In a past column, I mentioned spending that saves money. It included products and decisions that seem costly upfront but can help you save money in the long run. At the top of the list were steam cleaners, freezers, wood stoves and reusable containers, to name a few. You can probably think of some off the top of your head, such as investing in a garden, home insulation, sealing drafty windows and doors or buying CFL bulbs.

The following are a few additional ways to invest in products that will save you money over time. What have you bought that has saved you money?

WARMERS: Items such as heated mattress pads, flannel sheets, wool socks and thermal underwear can keep your body warmer and are less expensive than turning up the heat.

GENERATOR: Owning a generator can give you peace of mind. If you live in an area prone to inclement weather, it can keep your refrigerator and freezer running so you don't lose the entire contents if the power goes out. While some food can be replaced by insurance, it's reassuring to know that you don't have to worry about food when supplies are low and demand is high.

TOOLS: If you're not handy, you can still learn many DIY tasks to help you save money. You can't do even basic repairs without proper tools, so investing in at least a few is money well spent. While some jobs might be best left to professionals, an investment in quality tools means you don't have to go running out to replace a cheap hammer or screwdriver each time you need to use one. They're safer to use and minimize personal injury, too.

ORAL HYGIENE: Don't put off dental appointments. These types of problems escalate into larger issues and higher bills.

DRYING RACK: This item will pay for itself in very little time. The savings can be considerable, and it's a great option even if used only some of the time to dry clothes.

HOBBY SUPPLIES: It can sometimes be hard to justify spending on your hobby. But if your hobby can save you money or make money, then the investment is worth it. Some popular money-saving hobbies include photography, sewing, cooking or gardening.

REUSABLE COFFEE FILTER: It doesn't cost much more than one large package of paper filters. It lasts a long time, too.

CLIPPERS: Whether it's bought for pets or people, clippers can save you money on grooming. Nail clippers are a good buy for your pets, too. If you don't already know how to clip your pet's nails, ask whether your vet or pet groomer will show you.

CAST-IRON SKILLET: You probably won't need to replace one in your lifetime. You can often find them cheaply secondhand.

HOME GYM EQUIPMENT: Good for your health and saves on gym memberships.

NEWSPAPERS: Subscribe and support your local newspaper. You can get Sunday coupons to help you save and reuse newspapers in ways that save money. For example, use it as gift wrap, to start a fire in the fireplace, to wash windows, as a cushion for packing up items into boxes, to protect your floors when painting or to line a trash bin, pet cage or litter box.

 

Sara Noel is the owner of Frugal Village (www.frugalvillage.com), a Web site that offers practical, money-saving strategies for everyday living. To send tips, comments or questions, write to Sara Noel, c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016, or e-mail sara@frugalvillage.com.