How much do you spend on groceries and household essentials every month? Research suggests that the average family spends around $400 a month on food and household items alone – and that rate is increasing by the year.
And while all these goods are deemed as necessary, there is an alarming statistic to consider – we all pay an average of around 15-20% than we need to.
So, if you want to start saving somewhere in the region of $1000+ every year, read on. Here’s how to save serious cash on household basics – just think what you could do with that money!
Say goodbye to branded products
Branded products cost a lot of extra money, purely for the brand name. When you buy products with big names, you are also paying for their advertising, distribution, marketing, development and a whole lot more besides, which pushes the price up by a significant amount. Go for generic brands instead, and you can save a lot of cash every month. Not every generic brand will be to your taste, of course, so spend some time doing some taste tests. Find the generics you like, and replace the branded products and it’s an easy way to save at the cash register.
Get involved with coupons
There are some hardcore couponers out there in the world, and although some might sneer at them as being skinflints, we’re kind of sure they don’t care. Why? Because when it comes to grabbing bargains and deals, these guys know what they are doing. As you can see over at DontPayFull.com, you can get coupons for nearly every single major chain store. And with a little planning and savvy couponing, it’s possible to save yourself a fortune.
Colorful and different dishwasher tablets on a white background
Make your own cleaning products
Why spend a fortune on basic household cleaning products when you can make your own According to GoodHousekeeping.com, expensive washing liquids can be replaced by a simple mix of water, vinegar, and baking soda – which you can also use for a huge range of cleaning tasks. Not only will you be saving cash on your household spending, but you will also be saving the planet, too, as you won’t be using any of those harmful, nasty chemicals.
Buy in bulk
There’s a delicate balance to strike between buying in bulk and wasting money. But if you can get it right, bulk buying can save you considerable amounts of money. Look at retail outlets like Costco, and focus on buying nonperishable goods at a great volume. You’ll save a lot of money and cut down on your visits to the grocery and household stores, too.
Track everything
Finally, we are all guilty of going to the local stores and buying things we don’t really need. And we end up throwing these products away when they never get used. Try making shopping lists before you go to the store, and always stick to the basics – avoid the temptation of special offers you don’t need, or deals offering two for three. Only buy what you need, and you will avoid overspending needlessly.
Any tips to add? Why not share them in the comments?
