10 Things You Should Buy Generic (cont'd)

Petroleum Jelly- Petroleum jelly has a wide variety of uses from eye make-up remover to lip gloss. There is no reason to spring for Vaseline brand when the generic can be purchased for less than half the price of Vaseline.
Medications- If the active ingredient is the same why not? It is advisable to ask a health care provider before initially using a generic product.

Pantry Staples- Sugar, salt, and flour are all regulated by the federal government, so why buy Martha White or Betty Crocker instead of the store brand.

Yellow Mustard- For corn dogs and hot dogs nothing beats yellow mustard. It all basically tastes the same regardless if it's French's or Kroger brand.

Baby wash- Wal-mart brand baby wash is fabulous. Use it on the most sensitive of baby (and adult) skin and save over half the cost of Johnson's.

Handsoap- The dollar bottles of hand soap at the supermarket wash just like the Softsoap brand for usually about $1.50 less. The generic scent is usually just as pleasant as the name brand.

Instant Rice- Why buy Uncle Ben's when the store brand doesn't stick together and cooks in 5 minutes, too.

Generic products offer consumers items comparable to name brand products at a fraction of the price. Virtually any item in distribution can be purchased as a generic or store brand. Compare labels of generic and name brand products when doing the weekly shopping, don't assume that generic products are not as good as name brand products, often it is the same product in different packaging, many times packaged at the same facility as the name brand. Generic products will save consumers money without having to clip coupons or wait for sales. Save some money, pick up some generic products today!

Lucy Brandon is a former Jr. High School teacher, having taught English and Literature to 12 year olds for several years. She is a stay at home mom, a real estate salesperson with Century 21,and an aspiring freelance writer. Lucy is married and has a 3 year old son