cheap alternatives

7 Cheaper Versions of Your Favorite Products

Kyle James — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 18:00:07 +0000

Figuring out which trendy brands have cheaper alternatives is an excellent way to keep more of your money when shopping. After all, there is nothing worse than dropping money on a name-brand item only to bring it home and be disappointed with the quality. Here are seven popular products that fall into this category, and their cheaper alternatives.

1. Beats Earbuds

The idea of dropping $78 on a pair of Beats headphones is completely reasonable for many shoppers. But what if I were to tell you that there is another brand that is significantly cheaper and gets amazing reviews on Amazon? By significantly cheaper, I mean approximately $7 compared to $78.

The in-ear headphones of which I speak are made by Panasonic and get a very high 4.5-star rating with over 28,000 reviews. The reviews are overwhelmingly positive and typically say something to the effect of how shocked the buyer was with the great sound quality. By comparison, the $78 Beats version only received 3.5 stars with just over 1,500 reviews on Amazon. You could buy 10 pairs of the Panasonic earbuds and hand them out to your friends and still come out ahead.

2. Top-Shelf Liquor at Costco

There have long been rumors circulating that when it comes to buying alcohol at Costco, the Kirkland brand is often made by top-shelf manufacturers. While Costco would never admit to it, many spirit connoisseurs believe Kirkland Signature Vodka is produced by Grey Goose, Kirkland Scotch by Macallan, and their bourbon by Jim Beam. Whether they are or not, the Kirkland brands often beat the top-shelf liquors in blind taste tests — making them great buys, especially with a price tag at almost 40% less per bottle.

3. Expensive Brand-Name Makeup

Many "drugstore" cosmetics are just as good as their high-end, name-brand counterparts — at a fraction of the price. For example, a tube of the ever-popular Benefit They're Real! Mascara retails for $26, while CoverGirl's Lashblast Mascara can be had for under $6 and tends to get better overall reviews. Excellent cheaper brands to look for at drugstores like Walgreens, Rite-Aid, and CVS include Maybelline, Milani, e.l.f., and Revlon. (See also: The 5 Best Mascaras)

4. Over-the-Counter Cold Meds

Have you ever looked at a box of generic cold medicine and compared it to the name-brand alternative? If you have, you're already aware that they typically have identical ingredients with the only significant difference being the price tag. Whether it's Benadryl, Sudafed, Bayer, NyQuil, or Tylenol, you should definitely consider buying the generic at the drugstore and easily save 25%–40% in the process.

5. Gillette and Schick Razors

Aside from growing a mountain-man beard, it can be hard to avoid buying expensive razors, like those from Schick and Gillette. But the good news is that there is a solid alternative that won't break the bank. In particular, I'm a huge fan of Studio 35 disposable and blade replacement razors found at Walgreens, Amazon, and Drugstore.com to name a few. Not only do they sell on average 30%–40% less than the name brand, but they do a great job on my skin and last just as long. By comparison, you can buy a new Studio 35 razor and six replacement blades for $5.29 at Walgreens, while a comparable Gillette package will run you close to $13.

6. Banana Republic Clothing

I recently stumbled upon an excellent Reddit thread discussing Banana Republic vs. Gap vs. Old Navy clothing. As all three are owned by Gap Inc., the thread discusses the quality difference between them, especially considering that Banana Republic is far away the most expensive of the three brands. Interestingly, when it comes to Banana Republic, items like jeans, shorts, and t-shirts are very similar quality to the oft-cheaper Gap and Old Navy brand. Also, the consensus on buying underwear, boxers, and basic T's is to shop at Old Navy and get quality items, and more importantly, avoid the higher price tag found at Banana Republic.

7. Girl Scout Cookies

While supporting the Girl Scouts at $5 per box is a worthwhile spend, what do you do if you need your cookie fix when they aren't being sold? If you love Thin Mints, try Keebler Grasshoppers. If Samoas are your thing, give Keebler Coconut Dreams a spin. If you crave Do-Si-Dos as much as I do, you probably already know that Nutter Butter's are a cheaper alternative. Also, let's not forget the humble, but highly popular Tagalong, which can be found at Walgreens for cheap under the Nice! Peanut Butter Fudge store-brand.

What name-brand alternatives have you discovered that always save you money?

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This article is from Kyle James of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Replace These 8 Luxury Buys With Their Cheaper, Better Alternatives

Mikey Rox — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 21:00:04 +0000

Does the price of an item really determine its quality? Well, this depends on who you ask and what you're buying. (See also: How to Have an Above Average Life for Below Average Prices)

As a savvy shopper, I believe that paying more for certain items is a better buy. It's no secret that some higher-priced items last longer than cheaper versions, ultimately reducing how much we spend in the long run. But this isn't always the case. As a matter of fact, there are plenty of cheaper alternatives that are just as good (or better) than their luxury counterparts. Here are several of my favorites.

1. Mr. Coffee Single Serve Maker Instead of a Keurig

My obsession with Keurig started a few years ago, and I added this item to my list of things to buy that would make coffee-making easier and less wasteful for my overnight guests since my husband and I aren't coffee drinkers.

As far as hot beverages go, it doesn't get any better than a single serve coffee maker that brews a variety of coffees, plus tea, cider, and hot chocolate. But if you don't want to fork over $99 to $279 for a Keurig (depending on the size and model), a Mr. Coffee Single Serve maker is a low-cost alternative. These single-serve makers start at $59 and do everything a Keurig does for less. I've heard arguments that Mr. Coffee machines are even easier to use than the luxury single serve marker, plus easier to clean and available in a variety of stylish designs to match your kitchen decor.

2. Airbnb Instead of a High-End Hotel

Planning a trip to New York City or San Francisco and thinking about staying in a hotel? You can sleep in the lap of luxury for a few days, but there's a price to luxury. If you're looking to stretch your vacation dollars, using Airbnb to book accommodations provides a cheaper, unique vacation experience. Not only can you meet your host and stay in an actual neighborhood, you get more bang for your buck, which generally includes use of a full kitchen, laundry room, free Internet, and potentially much more.

3. Moissanite Instead of a Diamond

They say diamonds are a girl's best friend — but if your love can't afford to splurge on a huge engagement ring, or if you're simply looking to add to your jewelry collection, moissanite is just as beautiful as a diamond minus the price tag.

Diamonds are the hardest mineral known with a score of 10, yet moissanite stones aren't too far behind with a score of 9.25. Moissanite is more brilliant than diamond, resulting in a remarkable sparkle. And since the stone doesn't attract as much dirt as a diamond, it requires less cleaning and maintains its shine longer. If these features don't persuade you to take a chance with this stone, you might sing a different tune after learning that a moissanite sells for a fraction of the cost of a diamond. A 1.5 carat GIA-Certified Diamond can set you back $10,000, yet you can buy the same size moissanite for about $449.

4. Ninja Blender Instead of a Vitamix

Vitamix is a popular and favored appliance in the health world, with the ability to turn fruits, vegetables, and anything else into delicious smoothies for energy, weight loss, or overall better health. But with a price tag around $500, it's a costly investment. Fortunately, this isn't the only option for drinking your fruits and veggies.

The Ninja Blender does the same thing, yet has a price tag between $89 and $199. Smaller versions of the Ninja are compact and easily fit in cupboards, which is perfect if you live in an apartment or deal with limited storage space. Also, many models of the Ninja feature a pitcher with a single serve attachment, plus suction-cup feet that keep the blender in place while operating. Seriously, it's the best blender I've ever owned.

5. Concrete Countertops Instead of Marble Countertops

It's the epitome of elegance and luxury, but if you're working with a tight redesign budget, skipping marble countertops and going with a cheaper concrete alternative can save money without sacrificing your vision. I personally love the look of marble in a kitchen, but after pricing this material for my kitchen remodel and learning that prices range from $125 to $250 per square foot, I know firsthand that there are better ways to spend your budget.

Concrete countertops are just as stylish and cost as little as $50 to $65+ per square foot. Not only is this material more affordable, it offers matchless strength and durability, it's easy to clean, and you can choose from a variety of colors and designs to give your kitchen or bathroom a custom look.

6. Night Therapy Instead of Tempur-Pedic

Tempur-Pedic has a generous selection of memory foam mattresses that conform to your body and promise the best night's sleep. But seriously, who really wants to pay $3,000 or $4,000 for a mattress? Night Therapy might not be a luxury brand, but this entry-level memory foam mattress has a comfort rating of 82%, thus it's an excellent contender if you're looking for a mattress to provide support and reduce back pain. And with a price tag of $400 for a queen-sized mattress, you can get nine or ten Night Therapy mattresses for the price of one Tempur-pedic.

7. A Used Fancy Car Instead of a New Fancy Car

As much as I love a brand new car, there's no denying that used cars are often a better deal. Not only because "a new car loses 11% of its value the moment you leave the lot," reports Edmunds.com — but because you get more for your money with a used car.

If you have your heart set on a fancy car, used is definitely the way to get behind a fancier set of wheels without going broke. With improved technology, buying a used car doesn't necessarily mean that you're inheriting another person's car issues, either. Some people enjoy driving a new car every couple of years, thus used fancy cars are readily available; and since they're shelling out big bucks for luxury, they're more likely to take care of these vehicles.

Also, styles in the luxury car market rarely undergo drastic changes from one year to the next, which means a two-year-old Acura on the dealer's lot could easily be mistaken for a newer model at first glance. Luxury features such as GPS, surround sound stereo, dual temperature control, leather seats, and wood trim are standard in fancy cars. Buy used and you can enjoy these features while paying $5,000, $8,000, or $10,000 less, depending on the year of the car.

8. A Small House Instead of a McMansion

Some people work hard and save a long time to purchase their dream house — which is usually a mini mansion with amazing views of an equally impressive back yard. To each his own.

Rather than give into the notion that bigger is better, consider the benefits of a small house. Everything is cheaper when you go small from the mortgage to maintenance. Living in a smaller space also forces us to get organized, plus lower expenses translate into more disposable income, and who doesn't enjoy this? The key is choosing a square footage that's right for your family without feeling overly cramped. (See also: This Is How You Downsize Your House and Start Living a Better Life)

Can you think of a luxury item whose cheaper alternative is better? Let me know in the comments below.

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This article is from Mikey Rox of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

14 Pricey Things You Shouldn't Buy (And What to Get Instead)

Damian Davila — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 13:00:04 +0000

Shakespeare said it best: "Fast bind, fast find; a proverb never stale in thrifty mind."

Savvy shoppers know that living a thrifty lifestyle doesn't mean that you have to give up on the finer things of life. The trick is to find cheaper alternatives to expensive purchases. (See also: How to Have an Above Average Life for Below Average Prices)

Here are 14 thrifty ways to enjoy affordable alternatives to big ticket items.

Food

Eat like a king without looking like a jester.

1. Caviar

If Family Feud were to ask "Name a food most people can't afford," caviar would be among the top two answers. A single ounce (28g) of Sevruga caviar can cost you between $108 to $125. If you try to buy one ounce of Osetra Caviar you have to be ready to shell out at least $200. Fortunately, U.S. produced caviar is rising in popularity. Buy buying U.S. caviar, you can score a two ounce tin for about $28.

2. Saffron

The saffron business is booming. With some farmers selling a kilo of saffron for up to $1,600, you shouldn't be surprised to be paying around $15 for a 0.02 oz. (0.5g) jar. The next time you need some saffron for a delicious paella, bouillabaisse, or risotto, turn to its close cousin: turmeric. You can get a 4 ounce bag (over 100 grams) of turmeric for about $4. To turn down turmeric's strong flavor a notch, use 1/8 teaspoon of turmeric plus 1/2 teaspoon of sweet Hungarian paprika to substitute for 1/4 teaspoon of ground saffron.

3. Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese

You say Parmigiano-Reggiano, I say Pecorino Romano and Locatelli Pecorino Romano. The two latter cheeses are also Italian cheeses, made further down south near Rome. While a little bit saltier, they pack the same wonderful flavor that your Italian masterpieces need. Your wallet will thank you, too. Pecorino Romano and Locatelli Pecorino Romano go for about a $12 per round, which is $10 less per round than Parmigiano-Reggiano. This means you could buy almost two rounds for what you were paying before.

4. Basmati Rice

I love Indian cuisine, but if you look up any DIY videos on the web you quickly realize how expensive it can get to make a full Indian dinner. Top-notch cardamom, garam masala, basmati rice, and curry powder can put a serious dent in your dinner budget. The quickest way to save between $4 to $6 per 25-pound bag is to switch basmati rice for jasmine rice. This Thai rice pairs perfectly with any curry sauce.

Transportation

Getting around shouldn't be complicated and expensive. Not everybody needs a car, and even when you really do need one, you should consider consolidating into a single car. Make it less expensive to get around with these two cheap alternatives.

5. Bicycle

I have lived in several cities that I didn't need a car at all — all I needed was a bike. As much money as I was saving on gas, I still had to incur several expenses, such as keeping my bike secure, spending money on parking (yes, there is such a thing in congested downtown areas in which space comes at a premium), and replacing my bike whenever stolen or vandalized. Fold-up bikes are an awesome solution to do away with these three big expenses. Some people think that fold-up bikes are only available for $500. Actually, Citizen Bike has fold-up bikes starting at $169.

6. Car

For the cities that biking or taking public transportation is out of the question, you gotta have a car. For college students, young working professionals, and single parents, the cost of acquiring a car is often out of the question. Fortunately for them, ZipCar provides a viable option to access a car whenever they need it. With memberships starting at $6 per month or $60 per year, you can access a car in 22 U.S. cities, including New York, San Francisco, and Austin, and three international cities. If you don't want to commit to a membership, Zip Car driving rates range from $8 to $10 per hour.

Other alternatives for owning a car, are Lyft and Uber. When using Uber beware of surge pricing, which make the rate more expensive than usual during busy times.

Tech

Gadgets can make your life easier and help you make money. Here are ways to make four expensive tech purchases more accessible.

7. Tablet

Internet access is essential nowadays to get access to cheaper products and convenient services, such as mobile banking and email. Tablets are awesome tools because they combine the computing power of laptops and the portability of smartphones. Unfortunately, the cheapest iPad models start at $399 and alternatives such as the original Kindle Fire start at $119. And this doesn't include the cost of the Internet itself. If you're looking for a cheaper alternative, then consider Datawind's UbiSlate. This tablet starts at $37.99 for Wi-Fi-only and has a $99.99 offer that includes one year of unlimited basic mobile Internet.

8. Adobe Acrobat Pro

Business professionals around the world create and use PDF files to communicate effectively. An Adobe Acrobat Pro license costs $19.99 per month or close to $240 per year, over and over. There are several cheaper options out there (sorted in descending order of price):

Nitro Pro 9: With just $140 you get access to a software just as powerful as Adobe Acrobat Pro.
Qoppa PDF Studio: At $129 this software gives Nitro Pro 9 a good competition, especially if you are looking for reliable OCR conversion, page manipulation and markup.
CutePDF Professional: This user-friendly PDF editor allows you to markup your document in different ways. But with a price tag of $50, you shouldn't be surprised that you can do more than that. Still, it is suitable alternative for getting the job done.

9. Microsoft Office Suite

Microsoft has jumped on the cloud bandwagon and now makes it popular productivity suite available as a subscription service over the web. This provides major savings for you.

For example, it costs $219.99 to buy an installation CD for Office Home 2013 to get Word, Excel, Powerpoint, OneNote and Outlook. Instead, with a cloud-based subscription (known as Office 365) you pay just $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year. Additionally, Office 365 is way cheaper than a CD license because it is always the latest version. If you buy a one-time CD, you have to pay again to upgrade to a newer version.

10. Smartphones

Next to tablets, smartphones are changing the way we communicate with each other. There is no need to spend more than you need to. Smartphones are no longer a novelty and there are several options beyond Apple and Samsung. Here are 4 powerful smartphones that aren't overpriced. There are plenty more available, too.

Travel

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

11. Hotels

There are several, cheaper alternatives:

Coachsurfing.org: With listings in 100,000 cities worldwide and 7 million members, you can stay at virtually every city in the world at the lowest possible cost.
Hostels: The two largest listings of hostels are Hosteling International and Hostels.com. Make sure that you meet the booking requirements (e.g. valid student ID) before paying for a stay.
Airbnb gives you access to local renters in over 34,000 cities and 190 countries at prices below hotels.
If you're a fan of The Holiday with Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz, then you might be into home swapping through networks, such as HomeLink, HomeExchange, and Love Home Swap.

12. Cell Phone Abroad

While international calls and roaming charges are incredibly expensive, there is no need to become completely unreachable just because you are traveling abroad. Here are two cheap alternatives:

If you have access to Wi-Fi, while abroad:
- Schedule calls and leverage Skype to do calls while on vacation (See also: How I Use Skype to Keep in Touch With Friends and Family).
- Contact your cell provider and figure out how to do calls through Wi-Fi only.
If you don't want to take your own smartphone:
- Buy a cheap pre-paid cell and use it to receive calls. Unlike the U.S., several countries don't charge minutes to receive calls.
- Research if a cell phone rental would make sense.

Entertainment

Here is how to play on the cheap.

13. Gym Membership

Keeping in shape through a gym can run between $20 to $50 per month. That's about $240 to $600 per year! There are two ways to get a cheaper gym membership. First, check out if your local Costco sells gym memberships and compare it to your current rate. Even if you have no Costco card, you can window shop at Costco. Second, find out if your health plan provides a fitness reimbursement program, such as United Healthcare or Harvard Pilgrim, or discounted gym membership plan, such as Kaiser Permanente. (See also: 8 Legit Ways to Use the Gym for Free)

14. Video Games

You can be a couch potato and still rack up a heavy entertainment bill. Let's face it, game consoles have always been crazy expensive. Stop paying $60 (or more!) per game and take note of these cheaper alternatives:

Download free games for your Android device, Kindle device, or Apple device
Use the Netflix for video games: Gamefly. Remember to test drive the service with a first free month trial (See also: Pay or Subscribe: How to Pay the Least for the Media You Love The Most)
Rent a video game for $2 per day with Redbox (sign up for their SMS and email alerts for promo codes for free and discounted rentals)
Buy old school PC games at heavily discounted prices at Gog.com
Score old game consoles, such as NES and Sega, with dozens of games at dirt cheap prices on Amazon.com or Craiglist

What is your favorite cheap alternative to an expensive purchase?

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This article is from Damian Davila of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread: