We all still need the stores to get many things we use. Inflation has caused increased prices on a lot of things, and we need to be mindful of what we spend and how we use items. Just a few ideas of ways to save a little here and there. I know many are reminders - maybe a new idea or two.
*Don't go shopping when hungry!!!!! Very important
*Be willing to try store brands and other different brands. Many store brands are made in the same factories as brand names!
*Make a LIST - take it with you!!!!!!
* Pick-up the refrigerated items and frozen LAST when shopping.
* Take a cooler or insulated bag for your cold items. The colder you can keep them until you get home, the better. No need to let things get warm
*Watch the register as items are being rang up. IF you can't do that - check your receipt before leaving the store. Make sure your coupons and discounts were recorded and you weren't over charged.
*Remember most canned good veggies and fruits are processed at their peak and immediately packed. You can get no or low salt if desired. Most veggies are just veggie and water. Canned goods have a great shelf life
*Also remember most frozen veggies and fruits are flash frozen right after harvest and are pretty darn fresh. IF you can't get fresh - this is a great substitute.
* When you find a great sale - stock up with as much as possible. Many sales happen every 6 - 9 weeks. Get AT LEAST enough to last for that period of time
*Remember to check ethnic markets. You can get so many items much cheaper at them
*Keep lots of seasonings on hand - you can season up and make tasty even the blandest of food
*Buy cheaper cuts of meat (a challenge today) and use in a slow cooker with seasonings - even the cheapest cuts can be made tasty and tender
*Check the clearance aisle - Many items can be had for much less than the main aisles - same stuff. Check day old breads/bakery, mark-down meats, produce, and always be on the lookout for "Manager's Special" signs on cheaper prices
*Choose carefully - if buying convenience foods! THINK - is it worth much higher dollars spent to buy it. Cut your own, chop your own, buy whole - do it YOURSELF and save!
*Plan at least one meatless meal a week
*Bigger isn't always better! Check UNIT PRICES - just buying the biggest package doesn't guarantee you get the best price.
*Learn to make your own snacks - that is just empty calories that you are spending money on
*Buying in BULK - isn't just for big families today. Buy things you use a lot in bulk and repackage at home. Store or freeze and you save dollars in the future. Maybe even check with family or friends and split.
*Know how to substitute ingredients in case you can't find what you want - have a little fun with it!
*SHOP YOUR PANTRY and FREEZER FIRST!!!!!!! ALWAYS
*ALWAYS PLAN YOUR TRIPS - gas is expensive. Make your trip worthwhile. Do as many errands as possible in one trip!
YES, inflation has hit. YES, things are more expensive. But we are still eating and still going and still hanging in there. We may have to re-think some things, and do some things differently - but that is OK. Different isn't necessarily bad. It can be a learning experience - and it is more fun when you look at it that way.
We are beyond blessed. NEVER forget that.
Do you have any special tricks or tips that you would like to share?
We all need to do what we can to be good stewards of our funds and our food.
SHOP WITH PURPOSE!
Such good information! Sometimes the store brand is actually better than the name brand. Ethnic stores -- I'd almost always get the vanilla from Mexico when I'd visit my mom in the Rio Grande Valley, and I know it's carried in many of the Mexican groceries here -- so good and well priced.
ReplyDeleteI'll add two other tips --
1. Find out when your favorite store for meat puts their leftover packages on clearance, and shop early that day. One of my stores does it overnight Sat. into Sun., another one does it mid-day Tuesday (new ad starts Weds.). Yes, the meat may have a close "Use by" date. But if you're going to freeze it for later use anyway ... If you don't know when it occurs, strike up a conversation with the butcher and ask "does this ever get marked down?" You'd be surprised what that relationship can bring. I got to know the butcher at a shop near where I used to live, following my husband's passing. One time, I wanted a small pot roast, "just for me" and couldn't bring myself to by the 4# roasts they had on display. I asked if they had anything smaller, maybe an end cut? He went and got some from the back and wrapped it up for me. When I got home, I found it was a small sirloin tip roast, a far more expensive cut.
2. If you qualify, find out when the store's Senior's Day is, and shop that day. Or, if they offer an everyday Senior discount, be sure to ask for it to be applied.
Re: buying in bulk, the same can be said for buying in smaller quantities. If you won't go thru an item before it spoils or goes stale, consider the smaller size. I like to have a Reuben every now and then, but would never eat a full jar of kraut. That small 4-6 oz. "single serve" can for $0.69 will do the trick AND, even though it is more per ounce, it will save money and reduce waste. I don't go thru a lot of olives, but every now and then crave them, either for a snack or an olive burger. I shop for the smallest and least expensive jar because they likely won't be needed again until the holidays for a relish tray.
Great tips. Yes, get to know that meat manager or any manager to find out about mark-downs. Most will be happy to tell you, it just means the store has nothing to go bad. WIN-WIN
DeleteMost of our store's (grocery) have stopped senior day - just about the time I became a "senior"! Go figure.
So true, on buying smaller units for no waste. A single person or a small family may not be able to use the large items for ages - so then DO go smaller. You could give me a gallon jar of olives - and I would have no problem!! I so love green olives! I think I eat them almost every day!
Thank you!
I believe that when Lori and Cheryl mentioned buying in bulk, they were referring to package sizes, such as a 20-roll pack of TP vs. a 4-roll pack. However, many stores have entire bulk departments of unpackaged or minimally packaged foods. This would include all of the Winco and Fred Meyer (Kroger) stores in the Northwest. While these departments are a good deal for large purchases, they are an even better deal for small purchases of products that aren't frequently used, or needed just to try a recipe. Bulk spices are literally pennies on the dollar. When my MIL died, I dumped all of her stale spices and kept the jars for bulk spices. I know some people who spend $5-$8 for a jar of spice and won't spend .69 for an empty jar they can fill with the same amount of the same spice for .50 from the bulk department. Don't be put off by a spice that costs $16 per pound when you only need half an ounce!
DeletePrices have definitely increased and it "pays" to be diligent in watching the unit prices for certain. I've always used a grocery list, usually written on the back of an envelope, but recently I've switched to using my smartphone's technology. I have a Google mini and as I note I'm running low of things, I ask it to add items to my grocery list. (I don't have to find the pen and the envelope). I pair this with a on-line app that provides the flyers (Flipp). I check the flyers for sale items and with a click, they are added to a list. At the store I pull up both lists, and check items off as I find them. This ensure I get the things I need, and I can stock up on items for the pantry when they are on sale for a good price.
ReplyDeleteI'm fortunate too that I have four grocery stores within a 10 minute drive of my home, as I can do price comparisons.
The best tip though, that has helped me save on groceries is shopping less frequently.
Great tips. I am not that technology efficient to do that - but many are. I just recently figured out how to use and digital coupons for the grocery. I still use a pen and the back of an old holiday card for a list.
DeleteI like that you have this down pat. It IS nice to have choices in stores.
Yep, shop less frequently is a huge saver. One I try to use often.
One thing that has really helped me is forming a little “network”- a couple of my daughters, friend and me and we text each other when we encounter those unexpected mark downs in the stores or markets. We tell each other immediately what the item is, the sale price and if they would like the person at the store to pick up some for them (and quantity) . That way, there is only one trip made for 3-4 families (saving gas and time and ensuring that the items are still available for each family.) . This has proven so successful since we each live in different areas around town or in a neighboring town.
ReplyDeleteThis has saved us SO much money and time while really increasing our pantries and freezer!
Gardenpat in Ohio
That is something I forgot to mention. Thanks Pat - great tip. I do the same. I have a couple people that always let me know the great deals or if something is back in stock. It sure is nice to have that network!
DeleteIt is a wonderful way to save and to fill those pantries.
Cheryl, I think you've hit about everything! I'm still laughing at the national news shows telling people how to save money!
ReplyDeleteThey need a real person in there! They are clueless!!! If you're buying Starbucks on your way to work every morning and going to lunch everyday, you're probably not going to be open to our *radical* ideas lol. I have a couple of friends that think I'm completely bats in the way I live and they "couldn't possibly live like that" and they'll name their dozen reasons why they must have $50 mascara and tell me how much money a meal service saves them. Uuuum, okay. In case you were wondering, I gave up trying to convert them years ago lol!!!
I will post again to double check your receipts before you leave the store!! We have been overcharged 3 weeks in a row. A dollar here, two dollars there, and and a whopping $7.xx too. That's over $10 outta my pocket! I caught all of them and got my money back.
It is crazy how some people THINK they are saving - when in turn they just waste hard earned dollars. I get those comments and looks too. Like "poor me" how can you live like that. Easy - I sleep at night knowing I am not in debt and I have an emergency fund and I have food!
DeleteGpd for you on catching those mistakes. It sure does add up in a hurry!
Yes, check those receipts! We had to go back twice to one store last week but should have checked it more closely the first time. I think they make those receipts as confusing as they can so they can hide the things they are doing because it is happening way too often.
ReplyDeleteLike I always say, if you have salvage stores than go shop there! Yesterday for 13.47 we got 6 packages of Pepperidge Farm breads and buns, and bagels, 12 cans of Grand crescent rolls, a 15 count pack of frozen Pillsbury garlic cheddar biscuits, a container of antipasto pasta salad and a big bag of Smores bark candy to put away for later like may be even Christmas since it is dated 1/23. We actually paid $3.47 total because I had a $10 off coupon for posting about them on Facebook. I believe that pasta salad alone is about $7 in the deli at Publix not to mention that all those breads are $4.49 each at the regular grocery. The crescent rolls were 33 cents each because we bought a whole case. This is fun shopping!
Oh yes, that would be fun shopping. I am glad for your, but so very envious! I sure wish we had places like that to shop. I do believe that gardenpat (above) has food auctions that she attends from time to time as well. That would be great too.
DeleteWhat great deals you got.
Receipts are hard to read now - much more so than in the past. You have to be on your toes for sure.
Such GREAT tips! Can I just say thanks to you, Cheryl, and to ALL your readers? I'll add my 2 cents here, because since we've only been here a couple of months, it's been a refresher course. In the last recession, I made a 1/2 day of shopping in multiple stores for best prices. Then I gradually stopped doing that. Here, there are different stores.
ReplyDelete--Don't overlook stores you otherwise might not shop in. Dollar General and Family Dollar are often joked about, but some of the staple groceries in those stores beat even Walmart's grocery prices. Sliced bread, for example, is at least $1 less. Dollar General's receipts always have a $5 of $25 coupon for the following Saturday, too.
--Think outside the box. Literally. My hubby likes a bowl of cereal, but boxed cereals (even store brands) have shot way up in price per ounce (shrinkflation). Bulk bagged cereal is a lot cheaper if you have a large, airtight container to store it in. Ditto pastas, rice... you get the idea.
--Revisit childhood meals you once loved, but haven't had in ages. Canned tuna is still pretty affordable. Tuna casserole! Summer bell pepper season is arriving; bulk up ground beef, turkey or sausage with extra rice and diced tomatoes for Stuffed Bell Peppers. What about an easy Chili-Mac casserole? Canned chili + macaroni + cheese and you're done. Try a small canned Ham (some drug stores even have these), cut up and boiled with potatoes and cabbage.
--We all need a "treat" from time to time. And it's summer. Did you know Mexican brand frozen treats are often much less expensive?
Thanks again. So much. Everyone. I feel encouraged every time I come here. --Elise
Yes, I love this. Yes, other stores can be great. You can still do this in your trip schedule. Just stop along the way. You can get a lot of good deals.
DeleteI love tuna casserole - stuffed peppers and even SOS, chipped beef gravy on toast. They can be very simple meals, yet so yummy! Those little canned hams are on my pantry shelf always. Good in so many ways.
There is a Mexican grocery on my way to Kroger - I need to stop. Lots of things are cheaper there.
Thanks!!!!
Don't forget the grocery section at Menards! Some of the best prices and great clearance. And, you can use your rebates on food items, too.
DeleteOooh, paletas!! When I worked in Los Angeles, a guy would come around nearly every afternoon with a frozen cart. They were loaded with fruit and so delicious!! My boss would treat the whole place about once a week. Coconut was my very favorite. I see that Sam's club sells them. They're not as thick, but they're still very good.
ReplyDeleteOops, they're creamy Mexican popsicles.
DeleteYummy treats! Creamy and cold! Peach and strawberry are favorites of mine.
DeleteDid my Kroger shop this morning. I was at the store at 6AM to get my loss leaders. I do this so I can make sure I get what I need at the best price. There is no crowd so I can take my time. I am very big on the receipt thing. I used to never use the self check out. I have changed my mind on that. You can take your time, make sure everything rings up at the correct prices and all your discounts have been applied. I know everything is correct before I pay!
ReplyDeleteWe've started using self-check, too, for the same reason. Also because there's usually an employee right there if something rings up incorrectly.
DeleteIt is wise to go so early to the store. You sure miss all the crowds and hopefully everything is still well stocked.
DeleteI am still resistant to using the self check-out. I am sure it has its benefits, What you stated, being one of them.
I have no problem bagging my groceries at Aldi - I just put my foot down at using the register myself! Sounds silly I know. Just my stubborn little trait!
I can only shop at a store with electric carts! And, I cannot reach the keys and bags at self-checkout! But, I get the bargains! I also hand my smartphone to the young checker or bagger. They love doing it for the old lady...lol. I look for things on Amazon that I buy. Then, if it is cheaper than store prices, I order 12 or 24. I just ordered 48 cans f Starkist light chunk tuna in water for $0.93/can, that is including tax.
ReplyDeleteI never thought about that - but it would be tough to self-check on a cart. I just use a store card to get discounts - wouldn't know how to do a smart phone. Guess that is why I don't have one!! LOL
DeleteSmart to order what you need if the price includes shipping as well.
Wonderful tips from everyone. I really have nothing to add other then to use absolutely all you buy. You won't save anything if you are tossing it. It is amazing what a person can make with very little meat.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Love that. Buy what you use and use what you buy. Super advice.
DeleteGotta watch the cashier and check your receipt. We had been at Meijer and I thought the bill was a little higher that it should have been. One of our favorite cashiers was at the register but she made a $33+ mistake. For some unknown reason she scanned the baby formula that the lady behind me had and there was even a divider between the orders. Meijer refunded my money. From now on I watch the register, not chat with the cashier. I still prefer a cashier to ring up my purchases.
ReplyDeleteI prefer to have meatless meals a few times a week but the Urban Farmer would eat meat at every meal. We have been making tortillas and flatbreads. Also make our own salad dressings as most in the stores have ingredients we don't consume. I always check Meijer's meat counter and most of the time find markdowns. Some is dated that day so it goes into the freezer.
We used the two eggplants that were ripe and made an eggplant parmesan. Really good! There are more eggplants coming on the same plant and three other plants blooming. I was excited to see baby green beans and squashes about ready to harvest.
We were at Menard's and bought some canned goods there. I wouldn't make a special trip to buy groceries but when we are in there, we always check.
Stay cool, my friend! We need rain badly!
Yes, we have to pay extra close attention now for mistakes. Every penny and dollar counts.
DeleteGreat ideas on markdowns and making your own.
My SIL makes eggplant parm. They just love it. She does a Mex. type casserole with eggplant as well.
There is another example - Menards has lots of cheap food items on their sales. Not where one usually looks for food - but has great prices!
So lovely out this AM!!!! Yes, rain would be appreciated.