30 Essential Money-Saving Items Recommended by the Internet

Library cards, DIY tools, and smart kitchen appliances are just a few of the "must-have items"

Damjan

• Published in Interesting
• October 30, 2023

In a world where making ends meet has become increasingly challenging for many families, the Reddit community has proven to be a valuable resource for sharing money-saving tips and tricks. One Redditor, u/Btb7861, sought wisdom from the popular r/Frugal online community, asking fellow users about their "must-have items" that help them save significant amounts of money in the long run.

The responses were both insightful and practical, showcasing the power of ingenuity and creativity in combating rising costs. Library cards emerged as one of the top recommendations.

Many users emphasized the incredible value of having a library card, highlighting the wealth of resources it offers, from free access to books and magazines to educational programs and workshops. It's a reminder that in an age of digital media, the library remains a treasure trove of knowledge and entertainment, all without the hefty price tag.

DIY tools also made the list of indispensable items. The ability to tackle home repairs and projects independently can save a substantial amount of money over time.

Users praised the sense of accomplishment that comes with mastering basic DIY skills and the financial benefits of not having to hire professionals for every minor repair. Handy kitchen appliances were another crowd favorite.

Many users extolled the virtues of slow cookers, pressure cookers, and bread makers. These appliances not only make meal preparation more convenient but also allow families to save money by cooking at home more often.

Homemade meals tend to be healthier and more budget-friendly than dining out.

How to save it?

1. Having a library card grants access to various free resources, including audiobooks through the Libby app.

2. Hand tools and a DIY mindset.

3. Before smartphones, people used CD walkmans, paper maps, and digital cameras. Now, smartphones have simplified their life by replacing multiple devices and making tasks easier.

4. An electric tea kettle for quick water heating eliminates the need to use the stove. Saves time and energy.

5. User saved money by dropping landline and cable, using internet and Sling TV. Choose a 6GB cell phone plan and limited data use for further savings.

6.

7. The user suggests using a crock pot for convenient meal prep. He prepares batches of food to freeze and use for multiple meals.

8. IKEA collection of reusable containers

9. A bicycle

10. A small home and an economical car, both budget-friendly for upkeep. Plus, a chest freezer and meal prep gear enable week-long meal prep on weekends.

11. Curtains as insulation

12. Brita filter and refillable water bottle

13. A menstrual cup/disc

14. Order groceries online

15. Motion-activated light switches

16. Collection of durable kitchen essentials like pots, pans, knives, and dishware

17. A sewing machine

18. A chest freezer!

19. A vacuum sealer, a handy tool that prevents frozen food from drying out and extends its storage life significantly, has helped reduce food waste by at least half for the user.

20. Toaster oven.

21. Rechargeable AA/AAA batteries offer a sustainable power solution.

22. Cash-back credit cards

23. The user recommends various eco-friendly items like cloth napkins, safety razors, and dark curtains for energy efficiency.

24. When he travels, his thermos is a valuable companion. With airport lounge access, he can brew tea for his flight or even mix up a generous cocktail.

25. Make their own iced coffee daily

26. Instant Pot to cook

27. The user often prefers air-drying clothes instead of using a dryer to extend their clothing's lifespan. They use octopus-shaped laundry hangers from IKEA with clothespins to hang various items like socks and shorts. Towels and bedding are an exception, as they are machine-dried. Additionally, they briefly use the dryer for wrinkle removal before hanging certain items to finish drying. This approach helps prolong the life of their clothes.

28. A mattress warmer, distinct from an electric blanket, allows for reduced winter thermostat usage, though it attracts pets.

29. Learn how to make kimchee.

30. A vacuum sealer

These frugal Redditors have a point: saving money doesn't always require fancy gadgets or extravagant spending. A library card, some DIY tools, and clever kitchen appliances can be your best allies in the battle against financial stress.

Be a savvy spender, not a reckless one. Channel your inner frugal Redditor, and watch your savings stack up while others empty their wallets. It's a smart move in a world where every penny counts. Cheers to budget brilliance!

Damjan