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39 Ridiculously Expensive Everyday Items to Stop Buying in 2023

39 Ridiculously Expensive Everyday Items to Stop Buying in 2023

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There is no secret that 2023 brings us inflation, a possible world war, and supply chain disruptions from the tail end of a global pandemic. People are feeling the pinch and we are here to help! We came up with a list of items to stop buying that we think are ridiculously expensive that should be cut out of every budget to make your dollar go a little further.

39 Ridiculously Expensive Everyday Items to Stop Buying in 2022

Here is a list of 39 Ridiculously Expensive Everyday Items to stop Buying in 2023

Keep in mind that this list is designed to help, not judge. We have all been there, LOL!

1.      Cigarettes

Cigarettes are a ridiculously expensive everyday item for smokers. For a smoker, a cigarette is an everyday habit that they do several times a day. Counting the number of cigarettes in one pack, its cost, and the number of cigarettes you smoke daily is unbelievable.

Cigarettes are not healthy for our bodies and have huge side effects. When you stop buying cigarettes, you save on money and save your lungs from diseases such as lung cancer and bronchitis. There are cheaper and healthier options that you can opt for to save your pocket and your health. 

2.       Starbucks Coffee

Coffee is a high caffeine beverage mostly taken every day before work or in the evening to keep us awake when planning to work till late. Stopping by Starbucks every morning to get coffee can be ridiculously expensive – like up to eight bucks for one cup!

Getting coffee from a cheaper outlet would easily cut costs. A K-cup runs about $0.40 or, better yet, buying a coffee maker and taking a few minutes to prepare coffee may be a cheaper alternative in the long run.

3.      K Cups

While on the topic of coffee – that $0.40-.60 for each K Cup can add up also. Try getting a refillable K-cup, where you put the coffee grounds in it, prepare the coffee, rinse it and use it the next day.

The only thing you dispose of is the coffee grounds used to make the coffee…and those are great for your compost bin!

Reusable cups are not only cheaper than K cups, but they are more environmentally friendly.

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4.      Bottled Water

There is no doubt that water is an essential thing that we require for everyday survival. Bottled water companies are multibillion-dollar industries, even with water flowing from our taps. You don’t need to buy bottled water when you can filter water from your tap; use a reusable water bottle and carry it.

Water filtration systems start at $50 and could serve your household. We love this one on Amazon that goes under your sink. Using a water bottle and taking your water will save not only your money but the landfill.

5.       Soda

Soda has low nutritional value and gives the body too much work to digest. It is not cheap as most restaurants are now charging roughly $3 for a glass – and no more unlimited refills!

Make the switch to that filtered water we talked about and if you need a little more flavor? Try the different mix-ins you can find at any store – even your local Dollar Tree!

6.       Flavored Coffee Creamer

Why spend a lot of money on flavored coffee creamers when you could stop buying them and instead switch to other alternatives? Not only are flavored coffee creamers pricey, but you can hardly understand the listed ingredients.

I am not saying you have to stick to black coffee, but you can use other cheaper sweeteners such as vanilla extract and unsweetened coconut milk.

grated cheese

7.       Shredded Cheese In The Bag

Shredded cheese is relatively expensive compared to block cheese. Grating your cheese could only take a few minutes and cut on the cost of that convenience. Grating your cheese not only minimizes your cost but also skips those unnecessary additives that are put in to prevent it from caking together.

8.       Prepackaged Snack Cakes

Prepackaged snack cakes not only waste packaging but are also insanely expensive. Instead of picking the prepacked convenience foods, why not opt for cheaper and healthier options or bake your own treats and pop them into reusable containers, which is way cheaper.

9.       Beef/Chicken broth

Buying already made broth is expensive when you look at the price per ounce. Add in the fact that it has a pretty short shelf life? The smarter and cheaper way is to use powder or cube bullion. You can make it as you need it, and save more than 50% of the price. e results will be very much similar and less expensive to achieve.

Even better? Save that rotisserie chicken carcass next time and make your own bone broth by just boiling it in water.

10.   Store-Bought Jam

Homemade jam is a lot healthier than store-bought jam – which should only have fruit, sugar, and a little lemon juice listed as ingredients. If correctly stored, you can use your homemade jam for 18 months.

Store-Bought Jam

11.   Cable TV 

Many shows have moved to the streaming world, including Disney, which brings us to the time to cut out the cord. Why spend more when you could pay less for more. Cable rates go all the way to $100 a month, while you could pay 15$ per month for various streaming services such as Amazon, Hulu, and Netflix.

Better yet? Buy an antenna for a one-time minimal investment and just get FREE TV.

12.   Satellite TV 

This can be more expensive than cable. Streaming services are way cheaper than using a satellite TV. The best part? No more weather disruptions!

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13.   Q-Tips 

Many people go for Q-tips and cotton swabs to clean the ears. Once you use a Q-tip to clean the ear, you automatically dispose of it because you cannot reuse it. Did you know that there are washable and reusable silicon options such as Last Swab? These not only shave a few bucks off the price of 1,000 Q-tips but are more friendly for the planet.

14.   Cotton Rounds

The ladies know that these are useful for everything from makeup removers to applying ouchie cream for the kids. Cotton rounds are single-use only – sadly.

Instead of spending money on cotton rounds, you can opt for reusable makeup removal pads or muslin cloths that are more sustainable and save some cash. We like these that come with a mesh laundry bag!

Cotton Rounds used for eye makeup remover

15.  Eye Makeup Remover 

Eye makeup remover is one of the ridiculously expensive everyday items you could stop buying. Let’ snot talk about the chemicals that are in it, but the other cheaper alternatives that work well and are safe to use on our eyes.

Instead of spending too much on eye makeup remover, you can readily use extra virgin olive oil – right from your kitchen cabinet. If you want to know how to apply it, see item #14.

16.   Mouthwash

Since we were kids we were taught to brush and floss. Somewhere along the way, we were told we needed mouthwash also as it kills bacteria and strengthens the teeth.

Did you know it can stain your teeth? It can also cause bleeding gums or even canker sores. UGH!

“Unfortunately, mouthwash doesn’t differentiate and kills all bacteria. As a result, mouthwash can cause harm in the long run because it can disrupt the microbiome and impede the normal functioning of your body.”

Geisinger.org

Save your money and brush your teeth at least two times a day. Pop a mint if you need to.

17.   Fluoride Toothpaste

Fluoride is a neurotoxin that, in high doses, can be harmful. Excessive exposure can lead to tooth discoloration and bone problems. There is enough fluoride in the water already, without adding more. I would skip having your kid add Fluoride treatment to your kid’s teeth too.

Fluoride Toothpaste

18.  Soap 

Making your soap is a satisfying skill that you need to acquire if you want to skip the harmful additives, preservatives, and heavy scents that are added to the manufactured product. It is a fun process and not as difficult as you may think. BeautyAwesome.com has some great recipes to try out – and some fun ones!

You will have an initial outlay for supplies but will soon be saving money and having happier skin.

19.   Shower Gel

More chemicals. More fake scents. More toxins to lather all over the largest organ of your body: your skin. Soap should more than do the job – add a loofah if you want to exfoliate the dead skin cells and have glowing soft skin.

20.   Talcum Powder

Talcum powder has been proven to contain asbestos. There are actually class-action lawsuits that link it to cervical cancer. If you are feeling a little sticky and want to avoid chaffing, instead of using talcum, you can turn to the corn starch from your kitchen.

  Disposable Razors

21.   Disposable Razors

Disposable razors have a limited life of only three to ten shaves. They dull, they rust, and need to be replaced. They are usually of fairly poor quality too and that means it is easier to cut yourself.

Try a reusable razor that is more sustainable and will save a lot of money in the long run. They are great to use and eco-friendly as you only have to change or sharpen the blades occasionally.

22.   Paper Towels 

You can only use a paper towel once and it usually takes more than one to handle the task at hand. For a minimal investment, you can pick up some flour sack towels!

Walmart carries the flour sack towels that I use for everything. I purchased a 10-piece packet for $8.48, I think. Just wash them, and then you are good to go with no need for paper towels.

23.   Kleenex 

Kleenex tissues are single-use disposable hankies, basically. Let’s talk about the trees used to make them for a second.

Selected tree species, including spruce, fir, aspen, maple and eucalyptus contain thin wood fibers which contribute to the desirable characteristics of softness, absorbency and strength in Kleenex® Tissue.

Kleenex.com

They have a 2030 sustainability program — so 8 more years of killing trees to blow our nose in and throw out.

Instead of spending a lot of money on paper that you use once and dispose of, it would be better to go back to the fabric as grandma did! They are softer on the nose, eco-friendly, colorful, and easy to wash. We love this set of 30 handkerchiefs on Amazon for just $5.99. That means you are coming out ahead after 300 uses (that is about 4 boxes of Kleenex).

   Kleenex 

24.   Paper Napkins

Sensing a theme yet? Disposable items may be convenient, but they are not cost-effective in the long run. Cloth napkins will be much cheaper because you can reuse them for a long time before replacing them. My favorite? I love Bandanas! You can get a pack of 2 fun bandanas at your local Dollar Tree.

25.   Disposable Swiffer cloths 

Disposable is the key word here. They are seemingly inexpensive enough to keep replacing but that really adds up over time. Making your fabric ones will spend less money as you throw it into the laundry with other rags.

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26.  Paper Plates

Dinnerware that you can only use once and dispose of is not eco-friendly and wastes a lot of money. We only use it in our camper – and that is if we have no water hook up to wash our normal camping dishes with!

Dollar stores sell ceramic plates, cups, and bowls that you can wash and reuse for many years and at a budget price! You can get a set of 6 white plates for $7.50 – and at that price? Who cares if one gets chipped or breaks?

27.  Plastic Baggies

Reusable containers. There are about 1,000 things you can use them for – from sandwiches to that handful of chips out of the big bag. We like these BPA-free gems that we found on Amazon.

Plastic Wrap

28.  Plastic Wrap

I like to call this Sad Wrap. It is sad how it only sticks to itself instead of the containers you want to use it on. There are other sustainable materials that you can use for a long time like jars, food containers, and fabric bowl covers.

29.  Garbage Bags 

I have come up with a cheaper way to dispose of the waste instead of buying and using official garbage bags. How many times do you come home with grocery bags after grocery shopping? You now have FREE grocery bags and you will find that by taking your trash out more often, your home smells fresher.

30.   Magazines

Magazines are very expensive to buy and honestly? Who has time to read them? Most of their material is found after a quick Google search. I think the best part, after the lack of clutter, is that I don’t have to flip through 20 pages of ads!

31.  Dry Clean Only Clothes

When one man’s dress shirt is over $5 to dry clean I think it is time to avoid it all together – not to mention the health risks from the chemical exposure.

A new study from the Danish Cancer Society Research Center suggests that exposure to Tricholoroethylene (TCE), a chemical used in dry cleaning since the 1950s, may increase your chances of getting cancer.

Womenshelathmag.com

Save your health and pocketbook by getting things that are wash-and-wear.

Laundry Detergent

32.  Laundry Detergent 

Did you know that laundry detergent is so expensive because it is made from petroleum?

A study from Seventh Generation suggests that if every US household replaced a bottle of petroleum-based detergent with a bottle of plant-based detergent, 149,000 barrels of oil could be saved. This amount of oil would be enough to heat and cool over 8,000 homes for a year.

sustainabilitynook.com

Better yet, skip the soap altogether! Try soap nuts. The shells of soap nuts contain natural soap called saponin and they work beautifully to clean your clothes.

Put around four soap nuts in a pouch and throw them in your laundry. They might feel hard and sticky but will eventually soften in the laundry.

This pack from amazon will give you 480 loads of washing for $37.90 while you would spend $119.93 on Tide (You need 7.5 of the 92-ounce containers that give 64 loads for $15.99) to get the same amount of loads washed.

33.  Dryer Sheets 

Dryer sheets are used to soften clothes, remove static, and add fragrance to clothes. Generally speaking, dryer sheets are bad for the environment. They emit chemicals into the air, contribute to waste, and are unnecessary in the grand scheme of things. They are also usually the reason a person has a skin reaction to their laundry.

You can easily Learn How To Make Your Own Dryer Sheets From Fabric or look at how to use dryer balls that perform the same roles and, better yet, reduce drying time and are reusable, hence saving on the cost. Bonus: Dry Balls won’t lead to a fire in your dryer vent ductwork!

34.  Fabric Softener 

More chemicals. White vinegar works wonders in loosening the dirt in clothes and softening the fabric. It also brightens the clothes and kills bacteria due to its bacterial properties. White vinegar removes any odor in the clothes and does not leave them smelling vinegar.

When considering the cost of a fabric softener, white vinegar is a cheaper alternative because it has more than just one use.

Fabric Softener 
Ads make these laundry chemicals look like we absolutely need them to be happy!

35.  Laundry Scents 

Even MORE chemicals! If you really want a great “fresh laundry smell” then hang your clothes out on the line. You save money and help detoxify your own environment.

36.   Febreze

You really won’t like me if you think Febreze is awesome.

Febreze contains chemicals linked to hormone disruption and developmental problems. Febreze contains chemicals linked to neurotoxicity, which means the chemicals are poisonous to the nerves or nerve cells. Febreze contains chemicals that irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs.

www.vodogram.com

That alone makes it one of the items to stop buying! Instead of spending money on such products, there are natural, inexpensive ways that you can do yourself to eliminate odors. For instance, you can open the windows more for fresh air, prepare herb sachets, and use essential oils in a diffuser or spray. 

37.  Plug-in Scents

Why spend more money to cover up smells in your home with chemicals that are bad for your health? With all the harsh chemicals used in making them, and the fact that they could (and do) trigger allergies, quit spending on plug-in scents. See #36 for natural options and add a few more indoor plants for fresh air.

38.  Lysol Wipes

There is no need to buy chemical-laden Lysol wipes when there are many things that you can use as disinfectants in the household. Vinegar and hydrogen peroxide are two that come right to the top of my mind. Less toxic, easier on your skin, and less expensive. Seriously, you can get a 1-gallon jug of white vinegar at the grocery store for under two bucks.

 Most Chemical Cleaning Products

39.   Most Chemical Cleaning Products

I am sure you can see a pattern here. Most of them are expensive and are bad for the health of your family, and the environment. Check out our article 15 Homemade Cleaning Recipes to Clean Everything in Your Home to save money and your planet.

Do You Have Any Ideas?

It seems like we spend a lot of money on chemicals to put into our immediate environments. We are paying to poison ourselves! I hope this list helps you fix that for your family – both their health and budget with this list.

Can you think of something we missed? What is on your list of items to stop buying? Let us know in the comments!

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