The saying may go “You have to spend money to make money”, but sometimes it’s good to spend money to save money too.
We're big fans of helping you to save money at bonkers.ie.
And while it may seem counter-intuitive to ask you to spend in order to save, you'd be surprised at all the purchases that can save you some dough in the long run.
In a previous post we gave you our top seven purchases to help you save money. So here's another seven ideas...
1. Reusable batteries
Let’s be honest - batteries are a nuisance. You always forget to pick them up, they're single use and they're bad for the environment if not disposed of correctly. You probably have a few devices which run on them though, like your TV remote, your razor, or the kids' toys that they got for Christmas.
Well pick up some reusable batteries and a charging station and you won’t have to worry about your TV remote being out of commission until you run to the shops. And you'll save on replacements too.
2. Good clothes
The fashion industry every year generates huge amounts of money. One of their best tricks is convincing people they have to keep up with seasonal trends, meaning if you want to stay at the pinnacle of what is considered chic, you need to pick up new expensive clothes every few months.
What is even more tempting is when you walk into one of those big department stores and see something nice for a bargain. However it is always worth considering the quality.
A few high-quality staple items in your wardrobe can last months or years longer than cheaper alternatives. A good pair of shoes, jeans, or a good jacket can be worth investing in as they tend to last.
Also, it takes a staggering 10,000 litres of water to make 1kg of cotton, and over twice this in developing countries due to inefficiencies. So the more clothes you buy, the more water you waste. So think of the environment too.
3. A good water bottle
On the subject of water...a really good dietary habit is to make sure that you are drinking plenty of it. Water's health benefits are manifold, but it could also be good for your pocket.
Having your own water bottle full and with you as you work and are on-the-go means you're less likely to buy bottled water. It may even help stop you from drinking fizzy drinks, meaning it's great for your health and your waistline!
Plus the less plastic that you use, the less that ends up in the oceans, so this one is a health, wealth and environmental tip.
4. High-efficiency washing machine
This is especially a great money saving tip for new parents, who we know constantly have the washing machine going.
If you buy a large load, high-efficiency washing machine, not only does it mean you'll be doing fewer washes, it also means that you'll be using less water in the process. And as up to 90% of the electricity that a washing machine uses is for heating the water, you'll save on your energy bills too!
5. Dryer balls
You can save money not just on washing your clothes, but on drying them as well.
Dryer balls can save you 25% on drying time meaning you don’t have to spend as long drying your clothes, which means you'll spend less money operating the machine. And as tumble dryers are such energy guzzlers, this could really save you in the longer run.
6. Mouldable glue
The Irish product Sugru has gained favour worldwide for its versatility, and rightly so. This little substance can increase the longevity of your products, saving you money on replacements.
The flexible, adhesive repair putty turns into a strong, durable, silicone rubber when it sets and you can use it to fix fraying cables, holes in shoes, handles for saucepans, you name it!
7. Air-tight dried goods containers
Whether it’s pasta, coffee, cereals or whatever dried goods you have, it’s usually exposure to air that speeds up the degradation process.
Keeping these sorts of products in an air-tight container can help keep them fresher for longer, meaning fewer visits to the supermarket and less waste.
Know any more?
Got any other money saving purchases that you swear by?
Comment below and let us know or get in touch with us over on Facebook or on Twitter @bonkers_ie. We’d love to hear from you!
Also, remember that as well as saving money with your purchases there are also seven ways you can save money with bonkers.ie on your bills.
