Purchases that Save Money

Spend Now to Save Later

Jul 15, 2009 Sharon Chapman

Money can be saved in the long run by spending more money upfront for goods and services that will last longer and keep from having additional purchases in the future.

During times of economic uncertainty people look for ways to save money. They cut back on dining out, take fewer vacations and entertain themselves at home. Bargain hunting and coupon clipping become more important than window shopping as consumers stretch their budget dollars further than ever.

There are ways to save money that pay out over the long run rather than immediately, these methods require an initial expenditure that might not have been considered but when the overall picture is looked at, the end savings justify the expense. The following expenditures are worth considering for their return on investment:

Go Green and Save

The consumption of bottled water around the world is astronomically high. The plastic bottles that are thrown away from water are filling up landfills and polluting the Earth. Consumers can eliminate both the expense of purchasing bottled water and the plastic bottles by investing in a water filtration system for their home.

Water filtration systems are available in many types. There are filter systems that attach to sink faucets and filter the water directly at the source. Water filtration companies make water filters that are attached to pitchers and there are home filtration systems that filter ice makers and water from refrigerators with water and icemakers built-in.

Buy Pet Insurance

Pets have health issues just like humans do and the veterinarian’s bills can be quite costly. Even a healthy pet should have an annual checkup and yearly shots to stay healthy. Pet insurance, just like human insurance, can be purchased that covers emergency visits, checkups and vaccinations.

The monthly premiums are not typically expensive and can save a lot of money in the event of an emergency or catastrophic illness. Pets, like humans, can acquire illnesses that require long term treatment, such as allergies. Pet insurance can help reduce the cost of office visits and medications. Preventing health problems is much cheaper than treating them and pet insurance helps accomplish that task.

Use Original Ink Cartridges

The past several years has seen an increase in the number of companies offering remanufactured or refilled ink cartridges for printers. At first glance these may seem like money savers; however, the total cost of printer ownership should be considered.

Many companies state in their warranty paperwork that the use of remanufactured or refilled ink jets or cartridges will void the warranty. There have also been studies done by QualityLogic that showed 70% of remanufactured cartridges experienced reliability problems. If the cartridge doesn’t work correctly and has to be replaced then money is being wasted. Purchasing only original, new ink cartridges may cost more up front but in the end, the printer is being protected and the ink jets are more reliable.

Spending a little more money up front in order to save money in the long run makes good economical sense. Times of economic decline require economic creativity in order to manage finances and keep ahead in times of uncertainty.

The copyright of the article Purchases that Save Money in Personal Budgeting/Finance is owned by Sharon Chapman. Permission to republish Purchases that Save Money in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Water Filters Save Money and the Earth.

Pet Insurance is for Checkups and Emergencies.

Original Inkjets Save Printer Warranties.