Jamie Novak Updated: Sep. 01, 2022
These little-known tricks and inexpensive money-saving products will put more cash in your pocket today.
1/19
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Travel sizes save money
To avoid using bacteria-laden mascara, did you know the FDA recommends replacing it every three months? In the future, purchase the smaller, less expensive, travel-size version which you can use up before the expiration date. Check out our favorite ways to save money around your home.
2/19
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Foaming soap dispenser
Save money by swapping your liquid hand soap dispenser for the foaming version. This unique dispenser has a pump that turns regular liquid soap into foam which means it takes less soap to create a lather. Plus: Did you know you can save money on your car at Costco? Find out more here.
3/19
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Skip spoiled fruits
According to CNN Money, the average American household wastes $640 per year in spoiled food. These Rubbermaid FreshWorks Produce Saver Food Storage containers have little vents that regulate the flow of oxygen and carbon dioxide extending the life of perishable herbs, fruits, and vegetables. The manufacturer claims produce will stay fresher 80 percent longer and that’s some serious savings.
4/19
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Turn containers upside down
After opening containers of foods like cottage cheese, yogurt, salsa, and spaghetti sauce store them upside down in the refrigerator. By inverting the container, CBS reports it creates a vacuum effect that slows the growth of food spoiling bacteria. The less food you have to toss the more money you save. Next, check out our best tips for saving money during your home remodel.
5/19
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A quicker way to dry your clothes
You’ll save money by skipping expensive dryer sheets and tossing a few re-useable Wool Dryer Balls in the dryer instead. Not only will the dry time be cut down by up to 40 percent, according to the manufacturer, but clothes will come out softer and less staticky.
6/19
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Freeze the cash
Don’t waste un-used portions of broth, tomato paste, wine, or fresh herbs. Instead, freeze the remainder by transferring the extra into a lidded ice-cube tray. Once frozen, pop the cubes into zip-top plastic bags label and date the bag before storing. Next time you are cooking you can pop the portion into your pot.
7/19
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Lower the brightness level
A study by Harvard Law School found reducing your computer monitor brightness by 30 percent from 100 to 70 can save up to 20 percent of the energy the monitor uses. Cutting your energy consumption cuts your electric bill, which saves you money.
8/19
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Go Garamond
Wondering how you can save some printer ink and not have to purchase as many of those high-priced ink cartridges? According to Forbes, by printing your documents in the Garamond font saves 24 percent of your printer ink. Choosing the “draft” print option, which also uses less ink, is perfect for print jobs where the quality isn’t as important. These are the mistakes you’re making when you’re trying to save money.
9/19
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Spatty that
Use The Spatty and Spatty Daddy to get every drop of product out of tiny containers with narrow openings. Sturdy sticks with long and thin handles, the spatulas fit inside tiny tubes of lotion and lipstick, food jars, and more. From peanut butter to pasta sauce, this dishwasher-safe tool helps ensure you get your money’s worth.
10/19
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Flip for savings
These Flip-It Bottle Emptying Kits let you get every ounce of thick liquid out of bottles like shampoo in the bathroom, condiments in the kitchen, and glue in the garage. Swap out the lid for this screw on lid with attached feet, turn the bottle upside down and wait. The excess drains to the bottom and the new cap allowing you to use up every last drop. These are our top tips for saving money during a move.
11/19
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Squeeze out the contents
The bar of the Squeeze Ease Tube Squeezers slides along the tube ensuring you get every last bit before you throw it away. Simply slide the bar over the bottom of the tube and advance it to squeeze out product. The best part is you get three re-usable Squeezers.
12/19
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Raise your soap game
Keep your bar soap, and money, from melting away by keeping it dry between uses. SoapStandle stand extends the life of your bar soap by thirty percent according to the manufacturer. Simply stick the plastic stand on the soap using the attached plastic teeth. The stand elevates the soap, so the bar can dry faster and last longer. Don’t miss more habits of good money-savers.
13/19
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Funnel your savings
Don’t make a costly mess when transferring liquids from one container to another. Instead, use the clips on the Smart Funnel to securely attach the funnel to both the pouring and receiving containers. This allows the product to drain from one container to another without spilling a drop.
14/19
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Save your energy
Did you know the average household has 20 “always-on” devices that, according to Cornell University, could be adding $200 to your annual energy bill? Often referred to as “phantom currents” or “vampire appliances” these devices, even when turned off, draw energy to stay ready in standby mode. The money-saving solution is the Smart Strip Energy Saving Surge Protector which turns off the device completely preventing it from pulling any power.
15/19
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Re-usable water bottles
Credit Donkey reports on average, Americans spend about $100 per person each year on bottled water. To save money, invest in a reusable water bottle you can re-fill at home and easily clean instead of buying new bottles of water from the store every day.
16/19
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A water-saving shower head
You can save money on your next utility bill by trading your existing shower head for a water-efficient model. High Sierra’s Low Flow Shower Head saves 25 percent more water over the average shower head which can save you hundreds on your annual water bill.
17/19
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Vacuum your hair dryer
Save yourself the cost of replacing a burnt-out hair dryer by simply vacuuming the collected dust from the back vent. A clogged vent makes the motor work harder which can cause it to burn out faster.
18/19
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Take a bite out of cables
Keep cords and cables from fraying with Animal Cable Bites. Stop replacing costly cables just because they start to wear at the plug-in point. These Cable Bites fit over the cord plug to help prevent expensive damage near the cords most vulnerable point.
19/19
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Dust plugs
Don’t let dust be the reason you have to replace non-working, expensive, electronic devices. Instead, insert dust plugs into the ports and plug openings to prevent debris from building up. The delicate pins on the inside of the device need to be protected and that’s what these little plugs are built to do.
Every product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links,wemay earn an affiliate commission.
Originally Published: January 14, 2019
Originally Published on Reader's Digest
