Ask Around Before Buying, Build a Smarter Wardrobe for Less — Plus 3 More Ways To Save This Week

Some of the best money-saving ideas come from looking beyond the store. Sometimes the item you need is sitting in a friend’s garage. Sometimes the ingredient you rarely use can be frozen instead of wasted. And sometimes spending strategically saves more than spending less.

Here are five practical ways to save money this week.

1. Ask Friends Before You Buy

Before spending money on a household item, furniture piece or tool, try asking around first.

Mention what you’re looking for to friends, coworkers, neighbors or people at church. You may be surprised how often someone has exactly what you need sitting unused in a basement, garage or spare room.

This approach can be easier than searching online marketplaces and often feels safer since you’re dealing with people you already know.

The same idea works when you’re ready to get rid of something. Passing an item directly to someone who can use it keeps it out of the landfill and helps someone else avoid a purchase.

Sometimes the best deals come from simply asking.

2. Freeze Extra Buttermilk Instead of Throwing It Away

Buttermilk is one of those ingredients many people buy for a single recipe and then forget about.

If you only need a small amount, you can often make a substitute by adding about 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for a few minutes before using it in baking recipes.

When you need real buttermilk for its thicker consistency, consider freezing the leftovers.

Measure it into ½-cup or 1-cup portions and freeze them in small containers. Once frozen, label and store them in freezer bags so they’re ready for future recipes.

The same strategy works for regular milk if you mainly use it for cooking and baking.

3. Build a Work Wardrobe Around One Neutral Color

A professional wardrobe doesn’t have to be large to look polished.

One of the simplest ways to stretch a clothing budget is to choose a neutral base color—such as black, navy or gray—for skirts, slacks, shoes and handbags.

Then add variety with a handful of tops, cardigans or jackets.

The same pair of slacks can look completely different depending on the blouse and accessories paired with it. This approach creates dozens of outfit combinations without requiring a closet full of clothes.

When shopping, consider investing a little more in quality bottoms since they tend to receive the most wear. Tops are often easier to find at sales, consignment shops and thrift stores.

4. Stretch Personal Care Products When It Makes Sense

Sometimes a favorite product becomes expensive enough that it’s worth experimenting.

One option is to see whether it can be diluted or extended without affecting performance.

For example, some people find that mixing a small amount of cornstarch into bath powder provides similar results while helping the product last longer.

The key is testing carefully. Not every product can be stretched successfully, but some can.

When prices rise, small adjustments like these can help reduce costs without giving up products you enjoy.

5. Keep a “Waiting Box” for Returns and Errands

Many households lose money simply because the return deadlines pass.

Create a designated basket, tote or shelf near the door for items that need to be returned, exchanged, donated or dropped off somewhere.

Whenever something needs action, put it in the box immediately.

The next time you’re headed out, grab whatever belongs at your destination.

This simple system helps prevent missed return windows, forgotten donations and duplicate purchases caused by disorganization.