50 Things to Buy That Will Actually Save You Money in the Long Run

Published:

In a world where expenses seem to be constantly on the rise, saving money has become more important than ever. Fortunately, there are many items you can purchase that not only improve your quality of life but also lead to significant savings in the long run.

From reducing your energy bills to cutting down on waste, these smart investments can help you keep more money in your pocket. So, without further ado, let’s explore 50 things you should buy that will actually save you money!

1. Reusable Water Bottle

Stainless steel reusable water bottle on vineyard background. Copy space. Zero waste, no plastic. Reusable water bottle.
Image Credit: Stock liberi/Shutterstock.

A high-quality reusable water bottle not only saves you money on bottled water but also helps reduce plastic waste, making it a doubly wise investment for both your wallet and the environment.

2. LED Light Bulbs

Electric LED Lightbulb Change In Light At Home.
Image Credit: Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock.

Switching to energy-efficient LED bulbs not only cuts down on your energy consumption but also boasts an impressively long lifespan, translating to years of reduced replacement costs and lower utility bills.

3. Programmable Thermostat

Family looking at smart thermostat, adjusting, lowering heating temperature at home. Concept of sustainable, efficient, and smart technology in home heating and thermostats.
Image Credit: Halfpoint/Shutterstock.

By allowing you to schedule temperature adjustments according to your daily routine, a programmable thermostat optimizes your heating and cooling systems, leading to noticeable savings on your energy bills.

4. Solar-Powered Chargers

Smartphone charging with pink power bank with solar battery on wood background, selective focus and soft focus
Image Credit: Melnikov Dmitriy/Shutterstock.

Solar-powered chargers are not just eco-friendly; they harness the sun’s energy to charge your devices, which can significantly reduce your electricity costs and reliance on traditional power sources.

5. Cloth Napkins

White linen napkins, flower and ceramic plates top view with sunlight shadow on white background with copy space.
Image Credit: IrenaStar/Shutterstock.

Elevate your dining experience with cloth napkins, which not only add a touch of elegance to your table but also save you money by eliminating the recurring expense of disposable paper napkins.

6. Stainless Steel or Glass Straws

Iced caramel macchiato coffee in glass with stainless steel straw for drink. Concept for reduce plastic pollution and support green eco friendly products.
Image Credit: Charlie Waradee/Shutterstock.

These reusable straws are both stylish and environmentally responsible, providing a long-term solution that saves you money compared to the continual purchase of disposable plastic straws.

7. Energy-Efficient Appliances

Interior of home laundry room with modern washing machine
Image Credit: Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock.

Investing in energy-efficient appliances may require an initial upfront cost, but over time, you’ll enjoy lower energy bills, making it a smart financial move.

8. Rechargeable Batteries

Rechargeable batteries in a battery charger. Four AA batteries in a charger with a green display showing the level of charge. NI-MH and LI-MH battery.
Image Credit: TTL Deez/Shutterstock.

Say goodbye to single-use batteries and opt for rechargeable ones. They’ll serve you well over many charge cycles and reduce waste, leading to substantial long-term savings.

9. Cloth Diapers

A happy, content baby girl lying on her stomach doing tummy time to strengthen her back muscles. She is wearing a modern, reusable cloth diaper.
Image Credit: Inez Carter/Shutterstock.

While cloth diapers may involve a greater upfront investment, they can save you thousands of dollars compared to disposable diapers, making them an eco-friendly and budget-conscious choice.

10. DIY Home Repair Tools

Various Power Tools Laying On Wooden Desk
Image Credit: Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock.

Having a toolkit at your disposal is not only a matter of convenience but also a money-saving measure. You can tackle minor home repairs yourself instead of shelling out for professional services.

11. Meal Prep Containers

Woman taking container with frozen cauliflower cabbage from refrigerator
Image Credit: New Africa/Shutterstock.

Invest in a set of quality meal prep containers, and not only will you save money by cooking and storing meals in advance, but you’ll also have healthier, home-cooked options readily available, reducing the temptation to dine out.

12. Coffee Maker With Reusable Filter

A black drip electric coffee machine with a glass teapot brews a morning drink. Household appliances, a white cup and a jar of beans on the kitchen table on the countertop at home
Image Credit: Evgrafova Svetlana/Shutterstock.

Switch to a coffee maker with a reusable filter to minimize ongoing costs associated with disposable paper filters. You’ll enjoy your favorite brew while saving money in the long run.

13. Energy-Efficient Windows

Construction worker putting sealing foam tape on window in house.
Image Credit: Africa Studio/Shutterstock.

Upgrading to energy-efficient windows will improve your home’s insulation, helping maintain a consistent indoor temperature. This translates to lower heating and cooling expenses and a cozier living space.

14. Bidet Attachment for Toilet

bidet in modern toilet with wall mount shower attachment
Image Credit: jantsarik/Shutterstock.

Installing a bidet attachment not only enhances personal hygiene but also reduces the need for toilet paper, leading to substantial savings over time.

15. Portable Water Filter

A view of several packages of LifeStraw personal portable water filter systems, on display at at a local big box grocery store.
Image Credit: The Image Party/Shutterstock.

Make a one-time investment in a portable water filter, and you’ll no longer need to purchase bottled water. Enjoy the taste of filtered tap water while saving money and reducing plastic waste.

16. Rainwater Harvesting System

Rain water harvesting water storage under ground
Image Credit: Venkatesa Perumal/Shutterstock.

Collecting rainwater for outdoor use can significantly reduce your water bill and contribute to sustainable water management practices.

17. Quality Reusable Shopping Bags

Girl is holding mesh shopping bag and cotton shopper with vegetables without plastic bags at farmers market. Zero waste, plastic free concept. Sustainable lifestyle.
Image Credit: j.chizhe/Shutterstock.

Ditch single-use plastic bags and opt for sturdy, reusable shopping bags. You’ll not only save money on disposable bags but also play your part in reducing plastic pollution.

18. Sewing Machine for Repairs

Seamstress female hands holding and stitching yellow textile fabric on modern sewing machine at workplace. Sewing process, upholstery, clothes, repair, DIY.
Image Credit: Katerina Maksymenko/Shutterstock.

A sewing machine at home means you can mend clothing and textiles yourself, reducing the need to replace damaged items and cutting down on clothing expenses.

19. Compost Bin

Making compost from organic waste in the garden. A woman stirs waste in a wooden compost bin with a pitchfork. Using kitchen waste to make compost. Increasing the fertility and aeration of the soil.
Image Credit: nieriss/Shutterstock.

Composting your kitchen waste not only reduces trash disposal costs but also produces nutrient-rich soil for your garden, resulting in healthier plants and less money spent on fertilizers.

20. Reusable Food Storage Containers

Woman taking container with frozen cauliflower cabbage from refrigerator
Image Credit: New Africa/Shutterstock.

Swap out disposable containers for eco-friendly, reusable options. Over time, you’ll save money and reduce your contribution to the ever-growing problem of plastic waste.

21. High-Quality Razor With Replaceable Blades

Serious guy shaving his beard
Image Credit: Olena Yakobchuk/Shutterstock.

Investing in a durable razor with replaceable blades ensures a close shave and a long lifespan. Say goodbye to disposable razors and their ongoing costs.

22. Shoe Repair Kit

Portrait of beautiful young woman shopping new shoes in store.
Image Credit: NDAB Creativity/Shutterstock.

Extend the life of your footwear by investing in a shoe repair kit. Small repairs can make a big difference and save you from having to buy new shoes frequently.

23. Power Strips With Energy-Saving Features

Multi-socket Power Strip with a bunch of plugs on it
Image Credit: Wachiwit/Shutterstock.

Use power strips with timers or auto-shutoff to prevent standby power consumption in your electronic devices. This simple addition can lead to noticeable savings on your electricity bill.

24. Bicycle for Commuting

Portrait of a happy smiling woman dressed in cycling clothes, helmet and sunglasses riding a bicycle on the asphalt out-of-town bicycle path. Active sporty people concept image.
Image Credit: Soloviova Liudmyla/Shutterstock.

Consider using a bicycle for your daily commute, and you’ll not only save money on gas and parking but also reap the health benefits of regular exercise.

25. Insulated Lunch Bag

hand holding a red lunch pack carrier or insulation bag
Image Credit: Freer/Shutterstock.

A reusable insulated lunch bag keeps your homemade meals fresh and reduces the temptation to dine out during lunch breaks, ultimately saving you money on restaurant bills.

26. Canning Supplies for Home Preservation

Home canning, canned vegetables
Image Credit: BestPhotoPlus/Shutterstock.

Preserve the bounty of your garden or local produce with canning supplies. This DIY approach can lead to significant savings on groceries throughout the year.

27. Cloth Dish Towels

Beautiful young hispanic wife with typical cute dress washing and drying dishes after home party with friends. Real woman busy helping with housework. Concept of Women's work never stops even at home
Image Credit: Robby Fontanesi/Shutterstock.

Replace disposable paper towels with cloth dish towels, and you’ll cut down on ongoing expenses and minimize your environmental impact.

28. DIY Cleaning Supplies

eco cleaning set on table, jar of soda, lemon and natural non-toxic cleaners, soap, luffa and wooden brush, zero waste lifestyle
Image Credit: TShaKopy/Shutterstock.

Creating your cleaning solutions is both cost-effective and eco-friendly. It also allows you to customize cleaning products to suit your needs and preferences.

29. Home Water Filtration System

House water filtration system. Osmosis deionization system. Installation of water purification filters under kitchen sink
Image Credit: Hodoimg/Shutterstock.

Installing a home water filtration system can save you money on bottled water and extend the lifespan of appliances that use water, like your coffee maker or kettle.

30. Portable Lunch Containers

Portrait of a young smiling woman with green lunch boxes indoors
Image Credit: RossHelen/Shutterstock.

Reusable portable lunch containers are not only environmentally friendly but also help save money on takeout meals, as you can carry your home-cooked food with you.

31. Cloth Menstrual Pads or Menstrual Cup

Close up of a young woman pointing in front of her a menstrual cup in one hand, Gynecology concept, ith her thums up aproving the use of the mentrual cup
Image Credit: Fotos593/Shutterstock.

Ditch disposable menstrual products for reusable, cost-effective alternatives that can save you a significant amount over the years.

32. Reusable K-Cup for Coffee Makers

Reusable K cups for coffee machine. Filters are red and black with fine mesh. Individual coffee pods are sitting on a staff room table with chairs out of focus in the background.
Image Credit: Ssirounarev/Shutterstock.

Enjoy your favorite coffee without constantly buying single-use K-Cups. Reusable K-Cups are not only cost-effective but also allow you to enjoy a wider variety of coffee blends.

33. Energy-Efficient HVAC System

Engineer adjusting thermostat for efficient automated heating system
Image Credit: Kaspars Grinvalds/Shutterstock.

Upgrading your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to a more energy-efficient model can result in substantial energy savings and a more comfortable home.

34. DIY Garden Tools

A mother and her son build wooden planters to grow organic vegetables on the terrace
Image Credit: Jack Frog/Shutterstock.

Maintaining your garden with DIY tools not only saves on landscaping costs but also provides you with fresh produce, reducing your grocery expenses.

35. Reusable Snack Bags

Hiking snacks in reusable bags
Image Credit: HikingChick/Shutterstock.

Swap disposable snack bags for reusable ones. These eco-friendly options are not only better for the planet but also save you money in the long run.

36. Solar-Powered Outdoor Lights

Decorative Small Solar Garden Light, Lanterns In Flower Bed In Green Foliage. Garden Design. Solar Powered Lamps In Row
Image Credit: George Trumpeter/Shutterstock.

Solar-powered lights illuminate your outdoor space while saving you money on electricity costs, as they charge during the day and light up at night.

37. Home Weatherization Kits

Worker in overall is setting thermal insulating material with gloves in the roof
Image Credit: Kzenon/Shutterstock.

Sealing gaps, insulating your home, and optimizing its energy efficiency can lead to noticeable savings on heating and cooling expenses.

38. Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent

detergent packaging concept design showing eco friendly cleaning and washing
Image Credit: StarLine/Shutterstock.

Switch to eco-friendly laundry detergents that are both gentle on the environment and on your wallet. These detergents often require smaller quantities for effective cleaning.

39. Reusable Cleaning Cloths

Brushes, sponges, cleaning cloth and natural cleaning products in the basket. Eco-friendly cleaning products. Spring freshness and purity concept
Image Credit: Anna Puzatykh/Shutterstock.

Replace disposable cleaning wipes with washable, reusable cloths. They’re not only a sustainable choice but also an economical one, as you won’t have to keep buying disposable cleaning products.

40. Reusable Ice Packs

Applying Ice Pack Cold Therapy Gel For Shoulder Injury
Image Credit: Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock.

Reusable ice packs are a cost-effective alternative to disposable ones, whether you’re using them for injuries, keeping food cold, or packing a cooler for a day out.

41. Battery-Powered Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush

Young and cheerful woman brushing teeth with electric toothbrush during morning hygiene procedures in the bathroom
Image Credit: RossHelen/Shutterstock.

Upgrade to a rechargeable electric toothbrush to reduce ongoing costs and minimize waste associated with disposable toothbrushes. It’s a practical choice for both your oral health and your finances.

42. Food Dehydrator for Preserving

Electric drying machine for dehydration of products with horizontal loading of pallets. There are apples, bananas, apricots and cherries on the pallets. Close-up, natural light.
Image Credit: Aleks Images/Shutterstock.

Extend the shelf life of fruits, vegetables, and meats by dehydrating them at home. This preservation method can help you save money by reducing food waste and allowing you to enjoy your favorite seasonal treats year-round.

43. Energy-Efficient Space Heaters

Woman with cat at home, focus on electric halogen heater, closeup.
Image Credit: New Africa/Shutterstock.

Energy-efficient space heaters provide warmth without increasing your heating bill. They are a cost-effective solution for maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature in specific rooms without heating the entire house.

44. Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Electric LED Lightbulb Change In Light At Home.
Image Credit: Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock.

Compact fluorescent bulbs provide energy savings and have a significantly longer lifespan compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. They might cost a bit more initially, but they are an investment that pays off in the long run.

45. Reusable Silicone Food Covers

reusable silicone food wrap and bowl cover
Image Credit: modchan/Shutterstock.

Seal your food containers with reusable silicone covers instead of disposable plastic wrap. These versatile, eco-friendly covers are washable and provide a cost-effective alternative to single-use plastics.

46. Cloth Baby Wipes

baby, newborn baby cute blue-eyed, dark hair, baby 2 months in a blue body lying on his stomach
Image Credit: Evgeniya Yantseva/Shutterstock.

Switching to cloth wipes for your baby’s care can lead to substantial savings over time, especially if you have multiple children in diapers. They are gentle on your baby’s skin and the environment.

47. Insulated Travel Mug

Thermos with warm black coffee.
Image Credit: CrissLari/Shutterstock.

A reusable insulated travel mug keeps your beverages hot or cold while reducing the temptation to purchase takeout drinks on the go. The upfront investment quickly pays for itself as you save money and reduce waste.

48. Reusable Mop With Washable Pads

Portrait Of Young Woman Mopping Floor At Home
Image Credit: Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock.

Make the switch to a mop with washable, reusable pads, and you’ll save money on disposable mop pad replacements while keeping your floors clean and environmentally friendly.

49. DIY Car Maintenance Tools

Hands of car mechanic with wrench in garage.
mechanic, car maintenance, servicing car

Learning basic car maintenance and investing in the necessary tools not only empowers you to take care of your vehicle but also saves you money on auto repair bills. Regular maintenance can extend the life of your car and prevent costly breakdowns.

15 Things That Are No Longer Worth It Because of How Expensive They Have Become

Portrait of beautiful young blonde woman posing and giving a kiss to the camera.
Image Credit: PKpix/Shutterstock.

 

Everything comes with a hefty price tag these days. From indulgences to essentials, the cost of living keeps rising. We used to consider certain items affordable options, but now they’ve become so expensive that they’re no longer worth it. Here are 15 things that have lost their affordability and make us wonder if they are worth it!

15 Things That Are No Longer Worth It Because of How Expensive They Have Become

28 Practical Ways Frugal People Save Lots of Money

Young pretty woman traveller in baseball cap looks and smiles at camera at green nature forest background, portrait close up.
Image Credit: DedMityay/Shutterstock.

 

Saving money doesn’t have to mean saying goodbye to life’s little indulgences. With a few smart tweaks, you can stash away cash for that dream vacation, rainy day fund, or splurge-worthy purchase without feeling like you’re on a constant budget patrol.

Think of it as a side hustle that pays off without the extra hours. Whether you’re looking to conquer debt or simply boost your bank account, these tips are guaranteed to put more money in your pocket, painlessly.

28 Practical Ways Frugal People Save Lots of Money

15 Ways Frugal People Save Money on Their Grocery Bill

Smiling woman buying packed salad while shopping at grocery store.
Image Credit: Drazen Zigic/Shutterstock.

 

High grocery prices don’t seem to be going anywhere, so it’s crucial to find ways to cut costs to help keep food costs low. Here are fifteen examples of money-saving things you can do to spend less at the grocery store.

15 Ways Frugal People Save Money on Their Grocery Bill

Leave a Comment