12 “Cheap” Alternatives That Win Out Over Luxury Items

When money is no object, buying the most expensive version of a sought-after item is easy. However, many people are pleasantly surprised when a cheaper option performs just as well as the costlier option! Recently, frugal men and women met in an online discussion to reveal the best inexpensive alternatives to luxury products.

1. Haircuts

Although men are the only people who confess this, seeking inexpensive barbers and stylists does not mean you must settle for a bad haircut! Countless men admit they pay less than $20 for their haircuts and will never return to paying a penny more. Women, ask yourselves: Do you think there’s a massive difference between a discount haircut and a salon cut that costs hundreds of dollars?

2. Candles

Everyone knows that high-end candles are prohibitively expensive. However, one person has discovered that there’s only a negligible difference between them and discount candles! “I absolutely love candles and recently discovered that Michael’s sells these large Yankee-like candles that are permanently on sale for $3,” reveals one woman. “It’s way more satisfying to have six matching candles burning throughout your house than one nice $20 candle in a single room by itself.”

3. Electronics Cables

If you’re paying more than $10 for phone chargers, HDMI cables, and other electronic accessories, you’re leaving money on the table. The best advice is simple: Purchase all electronics cables and chargers from Amazon. Big box stores like Target and Best Buy place a premium markup on these cables, tricking customers into thinking they’re of higher quality — they’re not.

4. Home Pregnancy Tests

Everything is more expensive at places like CVS and Walgreens — their business models prey on people making panicked purchases. Concerning pregnancy tests, there are far cheaper options than going to the nearest pharmacy. “These tests are $2 at the dollar store in a panic, or even cheaper if you plan ahead and buy them in bulk online,” reports one woman. “I’m never again buying a $20 drugstore test. They’re cheap enough to take one whenever you need peace of mind.”

5. Magic Erasers

Magic Erasers are perfect for eliminating stains and smudges from walls to sneakers — and everything in between! However, instead of paying top dollar for the official product, search for “melamine foam” on Amazon. Many frugal-minded people say you can buy 100 value-brand Magic Erasers for less than $14!

6. Sewing Machines

I’ll never be in the market for a sewing machine, but I’m thankful that I know I can save a lot of money by purchasing an older, used machine instead of a brand-new appliance! “The more money you spend, the more time and money you’ll be wasting on repairs,” confesses one man. “Keep it simple, Sally. You’ll often find that something ancient and dirt cheap outclasses modern computerized machines that cost thousands of dollars.”

7. Diapers

Some parenting hacks you learn the hard way. “I always spent money on name-brand diapers until a desperate road trip led to the use of gas station diapers — and our realization that our kid’s bum can handle anything,” explains one mom. “Cheap diapers all the way!” Buying name-brand diapers is one of the most expensive parts of a parent’s budget; think of all the money this family saves!

8. Second-Hand Clothing

When you think about it, anything over $20 for a t-shirt is ridiculous. When you factor in the costs of jeans, shirts, and other clothes, buying anything new seems like a bad idea! Fortunately, there’s a solution: Start shopping at second-hand stores. In most cases, these clothes are lightly worn, still fashionable, and can be purchased for a fraction of the prices you would pay in retail stores.

9. Cold and Flu Medicine

Cold medicine can get pricey, but many frugal shoppers know exactly where to look to combat everyday coughs, sneezes, and sore throats. “Don’t pay full price for Nyquil,” explains one man. “Most notably, Target brand Nyquil tablets actually have decongestant in them — unlike regular Nyquil. It makes a lot of difference.”

10. Alcohol

Some of the best values in all of retail are the deals consistently found in members-only stores like Costco and Sam’s Club. Many men and women reveal they only purchase alcohol from Costco — they claim its offerings taste no different from world-famous alcohol brands! I can attest to this as someone who has enjoyed dipping into Costco vodka with close friends on several occasions.

11. Kitchen Dishware

Is there anything more overrated than kitchen and dining room plateware? I’m consistently shocked about how much money people spend when cheaper options are just as good. “I had always bought fancy plate sets that looked good in the past, and they always ended up chipping and breaking on me,” laments one woman. “One day, I bought the plain white ten-dollar four-pack. I’ve never had a better plate. No chips, no fuss, and the bottom doesn’t scratch my table. I’m delighted.”

12. Eyewear

Thanks to an abundance of online glasses retailers popping up in recent years, you no longer have to spend an arm and a leg to wear fashionable prescription glasses! Sure, you can pay $400 for a designer pair of glasses, but wouldn’t you rather spend $30 for an identical-looking pair that works just as well? I know what I’d choose.

Source: Reddit.

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