We’re all feeling the budget crunch right now. With inflation on the rise, layoffs galore, and minimum wage somehow still at an abysmal $7.25 in the United States in spite of the need to raise it to somewhere near $20 at this point, budgets are tight. So, how can you do more with less? Sometimes, Amazon has the answers. Check out these 11 finds that will help you save money, spend less, and be more efficient in with the products you use every day.
11 Foodie Finance Budget Stretchers
- Instant Pot
This beauty I absolutely use nearly every day. Especially when Mr. Meaty and I were working full-time and the kids were in school, I set the delay timer up to warm up whatever leftovers we had on hand for lunches. Amazing! It was ready exactly when we needed it for a quick lunch break and we never threw away all that delicious leftover food. I especially love the instant pot for making saucy delights like Indian paneer or chickpea dishes or simple staples like rice or boiled eggs for egg salad. - Roku Streaming Stick
You’ve gotta be able to watch your cooking shows, right? If you haven’t cut cable yet, I’m here to tell you. Do it. I cut cable sometime when the kids were small and Caillou was still annoying me on the air on a daily basis. The early teens (2010s) I believe. And I’ve never looked back. It actually took me quite a few tries to cut cable, because, interestingly, when you try, the cable company often entices you to stay with way lower prices. So, once you’re ready to leave, you might end up staying a bit longer at a drastically reduced monthly rate. But, be prepared to bolt with a streaming stick. My favorite streaming service is BritBox, which I subscribe to via AmazonPrime, but you can get it independently as well. You can also get the standard streamers like Hulu, Netflix, Disney+, and more on your Roku. - Water Filter
Stop buying bottled water and get yourself a countertop (or fridge shelf) water filter like this one from Epic. I love tastier whatever like anyone else, but I do not love the pricey and wasteful bottled water from the grocery store, so I have a water filter and reusable bottles instead. Win for me and the planet. Boom. - Water Bottles
Speaking of water bottles, I personally love these bottles from Klean Kanteen. They come in great colors and they’re drop-proof, ask me how I know. And they keep pretty cold. They also make my favorite travel coffee mugs and I tell you what, they keep tea or coffee piping hot all day. Like, almost too hot. You have to open up that bad boy and let it breathe for a bit. - Last Drop Getter
This ingenious little tool will have you asking, “why didn’t I invent that?” It will help you get the last drop out of just about anything from condiments to shampoos. Save on groceries and beauty supplies with this bad boy (but maybe buy a couple so you can have one for food and one for beauty stuff). - Jar Spatula
For a not quite as intense way to get the last drop, and for more viscous stuff like jams and peanut butters, try this jar spatula. - Reusable Storage Bags
Don’t waste your hard-earned money on disposable freezer bags. Get these reusable storage bags for the shelf, the fridge, or the freezer. Not only will you save on bag costs, but you’ll keep your leftovers from going bad by properly storing them inside airtight bags. - Food Saver
Speaking of saving food, if you buy food in bulk to save money you really want to get a vacuum food sealer. You can portion out your bulk food into whatever size you need for family meals and freeze them so they won’t go bad on you. When it’s time to prep that food for dinner, pop that frozen bag on the counter or in a bowl of warm water, depending on your time constraints. It’s not as eco-friendly an option as reusable storage bags, but it’s a lot less wasteful than throwing out food. And, the plastic seal bags can be recycled once cleaned. - Dryer Balls
Washing up your dining and kitchen linens has never been so adorable. Beyond the environmental and skin issues with dryer sheets, they’re just plain pricey. Save yourself some room in your budget with either homemade or store-bought dryer balls to keep your clothes soft and static-free. - Reusable Bamboo Towels
If you haven’t transitioned away from paper towels, try these reusable bamboo towels. They’re washable and replace six months of paper towels. They make a great transition product if you’re not ready for the full switch to cloth towels just yet. - Soda Stream
I adore my soda stream. I use it to make myself ginger fizzy waters (with or without rum added) all the time. My kiddos love blackcurrant fizzy waters and various other treats. And right now I’m enjoying my version of the Honey Deuce because I’m watching U.S. Open tennis.
What are your foodie finance budget tips?