Some things are worth splurging on. Others? Not so much. The trick is knowing where spending extra doesn’t actually buy better quality.
And right now, stretching dollars is on just about everyone’s mind. According to LifeStance, 83% of Americans feel more financial stress thanks to inflation, cost of living and recession fears. That stress makes it even more important to cut unnecessary spending where it doesn’t pay off.
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To help separate the smart buys from the money-wasters, Melanie Musson, a finance expert with Quote.com, shared where to save money.
Expensive Sunglasses
Price doesn’t always equal protection. The American Academy of Ophthalmology noted that sunglasses don’t have to be expensive to be safe and effective. In fact, drugstore pairs labeled 100% UV-blocking can be a smarter choice than designer frames that skip proper protection.
For those who do want the brand name, the trick is knowing where to buy, according to Musson.
“Designer sunglasses are a hidden gem at Costco,” she said. “A pair of Saint Laurent sunglasses will cost $500 at the department store but are only $159.99 at Costco.”
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Small Quantities of Pantry Staples
Pantry basics are another place where small packages quietly eat up money. Buying in bulk makes sense for anything shelf-stable, especially items used often in cooking or baking.
Vanilla extract is a perfect example. It costs about $14 for 16 fluid ounces at Costco. At Walmart, however, you’ll spend nearly $5 for 1 fluid ounce. Even if it takes a while to go through, the savings are guaranteed.
Name-Brand Medication
“The ingredients are the same, in the same amounts,” Musson said. “You’re paying for the brand when you buy name-brand medicine.”
A quick look at the back of the box proves it. The active ingredient, dosage and even the order of ingredients typically match exactly. Generics usually cost less than half, with no difference in how they work.
Seasonal Decor
Stores make seasonal items feel irresistible, but those trendy pumpkins or holiday-themed pillows often carry inflated prices. The truth is, most of it ends up on clearance after the season ends.
Discount stores, warehouse packs and even thrift shops often have the same festive feel for less. Splurging makes sense only on timeless, sturdy pieces that hold up year after year.
Luxury Beauty Products
Prestige cosmetics carry glossy marketing campaigns and luxury price tags. But effectiveness? That’s not always tied to the brand, with cheaper staples often delivering the same finish.
A quick check of reviews and ingredients is often enough to avoid overspending.
Brand-Name Items
It’s easy to assume a recognizable name means higher quality. But plenty of store brands are made by the same companies producing the national labels.
Kirkland Signature at Costco, for example, has products manufactured by big-name brands, according to Tasting Table, sometimes with the exact same specs. In those cases, the difference is packaging, not quality.
Bottled Water
Cases of bottled water are convenient, but they’re a budget drain over time. Tap water in most U.S. cities meets strict standards, and a simple filter pitcher or countertop unit can improve taste.
Pair it with a reusable water bottle, and the savings add up fast while also cutting down on plastic waste.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I’m a Budget Shopper: Never Waste Money on These 7 Everyday Items
