Every year, we as a country, spend a lot of money on over-the-counter medicines but are these really a frugal way of living? I don’t think so and I have some tips here to share with you so that you can save money on these remedies and medicines without actually affecting your health.
What do we use over-the-counter medicines for?
Some over-the-counter medicines are as essential as others, but let’s just imagine we need them all for now, and that we want to continue taking all the ones we choose and just want to save money on them!
Tips to buy less over-the-counter medicines
Do you buy more Vaporub or cough syrup every time you or someone in the family has a cough/cold? Check the expiry of what you have already, this is a really quick easy way of saving money by not buying something you already have.
Is it something you actually need and will use? It is easy to fall into the trap when you feel unwell of buying everything the shop sells for an ailment. The reality is that for athletes foot for example you can only really use one product at a time so you shouldn’t be buying more than one product at a time. It is simply money wasted on products you may never use!
Tips to save money on over-the-counter medicines
Unless it is an emergency, shop around and see what you can buy online cheaper than in the local chemist.
Look for discounts online for branded products. Often the manufacturer’s websites have offers or discounts. Another good place to look is supermarket free magazines. Simply picking these up can save you money in other areas too. When you have finished with them young kids can use them for craft cutting and sticking activities too!
Check the ingredients and buy generic products. Did you know that Nurofen usually contains the same about of ibuprofen (the active medicine) as unbranded varieties? This is the same for many medications. If the ingredients and quantities are the same there really is no reason you need to buy brands!
