My sister, Andrea Vargo, lives in Minnesota and is an avid gardener. She also is a dedicated dehydrator. She says if you grow a garden, dehydration is the best method for preserving all that bounty. It’s easy, the food retains its flavor, and it takes up way less space and equipment than … [Read more...] about Save money by dehydrating home-grown foods
Groceries
Meat truck deals: How to tell a bargain from a bad idea
The idea of strangers peddling a side of beef, chicken cuts or maybe even bacon slices door to door isn't actually new. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture says it has taken reports of meat vendors for "many years" now. But with the popularity of consumer items being sold from a moving vehicle … [Read more...] about Meat truck deals: How to tell a bargain from a bad idea
Grocery savings: Price book smacks down warehouse stores
A price book is simple, powerful cheapskate tool. You start taking notes of what particular items cost at different stores you shop. It does not have to be fancy; start by tracking items you usually buy, like this: PASTA Store brand: $0.89 (must buy 10 offer) Brand X: $1.25 Brand Y: … [Read more...] about Grocery savings: Price book smacks down warehouse stores
Kroger stores offer free product coupon every Friday
Every Friday, the Kroger family of grocery stores (including Kroger, Baker's, City Market, Dillons, Fred Meyer, Fry's, Gerbes, Jay C, King Soopers, Owen's, Pay Less, QFC, Ralphs and Smith's) each offer a FREE product coupon, which you download directly to your respective shopper loyalty card. The … [Read more...] about Kroger stores offer free product coupon every Friday
How to eat gluten-free on the cheap
Many people are making the switch to a gluten-free diet due to food allergies, sensitivities, or dietary preferences. Luckily, shopping for gluten-free food has become easier and is less expensive than it was five years ago. But, it can still add up. Here are some tips on how to keep your food … [Read more...] about How to eat gluten-free on the cheap
Are name brands really better than generics?
Shakespeare was ahead of his time. He asked if a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. And guess what? Call it what you will, a rose is a rose is…. You get the idea. Maybe the same goes for name brands of products versus generic brands. Are they equal in quality? Well, the answer to that … [Read more...] about Are name brands really better than generics?
Save money with a freezer-meal party
When you’re trying to balance work, school and other obligations, coming up with dinner ideas can seem like a thankless task that renews itself each night. And chances are, many of your overscheduled friends feel the same way. Share the dinner burden by hosting a freezer-meal party. You’ll stock up … [Read more...] about Save money with a freezer-meal party
Secrets to saving at high-end food stores
I’m a bargain-minded person, but my defenses are severely weakened whenever I enter one of those gourmet, high-end grocery stores. The rows of expensive cheeses, freshly made desserts, imported beer – these stores are indeed a food-lover’s heaven, but they can also be hell for someone on a budget. … [Read more...] about Secrets to saving at high-end food stores
Does keeping chickens save money on eggs?
Backyard chicken keeping is sweeping the nation, but is it really cheaper to keep your own chickens for eggs? Unfortunately, there’s no hard-boiled answer. Consider a few facts from an experienced keeper to help you decide. First, do you care what sort of eggs you eat? If you always buy the … [Read more...] about Does keeping chickens save money on eggs?
Gourmet food at bargain prices
Sometimes you find bargains in unexpected places. Or unexpected items at bargain stores. I have long shopped at Marshall’s, Ross, T.J. Maxx and Big Lots for clothing, linens and other household items. But those stores can also be good places to find fine foods at bargain prices. The selection … [Read more...] about Gourmet food at bargain prices
