Experts say these buys help you gain wealth, while others don't.

TikTok has quickly become the go-to platform for consumers to showcase their favorite products and experiences that they believe are always worth the money. From luxurious skincare items and premium airline seats to high-end kitchen gadgets, people are sharing their top picks with the world. However, certified financial planners have a different perspective when it comes to achieving true financial success.

They believe that it's not about following viral trends, but rather spending with intention. According to CNBC, financial experts suggest that the best investments are often the least flashy. Instead of splurging on status symbols, planners recommend focusing on purchases that will protect your health, preserve your income, and prevent larger expenses in the future.

This includes things like preventive medical and dental care, routine home and car maintenance, quality skincare products, and everyday wellness items, which have consistently been ranked as some of the smartest financial decisions one can make. Moreover, experts stress the importance of investing in items that come between you and the ground. This includes quality shoes, mattresses, office chairs, and reliable tires.

As certified financial planner Noah Schwab from Spokane, Washington puts it, "The cost per use is pennies, and the alternative eventually shows up as a medical bill." In other words, investing in these items may seem like a big expense at the time, but in the long run, they can save you a lot of money and potential health issues. Another crucial aspect that financial experts highlight is the concept of buying back your time. They suggest that services like housecleaning, curbside grocery pickup, or even paying someone to handle administrative tasks can create more time for you to focus on higher-value work, family responsibilities, or growing a business.

San Francisco wealth advisor Vishal Kumar puts it best, "Buying back your own time is one of the few purchases that quietly pays you back." When it comes to building wealth, planners also stress the importance of maximizing workplace retirement benefits. One of the most effective ways to do this is by contributing enough to receive a full employer match in a 401(k) plan, which remains one of the highest-return financial moves available to many workers. However, not every purchase falls into a simple "yes" or "no" category.

Experts suggest that term life insurance can be essential for families who rely on a breadwinner's income, while whole life insurance may only make sense for a limited number of high-net-worth households. Similarly, home renovations should be viewed primarily as lifestyle investments rather than guaranteed financial returns. On the other hand, financial planners warn against spending money solely for appearances.

Things like storage units used as long-term holding spaces, forgotten subscription services, and luxury purchases made to impress others often end up being more of a financial burden than a lasting investment. In the words of New Jersey private wealth advisor Brett Hina, "One of the biggest financial mistakes I see isn't a specific product - it's lifestyle inflation driven by comparison." Hina emphasizes that buying things to signal success can make it harder to achieve genuine financial independence. In other words, trying to keep up with others' lifestyles can ultimately hinder your own financial goals.

In a recent study, it was found that about one out of three Americans have no emergency savings. This highlights the importance of being intentional with our spending and making wise financial decisions. So instead of chasing viral trends or trying to keep up with others, let's focus on spending with intention and investing in things that truly matter for our long-term financial well-being.