Small Household Purchases for Big Savings

The average household has a budget when it comes to spontaneous purchases. A common mistake people make is replacing unnecessary items. For example, if a new, sharper flat screen television comes out, it’s really not sensible to rush out and buy it if you already have an up-to-date TV.

However, this rule doesn’t apply to all items. There are several household items you can buy that make a huge difference and are worth the expense. When purchasing new items, the trade-off of cost versus improvement in the quality of life and long-term savings, need to be calculated. Check out these household purchases that will save you money in the long run:

1) Knife Sharpener

Anyone who’s in the kitchen understands the frustration associated with dull knives. There are few things more agitating than trying to quickly get dinner together for your hungry, growing children, with knives that just won’t chop. Buying a new set of sharp knives every other year can be an unnecessary expense, so invest in a knife sharpener to stay on top of your cooking game.

2) Smart Thermostat

Buying a new, state of the art thermostat may seem like a frivolous purchase, but bear with me. From a convenience standpoint, it can’t be beaten. You can monitor your home’s temperature from your smartphone, which allows you to make adjustments from the comfort of your bed at 3:00 am, but that’s not the reason you should buy it. It’s programmable and learns your preferences so that it can provide the most comfortable environment with the least amount of energy. It will simplify your life and save you money in the long run.

3) Moisture Sensors

The purpose of these is to place them in areas of the house that may be susceptible to leaks. At less than $20 a piece, it’s pretty clear that the cost more than offsets the savings you will gain from being able to diagnose a leak before it progresses into tens of thousands of dollars in damage.

4) Vacuum Sealer

A decent vacuum sealer is relatively inexpensive, however, it’s affordability isn’t the primary reason to purchase this item. The average American household wastes upwards of $2,000 in food every year. If you’re diligent with your vacuum sealer, you can significantly mitigate these losses. Whether you’re meal prepping or just saving leftovers, a vacuum sealer will ensure you savour the flavour and save money while you’re at it!

5) Keurig

That daily stop at Starbucks doesn’t seem like a lot of money, but add all those up and you’ll be shocked at how much money you’re wasting. The problem with just buying your own grounds and a coffee maker is you can’t just brew one cup, which also translates to wastage. For the modest price of a Keurig, you’ll be able to purchase pods from your favorite coffee shops and make one cup at a time. Pound for pound, Keurig pods are more expensive than traditional grounds, however, when you factor in wastage, it’s a no-brainer. Additionally, you won’t crave your favorite coffee’s anymore, you’ll have them at home on demand, rather than pay over-inflated prices.

Original article found at: http://dreamcasa.org/living/household-purchases-wont-regret-making/