40 weird mistakes you don’t realize you're making that cost you a lot of money
Save some cash.
Saving money is always a good idea; the only trick is figuring out how to cut back on your spending. Your rent will probably never get cheaper, and you have to buy groceries, right? The solution: figuring out all the weird mistakes you don’t realize you’re making that are costing you a ton of money.
But if you aren’t sure what I’m talking about, don’t worry — I’ve put together this list of all the most common ways people tend to waste money (as well as how to fix them). From letting food spoil in the fridge to wasting water in the shower, you’re sure to find at least a few missteps that apply to your home. And since the name of the game is saving money instead of spending it, I’ve also made sure that none of the fixes you’ll find below will break the bank.
So what are you waiting for? That leaky shower door isn’t going to repair itself, you know.
01
Mistake: Letting your snacks go stale in their bags
Fix: Help them stay fresher for longer with these clipsFolding your snack bags won’t keep them tasting fresh, whereas these clips do a much better job at sealing them shut for later. Each one is made from tough metal, making them durable and resistant to rust. Many reviewers also appreciated how versatile they are, with one reviewer sharing, “I use them for everything from closing chips and cereal bags to even holding papers/folders or small items.”
02
Mistake: Washing cast iron with soap & water
Fix: Using this chainmail scrubber insteadUsing soap and water to clean your cast iron can strip away its seasoning, which is why it’s important to use a chainmail scrubber like this one instead. It’s made from high-quality stainless steel, making it resistant to rust — and the loop on the corner makes it easy to hang up in storage.
03
Mistake: Losing your expensive hats
Fix: Keeping track of them using this hat rackWith 40 clips in total, these hat racks make it easy to hang your hats up in a closet for safekeeping. The clips are made from stainless steel, which means it’s unlikely that they’ll grow rusty over time — and you even have the choice of three rack colors: black, brown, or yellow.
04
Mistake: Holes in your walls deducting from your security deposit
Fix: This putty that easily fills them inSimply glide this putty overtop the small holes in your drywall, and it’ll fill them in — no extra tools required. Once dry, the specialized formula won’t shrink, crack, or produce flashbacks in photos. Plus, the small tube easily fits into a drawer or even cramped toolboxes.
05
Mistake: Having to replace frayed charging cables
Fix: These silicone coils that help them last longerTired of buying new charging cables? Not only can these coils help keep them from fraying, but they can also expand to fit thicker cables as needed. The flexible silicone moves with your wires so that they’re just as flexible as they were before — and you even have the choice of three colors: multi, black, or grey.
06
Mistake: Not keeping track of the batteries you have
Fix: Organizing all of them inside this caseIt’s almost too easy for your battery collection to turn into a jumbled mess — that’s why I’m a big fan of this case. There’s space for up to 93 batteries, ranging from AAAs to Ds. The best part? Each order includes a battery tester, making it easy to throw out any batteries that are low on juice.
07
Mistake: Spending too much money on candles
Fix: Making your own at home using this kitThe cost of buying new candles quickly adds up, so why not save some money and make your own at home using this kit? Each order comes with everything you’ll need, including high-quality soy wax as well as four scented oil bottles: jasmine, eucalyptus, rose, and lemon. All of the materials are also cruelty-free, nontoxic, and vegan-friendly.
08
Mistake: Leaving drinks open inside the fridge
Fix: Storing them inside these travel-friendly glasses with lidsCan’t finish that glass of juice you’re drinking? Just pour it into one of these glasses. The lids are leakproof as well as airtight, helping keep everything inside fresh until you’re ready to start sipping again. And since the bases are narrow enough to fit into most cupholders, you can easily take them with you when traveling.
09
Mistake: Accidentally slicing bread too thin
Fix: Using this bread slicer to cut even piecesCutting even pieces of bread is harder than it looks, so why not grab this bread slicer to help you out? Slats on either side make it easy to cut uniform slices — and each order even includes a bread knife made from sharp stainless steel. Plus, the crumb tray underneath helps keep the mess to a minimum.
10
Mistake: Letting furniture block your air vents
Fix: Using this deflector to work around furnitureWhether your air vents are on your walls or floors, these deflectors can help direct the air so that it can get around bulky pieces of furniture. They’re designed to work with most vents, as they can be expanded from 10 to 14 inches — and the built-in magnets make installation a total breeze.
11
Mistake: Wasting food by accidentally cooking too much
Fix: Measuring out your portions using this scaleWith a weight limit of up to 11 pounds, this kitchen scale is perfect for measuring out everything from ground beef to quinoa. A precision sensor on the inside ensures that your measurements are accurate, while an auto-tare function helps you calculate the net weight of your ingredients by subtracting the weight of whatever bowl or container they’re sitting in. You also have the choice of four units of measurement: pounds, ounces, grams, and milliliters.
12
Mistake: Putting up with a leaky shower door
Fix: Swapping out your door seal with this brand-new oneTired of your shower leaking all over your bathroom floor? Try swapping out that worn-out door seal with this brand-new one. It clicks right into place with a little pressure and can be trimmed to fit smaller doors as needed. Many reviewers also wrote about how it was “easy to cut” and “keeps the water where it belongs.”
13
Mistake: Accidentally burning your meals
Fix: Cooking with this high-quality pan that won’t stick to foodNot only is this pan made from rust-resistant stainless steel, but it also features a non-stick surface that won’t latch onto ingredients as they cook. Unlike some non-stick pans, this one is scratch-resistant, which means you can use it with metal utensils — and it’s even made without any harsh PFOAs.
14
Mistake: Wasting money on pre-made cold brew
Fix: Making your own at home using this pitcherBuying pre-made cold brew can be expensive, so why not make your own at home using this pitcher? The stainless steel filter is reusable, so there’s no need to purchase paper replacements — and the leakproof lid works to keep everything inside fresh until you’re ready to pour yourself a cup.
15
Mistake: Letting your bars of soap melt away
Fix: Storing them on this elevated soap dishLetting your bars of soap sit in their own puddle will cause them to deteriorate faster, making this soap dish a smart investment. Raised slats along the bottom keep your bars lifted away from drips, helping them dry faster so that they last longer. Plus, there’s even a spout that allows all that collected water to drain away into the sink.
16
Mistake: Running the dishwasher when it’s already clean
Fix: Using this magnet to keep track of dirty dishesIf your housemates are always running the dishwasher when it’s already clean, try putting this magnet on the front. Not only can it help you keep track of whether the dishes are dirty or clean, but it also comes with a piece of metal backed with adhesive — just in case the front of your washer isn’t magnetic.
17
Mistake: Wasting money on multiple scrubbers
Fix: Grabbing this drill brush set that covers all the basesFrom grimy countertops to dusty baseboards, this drill brush set can be used to clean nearly every surface in your home. Nylon bristles on each brush head easily scrub away grime without leaving behind any scratches — and the scouring pads even come in five different stiffness levels, making them great for stovetops, frying pans, and more.
18
Mistake: Hot oil pops dirtying up your counters
Fix: Keeping mess to a minimum with this splatter screenFrying food can be messy, making this splatter screen a must-have in any kitchen. The mesh prevents hot oil pops from dirtying up your counters — but since it also allows steam to escape, there’s no need to worry about your fried foods coming out mushy. Plus, the stainless steel metal is unlikely to rust over time.
19
Mistake: Leaving your mixed ingredients uncovered
Fix: Upgrading to these mixing bowls that come with lidsNot only are these mixing bowls made from stainless steel, but they also come with a variety of lids that let you grate ingredients, prevent mess when using a hand mixer, as well as store ingredients in the fridge. Nonslip bottoms help them remain stable when stirring, and they even nest inside of each other to help save space in storage.
20
Mistake: Breaking flimsy spoons when scooping ice cream
Fix: Upgrading to these tough stainless steel spoonsRegular spoons can be too flimsy to properly scoop ice cream, so why not grab these extra-durable ones? They’re made from a single, solid piece of stainless steel, so there’s no need to worry about the heads popping off the handles. Each order also comes with three different-sized spoons, making them suitable for large sundaes as well as smaller, single-scoop servings.
21
Mistake: Spilling red wine on your clothes & carpet
Fix: Using this stain remover to wipe it awayRed wine, chocolate, and more — this stain remover is so powerful that it can tackle nearly anything. It’s safe to use on nearly any type of fabric or upholstery, as it’s made without any peroxide, chlorine, or parabens. Just, spray, blot, rinse, and then watch as stains fade away, even if they’ve dried and set into your fabrics.
22
Mistake: Letting your cat scratch up your furniture
Fix: Using these shields to help prevent damageAttach these shields to your furniture, and they’ll help keep the upholstery safe from overactive cats. They’re completely transparent, making them hardly noticeable — even if you know they’re there. And while they’re incredibly durable, you can still trim them to fit smaller spaces as needed.
23
Mistake: Losing socks in the laundry
Fix: Securing them to this hanger before tossing them in the washAttach your socks to this hanger before you toss them into the wash, and the strong loops will hold onto them so that none of them go missing as they spin and tumble. Once the wash cycle is done, you can transfer it to the dryer without having to remove the socks — and many reviewers raved about how it’s a huge “time saver.”
24
Mistake: Always misplacing your television remotes
Fix: Storing them inside of this helpful caddyCan’t figure out where those remotes went? Grab this caddy, and you’ll always have a convenient place to store them. Each order includes a double-sided adhesive that lets you mount it onto a wall for easy access — and there’s even enough space for up to four remotes. Choose from two colors: black or white.
25
Mistake: Wasting gas when you get lost while driving
Fix: Using this mount to follow your GPS handsfreeNot only is getting lost while driving a total pain, but it can also make you waste gas — so grab this mount. The tough suction cup secures your phone down to your dashboard so that you can easily follow your GPS, and the clamp is large enough to fit nearly any phone. What’s not to love?
26
Mistake: Getting your shoes dirty with snow & mud
Fix: This spray that helps fabrics repel moistureDon’t ruin your shoes in bad weather — use this spray to help keep them looking clean as new. It’s suitable for use on nearly any type of fabric, from tough nylon to luxurious suede. Plus, the water-based formula contains zero toxic odors, dyes, or colors.
27
Mistake: Leaving the bathroom light on at night
Fix: This night light that sits inside your toiletInstead of blinding yourself with that bright overhead bathroom light, why not give this toilet night light a try? 16 different LED colors let you illuminate your toilet in all sorts of shades — and there’s even a rotating carousel mode so that you can enjoy them all. Plus, the flexible arm fits onto practically any toilet.
28
Mistake: Always misplacing your wallet
Fix: Using this tile tracker to figure out where it isIf you’re always losing your phone, wallet, or keys, you’ll definitely want to take a look at this tile. Simply open the app on your phone, and you’ll be able to have the tile let out a loud ring, making it easy to find. Or, if you lose your phone, you can also use the tile in reverse so that your phone starts to ring — even if it’s in silent mode.
29
Mistake: Letting your old sweaters pill
Fix: Giving them a quick pick-me-up with this fabric shaverBreathe new life into tired fabrics with the help of this fabric shaver. The shaving grate is adjustable, making it suitable for use with nearly any type of fabric or upholstery — and you only need two AA batteries (which are not included) to get it up and running.
30
Mistake: Using too much dish soap
Fix: This holder that injects soap into your spongePress your sponge down onto this holder, and it’ll inject the ideal amount of soap into its fibers to help minimize waste. It can also help prevent drippy messes that soap bottles can create — and the container on the bottom is large enough to hold almost an entire bottle of soap.
31
Mistake: Your halved avocados quickly turn brown in the fridge
Fix: Using this food hugger to help them stay freshHalved avocados quickly turn brown in the fridge, so why not use these storage containers to help keep them deliciously green? They create a tight seal to help keep your avocado fresh and can be used with or without the avocado pit. They’re also dishwasher-safe, as well as BPA-free.
32
Mistake: Accidentally breaking your wine glasses
Fix: Upgrading to these unbreakable ones made from siliconeShatterproof, large, and colorful — these wine glasses hit all the right notes. Not only are they a definite upgrade to the fragile ones you’ve likely been using, but each one can also hold up to 12 ounces of wine. Choose from three colors: patriotic, coral, flamingo pink, or sunset orange.
33
Mistake: Letting your coffee go cold before you can finish it
Fix: A heated coaster that helps it stay warmDon’t buy a new cup of coffee when yours turns cold — instead, grab this heated coaster. It’ll help your mug stay warm, and works particularly well with tea and hot chocolate if you aren’t into coffee. Plus, the extra-long power cable makes it easy to use with distant outlets.
34
Mistake: Accidentally leaving the fridge open
Fix: This alarm that lets you know it hasn’t shutStick this alarm onto your fridge door, and it’ll go off every three, 15, 30, and 60 seconds — a must-have if your food tends to spoil quickly. You can also use it as a door alarm so that you know when someone has arrived home. And since each order comes with adhesive, installation is a total breeze.
35
Mistake: Buying breakfast when you’re in a rush
Fix: Using this sandwich maker to make a quick mealThe cost of buying breakfast quickly adds up, making this breakfast sandwich maker a must-have for busy mornings. Simply load it up with your favorite fresh ingredients, then sit back and watch as it cooks them all to perfection within just a few minutes. The best part? All removable parts are dishwasher-safe.
36
Mistake: Ruining clothes with a hot iron
Fix: Getting rid of wrinkles with this steamer insteadA hot iron can ruin certain fabrics if you aren’t careful, making this steamer a smart upgrade. It’s small enough to take with you when traveling, yet large enough to provide up to 15 minutes of continuous steam. And with a 9-foot power cord, you shouldn’t have any trouble using it with distant outlets.
37
Mistake: Cranking your thermostat up high when it’s cold
Fix: Snuggling underneath this heated blanket for warmthYou don’t have to heat up the entire house when it’s cold — just cuddle underneath this heated blanket. The temperature is adjustable with three heat settings, and velvety fleece feels oh-so-soft against the skin. It even features an automatic shut-off after four hours. Choose from six different colors.
38
Mistake: Spilling expensive nail polish
Fix: Using this ring to keep the bottle securely uprightUnless you intentionally flip your hand upside-down, this ring will keep your polish bottle safely upright while you’re doing your nails. It’s designed to fit nearly any bottle — and since it’s made from soft silicone, it can even stretch to fit your hands for added comfort. Choose from more than 20 colors.
39
Mistake: Wasting money on a professional blowout
Fix: This hot brush that styles & dries hair at the same timeThere’s no need to pay for a professional blowout when you have this hot brush. Ionic technology helps smooth away unwanted frizz, while a swivel cord helps keep you from getting tangled up as you move it around your head. The heat is also adjustable up to two levels, making it suitable for all types of hair.
40
Mistake: Letting your open cans of pet food go bad
Fix: Capping them with these silicone lidsPop one of these lids onto that open can of pet food, and they’ll create an airtight seal to help keep everything inside fresh. Each one is made from premium silicone that’s BPA-free as well as nontoxic. They’re also easy to clean — just toss them into the dishwasher for a quick cleanse whenever they get dirty.