The truth is that sometimes spending some money up front can save you bigger money in the future. And those items you are investing in (because they really are investments) don’t have to cost you and arm and a leg. Check out these 10 frugal items you can buy now to save you big money later!
- Light Bulbs ($8)– LED light bulbs used to be stupid expensive. Fortunately, prices have fallen considerably and you can now buy a fancy LED light bulb for around $6-$8 or less at just about any store. LEDs can last up to 25,000 hours (about 23 years). Plus an LED bulb will draw just a sixth of the electricity to produce the same amount of light as a comparable incandescent bulb. So the savings come in both buying the light bulbs and the electric bill!
- Slow Cooker (mine was only $25!)– On a hectic weeknight, we often feel like we just don’t have the time to prepare a healthy, home-cooked meal. This leads to eating out- which is expensive and has health consequences as well! But throwing some ingredients in a crock pot before work in the morning can magically ensure dinner is virtually done and waiting for you by the time you come back home. Plus the house smells amazing. This Crock-Pot Cook’ N Carry 6-Quart Oval Manual Portable Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel is one of my favorites without breaking the bank.
- Water Efficient Shower Head ($10 and up)– Showerheads that carry a “water saving” designation can lower water flow rates to less than 2 gallons per minute! That’s a savings of about 2,300 gallons per household per year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. And these are VERY inexpensive- I found many right around $10.
- Stop That Drain ($5 and up)– I swear I am going bald with the amount of hair I lose in the shower. And the liquid to clean those drains (not to mention the plumbers bill if it gets really bad) can add up quickly. By putting a drain stopper in the shower you can cut back on those future bills!
- Foam Soap Pump ($10)– As a coupon user I don’t actually spend that much on soap but every penny counts! Each pump of foam soap uses significantly less than a pump of liquid soap, and deposits a rich lather-like foam that may promote more thorough hand washing. Plus it’s more fun- so maybe people will be more willing to wash their hands! You can use it for kitchen soap as well. And many are around $10!
- Advanced Power Strips– Replacing your conventional power strips with advanced power strips (APS) can help reduce the electricity wasted when your devices are not being used. APS are designed for things like home entertainment centers and office areas where there are typically many consumer electronics plugged into a power strip. They work by preventing electronics from drawing power when they are off or not being used. I found this great graphic from the DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory that can help you figure out which APS is right for you!
- Do an Energy Audit– Upgrades following an energy audit can save you money and improve the comfort of your home. My power company actually rebate the entire amount of the audit. Check with your power company to see what resources they have available!
- Amazon Prime ($10.99 and up)– I have been talking for years about how amazing Amazon Prime is. With that one time fee you get FREE 2-day shipping, special coupons, picture storage, free streaming music, free streaming movies and television shows and so much more.
- Programmable Thermostat (around $60 and up)– A programmable thermostat allows you to have even more control over how you heat and cool your home (cause you already know you keep it different temperatures when you are sleeping and not at home). And now most of them come with wi-fi access- so you can adjust the temperature using your phone or computer!
- Garment Steamer ($25 and up)– If you or someone you love works in an office, you might wonder if there is a way to look professional without the enormous dry cleaning bill. A quick search online reveals people report spending almost $1500 a year on dry cleaning. Along with taking care of stains with Shout Stain Remover Wipes or Tide To Go pens keeping your clothes wrinkle free is a high priority. Garment Steamers come in all shapes and sizes- from small handheld portable fabric steamers to power standing cleaners– and can help keep the wrinkles at bay.