebleeds, but you could be paying a premium for nothing. "Some shows—think Cirque du Soleil or Lady Gaga—are best viewed from farther away, so you can get the full effect," says Hallie Yavitch, senior director of events for Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.

Photo: PIKSEL
May Be Worth It:
Hulu Plus
At $8 per month, it may be a better bet than paying per view on a site like iTunes if you plan to watch at least three movies, five episodes of a current TV show or past seasons of a show. (Check Hulu's catalog before joining to ensure they have the titles you want.)
At $8 per month, it may be a better bet than paying per view on a site like iTunes if you plan to watch at least three movies, five episodes of a current TV show or past seasons of a show. (Check Hulu's catalog before joining to ensure they have the titles you want.)

Photo: Stockbyte
Kinda Worth It:
First-Class Seats
But only if you're flying internationally, says Sara Keagle, a flight attendant for a major U.S. airline. "On domestic trips, we don't have enough time to make the kind of accommodations that count," says Keagle. "International flights, however, are a whole different ball game. Service and seats are bumped up—you get lie-flat seats, which can make or break how you feel when you land."
But only if you're flying internationally, says Sara Keagle, a flight attendant for a major U.S. airline. "On domestic trips, we don't have enough time to make the kind of accommodations that count," says Keagle. "International flights, however, are a whole different ball game. Service and seats are bumped up—you get lie-flat seats, which can make or break how you feel when you land."

Photo: Siri Stafford
Worth It:
Amazon Prime
With free two-day shipping, this service ($8.25 per month) is definitely worth it if you want your stuff fast and make two or more individual purchases a month, saving you at least $90 a year.
With free two-day shipping, this service ($8.25 per month) is definitely worth it if you want your stuff fast and make two or more individual purchases a month, saving you at least $90 a year.
From the July 2013 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine