12+ Things You Should Never Spend Money On

 

Don’t Spend Money on Travel Fees

Taking a vacation? Studies have shown that Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the cheapest days to fly (although others dispute this, saying weekends can often be cheaper). If you’re renting a car, don’t pay for jacked-up rental car fees that rental agencies have to pay to be at the airport. Instead, take a taxi to a nearby rental agency and get your car there. They’re usually far cheaper. (For packing tips, including how to pack jewelry and keep a musty smell out of a suitcase, check out our recent post on tips that will change the way you pack.)

Get Free Stuff Online

Free stuff is few and far between on the internet these days, but you can still get free samples of new products from Proctor and Gamble by joining P&G Everyday. We also love HeyItsFree.Net and Freebies4Mom.com for finding free stuff online. And of course, don’t forget to like your favorite brands on Facebook and sign up for their newsletters to find out about deals and get coupons.

Make Your Own Vinegar Cleaners

Making your own DIY cleaners is super easy. For counters and windows, just use a solution of half white vinegar, half water (and use old newspaper instead of paper towels when washing windows!). You can also use white vinegar and water as a shower spray. Use 1 part white vinegar and 9 parts water in a spray bottle and spray it over your tub after every shower to prevent mold and mildew.

DIY Wood Polish

Instead of buying wood polishes at the store, mix 1 cup olive oil with juice of one lemon and rub into wood furniture.

Never Buy Jewelry Cleaner

Clean silver with toothpaste! Use the white, non-gel variety and white on with a dry cloth, then wipe off. The tarnish will come with it! Or, try this amazing trick: Line a bowl with aluminum foil, and add a tablespoon of salt or baking soda. Fill with warm water, then add your silver jewelry and agitate the water. Then, simply rinse or wipe off the tarnish!

Dusting Hacks

Who needs a store-bought duster? Just use a hair dryer! Gently blowing air on knick-knacks and other household items is a quick and easy way to remove dust. If that doesn’t work, try one of these other dusting hacks.

Save at the Grocery Store

Real Simple recently linked to our article about savings mistakes you’re making at the grocery store. Check it out for ways to spend less money just by shopping in a different part of your grocery store.

Don’t Spend Money on These Kitchen Items

Another great Quick and Dirty post: 20 Kitchen Items You Should Never Pay For. Use a thermos as a martini shaker, a half a take-out lid for a bowl scraper, beans for a rolling pin, a beater from a hand blender for a fruit reamer, and others.

Save on Foundation and Powder

Some of the most expensive make-up is foundation and powder. Make them last longer by buying a shade darker than your natural one, then mixing it with moisturizer (for foundation), or baby powder (for powder) until it matches your normal color. You’ll have more than twice as much, and you’ll never be able to tell the difference!

One-Ingredient DIY Makeup Remover

Here’s a tip we got from a professional clown: Use olive oil instead of makeup remover! It works just as well as store bought, and moisturizes.

Get the Last Bit of Mascara Out of the Tube

Mascara starting to dry out? Just add several drops of saline eye drops and shake. The eye drops will allow you to get the last bit out the tube. (Just make sure to change your mascara every 4 to 6 months.)

Use Chapstick Instead of Cuticle Cream

If you love cuticle creams, use chapstick instead! It has the same ingredients for a fraction of the price. Just find a small you like and dedicate that chaptstick just for your cuticles. You can also use chapstick to treat a hang nail, or as sunscreen for a part! If you have a part in your hair just rub some chapstick down the part.

Don’t miss our LIFEHACK LIGHTNING ROUND on how to use lemons with a special infographic.

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