A few months ago, I asked on my Facebook Page for people to share one “weird” thing they do to save money. I loved reading the responses and compiled a list of some of my favorites — and some of the most shared suggestions.
1. Cut the End Off
Is the toothpaste tube or lotion tube almost gone? Cut the end off of tubes of lotion or toothpaste with scissors and you can get quite a bit more out! I do this for my face moisturizer and face wash can usually get a full extra week’s worth of uses just by this simple hack. (You can store it in a ziptop baggie once you cut the end off so it doesn’t dry out.)
2. Add Water
Want to get that last little bit of shampoo or dish soap or body wash or laundry detergent out? Add some water and shake and you’ll have at least enough for another use or two! You can also add broth or water to the pasta sauce jar and shake so you don’t waste any or do the same with milk in the salad dressing bottle.
3. Ask for a Discount
Vanessa said: “I ask service providers (mechanics, plumber, air conditioner repair, etc.), ‘Is that the best you can do?’ Almost always, they knock some money off the bill.”
4. Make Your Own Foaming Soap
One way to save a lot of money on hand soap is to make your own foaming hand soap. It takes literally less than 60 seconds to make and is so much less expensive than buying foaming hand soap or hand soap! Here’s the super simple details on how to make it.
5. Think in Terms of Hourly Wage
Whenever I’m considering trying a new money-saving tactic, I analyze how much money it will save me per hour.
For instance, let’s say that by making my own foaming soap it takes one minute to make and it saves me $1 from buying a container of foaming soap. That’s like saving $1 per minute or $60 per hour — which is a really good hourly wage. Plus, it’s tax free money! So, it’s totally worth my time. But, on the other hand, let’s say there’s another money-saving tactic that would only save me $1.50 for 15 minutes of work. That’s like saving only $6 per hour — which, depending upon your season of life and bank account — may or may not be worth your time.
6. Make Your Own Cleaners
Jerica says: “Soap, vinegar, bar keepers friend, and bleach pretty much cover everything I need, and are all extremely cheap.”
7. Don’t Buy Paper Towels
We stopped buying paper towels a number of years ago. It’s such a simple thing, but it does add up to a lot of savings — and we don’t really even notice that we don’t buy or use them! (Except when we have guests over and they ask for a paper towel!!)
8. Avoid the Stores
One of the best ways to save money is to stay home. Not only does this save on wear and tear on your car and gas money, but it also means you’ll likely spend less money… well, unless you turn to online shopping instead! (If that’s a temptation to you, set some good boundaries — like unsubscribing from emails or not visiting sites that make you tempted to spend money you don’t have or haven’t budgeted for that purpose!)
9. Scan Your Receipts
Earn a little cash back every time you buy gas or groceries or other items by scanning your receipts on GetUpside, Fetch, and CoinOut.
10. Don’t Use Dryer Sheets
Just like we don’t use paper towels, we also don’t use dryer sheets. If the thought of not buying dryer sheets just isn’t your thing, a simple way to save is by cutting them in half instead of using a full sheet per load. I’ve heard that it works just as well.
11. YouTube It
Christy says: “YouTube is the real MVP though. I’ve saved thousands over the years by simply looking up the issue and learning if it’s within our skill set, rather than hiring a professional.”
12. Eat from the Pantry
Challenge yourself once a month or once every few months, to skip going to the grocery store for a few days longer than normal and eat up what you already have on hand instead. You might be surprised at how creative you can get with what you already have… and maybe you can make it longer than you think without going to the store!
What’s something “weird” you do to save money? I’d love for you to add your ideas to my list in the comments!
