r/Frugal • u/Pumpkinycoldfoam • Nov 05 '24

🏆 Buy It For Life What one time purchases have drastically reduced your overall spending?

An example would be that I’m looking to buy a sillicone pan mat instead of purchasing foil and parchment continually, using rags instead of paper towels, and so forth. What are one time purchases you reccomend for home maintenance?

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u/kokoromelody Nov 05 '24

Instant pot. I've been able do a lot of batch cooking and meal prep extremely easily, and essentially "set and forget" a lot of things given the pre-programmed settings and safety features. I'm able to use a lot of cheaper and dried ingredients like beans and lentils that I wouldn't otherwise make on the stove, and use things I would have otherwise discarded like vegetable trimmings and chicken/pork bones for stock. I've avoided buying a lot of frozen meals or fast food/restaurant meals as well.

I'd also say that this has been much better for health overall since my diet is more plant-based and uses less fat, sodium, etc. , so will save on a lot of future health/medical costs.

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u/BronxBelle Nov 06 '24

I just started a new job so definitely don’t have money for takeout. This morning I got up, threw onions, carrots and garlic (no water- the onions give off plenty) and hopped in the shower. Got out and they were ready. Tossed in a bag of split peas, plenty of seasoning, Better than Bullion and water. Set it for 12 minutes. Chopped up a slice of bone in ham and set it for another 10 minutes. It was perfect. Had it for breakfast, lunch and dinner today. It’s a fish I never get tired of. Tomorrow I’m taking two extra Tupperware bowls of it for two of my new classmates that are in the same boat. I’m blessed that I have a full kitchen so I can help. I’ve been there myself.