15 Seriously Budget-Friendly Products That Can Catapult Your Quality of Life

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Upgrade your life without breaking the bank with these game-changing budget finds.
Updated Sept. 27, 2023
young couple online shopping

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There may be little luxuries that you don’t realize you need but can’t live without once you get them.

The only issue may be what one can buy on a budget. After all, you probably want to update your life and avoid throwing money away.

Here are a few options that may give you a better quality of life without breaking the bank.

Get a protection plan on all your appliances

Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more. Not being able to make repairs could leave you in a bad situation — but a home warranty could protect you against surprise expenses.

Whether you’re a brand-new homeowner or you’ve owned your home for years, a plan from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where homeowner’s insurance falls short.

If a covered system in your home breaks down, you can call their hotline 24/7 for assistance to get it repaired. They have a network of over 15,000 technicians that can assist you, making sure any issue can be taken care of swiftly — without breaking the bank.

Not sure if it’s for you? Rest easy: they were named one of the "Best Home Warranty Companies" by US News 360 Reviews and were awarded Best Company's 2020 Consumer's Choice Award. For a limited time, you can get your first month free when you sign up for a Single Payment home warranty plan.

Get a free quote

Snapware 38-piece Plastic Food Storage Set

Courtesy of Costco A Snapware set from Costco

A food storage set is a great way to save leftovers or pack your lunch for work. And you won’t have to worry about breaking storage containers in your bag with a plastic set compared to a glass set.

So grab Snapware’s 38-piece Plastic Food Storage Set from Costco for $27.99. The set includes 19 containers with snap-tight lids to prevent spills and other issues when you store your food.

Room Essentials Reversible Microfiber Solid Comforter

Courtesy of Target microfiber solid comforter target

Change the decoration in your bedroom with a new comforter to make your bed stand out.

The Room Essentials Reversible Microfiber Solid Comforter comes in 10 different versions with different colors on each side, so you can flip it over to switch up your design whenever you want.

Check Target for prices based on what you want out of the three sizes available.

Yukon Glory Magnetic BBQ Grilling Tools Set

Courtesy of Target bbq grilling tools set target

Do you love grilling but always have trouble figuring out where you can put down your grill tools?

Then get the Yukon Glory Magnetic BBQ Grilling Tools Set, which can stick to your metal grill so you always have them close at hand. The set retails for $29.99 at Target.

Stop overpaying when you shop online

Shopping online has its perks. It's super convenient, but it can be time consuming to find the best deals. Instead of hunting for coupon codes (that don't always work!) and opening tons of browser tabs comparing prices, you can try Capital One Shopping.

Capital One Shopping makes saving money effortless. Just add the browser extension and when you check out, it'll scour the internet for coupon codes to help you save cash. And before you check out at 25+ major retailers, Capital One Shopping will notify you with a friendly pop-up if the item you're buying is available cheaper somewhere else.

Capital One Shopping is free to use and won't show you ads. Add it today and stop overpaying!1

Get Capital One Shopping now

Rainleaf Microfiber Towel

Courtesy of Amazon rainleaf microfiber towel amazon

A microfiber towel can be a great addition to your gym bag or camping backpack; you may even want one for the pool or beach in the summer.

Grab a Rainleaf Microfiber Towel in 11 different colors on Amazon. Be sure to check the website for prices, as they can vary depending on the color you choose and the size you need.

Rainleaf’s towels come in six different sizes, so you’ll be able to find one for any of your needs.

Kirkland Signature Platinum Performance UltraShine Dishwasher Detergent Pacs

Courtesy of Costco ultrashine dishwasher detergent pacs

Ditch your dishwasher detergent and get a new option that will make your dishwashing easy and sparkling clean.

Kirkland Signature Platinum Performance UltraShine Dishwasher Detergent Pacs come in a pack of $13.99 for 115 pods that will get even your tough washes clean.

Thomasville Timeless Classic Rug

Courtesy of Costco thomasville timeless classic rug

An area rug may be a good option if you’re constantly cleaning your floors or just want something a little warmer when you set your feet down.

The Thomasville Timeless Classic Rug at Costco comes in four sizes and three color designs, so you can find the perfect option for your space.

Whole Foods Organic Unsweetened Dried Pineapple

Courtesy of Amazon unsweetened dried pineapple amazon

It can be hard to eat healthy, especially when it comes to snacks. But there are ways to get tasty treats without going over budget.

Check out Whole Foods Organic Unsweetened Dried Pineapple, for example, which comes in an eight-ounce package for $8.54 to satisfy your need for something sweet while still staying healthy.

Pro tip: If you’re an Amazon Prime member, a great Amazon hack is to use your Prime benefits at Whole Foods to save extra cash when you’re on a budget.

Libbey Celebrations Barware and Glassware

Courtesy of Walmart barware and glassware walmart

Create a fun night for friends and an easy way to entertain with Walmart's Libbey Celebrations Barware and Glassware.

The set comes with four beer glasses, four wine glasses, and four cocktail glasses for $19.98, so you’ll surely find something everyone can enjoy with affordable glassware.

Knox Rose Women's Flutter Short Sleeve Tiered A-Line Dress

Courtesy of Target short sleeve tiered a line dress

Pick up a dress that’s a perfect staple for your closet, whether you’re going out for a fancy dinner or just need a casual dress for a summer night.

The Knox Rose Women's Flutter Short Sleeve Tiered A-Line Dress comes in three colors and sizes XS up to 4X for $38, making it an affordable addition to your closet.

Earn 2% cash rewards at grocery stores and Costco

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card(Rates and fees) is a powerful rewards card that allows you to earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases — including on groceries, even at warehouse stores like Costco.

New cardholders can also earn a one-time cash rewards bonus — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months!

If you’re looking for a powerful rewards card that offers an extended intro APR period, look no further, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card checks that box too!

This card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (then 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable). Which is great for someone who wants a break from high interest rates, while still earning rewards.

The best part? There's no annual fee.

Click here to apply for the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card now.

Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Round Dutch Oven

Courtesy of Amazon cast iron covered round dutch oven

A Dutch oven is a great option for cooking, but it can get expensive depending on the manufacturer or the size you want.

Instead, check out the Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Round Dutch Oven, which comes in a variety of colors depending on what you want to match your decor or if you have a favorite color.

You can also pick from three different sizes, so check Amazon for the price of the color and size that’s perfect for you.

No Boundaries Men’s and Big Men's Piped Terry Shorts

Courtesy of Walmart piped terry shorts walmart

Add some color to your wardrobe this summer with some easy breezy shorts from Walmart.

The No Boundaries Men’s and Big Men's Piped Terry Shorts come in sizes small to 3XL in four different colors for $14.98 and feature a drawstring waistband and piping on the bottom of the leg for an extra pop of color.

Design Optics by Foster Grant Cole Full Rim Rectangular Reading Glasses

Courtesy of Costco rectangular reading glasses costco

You may need reading glasses but are worried about the cost of buying a pair to make it easier to see words and small type.

Costco offers a variety of frames and magnifications, including the Design Optics by Foster Grant Cole Full Rim Rectangular Reading Glasses.

The glasses come in a pack of two for $18.99 and are FSA-eligible, saving you extra money if you pay for them with a flexible spending account for health-related purchases.

Mainstays Outdoor Blanket

Courtesy of Walmart mainstays outdoor blanket

Enjoy the outdoors without worrying about finding a blanket you can take outside. The Mainstays Outdoor Blanket comes in three different patterns at Walmart for $7.

It’s water-resistant and machine washable, so you don’t have to worry about giving it a heavy clean after taking it out for a picnic or a night out in nature.

CheckUps Dental Dog Treats

Courtesy of Costco checkups dental dog treats

Don’t forget about your furry friends and consider budget purchases to enhance their lives as well. You can get CheckUps Dental Dog Treats in two 24-count packs for $36.99 at Costco.

The treats make them happier and can reduce plaque and tartar build-up that could cause your puppies and dogs issues later on.

Amazon Basics Kitchen Dinnerware Set

Courtesy of Amazon amazon basics kitchen dinnerware set

Are you sick of eating off of old dishes or buying paper plates? Amazon may have a great solution for you to help reduce money stress.

Check out the Amazon Basics 16-Piece Kitchen Dinnerware Set for $23.68. The set comes in basic white with four settings, including small and large plates, bowls, and mugs, so you have plenty to start a new set for your kitchen.

Bottom line

valeriyakozoriz/Adobe Woman doing online shopping

There are plenty of ways to improve your life without busting your bank account on small purchases that can make a big difference.

Remember to shop around and compare prices to get the best deals on your quality splurges without exceeding your budget.

If you really want to stretch your budget, consider making your purchases with a credit card that helps you earn cash back or other rewards.

Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards

Current Offer

$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

Earn 2% cash rewards on purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks
Card Details

Author Details

Jenny Cohen Jenny Cohen is a freelance writer who has covered a bit of everything, from finance to sports to her favorite TV shows. Her work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and FoxSports.com.

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