Smart Things to Buy Now That'll Save You Money Later

So you started the new year with a resolution to save money. But you’re still not really sure how. Have no fear — there are many ways to bulk up your savings account. And we’ve got lots of tips on how to start out on the right foot. 

But today, we’re talkin’ spending smarter, in order to save. Constantly buying makeup wipes? Not anymore. What about tampons? Next. Get ready for some products that’ll do the saving for you. So you have extra dollars in your wallet later.

A budget planner to help you track your spending…

Stay on top of your hard-earned cash with monthly spreads that’ll help you record things like income, rent, utilities, and groceries. No more surprise gasps when you open a credit card bill, or check your savings account. ($10.50, Erin Condren)

Buy it

A reusable cloth that’ll wipe away makeup with just water... 

It’s soft, won’t irritate sensitive skin, and will end your consistent buying of single-use packaged wipes. The trick is in the fabric. All you’ve got to do is add water. And once your face is clean, you can toss it in the laundry. Magic. ($20, Amazon)

Buy it

A blow-dryer that’s also a brush for salon-like blowouts…

But at a fraction of the cost. And no, you don’t have to be an expert to use it. It features three heat and speed settings, plus a cool option for styling. The oval design helps to smooth your locks and create volume. Hello, good hair days. ($39.99+, Amazon)

Buy it

A coffee bean subscription that’ll have you saving money on your morning cup…

Roasted weekly in Brooklyn, these beans are imported from partner farms in Vietnam. You can get the trio, or choose a single bag for shipments that work around your schedule. No more watery coffee here. ($39/subscription, Nguyen Coffee Supply)

Buy it

A set of containers that’ll keep your produce fresh for longer than a few days…

Seriously. Lettuce won’t wilt. Blueberries won’t mold. These containers regulate oxygen and carbon dioxide flow, so they keep your precious produce from spoiling. Plus, the built-in filter never needs to be replaced. For the best results, don’t wash your produce before adding it to the containers. ($29.50/set of 3, Amazon)

Buy it

A mini spatula set to get every drop out of makeup bottles…

If you’ve ever owned a bottle of foundation, you know how frustrating it is to see so much go to waste. Enter these mini spatulas. They’re designed to expertly fit in the nooks and crannies of small bottles. So you don’t have to throw away a bottle that still has so much product sitting inside. Bless. ($16.58, Amazon)

Buy it

A SodaStream so you can have sparkling water at the press of a button…

Instead of buying bottles (or cans) every week, invest in a SodaStream. Thanks to the carbonating cylinder, you’ll be able to turn regular water into bubble water in just a few seconds. You can even add different flavors like lemon, watermelon, or cola. Give your wallet (and recycling bin) a break. ($80.99+, SodaStream)

Buy it

An energy-saving LED light bulb that only uses 29 watts…

But (and there’s a good but), it’s equivalent to 150 watts. So you get a light bulb that’s similar to natural sunlight, but won’t run up your energy bill. It’s also dimmable. So your eyes can rest easy at night. ($39.99/pack of 4, The Home Depot)

Buy it

A personalized teeth-whitening kit so you can stop buying strips…

Start out by taking a quiz about your teeth’s sensitivity, your brushing habits, and diet. Based on your answers, a custom formula will be created that’s fast-acting, effective, and won’t cause insane sensitivity. The kit will come with your gel formula and a mouthpiece. Follow the steps and watch your teeth brighten in as little as six days. Psst...Skimm HQ’rs have used this kit and swear by it. ($30+ for a bundle subscription, Glowup)

Buy it

A Ninja Foodi that combines nine functions into one handy kitchen appliance…

It can pressure cook, air fry and crisp, steam, slow cook, bake and roast, sear and saute, broil, dehydrate, and make yogurt. So you don’t need more than one appliance hogging counter space. And this one can hold up to eight quarts. Get ready to feed the whole family. ($249.99, Bed Bath & Beyond)

Buy it

A cold brew maker if you insist on having a glass every day...

It’s simple. Just pour water into the base of this coffee maker. Then scoop your favorite ground beans into the mesh filter, and insert that into the water. For the perfectly chilled brew, leave it in your fridge overnight. Just think about all those throw-away paper cups you’re gonna save. ($15.99+, Amazon)

Buy it

A menstrual cup to replace tampons and pads…

Made to be reused, this menstrual cup is the sustainable option you’ve been waiting for. Free from latex and harmful chemicals, it can provide 12-hour protection. And yes, that includes overnight wear. So you can stop shelling out money for your monthly supply of feminine products. ($21.99, The Honey Pot Company)

Buy it

A pack of silicone bags for food storage…

A little less takeout, a little more home cooking. The standing bags can be placed right in your fridge when you need to store leftovers, while the bags that lay flat can be used to store makeup, band-aids, and any random items you have lying around. So no more purchasing plastic baggies. These can go in the microwave, dishwasher, or freezer. And can be used to steam and sous-vide. They pretty much do everything. ($60.80+, W&P Design)

Buy it

A fabric shaver to revive old sheets, sweaters, and towels…

Goodbye little pill balls. You can run this tiny device over furniture, too. It’ll eat up those annoying tiny fuzzies and loose threads. So you can freshen up older items you own, instead of purchasing brand new sheets and sweaters. Win. ($12.99, Amazon)

Buy it

PS: These are editorially selected, but if you purchase, theSkimm may get something in return. 

PPS: If something’s out of stock, oops, it was there when we published. And we apologize for any shipping delays due to COVID-19. Thanks.

Skimm'd by Alexandra Napoli, Jessica Kelly