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It looks like we've discovered the secret to getting lots of reader feedback: write an article that everyone disagrees with. To be honest, I knew people would wince after reading Nomad's article yesterday. Sure enough, his list of a dozen things he manages to do without generated more negative votes and comments than any article we've ever published. We've written on topics that have drawn thirty times the traffic and only a handful of comments - usually positive ones. Nomad's humor is often hard to get a handle on and like most people who travel a lot, he's developed some quirky consumption habits to keep his luggage light. That said, I warned him about putting the deodorant on his list so he had it coming.  

To make up for Nomad's debacle, I thought I'd put together a list for those of us sensible folks that love our spice racks and can't live without hair conditioners.  Allow me to share a few insights about some unnecessary things that people pay for that can add up to serious money. While most of the items on this list are targeted at those who are amassing savings and have mid to higher incomes, if you live below your means at any income, they will likely apply to you to. Here's my list of 5 things you REALLY don't need. Doing without them can save you a small fortune over your lifetime.

A lot of great business ventures are based on a simple creed - ‘Create a Need and Fill It’ and it works every time. Throw in a little marketing and some slick packaging and consumers will beat a path to your door. Try this experiment - take a leisurely walk around your supermarket and don’t buy a single thing. Just make random mental notes of all the products you have no use for. Most likely, you wouldn’t even consider buying most of the products on display. Pay close attention to the spice rack. Unless you’re a gourmet chef, you probably won’t recognize half the names. Just pronouncing some spice names can be an ordeal. So many spices - so little time.

If you have another afternoon to idle away, spend it at your local discount pharmacy. Look at the choice of hair care products. How do people manage to arrive at a decision on the perfect shampoo and conditioner? A full disclosure is warranted - I use Johnson’s Baby Shampoo because I figure if it can’t harm the kids than it can’t possibly damage my bald spot. I never use conditioners because I’m not sure exactly what they do and, frankly, I’m concerned they might have a detrimental effect on the size of my bald spot.

Which brings me to the point I’m trying to make; there are so many products out there that frugal consumers can do without. Here’s my list of 12 Things I can do without. I hope your list is even longer.

Editor's Note: I implore anyone that is age 12 or older to ignore Frugal Nomad's advice on #9. It's a small price to pay for your fellow man.

Everyone likes to pay less for groceries. Supermarkets can often be expensive and so many of us have turned to Target or Walmart to snag some cheap grocery deals. The prices are good on many items and you don't have to pick off the loss leaders or use coupons to feel like you got a deal. But a recent trip to Target left me shaking my head. Some Target grocery prices just don't make sense; they are illogical and dare I say "wacky".