When it comes to shopping, sometimes the cheapest option is the way to go. It’s not necessarily to help you cut corners, but actually, because it can be a smart way to save money. Buying the expensive versions of some things is completely pointless, so here are 18 items you should always buy at their lowest price.
Greeting Cards
Greeting cards are a funny thing because the other person will read them quickly, and then they almost always get thrown away. So why spend a lot of money on them? Get a budget-friendly one because they’ll give the same message to the other person as a more expensive one. And even if they don’t, you can always write one yourself.
Cleaning Products
Generic cleaning sprays and soaps usually work just as hard as fancy brands. They’ll wipe away dirt and leave your counters sparkling, so there’s no point in paying extra just for a better scent. Next time you’re stocking up, go for the cheaper stuff that won’t drain your savings. Even professional cleaners buy the regular stuff.
Basic Tools
Unless you’re building a house from scratch, basic tools from the dollar store are usually enough to fix any problems around the house. After all, a hammer is a hammer, whether it’s $5 or $25. Save that money for something else you really want instead of wasting it on pointless tools.
Over-the-Counter Medications
The majority of the time, generic, over-the-counter medicine has the same ingredients as the brand names, so there’s not really any point in buying the more expensive kind. For everyday aches and pains, go for the cheaper stuff because it’ll fix you up just as well. You can use that cash on something more fun than headache pills.
Spices
Gourmet chefs are the only people who really need to be spending lots of money on spices, as the cheap ones will do pretty much the same thing in everyday recipes. After all, it’s how you mix the spices together that’ll bring out the flavor in your chicken or toast, not the brand’s name on the packaging.
Party Supplies
You don’t need top-shelf disposable party supplies like plates and cups, you just need something that’ll hold your snacks and drinks without folding. Stick to the cheap stuff and use the extra money to buy even more snacks so that everyone’s happy. Why point more than you have to?
HDMI Cables
All HDMI cables do the same thing, which is to send your favorite shows and games from your device to your TV. Don’t get tricked into spending on “premium” cables when a cheaper one works just as well, as it’s just a waste of money. The digital signal doesn’t care about the brand, and neither should you.
Food Storage Containers
It doesn’t matter if you put your leftovers in a simple container or one that costs a bundle because they’ll all taste the same. If they’re just for everyday use, you’re better off sticking to cheaper containers and using that money to buy something tastier. You can also even get some of those containers in multipacks for extra savings.
Cooking Tools
Similarly, you don’t need gold-plated tools to flip a pancake or stir a pot. Of course, some of the better ones may do a slightly better job, but most of the regular kitchen utensils can handle the heat just as well. They’re just meant to make your cooking easier, and there’s not really any point in investing in gimmicks.
Water Bottles
Who cares if your water bottle doesn’t have a fancy logo or cool design? The important thing is that you stay hydrated, and you should buy any reliable, reusable bottle that can do that. Ignore those expensive bottles because they’re not going to make your water any healthier or taste any better.
Exercise Equipment
You don’t need flashy gear to get fit, as simple dumbbells and yoga mats are just as effective for your workout routine. After all, you’re meant to feel good and stay healthy, not impress everyone around you with your branded equipment. Treat yourself to something with the cash you’ll save from buying generic equipment.
Sunglasses
Good sunglasses will protect your eyes from the sun, and that has nothing to do with the price tag on them. As long as they still have good UV protection, cheaper pairs can keep you stylish and safe without having to pay those designer costs. And better yet, it’s no big deal if you lose them.
Gardening Supplies
Only professional gardeners should be buying fancy gardening tools because the simple ones work well enough for everybody else. You can invest that extra money into your garden itself by buying more plants. What really matters is how much time and effort you’re putting in the dirt instead of the cost of the tools.
For the Pantry
How you prepare your rice or beans will fill you up, not necessarily the brand that you’re buying. You should stock up on those essentials and ignore the labels, especially if there are some multipack options available. Then, you can buy something extra to make that meal even more delicious.
Notebooks and Stationery
A pen and paper will always do the same job, no matter how much you pay for them. Focus on capturing your thoughts and writing down the things you need to do without spending extra money. With all those cheaper options to choose from, you can afford to buy more of them and have specific ones for your specific goals.
Phone Cases
As long as your phone case protects your phone, you should stick to the cheaper ones. This way, you can switch it out whenever you feel like it because you know your phone will stay protected, and you won’t have to pay a premium price for it. You could even choose a new color design each season if you really feel like it.
Bed Linen
You can buy soft and comfortable bed linen pretty easily, just without that luxury markup, and you’ll find it does the same job. How much you’re paying for these sheets won’t give you a better night’s sleep, so you’re just wasting money on buying expensive ones. Save that many and get a better pillow instead.
Socks
No matter how much you pay for them, your socks will always get holes in them, and you’ll always lose them. If you buy them in bulk for a lower price, you’ll always have a clean pair ready to go, and your feet will always be warm. Sometimes, simpler really is better, especially when it comes to the basics.
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