6 Items Under $10 That Changed My Life

Most of us know that part of responsibly managing your personal finances is to carefully consider any major purchase. You need to weigh the pros and cons, compare your options, and make sure you're prepared for any financial repercussions.

But it isn't just the big buys that can have important impacts on your life. The small purchases can have as much -- if not more -- impact on your life, both collectively and on their own.

For example, some of the most impactful things I've ever purchased cost me less than $10. Every item on this list has had a large, lasting, positive effect on my life.

1. Kitchen scale

Of all the tools in my kitchen, I think the $9 digital scale is probably the thing I use the most often. Why? Because anything else is frustratingly inaccurate.

Kitchen measuring has a long and complicated history, from the pre-standardization chaos down through the modern cups vs. liters divide. (I recommend the book Consider the Fork if you want to learn more.) But no matter how you measure something, the weight of it doesn't change -- 100 grams of flour is always 100 grams, whether you put it into measuring cups, liter jugs, or that weird mug you made by hand in fifth grade.

With my handy scale, I can reproduce my results more consistently and with less fuss. I can measure in anything -- including directly into the mixing bowl -- saving time and stress.

2. Toilet paper roll holder extender

For such a small task, changing the toilet paper roll has to be one of the most hated chores on the planet. Which is why we all love super giant mega rolls. What I don't love? That the darn things don't spin right in a standard toilet paper roll holder.

After years of complaining, I finally got my hands on a $7 toilet paper holder extender. It's a replacement part for the spring-operated holder in most home bathrooms -- except this one has little arms on it that allows it to stick out further from the wall. Voila, your gargantuan roll of toilet paper finally spins without resistance, even when new.

3. Toilet spray

While we're talking about bathroom accessories, I need to also give an enthusiastic shout out to toilet spray. If you live in a household with a shared bathroom, I consider this to be an essential item. 

Toilet spray is an oil-based liquid that you spray into the toilet before you use it (the major name-brand spray is called Poopouri). The liquid creates a film over the surface of the toilet water that helps trap any odors as you…take care of business. The spray also contains essential oils and other scents that help mask any odors that manage to escape.

Most sprays cost between $5 and $10 for a bottle that will last a few months. It's a little pricey for something you literally put down the toilet -- but it's far cheaper than renovating your home to add a bathroom

4. Back scratcher

When I was younger and my joints were made of rubber, I could scratch any spot on my back without issue. These days, however, I find myself mimicking a bear in the woods trying to ease the itch with a handy door jamb. 

That's why I got a back scratcher. For around $5, I picked up what looks like a weird miniature rake with an extendable handle. And this is one of the most satisfying purchases I've made in years. That maddening itch right in the middle of my back is no longer a threat to my mental health; now it's just a minor inconvenience, easily solved.

5. Analog timer

Most of the electronics in my life have some sort of built-in timer feature, from my microwave to my watch. But the one I use the most? The little $7 analog timer on my desk.

Study after study has shown that sitting too long, especially in front of a computer, is bad for your health. But it's really hard for me to keep track of how long I've been sitting (especially when I've been sucked into an email vortex).

So now, every time I sit down to work, I set my little timer for 45 minutes. When the timer goes off, I get up and move around a bit. (The Mayo Clinic actually recommends getting up every 30 minutes, but I found that to be a little too frequent for my productivity.) Oh, and I get bonus points when I remember to drink some water on my breaks, as well.

6. Reusable grocery bags

I made the switch to reusable grocery bags many years ago, and I've never regretted it. A $5 investment scored me three nylon bags -- two of which I still have; one mysteriously disappeared -- and a brand-new lifestyle.

Besides the whole fewer single-use plastics thing -- and the potential savings -- these reusable grocery bags simply make my life easier. They hold more than those thin plastic shopping bags, so I don't have to juggle multiple bags. They're sturdier, so I'm not worried about them dumping my groceries on the ground. And I don't have those tumble-weed-esque grocery-bag-filled grocery bags piling up in my garage that I tell myself I'm going to recycle (but never do).

Little things can have big impacts

We all think of life-changing things as being big events: buying a house, moving across the country, quitting your job. But even small things can change your personal finances for the better. So the next time you're frustrated by something in your life, consider what you can do to improve it. There's a chance you'll only need to spend $10.