Saving money when you are shopping doesn’t always happen in the store. It starts at home with the items you already own. Using everything you have to it’s fullest potential will save you money when you do go to the store. We have all heard Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Not only is that good for the environment, it’s good for your pocketbook. MoneySavingmom.com has some ideas where we should start.
1. Use Less
There are some things that you just have to buy, but if you use a little less of them, you’ll stretch those products further. For example, it’s better to go back for a little more shampoo than to use too much to begin with! This is a lesson I need to share with my family.
Here are some ideas for things you can experiment with to see how little you can actually use while still getting the job done:
shampoo/conditioner
toothpaste
laundry detergent: I have a high efficiency washer so I have to be sure to cut back on detergent use
hand soap: Adding a little water to thin it out will not make the soap less effective
dish detergent
lotion
toilet paper: Ugh! This is one I try and try to follow but my family, not so much
milk: Pour smaller amounts in your cup so you don’t waste. If you do have leftover milk, put your cup in the fridge to use in coffee or cereal
electricity: Turn off lights and other devices when you’re not using them.
heat: Use a blanket, sweater, or hot drink to warm up.
baby wipes: Tear them in half and only use what you need.
gas: Make sure you plan your trips so that you aren’t running back and forth wasting gas.
water: Turn off water when brushing your teeth and take shorter showers.
2. Use it All
Don’t waste what you’ve already paid for. It’s ridiculous how much money is wasted each time I clean out the refrigerator. Food is the most obvious item that people have trouble using completely but there are more.
Here are some ways you can be sure to get your money’s worth out of products by using all of it:
Keep a container in your freezer for leftover veggies that you can add to regularly. Then when the container is full, make soup.
Swish some water in your “empty” shampoo/conditioner bottle to get out the last drops.
Freeze over-ripe bananas to use for baking or smoothies.
Cut the tops off your “empty” toothpaste, face wash, and lotion to access some hidden product. You won’t believe how much is left in there.
Save stale bread for making bread crumbs.
3. Use it Twice
There are some things that you can truly only use once. That dab of toothpaste on your toothbrush? Yeah, I’d love to see you try to use that again! Then there are other things that really can be used again and it will save you money in the long run.
Here are some things around your house that can use twice or more:
laundry: Do a sniff test. If it passes, then what’s the harm in wearing it again? The clothes actually last longer if you don’t overwash them.
paper towels: Do you use one to cover your food in the microwave? Use it over & over again.
tin foil: Did you cover a dish without it getting messy? Fold it up & save it.
old t-shirts: Cut them into rags.
gift bags: Use them for a future gift. If they are too wrinkled or ugly you can use them to carry things around.
gift bows: Put a piece of tape on the back and use them over and over.
tissue paper: Did you know that you can iron tissue paper?
plastic food storage bags: I don’t recommend doing this with meat, but you can wash and reuse bags several times.
plastic grocery bags: Use them in small trash cans, to pick up behind your dog on walks, or as a “wet bag” in your diaper bag.
q-tips: If you use one end for touching up your make-up, save it to use the other end next time.
birthday candles & decorations: They are used for such a short time. Why not save them for the next birthday?
disposable swim diapers: If you throw disposable swim diapers in the wash you can use them several times. Of course, if it’s poopie, toss it.
Shopper’s tip: You don’t have to be a coupon queen or a penny pincher to save some cash. Those things certainly help, but when you’ve done everything you can to save money, try these three tactics to stretch your dollar even further.
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