Every year, there seem to be more and more expenses competing for our money. But rather than spending money on disposable or one-use items, consider investing in some of these products that save money.
Around the House
There are so many products that save money for around the house! This is only a small sampling of what is available:
Deep Freezer
Investing in a deep freezer can save you a significant amount of money because it allows you to buy foods in bulk when they’re at their lowest prices. Using this method, you never pay full price for food. Our family has a deep freezer, and we buy a ¼ side of beef every six months to one year. We get a wide variety of meat at a much cheaper price than we could buying it retail at the store.
Just make sure to keep an inventory of freezer contents and rotate your foods regularly so nothing goes to waste.
Drain Snake
If you have a plugged drain, there is no need to call the plumber if you have a drain snake. We have three girls in our home with long hair, and the drain snake has kept us from having to call the plumber more times than I can count.
Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat allows you to reduce your heat or air conditioning when you’re not home and then automatically increase it 30 minutes or so before you return home. This lets you return to a comfortable home. Programmable thermostats can easily save you hundreds of dollars every year in energy costs.
Wool Dryer Balls
Wool dryer balls take the place of dryer sheets. These balls only cost about $10 to $12 for a six pack, and they will last for months. These are definitely much cheaper and more eco-friendly than buying dryer sheets.
Vinegar
Vinegar may be the item that saves you the most money on this whole list. Vinegar can be used to replace so many cleaners and other items you may currently buy. We use vinegar to clean our toilet and bathtub. We also use it as a weed killer.
Food/Drink Consumption
Food is most people’s largest expense behind a mortgage/rent or a car payment. But there are many, many products that save money in this area.
Coffee/Espresso Maker
If your Achilles’ heel is coffee, don’t run to the coffee shop every day. Instead, invest in a coffee or espresso maker and make your brew at home. (Plus, you’ll save time not waiting in line at your favorite coffee joint.) The savings here are significant.
Herb Garden Kit
Buy a herb garden kit and set it on your window, and you’ll never need to buy fresh herbs again. Not only does this save you the expense of buying herbs (that often come in packages to big to be used before they go bad), but it will also improve the taste of your food, which may make you less likely to go out to eat.
Bottle Emptying Kit
At first, this may seem like a silly purchase. I regularly tip bottles upside down to try to get the remaining contents out. However, frequently, bottles like dish soap can’t stand up when upside down. Instead, they fall to the side. As an alternative, attach a bottle emptying kit to the lid, and the stand holds the bottle in place while the ingredients run down for your use.
This kit can be used for condiments, oils, shampoos, hand soaps, dish soaps. When you consider every item where you can use all of the contents instead of leaving a bit at the bottom, you will save money with a bottle emptying kit, though it may take years.
Female-Related Expenses
For female related needs, there are many ways reusable items can save you money.
Period Panties
Using period panties reduce the need to buy disposable tampons or pads. While these panties cost around $20 each, they can be used for two to five years, if cared for properly, netting you a significant savings. Plus, as part of the CARES Act, you can now be reimbursed for buying period panties by your FSA account.
Menstrual Cup
Likewise, a menstrual cup can be used for one to two years. At $40, one of these could quickly save you money if you replace disposable tampons for it.
Reusable Bamboo Make Up Remover Pads
If you’re currently using disposable make up remover pads, consider switching to reusable bamboo make up remover pads. You can buy a 20 pack for $3.99 on Amazon, and, according to Good Housekeeping, they can last you for over 500 to 1,000 washes!
Subscription/Membership Services
Some people adamantly refuse to pay money to save money when it comes to subscriptions and memberships, but I disagree. Paying for these can be an excellent way to save money.
Amazon Prime
An Amazon Prime membership costs roughly $130 a year (including taxes). While that sounds like a lot, our family finds that the membership pays for itself in many ways. Many other Americans must feel the same. As of 2019, there are over 90 million Amazon Prime account holders in the United States (Fortune).
For our family, the free shipping alone covers the cost of an annual membership. However, an Amazon Prime account can also save you money on entertainment—take advantage of Amazon’s free movies and TV shows as well as music, books, and magazines.
Costco
Costco is another membership-based company that can save you money. We save a lot on organic food and foods that cater to our many food intolerances including almond milk, gluten free pancake mix, and other items.
In addition, their clothes are very reasonable, as are their restaurant gift cards. Don’t forget their discounts on car rentals or their discounted gas. Also, one of my favorites is their two year warranty and concierge service on products like computers and televisions. There are many, many ways having a Costco membership can save you money.
Final Thoughts
While most of these products that save money require that you spend money up front, the investment is worthwhile for the amount of money you’ll be saving over the next few years.
What are your favorite products that save money?
Read More
Costco Can’t Be Beat for Large Purchases
Is a Costco Membership Worth It When Living Alone?
5 Ways to Save on an Amazon Prime Membership
Free Alternatives for Things You Currently Pay For
Melissa is a writer and virtual assistant. She earned her Master’s from Southern Illinois University, and her Bachelor’s in English from the University of Michigan. When she’s not working, you can find her homeschooling her kids, reading a good book, or cooking. She resides in New York, where she loves the natural beauty of the area.
