Sticker shock used to be synonymous with new cars. Now it's in the grocery store (and everywhere else). Along with gasoline prices, the cost of food has increased across the United States. In fact, the USDA reports that 2021 at-home-food prices increased 3.5% over prices in 2020, well over … [Read more...] about A $50-a-week meal plan for 1 by shopping at ALDI
Groceries
How to keep summer veggies fresh to avoid food waste
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This article is part of a Don't Throw It Out! series on how to preserve fresh foods and avoid food waste. Food waste by the average American family is estimated at about one-third of your grocery shopping dollars, and fresh vegetables top the list. Those crisp heads of lettuce and feathery … [Read more...] about How to keep summer veggies fresh to avoid food waste
Pick your own produce: Deal or no deal?
There seems to be a prevailing idea that pick-your-own fruit and vegetable farms are far less expensive than the grocery store. After all, you're doing all the work, cutting out the middle man, it should be less, right? But, is it really? Before you start thinking I'm going to pooh-pooh U-Pick … [Read more...] about Pick your own produce: Deal or no deal?
Save money in the grocer’s bulk bin aisle
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The next time you are grocery shopping, don’t skip the bulk bins aisle. Tremendous savings can be had when buying grains, beans, spices, flours or other baking or pantry staples in bulk rather than packaged in bags and jars. Whether you need two pounds or two teaspoons of an ingredient, you’ll … [Read more...] about Save money in the grocer’s bulk bin aisle
Ways to save money on groceries
You don't need a government statistician to tell you the inflation level when you can see the price of eggs go up every time you shop. Food prices are one of the most common ways people gauge the cost of living. Cutting your grocery bill is one of the best ways to save when money is tight, but … [Read more...] about Ways to save money on groceries
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?
8 best shopping apps to save money
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Everyday purchases are the ones that add up and bust your budget. Items like food, toilet paper, cleaning supplies and soap can end up costing you the most. Many frugal shoppers have turned to shopping apps to save them money and help them stick to their monthly budgets. There are so many phone … [Read more...] about 8 best shopping apps to save money
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
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 by the average American family is estimated at 25% to 30% of your grocery shopping dollars. Fresh vegetables top the list. If you have a better use for one-fourth of your grocery … [Read more...] about How to keep spring veggies fresh to avoid food waste
Vacuum sealers: Are they worth the price?
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I hate wasting food almost as much as I love saving money. So anything that can help me save money AND food is a good idea in my book. Since those are the key benefits to vacuum sealers, you know I'm going to find the most cost-effective ways to use them. A vacuum food sealer is basically a small … [Read more...] about Vacuum sealers: Are they worth the price?
Is Sam’s Club membership worth it?
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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 price? To … [Read more...] about Is Sam’s Club membership worth it?
18 strategies for $4-a-day budget meal planning and grocery shopping
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The trend for $4-a-day 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. When I heard about the project, I decided to try the $4-a-day food budget as a way to save money on … [Read more...] about 18 strategies for $4-a-day budget meal planning and grocery shopping
Freezer cooking 101: Healthy family dinners without the hassle
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Are you looking for more time during the week? Maybe spending more time with your family is high on your to-do list or you'd like to take up a new hobby but never seem to find the time. There is a solution to your time dilemma that you may never have considered before: freezer cooking. When … [Read more...] about Freezer cooking 101: Healthy family dinners without the hassle
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 cost an average of about $1,000 a month, 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 healthy, nutritious diet. And you may be … [Read more...] about How to save money on food without using coupons
