Refillable Things That Will Save You Money

Whether you’re trying to find extra money to pay off debt or create more financial margin within your budget, there are ways that you can save money that don’t require much effort. In fact, all it takes is a decision to shift in order to see a difference. This is true for you if you’ve developed a habit of avoiding the recycling process. There are plenty of refillable things you can use that will save you money every single day. Plus, you’ll be able to decrease your carbon footprint at the same time.

Instead of buying container after container for commonly used items, buy one and use it over and over again by refilling it. Take a look at the following tips to learn ways to save money on refillable everyday products.

Refill Your Own Ink Cartridges –

Are you sick of paying excessive amounts of money just to be able to print your own documents? With a little extra work, you can refill your own ink cartridges and save a lot of money in the process. One option that you may want to consider is purchasing ink bottles online and using a syringe to refill your old cartridges. If you’re looking for a less messy approach, some stores offer ink refilling services. All you need to do is drop off your old cartridge, and the store will refill your cartridge for you.

Don’t Overpay For Razor Blades –

The refillable razor that you have been using may offer great results, but you may find that the razor blade replacements are extremely overpriced. If you don’t want to overpay for your razor blades, you may want to consider purchasing razor blades online or buying them in bulk at a warehouse store. In many cases, you may learn that some disposable razors work just as well and cost a fraction of the price of many popular razors. Make a price comparison with all options to see which saves you the most money.

Purchase An Electric Toothbrush –

If you’re thinking about stepping up your oral hygiene with the use of an electric toothbrush, it’s important to take into consideration the cost of the replacement heads. Shop around to learn the different prices of refill toothbrush heads. If you find that a certain brand is cheaper, it may be in your best interest to purchase that brand of electric toothbrush. Store brand toothbrush heads are also a great way to save money. Check on Amazon as well because it might be cheaper on there if you sign up for their “Subscribe and Save” program.

Water Filters And Water Bottles –

Most people don’t really like to drink water that comes straight out of the faucet. While this is understandable, you don’t have to purchase bottled water either. Simply purchase a water filter that you can attach to the faucet. You can also purchase a pitcher that comes with a filtration system like a Brita. If you’d like to fill up a water bottle that you can use while you’re on the go, simply purchase a reusable water bottle. Mix things up by purchasing reusable water bottles that come with reusable straws as well. Plus, the refills with this process are so much more convenient. No one wants to carry a large case of bottled water into the house every week. A filter is a small, compact way to enjoy your refills and practice the art of saving money.

Make Your Own Coffee –

I just bought some refillable K-Cups from Groupon. I paid $9.99 for 6 of them, and I picked up a pound of good coffee at Walmart for $3.96. Those initial investments alone saved me about $18 or $20 off the price I would normally pay for a box of 32 disposable K-Cups. I expect that a pound of coffee will produce a similar amount of single cups of coffee and maybe even more. Next time I’ll save more money because I’ll only have to buy the ground coffee.

While those delicious lattes might be one of your guilty pleasures, it can run a dent into your effort to save money. Instead, become your own barista. Do a Google search to purchase different syrups, coffee blends, and creams to craft your own amazing lattes at home. Purchase reusable coffee filters that you can wash once you’ve finished making your morning brew. In addition to saving money, it’s one of the most amazing household items to enjoy. Once you’re able to create your own coffee at home, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start before.

Don’t Do Disposable Pens –

Ink pens aren’t terribly expensive individually, but if you’re constantly buying new pens, the cost can add up. A pack of 12 disposable pens can run anywhere from $4 to $10, while refillable pens cost in the area of $18. A two-pack of refills for the latter is between $2 and $4. If you use a lot of ink, it’s a wiser investment (for your wallet and the planet) to pick up the refillable kind. Or you just do what I do, and get your pens for free by taking them from wherever they’re handing them out. Who doesn’t love Freebies?!

Buy Mechanical Pencils –

Does anyone use pencils anymore? I suppose kids do, but I haven’t picked up a pencil in years. A pack of 12 store-brand disposable pencils from Office Depot cost $1.49, while a Paper Mate Mega Lead mechanical pencil costs $3.24 and comes with 12 lead refills. Separately, the refills are only $2.29 for a pack of 36 leads. The numbers speak for themselves.

Refillable Soap Dispenser –

Instead of buying a new, pre-filled soap dispenser from Target every time the ones in my bathroom or kitchen run out (which is often), I buy a single dispenser and purchase a gallon jug of hand soap at Costco or Sam’s Club that I use to fill the dispensers when they’re empty. One jug lasts me for the better part of a year.

Prescriptions –

I learned a new trick recently while researching information for another article — when you ask your doctor for a prescription, have him prescribe pills that contain double the dose of your medication. The prescription will cost the same as the single-dose pills (or close to it), but when you get home, you can split the pills in half, so they last twice as long. Fewer trips to the pharmacy and more money in my pocket is music to my ears.

Travel Mugs –

If you’re a Starbucks fanatic without a refillable travel mug, your carbon footprint is through the roof. Tread a little lighter with a reusable, refillable travel mug. Stainless steel travel mugs like Yeti or Thermos are my favorite. Plus, to make each day even brighter, Starbucks will discount your coffee purchase for doing your part to save the planet.

Gift Cards –

Parents can give their kids reusable gift cards — for iTunes, their favorite clothing store, or the local movie theater — in lieu of cash or credit cards. Refillable gift cards can also be used as a rewards or incentive program at home; when the kid does something helpful, you can surprise him or her with a deposit on the card.

Napkins and Hand Towels –

So many people look at hand towels and assume they’re unsanitary. If you’ve just washed your hands, you don’t have to worry about tons of germs. Instead, purchase a few hand towels and cloth napkins that you can wash once a week. This same concept is true for diapers. Though cloth diapers might seem inconvenient to wash, you’ll save a lot of money with this effort.

Grocery Bags –

Nowadays, grocery stores are becoming more eco-friendly. As a result, they are encouraging customers to follow the trend. If you want to use a plastic or paper bag to hold your groceries, you’re going to get charged at least $0.05 per bag. While that might not seem like a lot of money, it will add up over the course of a month or a year. Instead, purchase large reusable grocery bags. Then, you won’t have to purchase grocery bags again.

Spray Bottles –

Spray bottles are incredibly convenient for a myriad of household purposes. It’s one of the most versatile and reliable household items to purchase. You can put water in a spray bottle when you’re trying to slick your hair down or water your plants. You can add a homemade, all-natural cleaning solution to a spray bottle. You can even dilute a cleaning solution with water and place it in a spray bottle to extend the life of the solution.

Conclusion –

Take advantage of the many services that a non-profit credit counseling company offers. Advantage CCS offers debt management programs and free credit counseling sessions in order to better educate you on smart spending habits. If you find that it’s impossible to control your monthly spending, you may benefit greatly by working with a certified credit counselor. With the right tools and techniques, you can be more in control of your financial future.

For some people, these changes will be easy as pie. For others, the addiction to a specific coffee will make this a painful change. However, your reward will be great. You’ll see the money add up in your bank account without much effort. Keep things in perspective when you’re tempted to go off track. Don’t let morning coffee runs keep you from experiencing a debt-free life!