I know I tend to encourage people towards frugality and NOT buying things, but I was looking around for some new hairdressing scissors and it got me thinking about other purchases I have made that have saved me money in the long run. Here are twenty purchases to save money.
Hairdressing scissors
These are one of my most used purchases to save money. Mr S hasn’t let me cut his hair yet but he might, in which case I will invest in some clippers to go alongside the scissors. I always cut my own fringe, and occasionally do a whole head of DIY haircutting.
Bread maker
You can buy cheap bread, but if you like it fresh and crusty it is cheaper to make it yourself. Plus you can make dough for pizza. Ok, lots of you will say you make bread without a bread maker, and this is true. However, if you are super busy they save time as well as money.
This is the type of item that pops up second hand. Check your local Facebook selling groups.
A freezer
A freezer offers so many money saving possibilities. You can batch cook or just save left overs to eat instead of ready meals, you can freeze bones for making stock, you can make big batches of soup to freeze for lunches, you can buy yellow sticker reduced items and store them, you can buy gluts of fruit and veg cheaply in season and preserve it. I could go on…A freezer is one of my essential purchases to save money.
If you are looking to save money on your grocery bill, check out my YouTube post on the topic here.
The Tightwad Gazette
I know I have mentioned this book a lot of late but it is so inspiring! You will occasionally find it in a charity shop, but if you aren’t so lucky it is available from Amazon: The Complete Tightwad Gazette
It is one of the classic tomes for those interested in living a good life for less. Its author Amy Dacyczyn is the queen of the frugality movement. I wrote a review of it here.
A slow cooker
These cost so little to run, and are a good way to use cheaper cuts of meat to cook them very slowly until tender. You can make things like porridge and rice pudding in them too.
Like bread makers, they are frequently to be found gently pre-loved on Facebook and elsewhere.
A heated airer
I got my heated airing rack from Aldi but Lakeland do a better one I think. Tumble dryers are expensive to run and these are a good alternative. If you can’t afford a heated one then just invest in an airer – try to site it near a radiator or wood burner.
You can purchase covers for your heated airer, which I am told dried laundry more quickly, but I haven’t tried one. This one from Amazon* is quite pricey at almost £130, but is claimed to cost just 6p an hour to run.
Car-washing stuff
Buying a sponge and bucket and using a squirt of soap can save you £10-15 a time if you usually pay to wash your car.
We usually wash our own cars, although very occasionally will treat ourselves to a deep clean at the local hand car wash.
A shovel and some seeds
If you have room for a veg patch and can grow your own you can save loads of money (growing your own is another good reason for having a freezer). A few good gardening tools will be great purchases to save money.
It is more than possible to grow a nice garden on a budget, and another positive is that it keeps you fit without paying for a gym membership!
A drill and basic toolbox
Once you have learned a few DIY skills an investment in a few tools will soon prove to be purchases that will save money. Being able to put a cupboard together, make repairs to furniture, reuse old materials, put up shelves or do a bit of plastering can literally save you thousands of pounds.
I renovated an old dresser recently, so effectively got a new piece of furniture for the cost of the paint and some new door knobs!
Some decent cookbooks
Delia’s Frugal Food*
As I have said many times, you don’t have to be a professional chef to produce food that is enjoyable to eat. It also doesn’t have to be complicated. Start simply with something like a tomato sauce to put on top of some pasta.
A Freeview box
Although you can beat the price down if you are prepared to haggle, Virgin, Sky, etc. are still expensive. We found our Freeview box second hand on Facebook and it is perfect for us, combined with an Amazon Firestick and Netflix. That provides more than enough TV for us.
You can pause, rewind and record with the newer Freeview boxes too.
A tent
Think you can’t afford to go on holiday? Invest in a tent and some camping gear. There are some great value family breaks to be had under canvas and kids love camping.
If you are camping in the UK you are, of course, subject to the vagaries of our marvellously unpredictable climate. Nevertheless, we enjoyed some brilliant family holidays under canvas when the kids were small. If you want something that is guaranteed a little dryer, there are some other ideas for frugal holidays here.
A bicycle
Still a super cheap and reliable mode of transport, you can pick up a decent bike second hand on Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree. You even see them being given away on Freegle and Freecycle sometimes (or you could post a wanted request).
Like gardening, cycling has the added advantage of keeping you fit and is better for the environment.
A food processor
I use my food processor mainly to liquidise soups and bake cakes, both of which save money. I wouldn’t be without mine and it is one of my must have purchases to save money.
If you can’t afford or don’t have space for a large Kenwood style food processor, a hand held blender is another worthwhile investment. If you like to make soup, as I do, you will be able to make use of odds and ends of vegetable to make a thrifty meal.
Pet insurance
Ok, you could do without pet insurance to save money, but vets costs are astronomical. If your pet needs ongoing medical care you will wish you had insurance.
In the long term, a small monthly payment could save you thousands of pounds should your pet suffer an accident or illness.
LED light bulbs
Although LED light bulbs are quite expensive initially, they have several advantages over traditional bulbs. They are energy efficient, last a very long time and are quite rugged and durable, so not easily damaged.
Over their lifetime they are one of the purchases that will save you money, as well as being more eco-friendly.
Insulation
There are lots of ways to insulate your home to save money on your heating bill.
Radiator foil, thermal curtain linings* and polystyrene backed wallpaper are all cheap and cheerful ways to warm up a cold house. You can also fill your wall cavities and look at your roof insulation.
If you insulate and keep out the draughts you can turn the heating down. You can find more information at the Energy Saving Trust.
Soup carrier/ lunchbox/ flask
A leak-proof, airtight container is essential for money-saving work or school lunches. If you purchase just a sandwich and coffee each day you can easily spend a cool fiver. Packing lunches and taking a drink with you when you go out could save around £1000 a year.
When you have a family day out with the children, packing a picnic can also have big benefits for your budget.
Reusable carrier bags
You only save 10p a time by not buying a bag at the till, but every little helps and it’s good for the environment too. I always keep a fold up one in my handbag and lots of strong reusable bags in the car boot.
Bicarbonate of soda and vinegar
If you buy these in quantity you can clean pretty much your whole house. You save money and don’t live in a smog of nasty chemicals. This post explains the amazing power of bicarbonate of soda.
This isn’t a comprehensive list, more a starting point. As ever, if you do make any purchases, shop around to get the best quality for your money and buy second hand where you can.
What would you add to my list of twenty purchases to save money?
Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links. If you click through and purchase something, I will make a small commission.
Margaret Powling says
That is an excellent list but I had to give away my slow cooker as everything I made in it turned out tasting much the same. Maybe I was just using the ‘wrong’ recipes for us!
We only have a small freezer as part of our fridge/freezer, but there are only the two of us and when I cook I usually make two portions, one for us that day and two for the freezer, I find that sufficient. I also make single-layer sponges which might look a little meagrely on the plate, but it means I can freeze half and we eat less cake that way, it not being a double layer with jam or cream through the middle. An almond sponge like this with just a little water icing on top and then sprinkled with flaked almonds is lovely.
I gave away my bread maker, too, but it was one of the old original ones from about 25 years ago and I just didn’t like the bread it produced, nor the cube shape.
Cook books? I have so many I am in the process of ‘weeding’ them! Hard to part with some, especially the first one I bought for my ‘bottom drawer’ when I became engaged in 1963!
Our car doesn’t know what a car wash is! Husband deals with it’s ablutions. Ditto all the tools under the sun are in our garage, ready for almost every eventuality. But this is because husband has always been a v. practical person.
We bought a lot of low-energy light bulbs in January but two of them have failed within a month and as I don’t have the receipt I don’t think I can return them to Morrisons, but I can try if I show them a print-out of my bank statement as I know which payment was for the bulbs.
We re-use carrier bags all the time, they are returned after each shopping session to the boot of the car for the next shop.
I’ve not put foil behind the radiators, but we do have lined curtains, and also Venetian blinds at most windows which certainly help – and we draw the curtains at dusk.
When we worked we always took packed lunches – but it was usual then to do so.
I use a vinegar spray – wonderful for cleaning!
I really can’t think of anything else to buy that would ‘save’ money! A cool box, perhaps, for shopping and not just for picnics, so that you can put your frozen and chilled stuff in it to keep it frozen or chilled?
Vacuum flasks for taking hot soup out for winter picnics in the car or on your bicycle.
Margaret P
Gillian says
On your recommendation from a previous blog, I bought a slow cooker last week – from a large retailer’s ebay shop. Buying through ebay, I managed to get a huge discount because the box was damaged, (no damage whatsoever to inside packaging or contents). It was lovely to come home at the end of the day to the smell of beef stew!!
The Runcible Pen says
Have you heard of the site BuyMeOnce? It has a UK and US version, and features products that have lifetime guarantees – even socks! Of course, most of the items aren’t cheap – you just need to figure out which are good investments for your lifestyle.
S Fyfe says
Super glue and shoo goo (cobbler’s glue which is really strong glue for fixing shoes and boots. I have used super glue to repair spectacles, the shower cubicle, the towel rail and many other items. I buy yellow sticker items a lot. Last week I bought two huge packs of casserole beef and two large chickens reduced to clear, and cooked three beef casseroles, two chickens and a defrosted mince round all in the oven at the same time. The chickens were portioned up and frozen and two casseroles were frozen, one we ate the following day. I use jam jars for freezing soup and sauces and old spreadable butter tubs for freezing food.
Chrissie says
I think decent undies and socks, I have found they fit better and last longer and wash better, no longer go for frills and bows but comfort and dare I say, control !
Jacquie says
This is a brilliant list Jane.
I have been writing about how much I love my freezer over on my blog today. Along with my progress at this early stage of thriftiness.
Thank you for your continued inspiring posts. My secondhand copy of the Penny Pinchers book arrived today and I’m off for a read :0)
Jacquie x
Eloise says
I have a stainless steel three tier steamer which makes it possible to cook several veg on just one ring.
Another good purchase is a set of face flannels which can be washed over and over and do away with the need for disposable face wipes or cotton wool. As an added bonus, they exfoliate whilst cleansing. Although there is a cost associated with laundering, they can be popped in with any other wash and don’t need a separate use of the washing machine.
Margaret Powling says
Oh yes, I have my trusty steamer, too. You can boil things in the bottom and then steam things on top, it’s one of my favourite pans!
Margaret P
Mary Jane says
For us it has been canning equipment and canning jars, bought at yard sales, etc., since we plant and harvest two gardens. They produce enough veggies for a year for us. We also freeze fruit and veggies in one of two chest freezers. The oldest freezer is nearly 40 years old, and was bought as a scratch and dent discount. We also heat with wood, and get our own. A new chainsaw cost about $800.00 34 years ago, but is still running with only minimal maintenance. It has provided heat all those years. Heating costs between $1,800.00 and $2,400.00 per year here. We spend about $200.00 to $300.00 on gas per year to go get the wood ourselves. My husband is very handy and is a millwright (a type of mechanic). He has bought a whole shop full of tools (second hand) over the years. He has saved countless dollars fixing, altering, repurposing items and renovating our home. Depending on your way of life, there are lots of investment buys that will save real money in the long run.
Charlie says
Tools are an investment! I have a drill, power saw, table saw, wrenches and assorted other tools that have saved me hundreds if not thousands in labor costs. I buy them once and then there are then when needed to change the oil, do a plumbing, electrical or carpentry repair.
Cut out cable television, internet only and have an antenna, plenty of free channels and access to entertainment and news.
Planting a “farm” this year. Berry pattches, tomatoes, onions, peppers, kale, etc. will be doing a lot of canning this year.
Invest in a good set of hair clippers, hair shears, capes, hair clips and take care of them. I sharpen the hair shears to keep them sharp at home. I do the children’s and my wife’s haircuts. Saves us hundreds each year. My mother-in-law was so pleased with my wife’s hair, she asked if would cut hers as well. My wife’s best friend got a really bad salon haircut I was asked to fix, and now she stops by to get hers trimmed. Doesn’t save me any money, but my wife likes me doing it for them and says it is fine, I get plenty of practice, so I will always give her a great haircut.
Crock pot is awesome, saves time as I set it up, turn it on and can get chores and projects done, while it does the cooking. Betwwen the meat, vegetables, herbs and spices, always a tasty meal.
Freezer saves me money as well, put a couple deer in the freezer and we are eating a lot of free range, antibiotic free, high quality meat.
No bottled water, carry multiple stainless steel water canteens filled from the well water at home, free and no plastic taste or waste.
shoestringjane@outlook.com says
That all sounds great
Mrs H says
My clippers have saved me a small fortune over the years. I have been clipping MrH hair for approx 20 years, I also used them on DS right up until he joined the Navy and he bought his own :o)
Kirrie says
Washing machine balls save a fortune, similar to the eco egg, got mine from betterware. Cost 3 years ago was £12 each. No need to buy washing machine powder or gel. They are going strong prob last another 3 years if not more crystals inside have not decreased in size. Washing sparkly clean.
Wan,t to try the eco dishwasher tabs next.
shoestringjane@outlook.com says
I have thought about these but doubted they would work so this is really interesting
Kirrie says
They definately work!. I was dubious too. Was a vegan save the planet ex lodger who introduced me to them. At first i thought na they are just a gimmic but they work, would not go back to soap powder. Admit still use fabric conditioner more for the smell, thinking of trying essential oil in vinegar aparently leaves everything so soft n fresh. No vinagary smell next thing after eco dishwasher tabs.
Julia says
I’d add a basic sewing kit to that list. It doesn’t have t be anything fancy, but the number of times I’ve had to sew buttons back on or make small repairs!
I’ve sewn up seams and trims on the kids coats which enabled me to pass them down to 3 younger brothers, and even sewed the strap back on my favourite (only!!) pair of sandals!
I have never known how to use a sewing machine, but once hand made 3 sets of curtains with blackout lining for the kids rooms, from scratch, with my trusty needle and thread! 😀
ANGELA ALMOND says
absolutely – basic sewing skills save a fortune
Tree says
My hairdressing scissors cost £1 in the pound shop a while ago. Himself used to use clippers on his hair but stopped coz he thought it made him look like his Dad!
I’ve never thought I needed a bread machine coz I’ve a mixer with a dough hook and an oven! And I don’t buy cookbooks anymore, everything I want to cook is on the internet!
I think you’ve covered most of the basics. The only thing I’d add is our Vax which we’ve used countless times since we’ve had it! Maybe that’s just personal to us coz of our tendancy to adopt un-housetrained animals but we use it to clean up other marks, stains and spills too!
Anna says
A Remoska….. Couldn’t live without it.
shoestringjane@outlook.com says
What’s a Remoska?
Anna C. says
I almost never use my electric oven, and I cook from scratch all the time. It looks a bit like a saucepan with a plug in lid…it makes a sort of mini oven and all the heating comes from an element in the lid and spreads round the metal pan below, so you can bake (the best crispy potatoes!) or stew or braise…. all for very little cost. They’ve been used for decades in, I think, the Czech republic and I’ve had mine for about ten years, used every day. Not the most glamorous bit of kit, but small enough to keep permanently on the counter top.Invaluable for caravans etc. Quite expensive initially, but pay for themselves over and over. if all my electrical goods blew up at once (!) this and the kettle would be replaced within the hour….
Joyce says
Clothes washer, if you have the space and plumbing in place! Laundromats are expensive! My son and his wife come over and do their wash every couple of weeks.
CurlyTop says
I’ve not used one mysel bur a remoska is an electric cooker. Usually found in lakeland
http://www.lakeland.co.uk/18850/Standard-Remoska-Electric-Cooker-2L
All great tips as always Jane