These experts have some tips for how to make the most of your time and budget

Sometimes, it feels like we’re too short on bandwidth to make any positive changes. Maybe it’s the cost that’s so intimidating, or maybe it’s just the degree of investment it seems to take. These experts have some tips for how to make the most of your time and budget.

Drugstore Gems

Pricier products don’t automatically mean better. In my innocent youth, I earnestly purchased eye makeup remover from Macy’s; when it was discontinued, I opted for Neutrogena instead. Much to my surprise, it worked just as well, as did the Target and Walmart brands.

I was shocked to learn that the high price on luxury skincare isn’t necessarily because of the ingredients, but because of the packaging. Companies know that we shop with our eyes, and they ensure those bottles and jars gleam and sparkle to draw our attention. That’s why potent brands like The Ordinary can be so affordable — their packaging is basic and unexciting.

Additionally, while expensive brands may claim they have amazingly exotic ingredients, exotic doesn’t mean effective. For instance, all dermatologists would prescribe retinoids for antiaging, which only cost about $15 at most after insurance; none would recommend the La Mer Cream for $200.

For better skin, shop smarter rather than harder.

Lea Pavel is a third-generation skincare aficionado who lives in the Five Towns.

The Power of Short Bursts of Physical Activity

While 150 minutes is the recommended amount of moderate physical activity per week, many people don’t reach that goal. But a recent study conducted by the University of Sydney found that as little as four minutes daily of vigorous physical exercise significantly lowered the risk of cardiovascular incidents, heart attacks, and heart failure in middle-aged women.

Vigorous intermittent activity, or VILPA, is a small burst of vigorous physical activity that’s incorporated into your daily routine. Think brisk walking to work instead of driving, running up a flight of stairs instead of taking the elevator, carrying heavy groceries home from the supermarket, walking uphill, or even playing tag with your kids.

VILPA doesn’t replace the benefits of a complete fitness routine, but it can be the gateway to increased physical activity in people who are less inclined to work out. Any movement counts, and some is better than none at all.

Esther Shaindy Leshkowitz lives with her family in Brooklyn, where she teaches high school and writes. She tries to exercise every day.

Thrifty Gains

A fitness routine doesn’t have to break the bank.

An easy and frugal method is to simply go for a walk or run. Up your game with a rucking backpack. Inexpensive options can cost $30 on Amazon, or you can make your own by taking any backpack and filling it with books or water bottles. Walking poles work your arms as you walk, and is another money-saving option at around $30.

Stop at your local playground. Use the monkey bars for pull-ups, a bench for triceps dips, and even climb up the slide. These strengthen biceps, shoulders, hamstrings, and quads. A swing is great, too — it strengthens your core.

Setting up a home gym saves money, and eliminates gym membership fees. Opt for simple equipment that can be stored on a shelf in a closet. A jump rope is great for a Tabata routine. Instead of multiple dumbbells, use resistance bands or consider adjustable weights. Bodyweight exercises can also be done at home and require no equipment. Think pushups, squats, planks, Russian twists, and burpees.

Esther Shaindy Leshkowitz lives with her family in Brooklyn, where she teaches high school and writes. She tries to exercise every day.

Organize Smarter

An organized home is not reserved for the rich and famous. There are many ways to simplifize your spaces on a tight budget.

Focus on decluttering rather than containment. When your home has fewer things in it, the space will naturally be simpler to organize and maintain.

The dollar store has a plethora of helpful items that can be used throughout the home. You’ll find drawer inserts, toy containers and baskets, even some decorative bins for bedrooms.

When possible, using uniform containers throughout a space will save inches, allowing you to stack neatly. Sometimes, it’s worth spending a drop more to achieve that seamless look.

For the brand-name connoisseurs, Home Goods and similar stores have many of those high-quality canisters, turntables, and fridge bins.

Since 2013, Ruthie from Simplifized has been organizing homes and training new organizers worldwide.

(Originally featured in Family First, Issue 935)