35 Inexpensive Ways To Save Money In The Long Run (2024)

Table of Contents
1. Store fruits and veggies alongside a Bluapple freshness ball to extend their life by just existing in proximity to your produce, saving you money and unnecessary trips to the grocery store. 2. And, revamp your pantry with a set of airtight dry food containers to lock in freshness for all those grains, nuts, and baking provisions. You've let one too many boxes of cereal go stale — it's time to break the cycle. 3. Try this teeth-whitening pen because traditional strips are tough to use, expensive, and can leave you with teeth sensitivity that is, in my professional opinion, NO fun. This pen costs a fraction of the price, can be used on the go, and the best part? NO lingering sensitivity. 4. Fortify charging cables with cord protectors to prevent the dreaded (and inevitable) cord fray and protect yourself from a future with more dead batteries and money down the drain. 5. Replace wasteful lint rollers with a patented pet hair remover if Fido's hair is taking over every surface in your home. This roller uses bristles, not sticky tape, to catch lint, meaning you can clean and reuse it over and over and over again. 6. Save stained surfaces with a TikTok-famous pink cleaning paste so you can finally tackle all those annoying scuffs and stains you thought only an expensive paint job could eliminate. 7. Revive worn-out furniture with wood polish that conditions and protects wood with a combination of beeswax and orange oil, while hiding dings and scratches that were totally already like that when you got it. 8. Cut down on energy costs and install a self-adhesive door draft stopper. Simply snip it to size and stick on any door to guard against drafts, noise, and under-door lights. Then just sit back, watch your electricity bill go down, and enjoy a little extra $$$ in your pocket. 9. Embrace refillables with these TSA-approved squeeze bottles because it's time to stop spending a small fortune on name-brand travel-sized products and just make your own. These are totally leak-proof and can be washed and reused again, and again, and again. 10. Ditch single-use paper towels for these Swedish dishcloths, an eco-friendly alternative that, unlike regular dishcloths, can be sanitized in the dishwasher or microwave between uses so you know they're not harboring any unwanted germs. 11. Never pay $5+ for bottled water again with a sleek vacuum-insulated tumbler. Now you can stay hydrated on the go with a wide-mouthed bottle that keeps cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot for hours. Plus, it includes a removable diffuser for brewing tea or naturally flavoring water. 12. Make the switch from single-use pads and tampons to washable period underwear that has the ~absorbency powers~ of up to three regular tampons, making your flow as easy to manage as, well, putting on underwear. 13. Treat your pup with a heck-durable duck chew toy your adorable-but-destructive good doggo can't shred to pieces just five minutes after receiving it. R.I.P. to all the (expensive) toys that came before. 14. Trim your shopping list with a Swiffer Sweeper-compatible microfiber mop pad because it's a one-time purchase you can use again and again for dry or wet cleaning. 15. And try these reusable Swiffer dusters so you can have all the cleaning convenience of the disposable versions while helping the environment and saving money on expensive single-use refills. 16. Save desecrated floors and furniture with a pet stain eliminator that'll pull off the ultimate magic trick — eliminating new and old stains (and stank) on any surface with just a quick spritz and a rinse. 17. Protect your expensive furniture with a set of vinyl scratch guards if your pet just doesn't seem to grasp that the couch is not their toy. 18. Make your own delectable drinks in this quart-size cold brew maker with an airtight seal that'll keep your coffee tasting so fresh, you won't even think about going to your favorite caffeine chain. 19. Swap blotting papers for this volcanic stone face roller to soak up excess face oil even if you have makeup on! Unlike blotting papers, this roller is able to be washed and reused, reducing waste and saving you $$$. 20. Replace dryer sheets with these precious penguin dryer balls because on top of their stunning good looks they can do everything a dryer sheet can (over and over again) AND reduce drying times, which is good news for your energy bill. 21. Reunite with your fav pair of too-snug pants with a set of pant waist extenders. With these, your jeans and trousers can gain up to 2 inches of waist space so weight gain, a medical procedure, or early pregnancy doesn't mean you're forced to spend money on new clothes. 22. Be your own car detailer with a headlight restoration kit if your high and low beams aren't shining as bright as they used to. This kit attaches to your standard electric drill, so you can get crystal clear headlights without the expensive trip to the repair shop. 23. Get a custom mani on the cheap with mini nail art tattoos. Each hand-drawn, waterproof design is applied like a temporary tattoo and sticks to skin, nails, or any hard surface you want to customize. 24. Quit paying a premium for K-Cup coffee and make your own with refillable coffee pods you can fill with your favorite bean blend to save loads of money (and plastic). 25. Salvage your sugar with a terra-cotta sugar-saver that'll turn your hard-as-rock clump of brown sugar into a soft pile of ready-to-use sweetness (and keep it that way). 26. Manage your inventory with a covered battery organizer and tester because you long ago lost track of which batteries in the junk drawer were alive or dead. This handy organizer holds 93 batteries so you can stop tossing perfectly good batteries you *think* are dead and buying duplicates you don't need. 27. Rescue well-loved knits with a pumice-like sweater stone for gently removing pesky pilling that makes buying a brand-new sweater all too tempting. 28. Maintain your cutlery with a tiny knife sharpener if you're tired of having to pick between dull blades and sawing through tomatoes or spending a fortune on a new set. 29. Get your money's worth with a pack of Shark Tank-approved miniature spatulas so you can make sure you're scooping out every 👏 last 👏 drop 👏 of that expensive foundation, lotion, hot sauce, etc. 30. Take your plumber's number off speed dial and try a simple-to-use drain clog remover that'll help you handle the wet, hairy monster living in your pipes for a fraction of the cost. 31. Cut costs and waste with a makeup-erasing cloth to gently — but effectively — remove your makeup with just a little bit of water. With this, you can permanently cross makeup remover and cotton pads off your shopping list. And when it gets dirty, just toss it in the wash! 32. Say goodbye to expensive specialty cleaners and try this powerful all-purpose cleaner concentrate you can use to clean floors, clothes, cars, tubs, sinks — you name it! Just follow the included instructions and dilute with water accordingly. One bottle = endless possibilities = no more wasting money on ineffective cleaners. 33. A hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, and paraben-free makeup brush cleanerfor treating your brushes to a sudsy shampoo wash and return them to their former glory (and color). It'll keep your makeup brushes in good health, so you won't be restocking before they've truly kicked the bucket. 34. A set of two reusable food huggersso you can efficiently wrap up the other half of that unused lemon or lime withoutwasting it altogether or using plastic in an attempt to keep it fresh. 35. A five-in-one cork that aerates, pours, and filters your wine, plus acts as a leak-proof stopper if you don't go through the whole bottle in one go. It'll stay fresh for as long as it takes you to finish throughout the week (or night – whatever!). Future-you enjoying all that money saved:

    We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and itspublishingpartners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.

    A few small upfront investments can save you BIG down the road.

    by

    by Danielle HealyBuzzFeed Staff, by Clara McMahonBuzzFeed Staff

    1. Store fruits and veggies alongside a Bluapple freshness ball to extend their life by just existing in proximity to your produce, saving you money and unnecessary trips to the grocery store.

    Amazon, amazon.com

    Just refill the Bluapple with a new packet every three months. Refill kits available.

    Promising review: "These do seem to work, extending the life of my fruits and vegetable up to a week longer. Change the packet inside on schedule. I shake them occasionally and make sure that no produce is covering the top holes. I bought more for family/friends when I told them about it. No food is more expensive than that which you throw away (thanks, Mom)." —ttmadison

    Get a two-pack from Amazon for $12.99.

    Here are some other useful kitchen gadgets you may want to keep on your radar.

    2. And, revamp your pantry with a set of airtight dry food containers to lock in freshness for all those grains, nuts, and baking provisions. You've let one too many boxes of cereal go stale — it's time to break the cycle.

    35 Inexpensive Ways To Save Money In The Long Run (3)

    amazon.com

    This set includes one tall container, four large, six medium, and four small containers.

    Promising review: "Each Lid locks on all four sides for a snug 'airtight' fit. Easy to clean and durable. The included labels and chalk pen makes it easy to identify 'similar' items. Labels and matching containers give the pantry and laundry rooms much-needed organization and are Pinterest-worthy. I used the containers for all sorts of dry good items such as coffee beans, flour, Bisquick, and Tide Pods. I definitely recommend these affordable containers in all sizes." —Jim of Dublin

    Get it from Amazon for $32.99+ (available in three colors).

    3. Try this teeth-whitening pen because traditional strips are tough to use, expensive, and can leave you with teeth sensitivity that is, in my professional opinion, NO fun. This pen costs a fraction of the price, can be used on the go, and the best part? NO lingering sensitivity.

    35 Inexpensive Ways To Save Money In The Long Run (4)

    amazon.com

    Promising review:"I love this! It’s very easy to use and works quickly! I drink coffee every morning and always worry that my teeth aren’t as white as they should be. I had a job interview one day and worried about my teeth being yellow. Right before the interview, I pulled this out of my purse, quickly brushed it in my teeth, and left it on while I drove to my interview.I rinsed my mouth and I was amazed at the results! My teeth were nice and white...that quickly!I felt much more confident during my interview! Thank you!" —S. Wiatrek

    Get a two-pack from Amazon for$19.99.

    4. Fortify charging cables with cord protectors to prevent the dreaded (and inevitable) cord fray and protect yourself from a future with more dead batteries and money down the drain.

    35 Inexpensive Ways To Save Money In The Long Run (5)

    amazon.com

    The plier-like contraption in the photo is an included applicator tool for help getting these stretchy collars on your cords.

    Promising review: "I drive a LOT and seem to go through far too many phone cords. I even buy the 'premium' cords yet end up replacing far too quickly, even trying to be careful. I used these on a couple of 'dead' cords and they work again! I have put these on new cords as well to keep damage from starting. The included tool is a big help." —Angela G

    Get an eight-pack from Amazon for $4.98+ (also available in black).

    5. Replace wasteful lint rollers with a patented pet hair remover if Fido's hair is taking over every surface in your home. This roller uses bristles, not sticky tape, to catch lint, meaning you can clean and reuse it over and over and over again.

    amazon.com

    Because it doesn't rely on adhesive paper, you only have to buy it once and can use it forever — cleaning the hair off the brush when it gets clogged, of course! And if you're looking for some more ingenious pet products, we've got you covered.

    Promising reviews: "Finally a lint roller that really works. Now I have an obsessed husband picking up German shepherd hair off the couch. Worth the price paid. It will pay for itself. No more sticky tape rollers!" —Blanca LInda Hatter

    Get it from Amazon for $28.95.

    6. Save stained surfaces with a TikTok-famous pink cleaning paste so you can finally tackle all those annoying scuffs and stains you thought only an expensive paint job could eliminate.

    amazon.com

    It's made up of cleaning beads suspended in a gel, so it'll grind away at tough stains without damaging the surface beneath. It's suitable for use on most hard surfaces like ceramic tiles, barbecues, pots, pans, and more! And here are some other magical cleaning products to check out!

    Promising review: "I used this product for my stove because it's one thing I dislike cleaning. I have used multiple degreaser sprays and they all are so toxic and don't work for me. The Magic Eraser was OK but I used several at a time and I had to scrub so hard. But this product oh my goodness, legit a miracle. It doesn't have any type of smell. I put the paste on a cloth, clean the area, then wipe it off with a damp cloth and voilà, magic!" —May

    Get it from Amazon for $5.97.

    7. Revive worn-out furniture with wood polish that conditions and protects wood with a combination of beeswax and orange oil, while hiding dings and scratches that were totally already like that when you got it.

    amazon.com

    Promising review: "This product is a MIRACLE! I can't believe how well it worked. Seriously unbelievable. One application and my coffee table looks great again. EASY to use, nothing special required. While I was watching TV, I used an old cloth/rag and spread it on. As easy as that. Nothing else worked on my abused coffee table, this stuff did. I HIGHLY recommend this product." —Carol L. Hill

    Get it from Amazon for $9.98.

    8. Cut down on energy costs and install a self-adhesive door draft stopper. Simply snip it to size and stick on any door to guard against drafts, noise, and under-door lights. Then just sit back, watch your electricity bill go down, and enjoy a little extra $$$ in your pocket.

    35 Inexpensive Ways To Save Money In The Long Run (6)

    amazon.com

    Promising reviews: "Kept all the drafts away for sure. Also keeps heat and AC temperatures in rooms comfortably. Actually saw a difference with my utility bill. Highly recommend and easy to put on. Was done in literally three seconds!" —Ph0t0gm0m

    Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in four colors).

    9. Embrace refillables with these TSA-approved squeeze bottles because it's time to stop spending a small fortune on name-brand travel-sized products and just make your own. These are totally leak-proof and can be washed and reused again, and again, and again.

    amazon.com

    Promising review: "These are must-haves for traveling. I went to Europe for three months and just filled these up along the way when I had a chance! These will not bust like normal plastic ones and did not leak while I used them! Holds three ounces, which is a lot more than you’d think!" —Mark D. Brown

    Get a pack of four from Amazon for $9.49+ (available in five color schemes).

    10. Ditch single-use paper towels for these Swedish dishcloths, an eco-friendly alternative that, unlike regular dishcloths, can be sanitized in the dishwasher or microwave between uses so you know they're not harboring any unwanted germs.

    Amazon

    Use these again and again and compost them when you're done since they're made of natural cellulose and cotton.

    Promising review: "I originally picked these up to use in lieu of nasty, nasty dishrags that invoke my inner THIS IS NOT CLEAN demon. Since then, I have used them for everything from cleaning the kitchen to wiping up spills. After use, just toss in the wash and they are ready to go again. They are the perfect size and do an excellent job on every task to which I have applied them. They come in a variety of fun prints and I have yet to wear one out. Paper towel usage has taken a real nosedive, which is a good thing given its relative scarcity at present." —sandra simpson-kraft

    Get a three-pack from Amazon for $14+ (available in 2314 styles).

    11. Never pay $5+ for bottled water again with a sleek vacuum-insulated tumbler. Now you can stay hydrated on the go with a wide-mouthed bottle that keeps cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot for hours. Plus, it includes a removable diffuser for brewing tea or naturally flavoring water.

    Danielle Healy / BuzzFeed, Amazon

    Welly is a small biz named to honor the founder's mom — Elly. All of their beautifully designed products are built to make eliminating single-use plastics easier and they donate at least 1% of sales to clean water projects worldwide.

    The year is 2014. I'm a freshman in college just entering the world of proper hydration. I went off to Ohio with some random water bottle and in the first couple weeks of school had a tragic incident where this SUPPOSEDLY leakproof water bottle failed to, ya know, stop leaks and gave my backpack (and my laptop) a good soaking. So, don't be like 2014 me. Be like 2022 me, with a water bottle made by a socially conscious company that is pretty, DEFINITELY leakproof, and keeps water delightfully cold for hours. The wide mouth makes it easy to clean and I've definitely dropped this bottle more than once and it still looks perfect!

    Get it from Amazon for $28.98+ (available in 10 styles).

    12. Make the switch from single-use pads and tampons to washable period underwear that has the ~absorbency powers~ of up to three regular tampons, making your flow as easy to manage as, well, putting on underwear.

    Target, Danielle Healy / BuzzFeed

    I was SO pleased to see Thinx doing a diffusion line with Target. The price of the original Thinx kept me from purchasing a pair for a long time. It's a risk to spend 30-something bucks on something that might not work for you! I ended up getting my first pair of Thinx for $17 on sale — and that's the exact sweet spot that they've achieved at full price with this diffusion line. So much more accessible, especially if you're trying to stock up on multiple pairs. I feel no real difference between these and my regular Thinx. They're comfy, I've had no leakages (I generally have a light to moderate flow), they wick moisture relatively well, and wash up like a dream. I have two pairs and they've become holy grail staples in my period routine. Combined with my Flex Cup, I now have a zero-waste system that actually makes my entire period experience better than when I was using pads and tampons, which makes me very very happy.

    Between each wear, just toss your Thinx in the wash on cold (skip the bleach and softener) then line dry!

    Get it from Target for $17 (available in sizes XS–4X and in three colors).

    13. Treat your pup with a heck-durable duck chew toy your adorable-but-destructive good doggo can't shred to pieces just five minutes after receiving it. R.I.P. to all the (expensive) toys that came before.

    AnaMaria Glavan / BuzzFeed

    BuzzFeed editor AnaMaria Glavan got this for her own dog and was amazed at how durable it is:

    "My dog sleeps for 18 hours in a 24-hour cycle so it mystifies me that he manages to go through toys so quickly. But a few months ago, I found this very plain yellow duck toy on Amazon that had over 14,000 reviews with buyers claiming it could take a lot of wear and tear. I thought, my doggo deserves the best so let’s try it out.

    Folks! This duck is woven with Valyrian steel! I literally purchased this on Nov. 24, 2020 (and I’m writing this it is March 25, 2021) and it’s STILL GOING STRONG. It has not torn, ripped, there is no toy entrail fluff scattered throughout our living room.. nada. It’s still perfectly intact and Rockie generally prefers this toy over any other one in his ever-changing arsenal. And again, I want to stress — my dog typically shreds through toys in less than a week, so to have one last 15x longer?! It’s pretty sweet. I also want to point out that the squeaker isn't obnoxiously loud which is pure bliss."

    Get it from Amazon for $7.90.

    14. Trim your shopping list with a Swiffer Sweeper-compatible microfiber mop pad because it's a one-time purchase you can use again and again for dry or wet cleaning.

    amazon.com, Amazon

    Promising review: "Bought this pad set at the beginning of September because the Swiffer wet pads seemed so wasteful. These have worked great. I usually use a spray cleaner for spot cleaning or a cleaner like Mop-n-Glo and it works really well. Super absorbent and does a great job cleaning the floor. I can use the pad for a few days before it needs to be washed. I’ve been washing them regularly for two months and they’re still fine. No falling apart or Velcro coming off or anything like that. Fully recommend." —Heather B.

    Get a two-pack from Amazon for $12.97.

    15. And try these reusable Swiffer dusters so you can have all the cleaning convenience of the disposable versions while helping the environment and saving money on expensive single-use refills.

    35 Inexpensive Ways To Save Money In The Long Run (8)

    TS Designs US / Etsy

    TS Designs US is a Michigan-based Etsy shop that specializes in home products and country, rustic, and vintage-styled gifts and decor.

    Psst — the seller notes that thisworks best with Swiffers with the yellow handle, but also is compatible with the blue handle. You should avoid using fabric softener when washing this duster so it won't lose its static cling.

    Promising review:"Great washable duster replacement tops. They vacuum off and wash up easily, and they grab dust and cobwebs every bit as well as the disposable ones I was using. Considering it means putting a bit less into landfills and also saving money in the long run; I only wish I had bought these years ago, sincerely. Also, they shipped very promptly and arrived sooner than expected, so that was a pleasant surprise. Thanks!" —otherlings

    Get it fromTS Designs USon Etsy for$5.49(available in 10 colors).

    16. Save desecrated floors and furniture with a pet stain eliminator that'll pull off the ultimate magic trick — eliminating new and old stains (and stank) on any surface with just a quick spritz and a rinse.

    amazon.com

    Rocco & Roxie Supply Co. is a family-owned business creating top-notch treats, toys, cleaning solutions, grooming supplies, and more for pets and their humans. The company is named after the founders' family pets — a Labradoodle named Rocco and a tabby cat named Roxie.

    Promising review: "We are an unofficial rescue home for dogs and cats. The latest dog came from Peru. She is an 8-year-old Chihuahua, and she was not house trained. So during the transition period from untrained to at least my being trained to understanding her sign language, we have had our share of accidents. We also had some leftover stains from previous dogs in spite of our efforts with other cleaners. New or old urine, this cleaner is phenomenal. The stains sometimes disappear right in front of you. I have to mark the spot I am cleaning so I know where to go back to in order to apply the clean rag or towel to absorb any residual liquid. Don't know how many products we have tried. This is the very first one that deserved a 5-star review. So I just ordered the gallon bottle and will put it on Subscribe & Save as well. I highly recommend it. Obviously." —Gkayemarie

    Get it from Rocco & Roxie Supply Co. on Amazon for $19.97+ (available in two sizes).

    17. Protect your expensive furniture with a set of vinyl scratch guards if your pet just doesn't seem to grasp that the couch is not their toy.

    35 Inexpensive Ways To Save Money In The Long Run (9)

    amazon.com

    Promising review: "I purchased these because my destructive cats tore up two sofas. I purchased a new sofa and didn't want to go down that road again if I could help it. I have already tried sprays, calming scent diffusers, and double-sided tape. None of these worked. I put these on two sofas and so far my cats have left them alone. I have had them on for a couple of months. Of course, you can see them but they have an obvious purpose. They attach by screw in fasteners with a spiral pin. I haven't had any problem with rips from these. They needed tightening a couple times, but that is it." —Kristy

    Get it from Amazon for $9.90+ (available in six sizes).

    18. Make your own delectable drinks in this quart-size cold brew maker with an airtight seal that'll keep your coffee tasting so fresh, you won't even think about going to your favorite caffeine chain.

    amazon.com, amazon.com

    Just add coarse-ground coffee into the mesh filter, pour water into the pitcher, screw the lid on (with the filter attached and submerged in the water), let it brew for 12–24 hours, and serve. You can pour it straight over ice cubes, or cut it with water or milk. Read our Tayeka cold brew maker review!

    Promising review: "I have some stomach issues and hot brewed coffee can make me feel queasy, or make my stomach hurt. The reduced acidity of using the cold brew makes a marked difference for me. The flavor is smoother and more flavorful." —Kimberly

    Get it from Amazon for $22.39+ (available in two sizes and in three colors).

    19. Swap blotting papers for this volcanic stone face roller to soak up excess face oil even if you have makeup on! Unlike blotting papers, this roller is able to be washed and reused, reducing waste and saving you $$$.

    Amazon, amazon.com

    Promising review: "I first saw this online and it looks like it worked very well in the video that I watched. I use oil-blotting sheets a lot, but I thought if this roller ball works it would be way more convenient as it is reusable and washable. This does not move your makeup at all and it literally makes your face look completely matte, soaking up all of the oil! Super easy to clean." —Courtney

    Get it from Amazon for $13.49.

    20. Replace dryer sheets with these precious penguin dryer balls because on top of their stunning good looks they can do everything a dryer sheet can (over and over again) AND reduce drying times, which is good news for your energy bill.

    35 Inexpensive Ways To Save Money In The Long Run (10)

    amazon.com

    Friendsheep is a small biz creating handmade wool home goods. Their products are handmade by Nepali artisans and are sourced from factories and cooperatives that enforce fair trade labor policies.

    Promising review: "These dryer balls really are adorable and make the chore of laundry more cheerful. Be sure and follow the instructions to dry a load of dark clothes the first time you use the black penguin balls. After that, you will have no problem with using them to dry whites or light colors. Dryer balls really work and are a good investment. I am going to be giving these as gifts!" —Auntie m

    Get a six-pack from Friendsheep on Amazon for $32.

    21. Reunite with your fav pair of too-snug pants with a set of pant waist extenders. With these, your jeans and trousers can gain up to 2 inches of waist space so weight gain, a medical procedure, or early pregnancy doesn't mean you're forced to spend money on new clothes.

    Amazon

    The set includes five fabric pants button extenders, five fabric hook-and-eye extenders, and three denim jeans waist extenders in a variety of colors.

    Promising review: "Why didn't I get these sooner? These work perfectly! These extenders look simple enough but you think that they won't work or will show. The good news is, they never show once you put your belt on and, in my case, I've now got five pairs of chinos, three pairs of dress wool pants, and three pairs of jeans back into my rotation! Buy these!" —JCI

    Get a 13-pack from Amazon for $15.95.

    22. Be your own car detailer with a headlight restoration kit if your high and low beams aren't shining as bright as they used to. This kit attaches to your standard electric drill, so you can get crystal clear headlights without the expensive trip to the repair shop.

    35 Inexpensive Ways To Save Money In The Long Run (11)

    amazon.com

    Promising review: "I tried another kit once before about 1.5 years ago and got poor results. I was pleasantly surprised when this kit did the job so well! I used a cordless drill that was slightly faster than recommended at full speed. The instructions are easy to follow and I could tell the major difference at the final cleaning. I finished the job with Meguiar's coating and the lenses on my 2002 Honda CR-V are crystal clear again. This saved me about five to six times the money and I'm removing 'new lenses' from my wish list!" —Julymorning

    Get it from Amazon for $15.98.

    23. Get a custom mani on the cheap with mini nail art tattoos. Each hand-drawn, waterproof design is applied like a temporary tattoo and sticks to skin, nails, or any hard surface you want to customize.

    Ulta Beauty

    One pack comes with two sheets for a total of almost 200 tattoos!

    I am being 0% dramatic when I tell you that I am TRAGICALLY bad at doing my own nails, so I was skeptical if I would even have the mani capabilities to apply these cute nail art tats with any success. But I did, because they are idiot-proof and truly couldn't be easier to apply. Just cut out the desired design, place it on the nail, wet and hold for a few seconds, and peel away to reveal trendy nail art that would normally cost a pretty penny to obtain. They also have B&W designs for the minimalists among us *AND* they can be applied to skin for getting that cool hand tat look without the anxiety-inducing commitment.

    Get it from Ulta Beauty for $9.99.

    24. Quit paying a premium for K-Cup coffee and make your own with refillable coffee pods you can fill with your favorite bean blend to save loads of money (and plastic).

    amazon.com

    These BPA-free plastic cups are designed to work in any Keurig brewer, old or new!

    Promising review: "Really like these reusable K-Cups. I hated wasting so much plastic using regular K-Cups and found this to use as an alternative. I have had these for two years and they have held up great! Easily to fill, clean really nicely, and no complaints! And it's great you can put your own coffee in so you're not stuck to certain brands or flavors. Highly recommend if you are trying to be more environmentally friendly." —Amazon Customer

    Get a four-pack from Amazon for $8.49.

    25. Salvage your sugar with a terra-cotta sugar-saver that'll turn your hard-as-rock clump of brown sugar into a soft pile of ready-to-use sweetness (and keep it that way).

    amazon.com

    Just soak it in water for 20 minutes and place it in your sugar to soften and maintain moisture for approximately three to six months.

    Promising review: "I was nervous to try them in case they were a waste of money. Yesterday, I followed the directions, i.e. soaked them in water for 20 minutes, then plopped one each in containers of hard-as-concrete dark brown sugar and one of light brown sugar. I didn't dry them, just dropped them in on top. So today, I took the containers down and looked, and each container of formerly concrete-hard sugar was easy to measure out, no lumps, it's a miracle!" —NGS

    Get two from Amazon for $9.56+ (available in three styles and in multipacks).

    26. Manage your inventory with a covered battery organizer and tester because you long ago lost track of which batteries in the junk drawer were alive or dead. This handy organizer holds 93 batteries so you can stop tossing perfectly good batteries you *think* are dead and buying duplicates you don't need.

    35 Inexpensive Ways To Save Money In The Long Run (12)

    amazon.com

    This batteries organizer holds 93 total batteries, including 45 AA, 25 AAA, four 9-volt, eight C, six D, and five flat.

    Promising review: "I bought this as a gift for my wife. She is in love with it. It Decluttered our junk drawer and made order in our home. It comes with a tester which is great because we were able to eliminate the bad batteries which we got rid of from the good batteries which are now resting securely and neatly in the Organizer. Would I recommend this to a friend? Absolutely. We already did!" —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $17.59+ (available in five colors).

    27. Rescue well-loved knits with a pumice-like sweater stone for gently removing pesky pilling that makes buying a brand-new sweater all too tempting.

    35 Inexpensive Ways To Save Money In The Long Run (13)

    Celsious

    Celsiousis a Black woman-owned small biz founded by two sisters, Corinna and Theresa Williams. Their obsession with fashion, environmentalism, and all things clean, led them to open one of the chicest, most energy-efficient laundromats in New York City, and a line of non-toxic, eco-conscious laundry and clothing care essentials.

    Get it from Celsious for $17.

    Check out my coworker's sweater stone reviewfor more deets!

    28. Maintain your cutlery with a tiny knife sharpener if you're tired of having to pick between dull blades and sawing through tomatoes or spending a fortune on a new set.

    35 Inexpensive Ways To Save Money In The Long Run (14)

    Amazon

    This teeny-tiny knife sharpener features two slots with carbide blades on one side to provide quick edge setting capabilities, and ceramic rods on the other for the final edge honing. Plus, there is a nonslip base for added stability and control.

    Promising review: "I am a former chef and have many knife sharpeners. I rotate about 10 knives at home and have found this to be a tremendous sharpener to put an edge back on a blade. Use along with a honing steel after sharpening. I have purchased a bunch of these for friends due to their effectiveness and ease of use." —drockchef

    Get it from Amazon for $10.95.

    29. Get your money's worth with a pack of Shark Tank-approved miniature spatulas so you can make sure you're scooping out every 👏 last 👏 drop 👏 of that expensive foundation, lotion, hot sauce, etc.

    amazon.com, Amazon

    The set comes with one spatula with a 6-inch handle, and another with a 12-inch handle.

    Promising review: "So worth it! I'm so happy with it. You will definitely save money using this. I think about how much I could have saved if this was invented 30 years ago. I mostly use it for small makeup jars. I tested out the longer one on a 18-oz lotion and it worked fine. Some reviews complain about not being able to get every curve and corner of their container...oh please.! You get so much more than you would without it." —Liz

    Get a set of two from Amazon for $9.99.

    30. Take your plumber's number off speed dial and try a simple-to-use drain clog remover that'll help you handle the wet, hairy monster living in your pipes for a fraction of the cost.

    35 Inexpensive Ways To Save Money In The Long Run (15)

    amazon.com

    Promising review: "OMG!! I'm just speechless. Tub drain was a bit slow so, I decided to try this thing without much expectation. Stuck the plastic all the way down, move the thing a little, and pulled it out. And I was so shocked how much hair came out. It's probably all the hair that went down the drain over the 7 years...literally, you could make a wig out of it! Surprised I am not bald! So worth of money!!! Definitely recommend to everyone." —Kelly

    Get a six-pack from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in two colors)

    31. Cut costs and waste with a makeup-erasing cloth to gently — but effectively — remove your makeup with just a little bit of water. With this, you can permanently cross makeup remover and cotton pads off your shopping list. And when it gets dirty, just toss it in the wash!

    35 Inexpensive Ways To Save Money In The Long Run (16)

    Taylor Miller / BuzzFeed

    I bought one of these cloths after including it in previous posts, subsequently selling myself on it (hazard of the job). It honestly works better than I imagined!You really do just need to dampen it with water to have your makeup melting off in seconds.I think this is a great zero-waste option for people (like me) who don't wear a ton of makeup on the day-to-day, because you can get a lot of uses from this cloth without needing to wash it constantly. It also washes up shockingly well. Every time I toss it in covered in makeup and it comes out almost entirely stain free, I'm shocked.

    Get it from Amazon for $13.36+(available in 15 colors and designs).

    32. Say goodbye to expensive specialty cleaners and try this powerful all-purpose cleaner concentrate you can use to clean floors, clothes, cars, tubs, sinks — you name it! Just follow the included instructions and dilute with water accordingly. One bottle = endless possibilities = no more wasting money on ineffective cleaners.

    35 Inexpensive Ways To Save Money In The Long Run (17)

    Good Vibes All Purpose Cleaner

    Good Vibes All Purpose Cleaner is a Black woman-owned small biz founded by Ymani Efunyale. After her own son suffered an asthma attack after accidentally ingesting a so-called "natural cleaner," Ymani went to work creating her own highly effective, eco-friendly cleaners, which has grown into the business she has today.

    With the exception of a few really specific cleaners (long live, thestainless steel solution) this multipurpose makes up the majority of my cleaning arsenal. One bottle of concentrate lasts a shockingly long time (AKA — it's a steal).It's my go-to spray for daily countertop spills, but can also be diluted to varying degrees and used on floors and walls for those deeper seasonal cleans.

    Get it from Good Vibes All Purpose Cleaner for $12.50+ (available in two sizes).

    33. A hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, and paraben-free makeup brush cleanerfor treating your brushes to a sudsy shampoo wash and return them to their former glory (and color). It'll keep your makeup brushes in good health, so you won't be restocking before they've truly kicked the bucket.

    Promising review: "I absolutely LOVE this brush shampoo! I was a little skeptical of how well it would clean my brushes since I'd never tried it before, but after using this I am very pleased with the outcome. It has a faint shampoo scent but nothing too overpowering, and suds like you wouldn't believe. It got all the way down to the base of the brush and gave it a really good cleaning. One of my brushes is made from boar hair (Estée Lauder powder brush) and I was worried it was going to frizz it out and ruin the shape, but it actually improved it after I had previously used baby shampoo. It's very soft and not at all coarse feeling. I also used this shampoo on my Beauty Blender, and it did a great job getting all the foundation out. All in all, I'd rate this product a 10/10!" —Ryan Brooks

    Get it from Amazon for $7.99(or $7.59 with the Subscribe & Save option).

    34. A set of two reusable food huggersso you can efficiently wrap up the other half of that unused lemon or lime withoutwasting it altogether or using plastic in an attempt to keep it fresh.

    35 Inexpensive Ways To Save Money In The Long Run (19)

    Amazon

    Promising review: "I bought these because I got tired of throwing away plastic bags or plastic wrap for halves of lemons and lime. I wish I had found these sooner! They work great and are perfect for storing halves of citrus." –Cheryl Wood

    Get the set of two from Amazon for$9.99.

    35. A five-in-one cork that aerates, pours, and filters your wine, plus acts as a leak-proof stopper if you don't go through the whole bottle in one go. It'll stay fresh for as long as it takes you to finish throughout the week (or night – whatever!).

    35 Inexpensive Ways To Save Money In The Long Run (20)

    Amazon

    The manufacturer says the BPA-free stopper fits most standard wine bottles.

    Promising review: "I wouldn't consider myself a wine connoisseur by any means, but I typically have a bottle or so float through my house each week. This wine corker takes the hassle out of pulling the original cork out, is easy to clean, makes the wine taste better, and hello it's five bucks! It would make a GREAT cheap gift for a wine drinker. At the moment, I only have the one, but I'm planning to grab a few more to keep on-hand." —JasonKim Lebeda

    Get it from Amazon for $9.46+ (available in multipacks).

    Future-you enjoying all that money saved:

    Nickelodeon

    Some reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

    35 Inexpensive Ways To Save Money In The Long Run (2024)
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