The trend for extreme budget meal planning was popularized by Leanne Brown in her free online book Good and Cheap, developed primarily for those using SNAP (food stamp) benefits.At the time the book was written, the budget was $4 a day. When I heard about the project, I decided to try that … [Read more...] about 18 strategies for $10-a-day budget meal planning and grocery shopping
Groceries
How to keep spring veggies fresh to avoid food waste
This article is part of a Don't Throw It Out! series on how to preserve fresh foods and avoid food waste.Food waste in the U.S. is estimated at 30% to 40% of the food supply. Fresh vegetables top the list. If you have a better use for one-third of your grocery budget, please read on for simple … [Read more...] about How to keep spring veggies fresh to avoid food waste
How to shop and save at ALDI
You may have wondered what the big draw is to ALDI grocery store chain. Some say it’s a strange cult, a mecca for frugal shoppers. The store even has fan clubs with impressive numbers of followers. And I think it might be the only store that has a secret language. Stay with me and I’ll … [Read more...] about How to shop and save at ALDI
Is Sam’s Club membership worth it?
For families and those who have space in their homes to buy in large quantity, a warehouse store membership often makes sense — dollars and cents. But for many frugal people, the idea of paying to shop at a store gives them pause. How can you decide if Sam's Club is worth the membership … [Read more...] about Is Sam’s Club membership worth it?
Are private label store brands good or just cheaper?
One of the easiest ways to maximize value for your retail dollar is to buy private label products.Private label (also called “private brand”, “store brand”, “own brand” or “our brand”) are products made specifically for a retailer and carry the chain’s name or a brand name created exclusively by … [Read more...] about Are private label store brands good or just cheaper?
Can Costco membership save you money?
Many people seem to have a love-it-or-hate-it attitude toward warehouse stores, but I am a proud card-carrying Costco member because it does save me money.Here's how I save money at Costco and avoid the (expensive) pitfall of overspending on bulk goods.With only two in our household, we … [Read more...] about Can Costco membership save you money?
Sam’s Club Groupon
There's a new Groupon for Sam's Club! This deal on a Sam's Club membership is a one-year membership for $25, or you can purchase the $35 package that comes with Member's Mark extras. It's hard to know how long the deal will last, so you might want to move quickly to make sure you get it.Be sure … [Read more...] about Sam’s Club Groupon
Make your own chocolate syrup and hot cocoa mix
Chocolate lovers, rejoice! Recipes for homemade hot cocoa mix and chocolate syrup are so easy and delicious, you won't believe no one told you about them before. Skip the brown squeeze bottle full of preservatives and artificial flavors; it tastes better when you make your own chocolate syrup to … [Read more...] about Make your own chocolate syrup and hot cocoa mix
How to save money on food without using coupons
Groceries for a family of four with young children cost an average of about $1,000 a month in the summer of 2023, not including takeout and restaurant meals, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That’s a big chunk of change.But there are ways to spend less on food and still eat a … [Read more...] about How to save money on food without using coupons
Find easy, affordable holiday meal for under $25 at Target
Cheers! The holidays are home to some of the biggest feasts of the year for family and friends. And, more than likely, some of the most expensive for many households.That's why bargain hunters are quick to eat up any savings they can find on the holiday's traditional dishes. Target is helping … [Read more...] about Find easy, affordable holiday meal for under $25 at Target
How to save money on Thanksgiving dinner
If you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, it’s likely that you’ll be hitting the grocery stores in the next few days. Although the cost of a Thanksgiving meal is usually a lot higher than your average family meal, that is mainly due to the quantity of food you'll be cooking (especially if you have … [Read more...] about How to save money on Thanksgiving dinner
Enjoy Thanksgiving feast in 2023 for less than last year at Walmart
It's time get the shopping list ready for Thanksgiving 2023! The holiday feast can be expensive for many families. That's why bargain hunters are quick to gobble up any savings or deals they can find on all of the meal's essentials — including mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce and, … [Read more...] about Enjoy Thanksgiving feast in 2023 for less than last year at Walmart
Where to get the lowest price on Thanksgiving turkey in 2023
Food prices are higher than they've been for a while, and that means we're going to be on the hunt for the cheapest turkey prices in an effort to make the annual Thanksgiving celebration as abundant (and delicious) as ever. To help with this, we've compiled some of our best tips for saving … [Read more...] about Where to get the lowest price on Thanksgiving turkey in 2023
Best grocery items to buy (and stock up on) during the November sales
I don't know what I like more about Thanksgiving: the holiday itself or all of the sales grocery stores nationwide usually have on Thanksgiving staple ingredients as soon as Halloween passes. It's the most wonderful time of the year to stock your pantry, cupboards and even your freezer with great … [Read more...] about Best grocery items to buy (and stock up on) during the November sales
Walmart, Aldi roll back prices on Thanksgiving staples
Add this to your list of things to be thankful for: Just like last year, Walmart and Aldi have rolled back prices on classic Thanksgiving ingredients to pre-inflationary levels. Walmart's rollback will also save you money on your Christmas feast: Prices will be good through Dec. 26, 2023.Here's … [Read more...] about Walmart, Aldi roll back prices on Thanksgiving staples