5 Small Things We've Bought That Saved Us Money in the Long Run
From products that help curb expensive drink habits to long-lasting LED lights, take a cue from our editors and discover small household items we love, all under $100, that can save you money down the road.
Sometimes you need to spend money to make money, as many business-minded people say, so HGTV editors scanned our homes for items we've purchased that help us curb costs in the long run. Whether you have an expensive coffee habit or you're trying to lower your utility bills, these items might just help you keep some money in the bank over time, too.
BUY IT: Amazon, $16.95 (Pack of 6)
"I purchased organic wool dryer balls because they are supposed to cut your electric bills by drying your clothes faster and you don’t have to use dryer sheets! The only problem is my dog thinks they are her toys. – Lauren Fansler, Editor
DIY Reusable Dryer Balls
Cut down on dryer time, and naturally freshen your clothes by using wool yarn or upcycling an old sweater into wool dryer balls.
BUY IT: Amazon, $49.88 (17% Off)
"I have a traditional blender that I love, but the compact design and blade selection make the NutriBullet a go-to for those smoothie cravings. The powerful motor and cyclonic action create the silkiest smoothies, and clean-up is a breeze. The included cups and lids are dishwasher-safe, and the blades are good after a quick soap-and-water rinse. That definitely beats hunting down a local smoothie shop." – Kayla Kitts, Managing Editor
7 Top-Rated Smoothie Blenders to Kick-Start Your Day
Get healthy and happy with morning smoothies that are both nutritious and delicious. These top-rated blenders can help supercharge your day and put a spring in your step.
BUY IT: Target, $39.99
"I’ve used a French press for the past four years. I almost never buy coffee, unless it’s a special weekend treat. Making coffee at home has become a ritual for my husband. He makes us coffee every morning, which I’m sure has saved us hundreds of dollars over the years." – Molly Miller, Assistant Editor
7 Coffee Makers to Break Your $5 Coffee Habit
Say goodbye to standing in line and paper coffee cups with these highly-rated coffee makers from Amazon that will make you want to stay in for just one more cup.
BUY IT: Amazon, $82.99 (17% Off)
"Light bulbs aren’t exactly a "sexy" purchase for your home, but when you spend a little more money up front to buy higher quality, it’s worth the investment. Prior to buying these LED café string lights, we were replacing the bulbs on our cheaper strands almost every other month. We had to order them online and many arrived broken, so the cost of shipping and replacement was adding up quick. The look of these energy-efficient bulbs is just as charming, and we haven’t replaced a single bulb in over a year!" – Mallory Ziglar, Social Media Manager
BUY IT: Amazon, $93.99 (22% Off)
"My boyfriend and I can go through two 12-packs of sparkling water cans in a week, and I always feel like I'm saying, 'We're almost out of La Croix.' (Can you tell we're millennials?) While there are definitely worse drinks to be addicted to, buying cans of water versus just drinking the $FREE.99 water from home does add up, so I finally bought a SodaStream Fizzi One Touch to make my own sparkling water. The CO2 container, which comes with this model but is also sold separately as a refill for $15, will carbonate 60 liters of water. After doing the math, it breaks down to about 25¢ per liter of carbonated water versus 80¢ per liter for generic seltzer or $1.50 per liter for La Croix. It saves me money, and I don't have to recycle so many cans and cardboard boxes." – Laura James, Assistant Editor
