Thursday, March 3, 2022

Beating Inflation?? Small Ways to Help

 Prices go up - paychecks do not!  Such is the way of life.  It has always been this way - but there are times that inflation is worse than other times.  Any little way to save money is needed and we should take advantage of every little opportunity.  I know most people know these things - but we may have new people who don't.  Reminders are always nice too!

Do whatever you can - wherever you can.
Turn the heat down.    Turn the lights off.  Use it up.  Don't waste water.  Plan your trips.  You know the drill!!!!!

At the grocery - make a list and STICK to it!  Yes, you may now and then find an unexpected deal - if so, GET IT when you have the chance.  Get as much as you can afford on the unexpected finds!!!  Odds are that deal may not come around again.

Buy sales and clearance.  Those special weekly sales usually run on a 6 - 9 week cycle.  Get at least as much as needed for a couple months.
Buy seasonal.  Holidays are great for seasonal buys!  It may be cookout supplies, ham, turkey, sweet potatoes, cabbage, condiments, etc. - STOCK UP when the deal is available.

Plan your meals somewhat!  I am not good at planning ahead - but if I needed to - I would plan around sales.  Make a list of popular meals that you and your family like and post it on your frig.  That way, you have ideas in front of you all the time.  No need to say "I have no idea what to fix".  Keep the ingredients on hand for those favorite meals - no excuse to spend extra money!
Shop your pantry/freezer first!

Use leftovers - USE IT ALL!  None of that "they won't eat leftovers".  They will if they are hungry!  Remake those leftovers into something new.  Veggies can be pureed and put in soups.  Meat can be added to stir fry, soups, casseroles, eggs, etc.  You can figure out something - no waste!!!!!!!

Shop different stores if necessary.  I know people are loyal to certain places - but they still raise their prices and they aren't too concerned about you!  Shop the best deals.  No one store gives you all the best prices.  Now I don't advocate driving all over kingdom come - that will waste gas.  But read the ads and plans a route to hit the best deals.

Make sure you know what you have!  It doesn't matter how much you can save - if you have no idea what is in your inventory.  Keeping track is huge.  
Use what you have and restock.  Rotating those stocks is so important - nothing gets missed or forgotten.

REMEMBER:  There are no EXPIRATION DATES!!!!!!!!  I cannot emphasize this enough!  The dates are "best if used by dates".  That means optimum flavor by that date - not bad.  It is also an aid for manufacturers and stores to get you to buy more!  Just think of it this way - does the item in that can or box have a brain to think and deduct?  Well NO.  So, how does it know the date?  It doesn't magically go bad on the date!!!!!!!!
If the packaging is dry, not rusted and stored properly - items last for months and maybe even years past that stupid date!  HONEST.  Please do not waste.

IF you can grow or regrow anything - do it!!!!!  Lots of things can be regrown.  Celery, green onions, bunch lettuce, etc.  You can do this on a window seal or on a patio in warmer weather.

Use everything.  Make your own cleaners.  Make smoothies or milkshakes with the end of fruit.  Make cream of soups with ends of veggies.  Dehydrate what you can - you can use the oven if no dehydrator.  Items can be dehydrated and made into powders to use in about anything for nutrition and flavor. Keep a "soup" container in the freezer for bits and bobs of things leftover.


Use LESS.  We most all eat too much.  Cut back on serving sizes.  Use meat (palm size pieces) as a side - like veggies - instead of a main course.  Have a meatless meal now and then.
Use less paper - just throwing away money.  
Use less chemicals - not good for you.
Water down shampoos, dish soap, laundry soap, even things like juice.  It works and tastes just as good.
Use less TP!  Most people use way more than needed!!!!!!  Flushing $ down the toilet!
Feed animals, chickens, or compost if necessary.

If you have a good inventory - then don't shop!  Stay home and use what you have.
I recently got caught up in all the hype about "you need to go shop now".  Well, I didn't really need anything - but I spent $$!  Yes, I did.  Did I need what I bought?  NO.  Will I use what I got?  Heck YES!  I spent the money - I will use it.  I did get deals, but I could have been just as happy in my future life without spending this money.  OK - I did get more cat food while there - which is always needed.  Otherwise, I just went and spent - BECAUSE!  Worst reason ever.

Spend cash if at all possible.  It hurts more when you have to hand over cash.  I tend to spend less when paying cash.  Also, there is no tracking of your expenditures with cash (except if you use store shopper's card). 

Take time to plan.  You can take a little control over the inflation that is happening.  Be wise with your purchases and the way you use them.
Every little penny helps!!!!!
Save where you can.

44 comments:

  1. All reasonable ideas Cheryl. Planning is definitely the key.

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    1. It sure is. If we plan and learn to be mindful, we can help ourselves a little.

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  2. My last 10y working the company decided I came in overpaid (working for docs who sold practice to a local hospital). For 7y no raise, then finally got a raise the last 2 cycles. When I retired, I was 15% behind on inflation breakeven. I never stopped "pay myself first", maxing out both my 403b contribution and my Roth IRA w catchup value. I still retired at 58 because I've been frugal for decades.

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    1. Good for you and the saving. People forget, that so many ways to save happen before taxes - and doesn't make hardly any difference in what you take home - but you save.
      You have done well.

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  3. All good advice, Cheryl. I am always amazed at some young gals who don't know how to save on food. As a new bride in the 60's, our only meat was hamburger, tuna, and chicken. We had to learn to stretch it out! I could get at least 4 meals out of a whole chicken. Still do!

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    1. Thanks. I agree -same here when newly married. Not a lot of meat options could be afforded - so made do.
      I guess it all depends on what your priorities are!

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  4. I sure do wish I had gotten more than 4 boxes of the Magnum ice cream bars at Grocery Outlet last weekend! We are trying to use less of everything. Instead of a bowl of flour to dredge fish in last week I sprinkled a little and brushed it around with a pastry brush. Gas jumped 20 cents here overnight. This is getting real folks!

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    1. I wish you had gotten more too - you got such a great price on them.
      Smart way to flour - no need to waste a bunch.
      Yep, things are going up! We need to make changes where we can!

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    2. Debby in Kansas USAMarch 3, 2022 at 9:11 PM

      Lana, in our house, you could have bought 10 boxes and they would still be gone the next day! If there are treats in the house, hubs cannot rest until they are gone! And he's one of those rude people that never gains weight.

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    3. Debby that is funny. How dare he not gain weight!!! LOL

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  5. Planning is the key. Shop the sales flyers. Cook once, eat twice (or more) is my rule, and utilize leftovers in multiple ways -- roast chicken for dinner + chicken salad for lunch the next day, and chicken a'la king or chicken pot pie for dinner. When fruits are getting a little soft, use them in baking or puree and freeze for smoothies or ice cream toppings. And I second trying other stores, even if only running in to buy a "loss leader."

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    1. I agree with all you said. So many ways we can stretch our dollars. I think most of us are aware of that and we need to preach to all the younger folks we know. They have to learn from someone - or learn the hard way!

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  6. Thank you, Cheryl. Many of us do a lot of this, but it's always a good reminder. All we can do is pray and do our best with what we have... being grateful for what we have. Little things add up.

    Many years ago, when my sons were small, it was common for friends and family to lend or exchange our children's clothes as they grew out of them. We also regularly shopped at thrift shops for needed items. Just a suggestion for anyone with kids, and for those whose children are grown, girlfriend clothes/accessories swaps benefit everyone and can be a great social get together!

    Speaking of get togethers, it might be time for pot luck gatherings to make a comeback? --Elise
    P.S. I picked up a wonderful Amish cookbook on our trip.

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    1. I think most of us do these things as well. Reminders are always good - just jogs the memory a bit!
      Love the idea of clothes swaps. I wish we all lived closer so we could do this for us gals! Most people I know are really short or much larger size than me. I think a clothes swap would be fun. Love it for kids - why spend a ton of money if no need.
      I love potlucks! I miss going to family reunions - there was always so many things to choose from and lots of country cooks!!
      Enjoy your book!

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  7. I saw that Ukraine is our biggest source of barley...so I picked up 2 boxes at the store this morning. Only use it occasionally in soups. Would be a good extender in meat loaf??

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    1. I love barley in veggie soup and beef and barley soup is good. Never thought about in meatloaf - great idea.
      I have enough, but may get another pack just in case.

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    2. Barley is also good as a risotto in place of rice.

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    3. None of my local stores have barley flour on the shelves. It's an ingredient in a bread I want to try. Wound up ordering it on Amazon, since the six local stores that typically carry it were out and couldn't tell me when they'd get their next shipment. Glad you were able to find some.

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  8. All excellent advice in this post! (And I have a jar of lemon and orange peels in vinegar going right now!)

    I'm constantly looking for what I can use up and figuring out HOW to use it. We had a batch of cranberry lemon shortbread cookies last week; this week, we're having cranberries in our breakfast muffins (and will continue to for a bit!). Leftovers get frozen. Pickle jars get thoroughly cleaned, de-scented, and repurposed. An old soda bottle is currently being held aside to turn into a terrarium in a month or so, as a science project, as is a salsa jar. Vegetables going soft get tossed into soups and quiches. I have a batch of dry beans that don't seem to be softening- if they don't, they'll be composted, but I'm going to save some of the dry ones as counters for my daughter's math lessons!

    I buy a little each week to put on my shelves, but I also snap up deals when I find them. I was SO thrilled to find five bottles of conditioner on the markdown shelves yesterday. I brought them all home. Five bottles for what I would pay for two from Walmart is an excellent deal for sure! :)

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    1. I love that you are looking for new ways to use things. Those muffins would be good crumbled over ice cream or fruit as well.
      I save big pickle jars for storage - any pop bottles get reused for something. Frig. water bottles, tea bottles, dry storage, etc. Neat idea to make a little hothouse out of one!
      I have heard many people say that you can also plant those old beans as well. I have never done it - but have heard others say they have!! Worth a try.

      Great deal on the conditioner. I got 10 boxes of those individual water flavor packets the other on clearance for .37 a box. 10 was all they had. I like using them - you could tell a lot of people had bought them, as there were several empty cartons. So I took the rest.
      Being a good steward by always looking out for deals!

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    2. Try soaking the beans overnight.

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    3. That is what I do. I soak overnight and then cook the next day.

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  9. Good ideas Cheryl. I saved $15 this month on electricity by turning of lights when leaving a room.
    I do a lot of batch cooking so mostly i have something from the freezer
    Sylvia

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    1. Seriously that is a big savings for just turning off lights! Wonderful.
      It sure does PAY to be vigil and smart!!!!!

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  10. I did not know that about orange peels! That is a great tip.

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    1. It is a great cleaner and is great to keep ants away. Smells purty too!!!!

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  11. I do go in for loss leaders! Publix is great for those as bogo. I would be sad if I had to pay full price for green beans!

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    1. Loss leaders are wonderful. You can really get some deals.

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  12. Lots of good ideas for saving a buck! We have been able to find beef and chicken at sale prices and it goes in the freezer. It pays to know what you have. I had packages of different kinds of pasta is several places so I gathered it all up and stored it in clearly labeled food grade 5 gallon buckets. Let's just say we will not need any pasta for a very long time. That's what happens when stuff gets scattered in different storage areas. Making cleaners saves money. I have three gallons of orange cleaner which is good for so much. The bottle of eyeglass cleaner was empty so I found a formula on Pinterest, made my own and it works better. Have homemade oven cleaner, sanitizer spray and window cleaner, which all work just as well as if not better than commercial products without the heavy fragrances.

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    1. Good job on gathering up the pasta! Yes, we really need to keep up on what we have and organize.
      Love homemade cleaners. I am very sensitive to perfumes and chemicals and they sure do help with that. I can make just about whatever I want.

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  13. I have a great pantry and full freezers, thanks to you. I still continue to get the loss leaders for both. Part of it is not only for me but for my son and his family if they have a need. My son is catching on that adulting is not so much fun. They are learning that if they plan well they will have plenty of good food and the savings can be used for special outings for the family.

    Many people are complaining about the cost of certain things. Inflation is shocking but if you prepare you will not feel the pinch so much. If bacon is on sale for 3.99lb, buy it, if you can get Jimmy Dean sausage for 1.99 a pound, buy it. If you can get canned green beans for 3/$1.00 buy them. If you can buy butter for $1.50 a pound, buy it. I also buy packets of yeast each time I go to the store and freeze them. I buy to the limits, you do not know when you can buy at that price in the future. When COVID hit you could not find it.

    We all have brands that we prefer when there are other options. Just by one of something to try it. You may find it just as good as the more expensive brand. Do not think that so called discounted grocery stores do not have quality products. They do! You have never tried their products. Do not be ashamed to use coupons or ask for a rain check. Stop before you leave any store and check your receipt if things did not ring up right go to customer service. I can't tell you how many times things on sale do not ring up correctly. How many times something on the shelve is listed at one price, not listed as a sale item, and then you are charged more at check out. And yes, I have made a manager come with me to check and I was right.

    We are responsible for our money. We have to be wary of people and corporations taking advantage of us. When it comes to your money and finances you are the person that has to be vigilant.

    Do not forget your pets, thanks to Cheryl, I have enough dog food to open a shelter. I have dogs not cats but one of them weighs 80lbs. He came to me when his Dad died at the beginning of COVID. I did not plan on having a large dog. I have had a lot more expense with his vet bills. We have a responsibility to take care of them equal to taking care of our human people. That is also why I think Cheryl is a wonderful human, her pets are family. She also feeds her wildlife like me. People think I am nuts because I put grapes, banana slices, carrots and nuts in my tree bark for my squirrels. I love to see them raising their babies, playing chase and bathing in my yard. They leave things alone in the garden because they have plenty to eat.

    Who knows all these things, well that would be Cheryl, she taught me!

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    1. You are just too sweet and kind. Thank you!

      You mentioned some great tips, that I did not mention. Brand vs. store brand, coupons, discount stores, checking the receipt. Thanks for listing those ideas.

      Our pets ARE family - so yes think to provide for them as well. I am just an animal lover - always have been. They give me great joy. Thank you for taking in that dog when his daddy died.

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  14. I started to refashion meals a few years ago and that has gone over very well in this family. I also try to put something between leftover meals. Anything leftover goes into a tinfoil container for our youngest son. I just put some pork stir fry and rice into one for him and it is residing in the freezer.

    Cooking with appliances does save electricity and I am trying to do more of that. Going to pull up the toaster oven to make our supper tomorrow night.

    It is always great to get a reminder on all those little ways to save.

    God bless.

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    1. I love your word - refashion! That is a great way to think of it. I am happy to hear your son likes leftovers! So many say they don't.
      Like the idea of small appliances instead of the stove and oven. It does save money.
      Thanks!

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  15. Debby in Kansas USAMarch 3, 2022 at 9:19 PM

    An interesting tidbit on the orange oil that I just thought of. Last year, my friends had a carpenter ant attack on their 1852 log cabin home. The exterminator said they shoot orange oil into the spaces and the ants leave. My friend watched and told me that it was like a horror movie.... millions of ants just pouring out of every crack. I guess all ants hate orange oil! I kept wondering where they all go. Ewww!!!

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    1. oh my goodness - now I have that imagine in my head. YIKES
      That would be terrifying. Nope, ants do not like orange.
      Interesting that the professionals use that a well!

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  16. "Veggies can be pureed and put in soups. Meat can be added to stir fry, soups, casseroles, eggs, etc. You can figure out something - no waste!!!!!!!"

    My grandmother taught me at a young age that you can make a pot of soup using just about ANY leftovers. We never knew what it would be. LOL! Today I'll make a big pot of soup to use up leftover long grain and wild rice: I have a Kielbasa sausage ring, frozen (chopped) spinach, homemade chicken broth and a can of white beans. That should make enough soup for a couple of days. Do you have any favorite soups? Do you freeze leftover soup?
    --Elise

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    1. Yiu sure can reuse anything in a new way. My mom cooked that way as well.
      Your meals and soups sound tasty. I like just about anything put together. I love broccoli soup, potato soup, veggie - anything with rice - oh heck, I just like soup!

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  17. As always, solid and great advice, Cheryl. :)

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  18. Another way to save -- and one I just discovered at my closest grocery (a new chain that recently took over another store) ... find out if your grocery offers a "senior" shopping day. My store offers 10% off for seniors every Tuesday. While they don't have the variety of the larger chain stores, they have an excellent meat case and good bakery breads. I stopped in there for chicken last week and got legs and thighs for $0.69/lb. Was supposed to be family-packs only, but there were a couple of 2-packs that were marked at that price. Works for me, plus I got the 10% off. No ID, the checker just said "senior?" Yep! Well, technically not until this summer.

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    1. Excellent tip! Thank you for that reminder.
      You know I never think to ask about senior discounts. I seem to have a mental block that I AM a senior!!!!! LOL

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  19. "They wont eat leftovers" just drives me crazy! Even at a restaurant the stock, sauces and more are made of left overs. How do they know they are left overs anyway! These people have a wake up call coming their way. Bring back the days when people thanked the Lord for FOOD on their plate. I agree with your Cheryl about take every opportunity and dont waste food. Also I pray as God sends us opportunities and we need eyes open to see them. I am also using less... making things go further. There is a lot we can do! xxx

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    1. I agree on leftovers - drives me crazy too. We even have restaurants called Second Helpings - that teach ex-cons how to be chefs and they use restaurant leftovers each night. It is a great enterprise.
      We are so fortunate and blessed. All we can do - is do our best and be vigilant.

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