The Secret to Printing at Home On the Cheap

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So obviously, since I create a lot of printables, you know I love them! And, if you are are a regular here at the blog, you are most likely printing a lot of printables as well. My biggest struggle over the years has been how much money I spend on ink. I have always tried to buy ink when it’s on sale, but even the sale price is ridiculous. At one point, I tried getting my cartridges refilled, but that turned out to be a hot mess and my printer was not happy!

Not so long ago, I ran across the HP Instant Ink program. The program allows you to print for as low at $.03/ full color page! WHAT?!?!

Here’s how it works. You need to have an HP printer that is compatible with the HP Instant Ink program. To be honest, I had an old HP printer that wasn’t compatible. I figured out what I was spending yearly, and it was ridiculous. The printers themselves are relatively inexpensive. After working with the numbers a bit, I realized it was smarter for me to get a new printer in order to use the HP Instant Ink program, all leading to more savings in the long run!

I ended up with the HP OfficeJet Pro 6975, partially swayed by the sale price at Sam’s Club ($79.99!). If they weren’t having a sale, I definitely would have gotten the HP Envy. It’s a great little workhorse printer and perfect for home printing.


Once I had my printer, I simply went online and picked the best plan for me. I also found I got my first 3 months for free! WHAT? (Here’s a little tip-you can change your plan at anytime, so for your first 3 months, choose the $9.99 plan and print up to 900 pages. When your free time is done, switch to one of the lower priced plans.)

There were ink cartridges that came with my printer, so I used those until my cartridges from HP came in the mail. Once I installed the cartridges, the program started to monitor my usage.

What I love:

• CONSISTENT: I know what to expect every month and the plans allows me to roll over the unused print pages. I can even change plans easily!
• CONVENIENT: The ink shows up at my doorstep before I run out–no more running to Staples or even having to place an online order!
• COST SAVING: The price is amazing–much cheaper than buying ink cartridges and there is an affordable plan for everyone

I’ve ditched every way I have tried to be conservative on printing: no more printing in draft mode, no more refilling ink cartridges, no more uploading planner printables to Staples.com to have them print at the copy center for me. Instead, I print without worry! If I want super high-quality color copies, I am sure to use my absolute favorite Hammermill 32lb. Laser Paper (yes, it works great in an inkjet!). I save this for the “special” stuff! If you touch it, you’ll know what I mean!

It’s just that easy! It’s a print-party in my office!