Saving money is so important because money saved is money earned. You can even make more money without working. And that’s the ultimate goal, right? Unfortunately a lot of us, myself included, buy tons of things we really don’t need without even realizing it. I hope that this list of 13 ways to save money on everyday items will help and open your eyes to more ways to save.
Save more money by not spending on:
1. Unlimited memberships/subscriptions etc. that aren’t fully used
Many times we buy things that we perceive has more value because we can use it an infinite number of times. Some examples are Amazon prime, gym memberships, bus passes, Costco memberships etc. While these can sometimes be worth it, many times we don’t use them enough to justify the cost.
Do the math and figure out if having the unlimited option is actually worth it or if it’s more cost effective to pay per use. Ex: If you’re buying an unlimited monthly bus pass for $140 but only using the bus for $70 worth, then you should stop buying the pass and pay per ride.
2. Bottled water
Although it’s not a huge expense – it’s unnecessary spending. Not only is bottled water bad for the environment, but it’s also completely unnecessary if you live in a country where you can drink the tap water. Buy a reusable water bottle and start using it!
3. Paper towels
I used paper towels my whole life until I realized that they’re just a waste of money. Realistically, any time you can use paper towels, you can use a cloth towel instead. Get a pack of 24 microfibre cloths instead. You’ll save money and paper.
4. Data Overages
Overpaying for cell phone data should never happen, especially when there is free wifi almost everywhere. To ensure you never overpay:
- Always connect to wifi at home – Double check periodically because sometimes it may not connect.
- Download music/podcasts etc. while you’re on wifi to listen while offline.
- Always connect to wifi when you’re in restaurants and cafes.
If you do these things you should never overpay.
Read More: 15 Ways to Get free money Fast!
5. Phone Upgrades
I know it can be tempting to upgrade your phone to get the latest gadgets but it’s just not worth the expense. Typically, the upgraded phone is just an aesthetic change and the software is basically the same. Upgrading can cost you hundreds of dollars, lock you into another contract and is a way to keep you spending more of your money for no reason. If your phone still works then keep using it! Don’t let the marketers win.
6. Fancy Pet treats
Companies know that you love your pets and would get anything for them, in fact, they’re banking on it – literally. They take advantage of your emotions and overchange BIG TIME for treats. This is something you can stop right now by making your own treats at home. Here’s a link to DIY Pet treats you can make at home. You’re welcome 🙂
7. Cleaning products
The marketers have done it again. They’ve convinced us that we need separate products for each item in our homes. Have you checked under your sink where you keep all your products lately? I’m sure you may have one product for wood, one for the washroom, one for the counters etc.
Instead of buying separate products, you can make DIY cleaning solutions at home with ingredients you probably already have. For example: Lemon juice cuts through grease and makes counters shine, Vinegar eliminates grease, soap scum, and grime and Olive oil is the perfect polisher. You can find more DIY cleaning solutions here.
Read More: 13 Easy Ways to Save over $300/month
8. Facial cleansers
The beauty industry is a booming billion dollar industry selling products that you can easily make at home. Olive oil mixed with raw sugar or coffee grinds makes an amazing body/face scrub and turmeric mixed with honey is great for reducing redness and puffy eyes. There are a bunch of DIY recipes you can try here.
9. New clothes because of stains
This tip actually requires a bit of spending before to reduce a higher amount of spending later. Tide pens are a great way to remove stains immediately so you don’t have to throw away or replace a ruined piece of clothing.
10. Full Sized Spices for New Recipes
Trying new recipes sometimes requires us to buy spices that we don’t normally use. After using the spice once you’re left with a big unused bottle of the spice. Instead of wasting your money, go to a bulk food store and purchase a small amount of the spice you need. This way you’re not left with a 2-year-old unused bottle of spice later.
11. Prepackaged/Prepared foods
Anytime you buy something prepared or prepackages you pay a premium for the convenience. Instead, buy from the deli/cheese counter then slice it yourself! Prepare the food you want in individualized containers instead of buying it already made. You’ll save a lot of money by doing it yourself.
12. Kitchen Storage items
I made this mistake and ended up with way more containers than any person needs. It’s easy to see specific items for different uses in the kitchen for instance – one set for freezing, one set for baking and on set for storage. Instead of buying separate items for each function, just purchase these glass pyrex dishes with lids. They can go in the oven, store food and are also great for freezing food. Just ensure you thaw it out before going from frozen to the oven.
13. Disposable products
Anything that is disposable is bad for the environment and your wallet. Like subscription services, having to repeatedly purchase something, again and again, is money going down the drain. Some examples of disposable things you’re wasting money on are: razors, tampons, travel sized toiletries, k-cups, sandwich bags, non-rechargable batteries etc. Stop buying anything that you only use once and then have to buy again.
Some substitutes for these items are:
Razors – Replaceable blade razor
Tampons – Menstrual Cup (literally the best thing ever)
Travel sized toiletries- buy the Travel Size Toiletry Containers and fill with the product you already have
K-cups – Buy coffee beans and make coffee in a french press/coffee maker etc.
Sandwich bags – use small Reusable Tupperware
Non-rechargeable batteries – Rechargeable batteries
All of these are small, easy changes which will save you a lot of money cumulatively. You may not have even realized that you were wasting money on some of these things, but I hope that now you can see how you can save more on these everyday items.
Is there anything else that you would add to this list? Which one could you implement right now? Let me know in the comments!
Related:
- 13 Easy Ways to Save over $300/month
- 40+ Travel Hacks to Save Money while Traveling
- How to Make a budget – for people who HATE budgets
FTC Disclosure: I may receive a commission for purchases made through links in this post. I only recommend products/services that I personally use and/or believe will add value to readers :) Love ya! Read my full disclosure.
Dru says
Awesome tips!! Loving the blog!
[email protected] says
Thanks so much 🙂 I hope I can help you reach your financial goals!