13 Things Money Experts Tend To Buy Cheap

Dr. Annie Cole, Ph.D., has lived on both ends of the financial spectrum. She once made $26,000 per year, and now she's a six-figure earner. However, one thing has stayed the same: her desire to shop smart and save whenever possible.

"Even as a six-figure earner, I’m always on the hunt for a good deal or new saving strategy," says Dr. Cole, an author, money coach and founder of Money Essentials for Women. "Why pay more of your hard-earned money if you can pay less?"

To be clear, sometimes you should fork over more if you can to save yourself money and avoid a headache in the long run.  For instance, a used car that costs you thousands in maintenance fees? No thanks, says Cole. 

So what's worth buying on the "cheap?" A pair of money experts share golden advice on the items they tend to buy cheap and why. They also explain how a mindset shift and internal rebrand of the words cheap and frugal can help you feel good about your shop-smart strategy.

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The Difference Between Frugal and Cheap

Kumiko Love, AFC, the money expert and author behind Budget Mom (with over 760k followers on Instagram), prefers to use the word "frugal" rather than "cheap." Although the terms are often used interchangeably, Love says they involve different mindsets.

"Shopping smarter means knowing the difference between being frugal or being cheap," explains Love. "Frugality is about making thoughtful, intentional choices to maximize value. A frugal person considers the long-term benefits and costs of a purchase, prioritizing quality over the lowest price."

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See: Do not buy a used car sight unseen. A frugal mindset can involve spending more upfront but reaping the benefits of more savings (like fewer car maintenance fees) and satisfaction over time. It's about balance. Cheapness is only about cost: The lowest price wins, but you may not in the long run.

"This approach can lead to more frequent replacements, higher long-term costs and less satisfaction," Love says. "True value and savings are not found in the lowest price tag but in the best combination of quality, longevity and cost."

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13 Things Money Experts Tend To Buy Cheap

1. Groceries/pantry staples

Name-brand grocery items don't necessarily offer more in taste, shelf-life or nutritional content than store brands.

"Many store brands offer the same quality for a fraction of the cost," Love says. "When buying staples like rice, pasta or beans, check the ingredients and nutritional information. Often, the generic brand is nearly identical to the name brand, and buying in bulk can save even more."

2. Office supplies

Back-to-school shopping or embracing hybrid or full-time remote work life? A little homework can score you some extra credit (and a lower credit card bill).

"If you’re in the market for a new desk or desk accessories, check thrift stores or online marketplaces for great deals," Dr. Cole says. "Pens, folders and journals are also going to be about the same quality at a lower price point."

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3. Brand-name clothes

You may have read this one before, but we're going to write it again: You pay for the logo (which is sometimes only on a tag tucked into your shirt). 

"Focus on materials, sustainability and construction over the brand," Love suggests. 

You may covet a particular brand or designer. Some Olivia Benson-style sleuthing can help you get those styles.

"Many times, you can find amazing pieces at thrift stores, consignment shops or online resale platforms," Love says.

4. Plants

Shopping later in the season for plants can help you find deals.

"Nurseries always have an extra supply of plants that need to get planted ASAP," Dr. Cole says. "Keep an eye out for annual plant sales or seasonal sales for plants that need a new home."

If you're concerned about planting outdoors in less-than-ideal climates, opt for plants that can be overwintered indoors, like herbs.

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5. Newest tech gadgets

New releases and unveilings can generate heavy excitement for the newest tech products. Love recommends hitting pause.

"The latest gadgets can be tempting, but older models or refurbished devices can offer similar functionality at a much lower price," Love says. "Many retailers and online stores offer certified refurbished items with warranties, ensuring quality at a bargain price. For example, the new Samsung 24 Ultra is almost exactly the same as the previous model but will cost you over $1,000 to buy."

6. Bedding and towels

Getting a 1,000-thread count feel at two or three-digit price points is possible.

"Luxury bedding and towels come with a hefty price tag, but more affordable options can be just as comfortable and durable," Love says. "Look for sales, outlet stores or online deals to find quality linens at lower prices. Consider natural materials like cotton or linen, which can be both affordable and long-lasting."

7. Children's clothes and toys

It's natural to want the tiny tyke in your life to have "the best." However, that doesn't always mean brand-name everything.

"Kids quickly outgrow toys and clothes, so it’s wise not to overspend or splurge on new expensive things," Love says. "Look for sales, second-hand stores, or swap with other parents to keep costs down. Many communities have toy libraries where you can borrow toys, allowing your child to enjoy a variety without the high cost."

Bonus: You'll have more to spend on experiences, like vacations and museum trips, which can create memories that outlast a brand-name pair of kicks.

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8. Cleaning supplies

One way to tidy your budget is to purchase generic store-brand cleaning supplies.

"Generic store brands often contain the same active ingredients as their pricier counterparts, offering the same effectiveness at a fraction of the cost," Love says. "Buying in bulk, using coupons and choosing reusable cleaning tools further maximize savings while maintaining a clean and healthy home."

Those who have time to spend DIY-ing can also reduce costs.

"You can make your own cleaning solutions using simple, natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda and essential oils, which are not only budget-friendly but also reduce exposure to harsh chemicals," Love explains.

9. Holiday decor

Remember, they only come out once a year.

"Holiday decorations can be expensive, especially if purchased during the peak season," Love says. "However, you can save a lot by shopping off-season or buying gently used decorations from thrift stores or online marketplaces. Many discount stores also carry seasonal items at much lower prices."

Love adds that DIY decorations can add personal touches to a space and subtract money spent.

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10. Greeting cards

Cards are thoughtful and can bring a smile to someone's face. However, they are likely to end up in someone's recycling bin or trash within a month or two.

"Greeting cards can be surprisingly expensive, especially those with elaborate designs or brand names," Love says. "However, less expensive cards or DIY options can convey the same heartfelt message."

Love suggests shopping at dollar stores, discount retailers like TJ Maxx and even Costco. These spots often have a wide selection of cards at lower costs than specialty stores.

11. Books

Read this loud and clear: "Buying brand-new books can be expensive, but there are many ways to enjoy reading without paying full price," Love says. "Thrift stores, used bookstores and online marketplaces like AbeBooks and ThriftBooks offer a wide range of titles at a fraction of the cost."

Love also suggests perusing library book sales for retired or donated reads.

"Additionally, consider borrowing eBooks from your local library through apps like Libby or explore free options on sites like Project Gutenberg," Love says. "Amazon also has a used book option that decreases the cost significantly."

For what it's worth (AKA a lot of savings), Cole also suggests shopping for used books at thrift stores and on Amazon, where she finds items on her to-be-read list at single-digit price tags.

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12. Bottled water

Often, you don't even need to pay for this one. Your water bill covers this cost if you have access to clean H2O on tap.

"Investing in a good water filter or a reusable bottle is far cheaper in the long run and better for the environment," Love says. "Many communities offer free water testing to ensure your tap water is safe, allowing you to skip bottled water altogether."

13. Streaming service

No shame, but: "Do you really need five streaming services?" Love asks.

In fact, you may not even know you are subscribed to five (or more) services.

"Many people pay for multiple streaming services, some of which they rarely use," Love continues. "It’s easy to overspend on subscriptions, especially when new platforms are constantly emerging. Instead, consider sticking to one or two services you use most often, and take advantage of free trials to test new platforms before committing."

Some services may allow you to share subscriptions with family or friends and split the cost, scoring savings for everyone.

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Expert Sources

• Dr. Annie Cole, Ph.D., an author, money coach and founder of Money Essentials

• Kumiko Love, AFC, the money expert and author behind Budget Mom