Things To Buy That Save Money
It may seem counterproductive to buy things in order to save money, but there are many items that can pay for themselves in a short amount of time. In this article, we will discuss various items that you can buy that will help you save money in the long run. From energy-efficient household items to reusable products, there are many ways to cut costs and live a more sustainable lifestyle. Whether you’re feeling the pinch of the cost of living crisis or simply looking for ways to be more financially savvy, we’ve got you covered.
General Home
Plants
- Houseplants purify the air, reducing the need for air purifiers and saving on energy costs.
- Certain plants, such as aloe vera or snake plants, have medicinal properties, reducing healthcare costs.
Salt lamp
- Salt lamps use low-wattage bulbs, so they are energy-efficient and cost-effective.
- They produce negative ions that can improve air quality, potentially reducing the need for expensive air purifiers.
Thermal curtains
- Thermal curtains can prevent cold air from entering your home in the winter and warm air from escaping in the summer.
- They can reduce the need for heating and cooling, leading to significant energy savings and lower utility bills over time.
Draught excluder
- A draught excluder can help save you money by reducing energy costs.
- By blocking gaps around doors and windows, a draught excluder can prevent cold air from entering your home in the winter and warm air from escaping in the summer.
Radiator reflectors
- Radiator reflectors can help save you money by reflecting heat from your radiator back into the room.
- This can prevent the wall behind the radiator from absorbing the heat.
- They can result in significant energy savings and lower heating bills over time.
- Radiator reflectors can help make your home more comfortable by reducing cold spots and drafts near windows.
Weather striping
- Weather stripping can help save you money by reducing energy costs.
- By sealing gaps around windows and doors, weather stripping can prevent cold air from entering your home in the winter and warm air from escaping in the summer.
- This can lead to significant energy savings and lower utility bills over time.
LED bulbs
- LED bulbs are energy-efficient and long-lasting.
- They use up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs.
- They can last up to 25 times longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
- This can result in significant energy and cost savings over time.
Accordion file/filing system
- An accordion file can help you save money by keeping your important documents organised and easily accessible.
- By having a system in place to track bills, receipts, and other important papers, you can avoid late fees, missed payments, and other financial penalties.
Kitchen
Vegetable Peeler
- Using a vegetable peeler can save you money by allowing you to prepare your own fruits and vegetables at home, instead of buying pre-cut or pre-packaged produce.
- Additionally, a vegetable peeler can reduce food waste by enabling you to use the entire fruit or vegetable, rather than discarding the parts that are difficult to cut or peel.
Stainless Steel Pans
- Stainless steel pans are durable and long-lasting, so you won’t need to replace them as frequently as cheaper pans.
- They are also non-reactive, which means they won’t leach harmful chemicals into your food. This helps you avoid the need to replace your cookware due to health concerns.
- Additionally, stainless steel pans are versatile and can be used for a wide range of cooking methods. This reduces the need to purchase multiple types of cookware.
High-quality oven trays
- High-quality oven trays are more durable and long-lasting than cheaper trays.
- Cheaper trays may warp, buckle, or become discoloured over time, leading to the need for frequent replacements.
- Investing in high-quality oven trays can save you money in the long run by avoiding the need for frequent replacements.
- High-quality oven trays may distribute heat more evenly, preventing burning or undercooking and potentially saving you money by avoiding the need to re-cook or throw away ruined food.
Instant Pot
- Buying an Instant Pot can save you time and energy by cooking meals quickly and efficiently, reducing the need to eat out or order takeout.
- An Instant Pot can replace multiple appliances, potentially saving you money on buying separate kitchen gadgets, since it can be used for a wide range of cooking methods e.g. pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming, sautéing, and even making yogurt or cakes.
- An Instant Pot can help you reduce food waste by allowing you to cook meals with ingredients that are close to their expiration date, thus helping you avoid throwing away food and money.
- Using an air fryer instead of a deep fryer can reduce the amount of oil needed to prepare fried foods, potentially saving money on cooking oil and creating healthier meals.
Vitamix
- Using a Vitamix can help you make healthy, whole-food meals and snacks at home, reducing the need to eat out or purchase processed foods.
- The Vitamix can be used for a wide range of cooking methods, such as blending, pureeing, and chopping, replacing multiple kitchen appliances and potentially saving you money on buying separate gadgets.
- The Vitamix can also help you reduce food waste by allowing you to use up fruits and vegetables that are close to their expiration date, helping you avoid throwing away food and money.
Coffee machine
- The cost of buying coffee from a shop can accumulate over time, but making your own coffee can be significantly cheaper.
- Additionally, making your own coffee allows you to control the ingredients and quality, potentially leading to a better overall experience.
- Finally, making your own coffee at home can be more convenient by avoiding the need to wait in queues or travel to a coffee shop. (Who doesn’t love saving time and money?)
Reusable food bags
- Purchasing reusable food bags can help you reduce the number of disposable plastic bags you use. This can potentially save you money on buying new bags.
- Reusable bags are more durable than disposable bags, so you won’t need to replace them as often. This can save you money over time.
- Reusable bags can be used for a variety of purposes, such as storing food in the fridge or freezer, or packing lunches. This can potentially save you money on disposable containers or bags.
Reusable food containers
- Purchasing reusable food containers can reduce the number of disposable plastic containers you use, which may save you money on buying new ones.
- Reusable containers are more durable than disposable ones, so you won’t need to replace them as often, ultimately saving you money.
- These containers can be used in various ways, such as storing food in the fridge or freezer and packing lunches, which can save you money on disposable containers or bags.
White chalk pen
- Purchasing a white chalk pen can save you money by enabling you to easily label and date food in your fridge or freezer.
- This can help you avoid throwing away food that has gone bad or expired, potentially saving you money on groceries.
- Furthermore, the chalk pen markings can be easily wiped off, allowing you to reuse the containers and reducing the need to purchase disposable containers or bags.
Planned takeaway
- Planning takeaway nights in advance can help you save money by reducing impulsive takeaway orders throughout the week.
- This can lead to healthier eating habits by encouraging you to plan and prepare more meals at home.
- Planning takeaway nights in advance can also make them more enjoyable overall, since you can look forward to them as a treat rather than a guilty indulgence.
Bathroom
Reusable cotton pads
- Buying reusable cotton pads can save you money in the long run by reducing the need to purchase disposable cotton pads.
- Reusable cotton pads are washable and often made from more durable materials than disposable ones. This means they can be used for longer periods of time without needing to be replaced.
Exfoliating mitt
- Buying an exfoliating mitt can help you save money in the long run by reducing the need to purchase expensive exfoliating scrubs.
- You can use the mitt with your regular body wash or soap to exfoliate your skin, eliminating dead skin cells and promoting healthy skin.
- In addition, the mitt is reusable and washable, meaning you won’t have to replace it as often as disposable exfoliating pads or scrubs, which can ultimately save you money over time.
Stainless steel razor
- Buying a stainless steel razor can save you money in the long run because it is durable and long-lasting, meaning you won’t need to replace it as frequently as disposable razors. This makes it a more cost-effective option over time.
- In addition to being more durable, using a stainless steel razor can be cheaper than purchasing disposable razors over time. Disposable razors can be expensive to replace, especially if you shave frequently, which can lead to a significant cost over time.
- Furthermore, stainless steel razors are often higher quality than disposable razors, which can provide a better shave and reduce the need to purchase additional shaving products or accessories. This can also contribute to additional cost savings in the long run.
Hair clippers
- Using hair clippers to cut your own hair can save you money on haircuts over time.
- Hair clippers are a one-time purchase, so you won’t need to keep paying for haircuts on a regular basis.
- By using hair clippers at home, you can save time and enjoy the convenience of not needing to travel to a salon or barber for a haircut.
Cleaning & Laundry
Drying rack
- Using a drying rack instead of a dryer can help you save money on electricity or gas bills.
- Drying your clothes on a rack can help them last longer because the heat from a dryer can cause fabrics to shrink or fade over time.
Sewing kit
- Extend the lifespan of your clothing by mending clothes and fixing minor wear and tear.
- Save money in the long run by avoiding the need to pay a tailor or seamstress for repairs.
- Lower your clothing costs over time by making your own clothes or altering existing clothing to fit you better instead of buying new clothes or having clothes tailored.
Castile soap
- Castile soap is a concentrated liquid soap, so a little goes a long way, potentially saving you money on soap purchases over time.
- It is a multi-purpose cleaner, allowing you to replace multiple cleaning products and reducing the need to purchase separate products for different cleaning tasks.
Vinegar and bicarbonate of soda
- Vinegar and baking soda are natural cleaning products that can eliminate the need to purchase expensive and potentially harmful cleaning products.
- These two ingredients are versatile and can be used for a wide range of cleaning tasks. This reduces the need to purchase multiple cleaning products for different purposes.
- Additionally, vinegar and baking soda are often less expensive than traditional cleaning products, making them a cost-effective and eco-friendly option for cleaning your home.
Essential oils
- Essential oils can be used to create your own cleaning products, eliminating the need to purchase expensive and potentially harmful cleaning products.
- They are versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes, such as aromatherapy, skin care, and hair care, reducing the need to purchase separate products for each use.
- Since essential oils are often highly concentrated, a small amount can go a long way, potentially saving you money on individual products over time.
Bedroom
Electric blanket
- Buying an electric blanket can save you money by reducing the need to use central heating overnight.
- Instead of heating your entire home, you can use the electric blanket to warm up your bed, creating a cosy and comfortable sleeping environment.
- This can lead to significant energy savings and lower utility bills over time.
Wardrobe
- Investing in higher quality clothes can save you money in the long run, as they are often more durable and long-lasting than cheaper alternatives.
- This means you won’t have to replace them as frequently, ultimately saving you money on clothing purchases over time.
- In addition, higher quality clothes are typically made from better materials and with better construction, reducing the need for repairs or alterations and saving you even more money.
- Finally, higher quality clothes may retain their value better than cheaper clothes, allowing you to sell or donate them for a higher price if you no longer want them.
Cosy house cardi/jumper
- Purchasing a cosy house cardigan or jumper can save you money by enabling you to lower your thermostat and reduce your reliance on central heating.
- By wearing warm clothing indoors, you can maintain a comfortable temperature without having to turn up the heat, resulting in significant energy savings and lower utility bills over time.
Garden
Solar lights
- Solar garden lights operate without electricity, so you won’t pay for energy costs to power them.
- Solar garden lights are often more durable and long-lasting than traditional outdoor lighting, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Raised beds
- Purchasing raised beds can save you money by enabling you to grow your own vegetables, fruits, and herbs at home.
- Growing your own produce can help you save on groceries, as you won’t need to purchase as much from the store.
Rotating washing line/Whirligig
- Using a rotating washing line can save you money by allowing you to dry your clothes outside instead of using a tumble dryer.
- Tumble dryers can be expensive to run, and using a washing line can help you reduce your energy bills.
- Additionally, using a washing line can extend the life of your clothes by reducing wear and tear from the heat of a tumble dryer. This means you won’t need to replace your clothes as frequently, saving you money in the long run.
Basic tool kit
- Buying a basic toolkit can save you money in the long run by allowing you to make minor repairs and improvements around your home without needing to hire a professional.
- You can use a hammer and nails to hang pictures or shelves, or a measuring tape to ensure that furniture fits properly in a room.
- Being able to make these repairs or improvements yourself can save you money on labour costs and potentially avoid the need to replace items that could have been repaired.
- Having a basic toolkit on hand can help you tackle small home improvement projects, potentially increasing the value of your home and leading to greater financial returns in the future.
Out and About
Reusable Water Bottle
- Purchasing a reusable water bottle can save you money by allowing you to refill it for free at water fountains or at home, instead of buying bottled water.
- Many shops offer discounts or incentives for using a reusable water bottle, which can save you money on drinks while you’re out and about.
Travel Mug
- Purchasing a travel mug can save you money since you can bring your own coffee or tea with you rather than buying drinks from coffee shops or cafes while you’re out and about.
- The cost of buying drinks from a shop can add up over time, making the use of a travel mug significantly cheaper.
Reusable Shopping Bags
- Investing in reusable shopping bags can save you money and reduce plastic waste, especially in places where you have to pay for bags, such as the UK.
- Reusable bags can be used for various purposes beyond just shopping, such as carrying gym clothes, packing for a weekend trip, or storing seasonal items.
- Additionally, reusable bags are often more durable than disposable bags, so you won’t need to purchase replacements as frequently, saving you money in the long run.
Picnic bag
- Buying a picnic bag can help you save money by allowing you to pack your own meals and snacks for outdoor activities instead of purchasing expensive food and drinks from vendors or restaurants.
- This can be particularly cost-effective for families or groups since buying food and drinks for multiple people can quickly add up.
Bike
- Purchasing a bike can save you money on petrol and car maintenance.
- It may also decrease your need for car insurance or parking expenses.
Travel
Travel kettle
- Purchasing a travel kettle can help you save money by allowing you to prepare simple meals and snacks on the go, instead of relying on expensive convenience foods.
- For instance, you can use a travel kettle to quickly make porridge for breakfast or to prepare instant noodles for a budget-friendly dinner.
- Moreover, since travel kettles are often compact and lightweight, they are a convenient and cost-effective option for people who frequently travel or spend time away from home.
Washing line
- Purchasing a compact washing line can save you money while traveling by allowing you to wash your clothes on the go, rather than relying on expensive laundry services or buying new clothes.
- By washing your clothes regularly, you can avoid the need to pack as many clothes for your trip, which may reduce the size and weight of your luggage.
- Compact washing lines are often lightweight and easy to pack, making them a convenient and cost-effective option for frequent travellers or those who spend time away from home.
Kids
Ice lolly moulds
- Buying ice lolly moulds can save you money by allowing you to make your own frozen treats at home, rather than purchasing pre-made ice lollies from the store.
- Homemade ice lollies can be significantly cheaper than store-bought ones, and you can control the ingredients and flavours to suit your preferences.
Shoe fitting device
- Purchasing a shoe fitting device can save you money by enabling you to accurately measure your child’s feet at home instead of having to buy shoes in-store or pay for a professional fitting.
- By accurately measuring your child’s feet, you can guarantee that the shoes you buy fit well and are comfortable, reducing the need to frequently purchase new ones.
Planning
Finance planner
- A financial planner can help you effectively track your expenses and budget.
- Understanding your income and expenses can help you identify areas where you may be overspending or wasting money, and make adjustments to your budget to save money over time.
- A financial planner can help you stay organised and avoid late fees or other penalties for missed payments or bills.
Meal planner
- Buying a meal planner can save you money by helping you plan out your meals and grocery shopping more effectively.
- By having a clear plan for the week ahead, you can avoid making impulsive purchases or dining out unnecessarily, potentially saving you money on food costs.
- Additionally, by planning your meals, you can ensure that you use up all of the ingredients you purchase, reducing food waste and avoiding the need to throw away unused groceries, which can be a waste of money.
Other
Amazon prime
- Amazon Prime offers free delivery on many items, which can save you money on shipping costs.
- With Amazon Prime, you can access a variety of streaming services for movies, TV shows, and music, potentially reducing the need to purchase these items separately.
- Amazon Prime also provides exclusive deals and discounts on certain products, helping you save money on purchases.
Bonus
Lifelong learning
- Personal finance books or courses can help you learn how to manage your money more effectively. This can potentially lead to reduced debt, increased savings, and improved financial stability over time.
- Investing in courses or training programs related to your career can help you develop new skills and knowledge that can lead to career advancement, job security, and potentially higher pay.
- Personal development courses or programs can help you improve your overall well-being. This can potentially reduce healthcare costs and improve your quality of life over time.
Living in a smaller home
- Smaller homes are often less expensive to purchase or rent than larger homes, leading to potential savings on housing costs over time.
- Smaller homes are also cheaper to maintain and heat since they require less energy to keep warm and clean. This leads to significant cost savings on utility bills and general maintenance costs over time.
- Living in a smaller home can encourage you to downsize and simplify your possessions, potentially leading to a more minimalist lifestyle and reduced spending on unnecessary items.
These are a few ideas for items that can help you save money. When making purchases, it’s important to consider the long-term cost savings. From energy-efficient household items to reusable products, there are many ways to cut costs and live a more sustainable lifestyle. Investing in high-quality, durable products can help you avoid the need for frequent replacements and ultimately save money. By understanding areas where you can save money, you can take steps to be more financially savvy and reduce your overall expenses.
What other things can you buy that save money? Please let me know in the comments 🤍