#1 Shower Gels
Using a shower gel while showering can feel quite nice. However, you don't need to buy expensive shower gels to do the job right. In fact, bar soap is much less expensive than shower gels, and it accomplishes exactly the same purpose. If you can't live without the exfoliation benefits that come in many shower gels, you can accomplish the same task with a little sugar and a cheap dollar store loofah. In addition to lasting longer and being cheaper, bar soap is less likely than shower gel to be wasted. This is especially true if you have young children in the house. Many bar soaps are also scented like your favorite shower gel, so you don't have to give up any delicious scents to save money either.
#2 Aftershave
Many men buy aftershave, but how many actually use it. The truth is aftershave is a truly unnecessary expense. Instead of buying aftershave, use a shaving cream that features a good moisturizer. If you or the man in your life like to use aftershave because of its scent, it is vital to note that scented aftershave doesn't last near as long as cologne. Even layered with cologne, aftershave adds remarkably little to the lasting scent of cologne.
#3 Gym Membership
Gym memberships are a splendid idea in theory. However, for many people the memberships are simply unnecessary and a waste of money. To make this matter even more expensive, many gyms require a yearly contract when you sign-up. This means if you lose interest or simply don't have the time to use your gym membership, you still have to pay for it. When considering a gym membership, be honest with yourself about your intentions. Another alternative is to find local classes that allow you to pay by the class instead of making you sign a contract. If you pay by the class, you are only paying for the time you spend working out, and not time you thought you would spend in a gym.
#4 Washing Machine Cleaner
Washing machines are just like any other major appliance in your home, which means from time to time, you must clean it. Failure to clean your washing machine properly can result in clothes that aren't thoroughly clean, and a funky odor coming from your machine. While cleaning your washing machine is necessary, wasting money on expensive washing machine cleaners is not. Instead, take a look in your cleaning supplies, and you will likely find everything you need to get your washing machine sparkly and odor free. The best homemade washing machine cleaner includes adding vinegar or lemon juice to your machine and running a full cycle. If you are worried about odors, run the machine on its hottest cycle to get rid of any smell in the machine. To avoid the musty smell that invades many washing machines, make sure to leave the lid open after you empty a load of laundry into the dryer. For best results, you should leave the lid open until the machine is totally dry on the inside.
#5 Cord Organizers
No one wants to have a pile of messy cords hanging or piled on the floor. However, it also isn't necessary to buy cord organizers to handle this type of mess. Instead, use bread ties or garbage ties to neatly and safely nestle cords together. You will accomplish the same look, and won't have to spend an extra dime to achieve this. After all, you are probably buying bread or garbage bags anyways, so why throw away the ties?
#6 Fabric Softener
Fabric softeners are recognized for keeping close fluffy, reducing wrinkles, eliminating static cling, and for being a bit pricey. To avoid spending money on fabric softener, you can use a tennis ball in the dryer to fluff clothes and help reduce wrinkles. A simple way to eliminate static cling without using fabric softener is to crumple a small ball of aluminum foil and toss it in the dryer.
#7 Excessive Auto Insurance
Many people buy car insurance and never take a look at the policy again unless they need to file a claim. Instead of just burying the policy in your file cabinet, you should go over the policy at least once a year. In some cases, you could be paying for excessive auto insurance that you just don't need. This is especially crucial if your lifestyle changes, you pay off a car listed on the policy or you move. Looking over the policy every year and reducing the coverage that you simply don't need can help you save a great deal of money.
#8 Tax Preparation
In life, people can count on two things; death and taxes. In fact, taxes have to be filed every single year. If you pay to have your taxes done, you could be wasting a ton of money. Instead of paying a tax preparation company or an accountant to do your taxes, you can file the return yourself. Many tax filers actually qualify to file their taxes for absolutely no cost. To learn more about do-it-yourself tax filing, you can visit www.irs.gov.
#9 Stain Remover
No matter how careful or neat you are, everyone probably experiences a stain or two in their life. Whether it is on your carpet, your upholstery or your wardrobe, stains can happen anywhere. A trip to any drug store will leave you with tons of expensive options to obliterate the stain that you incurred. However, you can remove many stains with ease, and with items you already own in your home. Popular stain removing items that you probably have in your cupboard include vinegar, shaving cream and dish detergent. So, the next time you are tempted to run out and buy expensive stain remover, think about the items you already own, and see if you can remove the stain without spending any money.
#10 Drain Unclogger
A clogged drain or a clogged toilet can be an incredible nuisance. When this occurs many people go to the store and purchase do-it-yourself drain uncloggers. While these products usually do the trick, it also comes with a hefty price tag. Fortunately, you don't need these type of products to handle many simple pipe clogs. In fact, a combination of baking soda and vinegar will often unclog the toughest clogs imaginable. Better yet, this homemade drain unclogger is also a healthier option for the environment and your family.
Using any of the tips above will help you spend less. It is important to remember that just because you have always paid for something, doesn't necessarily mean you have to. The next time you think you need to buy a certain product to meet a particular need, take the time to consider if you truly need to buy it, and whether you can get the same results with something you already have in your home.
Kevin Beene is a financial consultant who enjoys sharing his tips on saving money. His articles appear on a number of lifestyle and personal finance blogs. Visit CheapAutoInsurance.org for quotes and more information.
Reference:
http://lifehacker.com/5832853/top-10 -- products-you-dont-need-to-buy-because-you-already-have-them-in-your-home http://frugalliving.about.com/od/homemaintenancerepair/ht/Clean_Washing_Machine.htm
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