When people are broke, they can’t afford to save money. They have to try to be frugal in other ways, at least until their financial situation changes. Many of us have been broke at some point in our lives and bought some of these 17 things broke people always buy.
Discounted grocery items
Often, a large grocery store offers discounted items at the end of each day. These are almost expired items, often meat and dairy products, and some are great value if you can get them before someone else does. You just have to be able to eat them pretty much immediately.
Sale items
If people can afford to buy sale items or buy in bulk, they do. A buy-one-get-one-free offer on necessary items like food, toilet paper, and soap is great when you have a bit of spare cash. When this is possible, it will save money over time.
Secondhand clothes
Thrift stores are wonderful when you are struggling with finances, and shopping at thrift stores and garage sales is common among broke people who want to find decent clothing at significantly reduced prices. According to the LA Times, the popularity of clothing swap events has grown over the years as a good way to refresh wardrobes without spending money.
Monthly transportation passes
If you live in a built-up area and use buses and trains frequently, it can be economical to buy monthly or weekly public transportation passes. These may be far more cost-effective than paying daily fares or maintaining a car, saving money in the long run.
Prepaid phone plans
Phone contracts can be expensive and can cost even more if you exceed your allotted minutes or data. With a prepaid phone, you can control your spending more easily. You can choose a plan that is within your budget and uses minimal data to keep bills as low as possible.
Fast food value menus
We all need a good takeout every once in a while. We may be broke, but we’re still allowed to enjoy our lives, right? However, fast food on a budget means value menu meals. When time and resources are limited, fast food is a convenient option, and value menu deals are a great way to stretch a budget.
Basic household supplies
Basic necessities don’t have to be expensive, so it makes sense to buy cheaper store-brand items over more expensive name brands. Generic household supplies like cleaning products and toiletries typically do the same job as the ones that cost an arm and a leg.
Dollar store finds
Discount stores are great places to buy household items, cleaning supplies, and back-to-school supplies at a reduced price. You can also buy kitchenware and inexpensive home decor to brighten up your home without breaking the bank. If you have the time, compare prices at different retailers.
Rent-to-own furniture
Furniture is a huge expense, but it’s necessary. A second-hand furniture is a good option for some pieces, but many people will want new items like beds/sofas. Another option is rent-to-own, so you can pay over time. While it may cost more in the long run and make you poorer in the process, the payments are affordable.
Cheap food like instant noodles
Instant noodles are a poor college student’s staple diet, or at least they were the last time I checked. They are delicious and have a long shelf life. Many people on a tight budget stock up on noodles and other low-cost eats for times when their finances are particularly overstretched.
Gardening Supplies
Growing plants is a wonderful and fulfilling hobby, and if you plant the right things, it can also feed your family. Starting a small garden at home or in a community garden can be a cost-effective way to supplement food sources, and gardening is a low-cost pastime that has many health benefits, explains the RHS.
Over-the-counter medications
Healthcare can be expensive, so buying over-the-counter painkillers instead of taking a trip to your doctor or the ER will save you a fortune. Keeping a stock of essential over-the-counter drugs like pain relief and cold medicine is a good idea if you can. Then, you can treat any illness as soon as possible before it progresses.
Caffeine
Caffeinated beverages like coffee and energy drinks are used for their stimulating effects. They help in the short term if you need to work long hours or are studying and working, not getting much sleep in between. Coffee is seen as a luxury item, but everyone has a caffeine addiction now, so I’d call it a necessity.
Lottery and scratch tickets
Anybody who has ever had money worries knows the dream of winning big and never having to worry again. It is that allure of winning a potentially life-changing amount of money that motivates the purchase of lottery tickets. If your limited budget can stretch to a couple of dollars for some hopes and dreams, why not go for it?
Pet food
No matter how broke a person is, they still need to feed their pets. Pet food is a priority for those with animal companions, and sacrifices will be made to ensure pets are well-fed and healthy despite financial hardships. Although some may wish they had chosen a goldfish for a pet, instead of a Great Dane.
Simple entertainment options
Cable TV is expensive—everything is expensive at the moment. But streaming services like Netflix or Disney can be more affordable options, with low monthly or yearly payments. The library is also a wonderful entertainment option for people who like to read and great for studying, too.
Educational Resources
Even those in dire need of money can place educational resources for their kids or themselves at the top of their priorities. It’s crucial to also devote time to pursuing scholarships and subsidized or free educational programs. Someday, it will pay off and provide you with more stability in life, according to Global Citizen.
Up Next: 17 Things Most People Forget After Someone Dies
When a person dies, it’s easy for their partner or family members to overlook things while they process shock and grief. Despite the pain of losing a loved family member, it’s important to remember to organize these 17 things to prevent problems later on.
17 Things Most People Forget After Someone Dies
17 Phrases Confident People Use to Stand Up For Themselves
Confidence is a healthy and attractive trait that helps us stand firm in our values and set healthy boundaries. We can always become more confident, and learning the right ways to stand up for yourself is a great way to start. Here are 17 phrases you can use to do so.
17 Phrases Confident People Use to Stand Up For Themselves
20 Signs Someone Is Only Pretending to Care
Whether it’s to avoid hurting your feelings or if it’s part of a more elaborate plan to deceive you for benefits, people pretend for many reasons. The main theme with them, though, is that their actions never match the sugar-coated words that come out of their mouths. So that you don’t fall for someone like this, we’ve compiled 20 signs for you to look out for.