It might seem like a fairly simple concept to stop spending money on products that you don’t use or need. Though it seems like a simple change you might be wondering where to start cutting back and realizing what products you don’t use or need to keep wasting money on.
The first thing to go is buying name-brand products when there are less expensive options with better value for nearly the same product. One easy way to spot the higher-priced brands is to find the options that are featured at eye-level and above on the top shelf.
The eye-level and upper placement of brand products are deliberate as customers are more likely to naturally look at the placement of these products. Customers are less likely to look down while shopping and most stores will orient the order of products on a shelf with higher products being more expensive while lower products cost less.
Another subtle yet big change that can impact your budget is the quantity as customers who buy more tend to waste more due to the shelf life. Observing your consumption levels of certain products can help you determine whether you should be buying more or less of a certain product that will also help reduce unnecessary waste.
One of the best indications for getting the most for your money is looking at the unit price that is determined by the weight of a product. For example, when comparing yogurt options one 6-ounce container of yogurt costs $0.72 with a unit price of $0.12 per ounce compared to a 32-ounce container of yogurt that costs $1.62 with a unit price of $0.05 per ounce.
The goal of shopping depending on the unit price is to find the lowest value, so you get more for your money with the option of buying bulk being more cost-efficient but only if you use all of it. A simple way to determine the number of certain items you use is by starting with buying the smallest option and if you run out of the product quickly then you can buy a bigger package next time.
Another big money saver is making your own household cleaning supplies using simple ingredients that you might already have at home. Most DIY cleaning products use white vinegar, baking soda, borax, essential oils, and other products that you can pick up at your local grocery store. DIY cleaning products are easy to make and last a longer time than commercial cleaners that requires more product in comparison.
One easy trick is searching DIY household cleaners with products you already have at home that will also contribute to less waste. There are reusable glass cleaning spray bottles that can be recycled, or you can reuse old household cleaning bottles that are thoroughly cleaned.
