I’m a Financial Expert: 3 Items You Should Always Buy Generic

Many Americans know one of the quickest ways to trim expensive grocery bills is to swap name-brand items out for generic items. Buying a generic brand not only helps shoppers save money , but the product purchased often proves to be just as effective as a name brand. After making this switch, shoppers aren’t as likely to go back to name brands again.

However, not all shoppers are maxing out their generic-brand spending and the reason why may be not knowing which items they should buy the generic versions of. GOBankingRates spoke to Destiny Chatman, consumer expert at TopCashback.com , to find out which essentials shoppers should buy generic to save money. Swap out name-brand items for these three generic alternatives .

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Trash Bags

Money expert Dave Ramsey has long recommended buying generic brand trash bags . (After all, shoppers are supposed to throw this product out.) Chatman agreed and said that oftentimes, generic trash bags mirror their name-brand counterparts.

Shoppers can find generic trash bags for sale at supermarkets, big-box retailers and warehouse clubs, with the latter two locations often carrying inexpensive in-house brands to shop. Those interested in cutting corners even further can shop for trash bags at dollar stores like Dollar Tree where they’ll be able to buy trash bags at various gallon sizes for $1.25 per box.

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Cleaning Products

The next time you need to buy cleaning products for your home, like detergent or window cleaner, opt for the generic version.

Not only will this help you save money, but it’s also safe to do and typically gets the same results you would with a name brand. Chatman said all formulations for cleaning supplies and detergents are extremely similar. The main difference is in the item’s packaging and marketing.

Need a few cleaning supply recommendations? Chatman recommended shopping the following generic offerings at Walmart.

• Great Value glass cleaner. This glass cleaner is priced at $1.56 per bottle. Compared to a brand like Windex , which is $4.17 at Walmart, shoppers are able to save $2.61.
• Great Value bleach. For a 43-fluid-ounce container, shoppers can either pick the Great Value brand for $2.98 or Clorox , which is $4.18 for the same size. Choosing Great Value helps put $1.20 back into wallets.
• Great Value original clean detergent. For inexpensive alternatives to detergent brands like Tide and Glad, Chatman recommended shopping for Great Value detergent. Shoppers can get a bottle of liquid detergent for about $7.67 each or even pick up detergent pods for less.

Medications

It’s not uncommon for shoppers to wonder if they should buy generic medication instead of name brands at the drugstore. The inexpensive price tags look good, but shoppers may be skeptical as to how effective the medication is or whether it’s safe to take.

Consider this your sign to start buying generic medication like aspirin. “Medications have to meet certain guidelines, like having the same active ingredients and being regulated by the FDA,” said Chatman.

The next time you’re at CVS Pharmacy and need aspirin, Chatman recommends buying CVS Health ibuprofen pain relievers . Shoppers will receive 200 tablets and only pay $6.99. In comparison, a 200-count bottle of Tylenol Extra Strength is priced at $24.99.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : I’m a Financial Expert: 3 Items You Should Always Buy Generic