Some people love to collect things. I used to collect coins and baseball cards. At some point, I realized that I didnt really get any value in it. I just watched my money disappear. Sure I gained some objects, but they provided me no tangible benefit. The coins and baseball cards couldnt entertain me like a television, not could they feed me or pay my rent.

Recently, Ive been look at some items that may help me save money. Every dollar saved is can be used to bring me that much closer to financial freedom - the point where I dont have to work at jobs that I hate. So I took a little time and looked at a few products around the house that save me money.

5. Rechargeable batteries - Everything requires batteries nowadays. You have to keep buying regular batteries over and over. However, you can buy rechargeable batteries once and get hundreds of uses. They cost more upfront, but theyll pay for themselves before too long. Youll be doing the environment a good service as well.

4. Filtered Water Pitcher - Billions of dollars are spent every year on bottled water. Its been widely acknowledged that its no healthier than filtered tap water. With these filters, the price per gallon is just a little more than 14 cents. I recommend to you save your old bottles and just refill them. Like rechargeable batteries, youll help the environment as well.

3. FoodSaver - The FoodSaver is one of my favorite ways to save money. Much of my food would spoil if I didnt have it. It cost some more in the beginning, but saving a couple of steaks will make it a quick bargain. I tend to make a big salad and eat it over a couple of weeks. It saves a lot of time when compared to making many small salads. Since time is money this is additional savings for me.

2. The Entertainment Book - This book has been around for years. I remember my parents getting the Entertainment Book more 20 years ago. Each time we went out to dinner, I was amazed by the savings. Often we would save $12-15 per meal covering the cost of the $25 book many times over. Since I was on only 10 years old, it didnt occur to me that theres a downside to the Entertainment Book. Its easy to be tempted to go out to eat more often which can get expensive quickly - even with the savings.

1. Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb - Everyone writes about these, but still many people dont use them. They can save you tens to hundreds of dollars a year in energy costs and last a lot longer than an ordinary bulb. The only catch is that you have dispose of them specially since they contain a tiny bit of mercury.