List of Everyday Items We All Need, But Spend Too Much On
For those of us struggling with our finances, we need to find ways to reduce spending. Because this is easier said than done, MilkYourMoney has come up with a list of items we all need to purchase, but the majority of us spend too much on. Have any ideas to add, or disagree with some items included? Let us know by leaving a comment.
In no particular order:
1) Contact Solution. It’s not uncommon for many of us to spend upwards of $10 a bottle on contact solution. Unless you have a legitimate reason for the costly solution, consider buying a generic brand like Target for $3.
2) Hygiene Products. Soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, are all great examples of products that can substantially vary in price. Shampoo can cost $2 a bottle vs. $30 a bottle at a hair salon. If you’re a guy that doesn’t care, definitely choose the cheaper option.
3) Shaving Products (men). Have you ever heard of Barbsol shaving crème? Consider using it, for less than a $1, it will do what any other shaving crème will. If you’re tired of buying those expensive razor blades, consider using a disposable Target Mach 3 knockoff. For me, the shaving is just as close and the blade last just as long.
4) Cereal. We can’t taste the difference in generic cereals. If you have kids and find yourself constantly buying boxes of cereal, stop! Buy the generic bags; you will get more for less. The toys in the boxes aren’t worth the extra cash.
5) Coffee. Please stop buying a cup of Joe at Starbucks every morning. Buy a big can of Maxwell House or whatever your prefer for $6 and make it. You will recoup your money in less than 3 days!
6) Fast food. We realize that everyone will eventually hit up McDonalds for some fast food from time to time; while we don’t recommend making a habit of eating out, stick to the dollar menu. The value meals are not particularly great values and you will then subject yourself to eating too big of a portion of food that is bad for you. Fill yourself up with a couple items on the dollar menu and leave knowing your full and only spent $2 + tax.
7) Books. While everyone may not be buying books on a consistent basis, those that are, most likely are spending too much. In an earlier post titled, “5 Things to Buy New and 5 to Buy Used,” we discussed the idea of saving on books. The idea is simple, spend time in the bookstores shopping for books you would like to read, then take it to the net and purchase them at a substantial discount.
8) Beer. If you don’t like it, that’s unfortunate, for those of us that do, buy what you like in a greater quantity. Spend a little more on beer you like, I have found I drink less and enjoy beer more when it’s of better quality. Spend a few less nights out and enjoy yourself at home as well.
9) Cleaning Products. In our opinion the price advantage to buying generic items almost always prevails when considering what to purchase, when it comes to cleaning products, we find this especially true. Again, Target has great generic products that are basically exact replicas of the real deal.
10) Pet Food. Just like you like a variety when it comes to food, pets probably do as well. Buy pet food that is on sale, especially for those with big animals, this can save you a fortune in the long run.
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Comments
I realize this won’t send more business to Target, but you can also try Half Price Books or any of the many used book stores for books. And for the truly frugal there are many “recipes” on the web for home made saline solution.
I definitely don’t agree with the pet food idea. If you really care about your pet as a friend and companion you should splurge on pet food. Ask you vet, but I guarantee he/she will agree with me. Not only are more expensive brands healthier and vitamin and mineral rich, if you stay consistent you will know where your pet food came from (something important considering the recent pet food recalls). Furthermore, many grocery store brands of pet foods have a much higher ash content which can put your furry friend at greater risk for conditions like feline liver disease–that’s how I lost one! Everything else seems like great advice though.
I disagree with the coffee. I only have 2 bad habits ( LOL) – one is drinking coffee. I will splurge on my favorite brand because Maxwell house coffee SUCKS! My cup of coffee in the AM is the truely one thing I look forward too!
I don’t agree with the pet food thing either, the cheap dog food isn’t as digestible, so it makes the dog poop way more (bad if you have an indoor dog like ours). Also cheap stuff makes our dog fart like it’s going out of style. For everyones sake you’re better off buying a mid-grade product that is more digestible.
@Lynnae – I have to force myself to budget my book buying just to take the edge off, or else I end up with a book on every exposed surface in my apartment.
@PJ – I know I am a big fan of coffee as well but I did a little math and found that even if I buy the more expensive ground kind, it is still leaps and bounds more frugal than buying it at Starbucks. You can spend as much in two days what it costs to make at home and have it last a week or more.
@Kat – 2 things: 1) your right and 2) that was one of the funniest comments I have ever read. We might just have to concede that point given the amount of trouble your dog’s gas is 
Most of it I agree with, but the pet food no. Because dog and cat stomach aren’t that strong and when their food is changed they get sick, you have to stay with the same food to keep your pet healthy.
I don’t agree on the cleaning products one. I only buy biodegradable cleaning products, because I don’t like spilling chemicals into the ocean. the biodegradable ones may be a bit more expensive, but at least I know they won;t be polluting the environment
Don’t feed your dog something different every time a different dog food is on sale unless you want to upset his/her tummy with possibly diarrhea. Dogs like routine especially when it comes to food. Also, cheapest isn’t always the best for your dog’s health, so sez my vet.
I also disagree with the pet food thing. If you feed the cheapest thing out there, you will pay for it with vet bills and health problems. You might check your local feed store to see if you can get a deal there. I don’t see anything here that’s ever been an issue for me.
@Dog Lovers – After receiving multiple comments debating the dog food issue, I have done a little research, turns out you are all right! I have found a helpful article that is linked below provides a cost effective way to buy healthy dog food. My dog thanks you for the comments.
[...] List of Everyday Items We All Need, but Spend too Much On at Milk Your Money. The part I really like is when Frank gives suggestions on how to save money on these items! [...]
Great posting. (I just found your blog and I love it!)
Anyway, I definitely agree about the coffee. Someone left a comment saying that Maxwell House sucks, and I agree. BUT…for just a couple of dollars more you can buy a nice can of pre-ground coffee OR a bag of fresh coffee beans that you can grind yourself at home. Seriously, if you have a Starbucks Latte habit, just changing this alone will save you $100+ a month. (And you can make some really delicious coffee at home.)
Thanks!
Christina
P.S. Sorry for the double posting, but…I wanted to suggest one other idea on the topic of coffee.
I recently bought my husband a ‘Brew ‘n’ Go’ – basically a miniature coffeemaker for him to take to work. It comes complete with one travel mug, and it brews coffee (or in his case – tea) right into the travel mug. It cost me about $20, and he has it right there on his desk. We figured that within two weeks or less it would have paid for itself, because he wouldn’t head to the coffee shop! 
Just another idea…
@ Christina: Thanks for the ideas! Coffee is a great example of showing how we can save on several things. Your site has some great suggestions for the never ending battle for a clean house…we should swap a guest post at some point!
I disagree about the dog food. The cheaper the food the more you feed because it is not nutrient dense.
It basically starves your dog, they are always hungry and it creates too much poop. I feed Nutro. My dog is 100 lbs. I feed him 1 1/2 cup twice daily.A MEASURED CUP! He is gorgeous, healthy and satisfied. This is a nutrient dense food and far less stools with the small amount fed.
You missed the mark on buying books–the place for books is the library! Of course you don’t get to keep them forever but it’s a great when you have children who want different books all the time.
Cleaning products–use white vinegar or baking soda. Good, cheap and eco friendly.
@MamaPajama: You’re right about the library, I should have made that point. I can’t speak for Frank, but I feel as though I am not ready to give any books back that I might borrow. This probably limits the amount of books I read, but I am a pack rat when it comes to books. I really like the aspect of reading something and then coming back and grabbing it off the shelf and reading something again. At some point however I might get to the point where I can let go of fiction and limit my spending to just reference. It’s a process that I am chipping away at.
I have heard of those cleaning ideas before and need to look into it. Thanks for commenting.
Back to the pet food comments…I agree with the type of food you buy for your pet is important for their digestive system and health. Speaking from personal experience with a lazy and overweight dog, weight control dog food isn’t the cheapest. Evolutionarily, dogs only need to eat every other day or so…though I don’t condone this and my dog is fed twice a day (and too many treats), one of the healthiest ways to feed your pet is to feed them less at their meal times. I.e. instead of 1 cup of food, give them 3/4 of a cup*. This will not only increase their health, but will decrease the amount of times you have to buy their food over a long period of time.
*The suggestion of dogs needing to eat every other day and decreasing their food intake in a healthy way was recommended by the vet.*
This is a great list! I do pretty well with most of them. I struggle with the fast food and books a bit. I’m getting better though.