What is the cheapest products you buy that you feel

**Palooka** · 09-12-2009, 02:02 AM

works just as good as many expensive brands? When it comes to..

Toothpaste
razors
shampoo/conditioner
perfume
cologne
electronics anything
soap(bath, laundry, dishwasher, etc)
trash bags
skin care
vitamins
over the counter meds
diapers and wipes
etc

Not talking if you have a coupon or there is some big sale, but what brands do you always stick to because it's inexpensive and works.

**Ocean_Beach_Dweller** · 09-12-2009, 02:40 AM

For me, store brand works just fine for many items.

For shampoo it seems like Suave is usually very cheap, i think i've even gotten it at the dollar store. It could depend on hair type though, mine is straight and not too thick or thin.

Women's one-a-day vitamins make me very ill for some reason, but safeway or walmart brand womens vitamins don't so thats how i ended up switching to those, and they seem to be doing fine. I also use store brand allergy medication.

The one thing i don't scrimp on is razors for some reason, i use the venus ones, I just always have problems when i buy cheap disposable ones. Maybe someone else found good cheap ones though?

**frugalfranny** · 09-12-2009, 03:19 AM

I buy cheap razors.......unless they are Bic, won't use those. You might as well pluck the hair out!!

Buy the cheapest laundry POWDER......usually Purex. Don't use liquid.

Use the cheapest liquid dish soap too. But use cascade for DW.

My trash bags are grocery bags......can't get much cheaper than that. I don't buy any others. For lawn bags I re-use fertilizer bags, or bark bags, or whatever bags I have saved from other lawn stuff. Only use them for the 'ugly weeds' the rest goes to compost pile.

I use the generic store brand allergy and sinus meds. Work fine.

**craftypam** · 09-12-2009, 05:28 AM

I haven't tried it yet, but I read somewhere that Walmart brand dishwasher soap is just as good or better than cascade. I'm going to try when I remember to pick some up. I have been using Sams club generic over the counter drugs for a very long time, they work and they are sooooooo inexpensive. You can also get them at the drugstores when they have their brand bogof. I use whatever laundry detergent is on sale. Same with shampoo. Some people will only buy the expensive, I was working a long time ago at a retail store and someone came up to me and said my hair was beautiful and what kind of shampoo did I use; I said and meant whatever is on sale and it was mostly suave. And now that I have items stockpiled I only buy when items are VERY VERY inexpensive.

Just as a side note; I find that if you watch for the really trying to get you in the store discounts you can buy name brand for just as cheap as the off brand. One being Meijer super Saturday. 2 weeks ago they had Northern tp $2.39 for double roll.

I also just got Everyday Cheapskate's Greatest Tips
500 Simple Strategies for Smart Living
by Mary Hunt out of the library and it has some really, really good tips.

**Grainlady** · 09-12-2009, 08:39 AM

1. toothpaste - I use just about any brand I can find on sale, with a coupon. In order to save money - use less. A pea-size dot will work as well as a brush full. I also do "dry-brushing" once a day, which has been proven to remove more plaque - which costs nothing.

2. razors - As a "treat" to myself, I bought some kind of triple-blade fancy/expensive razors using a coupon, thinking I must be missing out on something..... I absolutely hated them and went back to the inexpensive ones that you get 10 in a bundle. Another neat thing to use is the "Smooth Away" especially if you have very fine hair. I've been using one all summer and love it. You just rub the hair off.

3. shampoo - (no conditioner necessary for me) I can use any kind of shampoo on my short, coarse hair. I have my SIL purchase a gallon of shampoo (from a salon-supply store) at her discount. I mix it with water in a smaller container, and a gallon will last for years. When I get tired of the shampoo from the gallon, I'll buy a bargain brand at Big Lots.

4. perfume/cologne - none. I have a friend (the make-up queen) who gets all kinds of samples. One day she gave me a bag full of talcum powder samples and asked me if I could use them because she didn't use powder. I mix the expensive brand sample with plain old cornstarch and use it as dusting powder. So that's where I get my scent.

5. soap - I use foam dispensers for liquid soap. These make any kind of liquid soap last a lot longer.

Laundry detergent - I use Charlie's Soap (http://www.charliesoap.com/) purchased in a 5-gallon plastic bucket (1280-loads), which is enough to last us 3.5 years. The currant bucket I started using 11/2007 at a cost of 9-cents per load. This soap doesn't leave a soap residue in clothing, so all our clothes are nice and soft, even dried on a line. Something I never had with any other laundry soap I've used, even homemade.

I never use toxic liquid fabric softener or dryer sheets, so that's another big savings point. We use the dryer so rarely, we now call it Rip Van Winkle. I do have a pair of Dryer Balls in the dryer (the ones with the anti-static 1-inch pink dots). I use vinegar in the rinse of the kitchen towels and the bath towels, should there be any soap residue left in them, to make sure it rinses out

6. trash bags - we use plastic shopping bags in our kitchen trash. Even though I use cloth bags for as much shopping as possible, I still manage to get plenty of plastic shopping bags. If I run out, I'll get some from my shop-a-holic neighbor. We dump the bathroom trash into the kitchen trash, so we only toss out one bag of trash every day, or every other day.

7. vitamins - That's what we call whole foods. If you consume a wide variety of whole foods each day, that SHOULD be your main source for nutrition. Vitamin supplements are made from inorganic minerals (which are difficult for the body to absorb) and fractured chemical forms of vitamins, and most people get little real nutrition from this form.

8. TP - I tested every inexpensive brand of toilet paper I could purchase trying to figure out the best price. What I finally discovered was... the only variable common to ALL brands was the weight of a roll. With the weight, you could accurately figure unit price of each roll.

The size of "sheets" varies, the number and thickness of "layers" varies, so I spent several months figuring cost on a large number of brands. The best bang for my buck is American Fare 1000 sheet I get at K-Mart (they have 3 varieties, so look for the 1000 sheet variety next to SCOTT brand toilet tissue). I just purchased more the other day - buy one - get one 1/2-price and saved $8.00 on four 12-roll bundles. I'll also purchase SCOTT when I have coupons (double coupon) AND it's on sale.

An easy "test" for TP is to squeeze the roll. If there is a lot of "give" and the roll is loosely wound, you aren't going to get very much paper for your money. A nice solid roll will last more than double what a regular squishy roll does.

**wjcalderon** · 09-12-2009, 08:56 AM

craftypam - I have tried the Wal Mart dishwashing powder - it didn't work very well for me. But Electrosol (I think they changed the name to Finish) works great and is cheaper than Cascade.

I have used Suave 2-in-1 shampoo (it has conditioner added) for years. It's inexpensive and has just the right amount of conditioner for my hair.
Saves money and time

I always use the store brand of ibuprofen, vitamins, etc. Usually Wal Mart, but sometimes Walgreen's.

I primarily buy store brand groceries, with a few exceptions. (Wal Mart's fig bars don't taste anything like Fig Newtons, so I do without!)

**cab54** · 09-12-2009, 11:57 AM

ALL otc medications I get generic (store brand). I know 'they' say it is only 70-80% as effective, but I don't notice a difference. Besides, for pain, I use cheap nn aspirin. About 1.00 a bottle.

Toothpaste--I buy Aim at WM. It is .95 a large tube and has the ADA seal on it. My toothbrush was getting ancient, so I just bought an Equate (WM) brand (.97?), and I believe it is the best toothbrush I've ever had.

Coffee filters. (WM nn)

Pasta. (WM nn)

paper towels, napkins (IF i buy them), TP (I use the cheapest, dh has to have the finest, LOL), all paper goods.

Spray oils. Bottled oils.

.50 and 1.00 spices.

Shampoo (I buy Suave mainly, but I'm more picky about conditioners). I don't think it matters what you wash it with.

Suave deodorant. Or cheap Lady speed stick. I smell more when I use Secret or Dove.

I have one good cast-iron skillet, but when I buy non-stick ones, I get cheapies. I've found they ALL suck, and last no time at all, so why pay more.

nn powdered milk

nn canned milk

**Judi Dial** · 09-12-2009, 12:11 PM

toilet paper, shampoo, creme rinse (don't know really only buy it every 3 years or so), salt.

Judi

**shoiji** · 09-12-2009, 05:00 PM

I buy the cheapest liquid laundry detergent I can find. Store brand fabric softner, baking soda, white vinegar, frozen vegetables, saltines. Family dollar mouthwash.

**Palooka** · 09-13-2009, 12:13 AM

Originally Posted by GrainLady

Laundry detergent - I use Charlie's Soap (http://www.charliesoap.com/) purchased in a 5-gallon plastic bucket (1280-loads), which is enough to last us 3.5 years. The currant bucket I started using 11/2007 at a cost of 9-cents per load. This soap doesn't leave a soap residue in clothing, so all our clothes are nice and soft, even dried on a line. Something I never had with any other laundry soap I've used, even homemade.

I checked that site out and darn...I think it would be hard to fork out that much money at once, but then again it would last a long time. Is it safe for HE washers? I just surfed fast.

The size of "sheets" varies, the number and thickness of "layers" varies, so I spent several months figuring cost on a large number of brands. The best bang for my buck is American Fare 1000 sheet I get at K-Mart (they have 3 varieties, so look for the 1000 sheet variety next to SCOTT brand toilet tissue). I just purchased more the other day - buy one - get one 1/2-price and saved $8.00 on four 12-roll bundles. I'll also purchase SCOTT when I have coupons (double coupon) AND it's on sale.

This is good info. I love Scott and that's pretty much all I buy and I can find good sales at K-mart. But it never accured to me to check American Fare. I didn't know it's comparable to Scott. I used the CVS brand that is like Scott but not K-marts versions. I plan on going there tomorrow so I am going to buy that.

**Palooka** · 09-13-2009, 12:18 AM

Originally Posted by Cab54

Suave deodorant. Or cheap Lady speed stick. I smell more when I use Secret or Dove.

This is so funny that you say this. I buy Sure, Mitchum, or Secret(tee-hee, my dh loves secret and says it works the best) They all work great for me. So the other day to cut back I bought Suave and it doesn't work for us. lol Neither does Dove.

Does anyone remember Tussy? I used to be able to buy that cheap at the Dollar store and it worked but I can't find it anymore.

**Grainlady** · 09-13-2009, 06:41 AM

Originally Posted by Palooka

I checked that site out and darn...I think it would be hard to fork out that much money at once, but then again it would last a long time. Is it safe for HE washers? I just surfed fast.

This is good info. I love Scott and that's pretty much all I buy and I can find good sales at K-mart. But it never accured to me to check American Fare. I didn't know it's comparable to Scott. I used the CVS brand that is like Scott but not K-marts versions. I plan on going there tomorrow so I am going to buy that.

Palooka -

Yes, Charlie's Soap is safe for HE washers. If you ever have any questions about the detergent, call the help-line at the company. They are the nicest folks and always happy to answer questions.

You either pay-as-you-go, or save and pay once every 3.5-years. Not to mention all the waste that is saved from detergent containers over that period of time; AND it's delivered to your door. It's just a different method than you are accustomed to. Many people purchase buckets of laundry detergent. Sam's Club carries laundry detergent in large containers, as does Sears. Our grocery store carries a no-name brand in a large plastic bucket.

If you need a simple savings plan for large purchases, I can heartily recommend the $1 bill savings plan I heard about on the Neal Boortz radio program. Because we use cash for most of our normal purchases, we always have a cash on-hand. I save the $1 bills and put them into a savings account at the bank each month. We've dubbed this account the Christmas/Emergency Fund. It's separate from our savings/investment account. I've always managed to save at least $700 a year, and as much as $1,000 a year using this method.

-----------------

Deodorant.... Aldi has a stick antiperspirant that is a real bargain. But purchase the one in the green container (the "manly" one) because it has more in it than the "ladies", so it's the better bargain.

I remember Tussy, and I haven't seen it anywhere for a long time.

**mauimagic** · 09-13-2009, 04:33 PM

Love this thread!! Now I am going to look for inexpensive men's deodorant to try. Can't use cheap razors - chews up my skin. Safeway's triscuits are not the same as the originals, but will do.

We buy cheap - vinegar, mustard, rice (20 lb. minimum), bar soap, lotion, toothpaste, pain killers.

You have made me realize how much I do buy out of habit...need to check this out in the next few weeks and see what we can use instead of!! Mahalo!!

**Judi Dial** · 09-13-2009, 06:43 PM

Some of the things we do to avoid buying major brands include: DH converting to an "old fashioned" razor. The double-sided blades are still relatively cheap and you aren't stuck buying the expensive plastic-encased new version of whatever they're selling for $10 or more.

We buy Sun & Earth dish and laundry detergent and multipurpose cleaner. It may not be cheapest, but we buy the concentrate, in bulk, and dilute it ourselves.

I also buy in bulk: Domino Demera Sugar (from our co-op, it's really hard to find in the local markets, and it's what DH prefers), cornmeal or oatmeal when it's cheap, wheat berries (from the co-op) and agave syrup (when I can find it at a big lots store). When I use the tomato paste I have in stock, I"ll buy tomato powder to replace it, probably from SF herb company.

Sorry I hadn't mentioned the specific brands before. The things I listed in my first list I buy whatever's cheap.

Judi

**Palooka** · 09-13-2009, 07:24 PM

Originally Posted by Grainlady

Palooka -

Yes, Charlie's Soap is safe for HE washers. If you ever have any questions about the detergent, call the help-line at the company. They are the nicest folks and always happy to answer questions.

You either pay-as-you-go, or save and pay once every 3.5-years. Not to mention all the waste that is saved from detergent containers over that period of time; AND it's delivered to your door. It's just a different method than you are accustomed to. Many people purchase buckets of laundry detergent. Sam's Club carries laundry detergent in large containers, as does Sears. Our grocery store carries a no-name brand in a large plastic bucket.

If you need a simple savings plan for large purchases, I can heartily recommend the $1 bill savings plan I heard about on the Neal Boortz radio program. Because we use cash for most of our normal purchases, we always have a cash on-hand. I save the $1 bills and put them into a savings account at the bank each month. We've dubbed this account the Christmas/Emergency Fund. It's separate from our savings/investment account. I've always managed to save at least $700 a year, and as much as $1,000 a year using this method.

-----------------

Deodorant.... Aldi has a stick antiperspirant that is a real bargain. But purchase the one in the green container (the "manly" one) because it has more in it than the "ladies", so it's the better bargain.

I remember Tussy, and I haven't seen it anywhere for a long time.

Thanks, I might have to give it a try. I always shop at Aldis but I have never tried their deoderant. Maybe my next trip I will get some.

I bought the American Fare tp today. It was 6.79 for 12 at the 1000 roll thingy and I will see if I like it as much as Scott. I've seen Scott go on sale for 5 bucks but that's been awhile.