When it comes to saving money, there are many strategies you can employ. One of the most effective is to make purchases that will save you money in the long run. Investing in the right products can reduce your expenses and increase your savings over time.
As someone always looking for ways to save money, I looked at this subject before. Check out my post Twenty Purchases to Save Money, a list of some of the best things to buy that will help you do that. However, I decided it was time to add a few more ideas to the pot. From reusable products to energy-efficient appliances, these items will not only save you money but also help you reduce your environmental impact.
Whether you’re on a tight budget or want to be more mindful of your spending, these smart purchases can make a big difference in your financial well-being.
So without further ado, let’s look at some more of the best purchases that will save you money and are potentially reduce your footprint too.
Kitchen equipment
I enjoy cooking at home, and I feel having the right kitchen equipment can make a big difference in saving time and money. So here are a couple of purchases that will save you money.
An air fryer
I was the first person I know to start using an air fryer, mainly because I was sent one to review! Since then, mine has been in use almost daily. Now the rest of the universe seems to have caught up with the energy (and money) saving possibilities of cooking this way.
I even cooked our Christmas dinner in ours. The original oven in our new house was awful and, as it was just me and Mr Shoestring for the main meal last year, I cooked a small turkey crown and a lot of roasted veg in ours.
If I was buying one now, I would go for a bigger model, something like a two drawer Ninja AF300UK*, but my VonShef one will do for the time being.
A pressure cooker/Instant Pot
If you can only fit in one gadget or gizmo, an Instant Pot* may fit the bill as it has various different functions in one piece of equipment.
The pressure cook function enables you to cook food very quickly, saving both time and energy. However, you can also slow cook, make stock, heat food up, make yogurt and even bake a cake.
I used the slow cooker function recently to make stock and it turned out completely delicious!
Silicone Food Containers
Reusable silicone food containers are a great way to save money and reduce food waste. Instead of buying disposable plastic bags and boxes, you can use these containers to store leftovers, pack lunches and freeze meals for later.
Of course, you can collect suitable containers for free, and I keep glass jars and plastic containers to reuse rather than recycling them immediately. But if you do want to buy new ones, silicone is long lasting and more eco-friendly than plastic.
You can also find collapsible silicone containers like these ones*, which makes them easy to store when not in use.
Smart Thermostats
One energy-efficient product worth considering is a smart thermostat. These thermostats allow you to control your home’s temperature from your phone, which means you can adjust the heat levels even when you’re not home. This is a great way to save money on your energy bill, as you can turn off your heating when you’re not at home. It also means you can turn it on when you are 10 minutes away, rather than leaving it on a timer when you may not be there to appreciate the warmth.
Smart thermostats learn your habits and adjust the temperature accordingly. So, for example, if you always turn the temperature down at night, the thermostat will remember this and do it for you. And while they may be more expensive than traditional thermostats, the long-term savings are well worth it.
This article from Good Housekeeping explains more of the potential benefits of investing in a smart thermostat.
My book!
Some of you will already know that I published my first book last year. Extreme Frugality: Saving Money Like Your Grandma* takes you through all of the basics of frugality. It was inspired by past generations, who lived through two wars as well as rationing. However, my book also includes some modern hints and tips to help you stretch every penny to the max.
I hope you find these ideas for purchases that will save you money inspiring. What have you bought that you feel is a good investment and will save money in the long run? Please share in the comments!
Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links. If you click through and purchase something, I will make a small commission.
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