Some of the things that I spend the most money on are household items like toilet paper, paper towels, shampoo and conditioner, laundry soap, and dishwashing soap.
I’m sure this is true with most people.
Finally, I realized that there had to be a better way — a way that I could save money when shopping for all of these products.
Check out these tips for saving on household items and lowering your grocery bill:
How To Save On Groceries
#1 – Finish What You Already Have
Use up whatever is left in containers before buying new ones. It’s amazing what you can make stretch when you have to. I’ve often added water to a bit of shampoo, dish soap, or laundry detergent and got another washing or two out of it. You’ll save money by not having to go right away to the store to replace these items.
#2 – Buy Bulk Whenever Possible
Buy in bulk whenever possible. Just be sure to only buy what you really need. Often, people buy things they don’t use very often in bulk. This habit only wastes money (and takes up space) — because it results in extra “stuff” around the house. Besides, some things are likely to expire over time (or in the case of clothing, go out of style). So don’t buy something just because it seems like a good deal.
MUST READ: My Best Tips To Buy In Bulk & Save Money
#3 – Buy Household Items At The Dollar Store
Buy household items at the dollar store. A lot of dollar stores have top-quality brands for a dollar that would cost you $4 or $5 at other stores. I’ve often bought things like shampoo, conditioner, laundry soap, and even some food items at the dollar store.
#4 – Make Your Own Household Products
Make your own household products. I use baking soda to scour my tub, and vinegar to clean my toilet and polish my faucets. The fact of the matter is our great grandmothers made a lot of their own cleaning products, and there’s no reason we can’t too. They work just as well (if not better) than storebought products, and they’ll save you big bucks!
#5 – Clip Coupons And Watch For BOGO Offers
Clip coupons and buy household products Buy-One-Get-One free whenever possible. I’m big on coupons and sales. I don’t even go to the grocery store until I’ve looked at the Sunday circulars.
MUST READ: What’s The Real Story Behind Buy One Get One
#6 – Purchase Store Brand Products Instead Of Brand Name
Purchase store brand versions instead of brand name household products. Often, you can save a dollar or two when you do this. In addition to buying a lot of other things generic, I buy the store’s brand of Benadryl and save $2 every time I do. It’s got the exact same ingredients, and it works just the same.
Here are even more ways to save on household items.
Ways To Cut Back At Home & Save Money
We’re all looking for ways to save money and cut back, right?
These things take very little effort, but have a huge payoff:
- Stop buying the $3 to $5 coffee drinks every day. Instead, make your own coffee a pour it in reusable travel mugs.
- Brown bag your lunch. You’ll save money and eat healthier too!
- Check your tire inflation. Keeping your car’s tires properly inflated will save you money by extending the life of your tires.
- Go to your utility company’s website and put the tips they offer into action to save in lots of ways around the house.
- Make sure that your credit cards have the lowest interest rate possible. Don’t be afraid to call your credit card company and ask for a lower rate.
- Make sure you’re using your cell phone plan in the most cost-saving way.
- Combine your cable, phone, and Internet into one bill, even if it means switching your provider.
- Ask your Internet provider to switch you to a slower-speed Internet service. This doesn’t mean you have to do without high-speed Internet, but slowing it down a tad can save you $15 dollars or so a month and you probably won’t even notice the change in speed!.
- Convert your water heater to a gas water heater. Over the long haul, you will save money.
- Ask for a reduction in your Home Equity Line of Credit interest rate. You may be able to get it lowered by as much as 50%. Any amount helps; it all adds up!
- Don’t buy a new car if your car still runs and isn’t costing you a fortune to keep on the road. Keep driving it until it is no longer cost-effective to keep it.
- Got bugs? Use boric acid to dehydrate and kill them instead of expensive bug sprays.
- Only buy clothes when they’re on sale or second-hand — from Goodwill, thrift shops, or even neighbors.
- Get rid of cable.
- If you’re paying for high-speed Internet, then almost everything you like to watch on TV can be viewed on your computer instead.
- Check out books by your favorite authors at the library rather than buying them.
MUST READ: Even More Great Ways To Save On Everyday Products
More Ways To Cut Back & Save Money
There’s no doubt about it, money is tight these days.
Finding ways to hang onto more of it to either pay bills or to spend on yourself for something fun is better than wasting it by spending more on things you don’t need, right?
Fortunately, some of the best ways to save money actually require little to no extra effort on your part!
My favorite things to write about are topics that have to do with weather, pregnancy, weddings, saving money, living green, and my life with dogs. When I’m not writing, I love to spend time with my husband, read, create 3D artwork and Native American beadwork.
