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You're Wasting Money Every Day If You Aren't Doing Any Of These Genius Things

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by Alexandra Elizabeth

Saving money is important, but let’s face it: Life can get expensive. Everywhere you turn, there are ways to accidentally overpay or squander your hard-earned money. Food waste, power costs, and lost or ruined items can all add up and drain your bank account.

But fear not, because this list is full of tons of genius solutions and swaps you can start making today that will save you plenty of cash. So whether you’re looking to become a master of at-home cocktail crafting, to save on plumbing costs, or to cut back on pricy single-use plastics, you’ll find a way below. And even better still: All these items come highly rated by enthusiastic Amazon reviewers. So go ahead and shop like a genius.

1Protecting Your Car’s Interior With This Dog Seat Cover

Keep your car free of pet hair and save on cleaning services with this dog seat cover. Simply slip the loops over the headrests and use the structure as a cover or a hammock between seats. The thick, nonslip material is durable and comfortable for your pup — and it’s also waterproof, so it’s got you covered against mud and drool.

2Storing Your Batteries In This Organizing Case So You Don’t Lose Them

Say goodbye to loose batteries rolling around your junk drawer with this battery organizer and storage case. It stores 180 batteries, ranging from size AAA to D and more, all in a convenient case with a travel handle. It even includes a battery tester, so you’ll never have to worry if your supplies are charged.

  • Available colors: 8

3Saving On The Electric Bill By Installing These Motion-Activated Lights

These motion sensor lights are activated only when someone’s there, saving you money on electricity costs. The LED bulbs can easily light up an area that’s 17 feet by 17 feet, making it ideal for garages, entryways, and more. It’s even weather-resistant so you can use it in the shower or outside. Just load it up with three C batteries to use.

4Clearing Up Dishwasher Confusion With This Text Magnet

Never wonder whether the dishes are dirty or clean again with this dishwasher magnet. It says “dirty” on one side and “clean” on the other. All you have to do is flip it after you run the dishwasher. They’re color-coded too, so you can easily spot the difference even if you’re too far away to read the text.

5Labeling Your Luggage With These Flexible Bag Tags

Prevent costly lost baggage with these luggage tags. The exterior is made from PVC rubber which can bend without breaking, and it also features a privacy flap to cover your contact information. With the stainless steel fastener, you can trust the durability of these tags. Grab one with your initial for a touch of personalization.

6Making Popcorn In A Reusable Bowl Instead Of Buying Store Bought Bags

This silicone popcorn popper means you won’t have to shell out for single-use popcorn bags at the grocery store. Just pour in the kernels to the pre-measured lines, cover it up, pop it in the microwave, and eat it straight out of the bowl. This popper is BPA-free and even dishwasher safe, too.

  • Available colors: 12

7Storing All Your Spices On This 2-Tier Lazy Susan

With this lazy Susan, you’ll be able to keep track of all your spices, ensuring they won’t disappear and go bad in the back of your cabinets. It’s made of durable bamboo, features two tiers, and rotates a full 360 degrees. It’s compact, too, measuring 10 inches wide and 7 inches high.

8Preventing Your Baked Goods From Going Stale With This Bread Box

Banish stale bread with this bread box. Made from stainless steel, the box can easily store two loaves of bread or several rolls. It prevents mold due to the ventilation holes in the back, and the side door easily slides open and shut. Users note how they save money using this box because their bread stays fresher longer.

9Finding Lost Hardware With This Magnetic Pickup Tool

Never lose your extra screws or other metal hardware with this magnetic pickup tool. It extends from about 7 inches to over 22 inches long and has a telescopic neck that gets into hard-to-reach places, attracting metal items along the way. Even the base is magnetized, offering hands-free use of the lamp function.

10Storing Coffee In This Airtight Canister For Freshness

Prepare for next-level coffee freshness with this coffee canister. Using an airtight seal and a CO2-release valve, this canister means you won’t have to replace stale beans or grounds for a while. Its silicone base is nonslip, and it even features a date tracker on the lid so you know exactly when you loaded in your supplies.

  • Available colors: 4

11Keeping Snacks In These Labeled, Tight-Sealing Containers

Seal in your snacks’ freshness with this storage container set. These plastic containers feature 3.6 quarts of storage space, plus a rubber seal to prevent air leakage. They even come with a set of labels and a chalk pen so you can easily organize and identify your supplies.

12Preparing Your Meals In Advance With These Prep Containers

Prepping meals in advance and storing leftovers for later help you save money, and this three-pack of meal prep containers makes it easy. They’re made from environmentally friendly glass and feature a rubber gasket to lock in freshness. Plus, they’re safe to use in both the freezer and the oven.

13Crafting Your Own Cocktails At Home With This Bartender Kit

You can ditch the overpriced drinks at the bar and make your own with this cocktail shaker set, which features all the tools you need to be your own bartender. Made from stainless steel, the kit comes with pouring spigots, a strainer, and more. The full set comes with a velvet carrying case, too — so you can take the bar with you.

14Carrying Your Phone With This Lanyard During Physical Activity

Whether you’re gardening, traveling, or attending a sporting match, this cell phone lanyard will keep your phone secure and easily accessible. The silicone design grips your phone and can also store cards and cash, while the nylon strap can be worn around your neck or across your shoulder. It fits several different cell phone models, too.

  • Available colors: 3

15Ditching The Cafe & Making Your Cold Brew At Home With This Coffee Maker

Making your coffee at home with this cold brew maker could save you tons of cash. Available in both 1-gallon and 2-liter sizes, this coffee maker is easy to use. Simply put the desired amount of grounds into the stainless steel mesh filter and add water into the glass mason jar. Let it soak, and dispense from the spigot when you’re ready for a glass of cold brew.

16Replacing Fragile Wine Glasses With These Unbreakable Tumblers

Stop replacing pricy broken glasses and stock up on these unbreakable wine glasses instead. Made of stainless steel, these stemless glasses feature a thin rim and an ergonomic shape that’s easy to grip. The steel helps to retain temperature more efficiently than glass, and you can toss them in the dishwasher to clean.

  • Available colors: 16

17Extending The Life Of Your Sponges With This Sponge Holder

Sometimes, waterlogged sponges can breed mildew — but this sponge holder saves you money by drying out your sponges so they can last longer. Made from luxe-looking ceramic porcelain, this holder features a rustic basket weave design with a notch in which to place your sponge. It’s even dishwasher safe, too.

18Storing Pet Food In An Airtight Container So It Doesn’t Go Bad

These airtight pet food containers make measuring, storing, and pouring a breeze. The lid has four airtight seals to keep out air and bugs, while the extra-wide mouth makes pouring food a cinch. The convenient measuring cup that seals the spout means you’ll always serve your pet the perfect portion size, too.

19Replacing Traditional Candles With These Battery Operated Candles

If you’re sick of burning through cash on pricy traditional candles, replace them with these flameless candles instead. Because they run on batteries, you’ll never need to throw them out. Plus, they’re remote-controlled, too, so you can turn them on, set a timer, and even adjust the brightness from your couch.

20Using These Rubber Spatulas To Scrape Out Every Last Drop Of Product

If you’re losing money by tossing out containers with product still inside, be it food or makeup, try these silicone spatulas instead. Each kit comes with five spatulas of varying sizes with tips on the ends for mixing as well as scraping. They’re even BPA-free and non-toxic, too.

  • Available colors: 4

21Preventing Visits From The Plumber With A Drain Protector

Make hair clogs and costly repairs a thing of the past with this shower drain protector. Made from rust-resistant stainless steel and silicone, this perforated protector sits on top of shower or tub drains to catch hair while still letting water flow through and drain freely. The domed shape works well with multiple drain types.

22Swapping Paper Towels For These Reusable Towels Instead

These organic cotton bamboo reusable paper towels are here to replace your single-use towels. Each pack comes with 10 soft towels that are made without chemicals and can be tossed in the dishwasher after each use. They’re even biodegradable, making them a great solution for both the environment and your budget.

23Making Lattes At Home With This Compact Milk Frother

Get foamy lattes and cappuccinos without coffee shop markups using this milk frother. Powered by two AA batteries, this frother’s motor runs at an impressive 12,500 RPMs. The nylon and titanium construction holds up to repeated use, and its compact shape allows it to fit easily into a kitchen drawer when you’re done.

  • Available colors: 45

24Securing Your Belongings To Your Shelves With This Sticky Putty

Keep your possessions on the shelf and out of harm’s way with this sticky putty. It’s acid-free, reusable, and won’t leave a greasy residue behind when you remove it. Each order comes with two 3-ounce packages. Simply break off a small piece, roll it into a ball, and stick it on the underside of the item you’re trying to secure.

25Using Reusable Makeup Removers Instead Of Disposable Wipes

These reusable makeup remover pads are sure to save you heaps on single-use cotton rounds and wipes. Made from bamboo cotton, they come with 15 rounds in a pack and have both smooth and textured sides. There’s even a mesh cotton laundry bag included so you can keep track of them in the wash.

26Conditioning And Cleansing Your Hair With A Dye-Infused Product

If you’re planning on dying your hair a vivid hue, you can save money on trips to the salon with this clenditioner — a portmanteau for cleanser and conditioner — that dyes hair with every wash. It helps to prevent color fading and even infuses hair with keratin for a smooth finish. Just apply, let it sit, and rinse.

  • Available colors: 19

27Making Restaurant-Quality Breakfasts At Home With This Egg Bite Cooker

Make chef-level egg bites or poached eggs in your own kitchen with this electric egg cooker. Simply load water into the chamber, pour an egg mixture of your choice into the non-stick tray, and power the machine on. You’ll have a perfect breakfast in less than 10 minutes. Plus, the tray and top are dishwasher safe, too.

  • Available colors: 2

28Flavoring Your Own Water With A Fruit Infusion Pitcher

You don’t need to spend tons on flavored water from the grocery store, because this fruit-infusion pitcher lets you make it at home. Holding just under 3 quarts of water, this acrylic pitcher has a hollow rod that you can fill with fruit or herbs of your choosing. Just let it sit and you’ll have gently flavored water in no time.

29Using A Mug Warmer To Keep Your Coffee From Going Stale

Say goodbye to cold, stale coffee or tea with this mug warmer. Simply plug it in and choose from one of three heat settings with the touch of a button to warm it up or keep it at a consistent temperature. The heating element is safely encased in silicone, making it spill-resistant, too.

  • Available colors: 5

30Storing Your Avocado Halves In This Container To Prevent Spoiling

Avocados are temperamental fruits that seemingly go from unripe to rotten in the blink of an eye, but this avocado keeper can help keep them fresh. Simply place your unused half upside down, and apply the snap-on lid to reduce browning. Not only will you save on produce, but you’ll also save on plastic wrap and baggies.

31Keeping Your Deli Items In These Airtight Containers

Meal prep, store, or bring your food with you with these airtight food containers. Featuring a silicone seal to lock in freshness, these containers have a split design to store different items at once, plus raised ridges on the bottom to help with drainage and airflow. Just toss them in the dishwasher to clean.

32Scheduling Your Electronics With This Smart Plug

There’s no need to overspend on your electric bill when you can power your electronics on and off with this smart plug. Using a voice assistant like Alexa or the included app, you can schedule these plugs to go on at certain times, set a timer, and more. They even come with a manual power button, too.

33Air-Drying Your Shrink-Prone Clothes With A Folding Rack

No need to replace clothes that shrunk in the drier because this folding laundry rack gently air dries them. Made from powder-coated steel, this rack collapses down to a nearly flat size and is even rust-proof. It’s lightweight yet supports up to 32 pounds of laundry at a time, too.

  • Available colors: 2

34Switching To This Reusable Water Bottle

This reusable water bottle made from durable Tritan can help you save money on single-use plastics while also helping the environment. It features a spill-resistant lid and even has a second opening right above the mid-section to provide a wider entry for ice or fruit. The patterned, silicone band makes it easy to grip, too.

  • Available colors: 3

35Using These Long-Lasting Shampoo Bars Instead Of Pricy Shampoo Bottles

Save big time on cash and plastic with these solid shampoo bars. Its vegan, ph-balanced formula is great for sensitive scalps and even dandruff, but best of all, each bar takes the place of three bottles of shampoo and can be used up to 80 times. Plus, the natural ingredients like oatmeal and oils shouldn’t strip hair of moisture.

36Cuddling Up In A Cooling Blanket Rather Than Blasting The AC

Made from 100% bamboo fiber, this cooling blanket can help save on power costs. It’s ultra-lightweight and absorbs heat to keep you cooler than traditional bedding, which is crucial if you’re a hot sleeper. It also absorbs moisture well and can even go in the washing machine to clean. Just tumble on low to dry.

  • Available colors: 7