9 Things You Should Buy to Save You Money

5. Compact Fluorescent and LED Lights

While compact fluorescent light bulbs cost more than regular incandescent light bulbs, they use about two-thirds less energy and last years longer. A basic rule of thumb is that you can save $10 a year in electricity cost for each 100 watt bulb you replace (this includes factoring in the extra cost of the light bulb and the longer life it has).

Light-emitting diode holiday lights cost a bit more than standard holiday lights, but they use 80% to 90% less electricity than standard lights and last more than five times as long. In addition, due to the way LED lights are made, they are virtually indestructible. This means they won't accidentally get broken, forcing you to purchase replacement bulbs each year.

6. Things You Use When They Go on Sale

Anything that you use on a regular basis that goes on sale is worth buying and stockpiling (a good guide is to stockpile for six months to a year's worth of the item). As long as you know that you are going to eventually use it and won't end up throwing out a large portion of it because it is perishable, then it is worth purchasing it ahead of time. Following this strategy should get you a minimum of an instant 20% return (and if you're a good shopper, 50% or more) on the money you spend, which is quite a bit more than you would earn on any investment.