Here are 9 Things I'd never ever (EVER) buy for my home. By Kristen Kupperman

1.    Cut up fruits and vegetables:  You have got to be kidding. With the high produce prices, take the extra time to cut, slice or chop your own.
2.    Plastic baggies:  Invest in Tupperware or Rubbermaid containers.  A 44-piece set of Rubbermaid Food Storage Containers costs $24.99 – but then you’re finished spending forever.  Sandwich bags cost about $1.87 and you  buy them forever.  Reusable containers are not only for leftover food storage, but also for kid’s lunches. Go green, save money.
3.    Bottled juices: A 46 oz. bottle of Welch’s Grape cost $4.39. The concentrate, which makes the same amount, costs $2.59. It’s a little extra effort but getting juice for half-off means getting on those new Mary Jane Pumps I want to buy.
4.    Paper napkins: You throw away money with disposable napkins. Instead, fold a bandana into your kids’ lunch boxes and use cloth napkins at home – both can be washed again and again.
5.    Expensive wine:  Confession, I do not believe in paying more than $7 for wine. But I purchased a beautiful glass carafe for under $10 and fill it up with the cheap stuff.  Based on the compliments I get, no one can tell. And if I refill the glasses enough, it’s perfectly understandable to all who ask why the heck I can never remember the name of the vintage I’m serving.
6.    Packaged cookies:  Okay, so I am no Mrs. Fields but hers, for an 8-count package, cost $3.69. Mine are way cheaper and because I keep a stash of all the ingredients and measuring cup, come with a math lesson and a free activity.
7.    Prepared food:  Instead, stock up on condiments and spices in your house. Then look for the specials on turkey, whole fryer chicken; wait for a buy one get one free sale and stock those in your freezer.
8.    Bottled water:  Do I have to tell you why?  Turn on your tap. If your water is bad, invest in a filter for your faucet or one you can fill and refrigerate.  Best yet, it will help you avoid the hairy eyeball from others at your local gym. (And even allow you to give it once in a while.)
9.    Magazines: Here’s the deal: they more subscribers a magazine has, the more money they can charge their advertisers. They want you to subscribe, they need you to subscribe, they practically give their pages away if you subscribe. To discourage newsstand purchases, they charge you sometimes triple the price for buying there. Fill out the card and have the publisher deliver to your door for less cash.

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed