We Spent ALL Our Grocery Budget!

แชร์
ฝัง
  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ก.ย. 2024
  • Our end of month shopping haul spending the last of our January budget.
    Frugal Queen in France
    Like the menu board & Budget Book? We have now started Amazon Affiliate Links its available here:
    Kitchen Slate Board: amzn.to/2S2tWjW
    Budget Book: amzn.to/3qISz2i
    We are a British couple living in Brittany on a budget.
    Frugal recipes, days out, home renovations and day to day making do in France.
    We’ll give you hints, tips, advice and an insight into our life in France.
    Website www.frugalquee...
    FaceBook / frugalqueeni. .
    Instagram / frugalqueen. .
    Twitter / batt_jane
    Equipment used
    Camera : iPhone
    Editing : iMovie on a Mac mini
    Music:
    Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommon....
    Artist: audionautix.com/
    Some Sound from Zapsplat.com
    TH-cam Audio Library
    Apple iMovie*

ความคิดเห็น • 343

  • @lekuns5246
    @lekuns5246 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Wow....My extra large chicken from Lidls in the UK today was £4-75. And, contrary to all the media scaremongering, the shelves were full of fruit and vegetables.

  • @zerowastemama5918
    @zerowastemama5918 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    We have replaced fresh veggies with frozen in many dishes to save a few dollars here and there 😊

  • @naomieckert9689
    @naomieckert9689 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I love that I have found your channel. It’s interesting how grocery prices differ in different places. We got some picnic items today (instead of eating at a restaurant) two apples where $2 but it was only $30 for the 4 of us to have a picnic lunch. Eating out would have been over $70. I’m definitely working to follow more of your tips. Packing a lunch to go on the weekend is something I’ll definitely need to start. However I have always packed lunches for work and school.

  • @trishacarlson4122
    @trishacarlson4122 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    trick i learned from someone on youtube (forget which one, sorry!) buy regular cream cheese, & whatever veg you have chop it small & mix it in yourself. make it custom & cheaper! carrots, cucumber, herbs, etc etc. hope that helps someone!

  • @The-Cute-One
    @The-Cute-One ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Steak tartar is raw minced steak..enjoyed your video. As an American I see we are all around the world fighting price hikes. Keep calm and prep on.

  • @Deedeevenice
    @Deedeevenice ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Jane, the other thing we have started doing is saving till receipts in a box, so it gives us an idea on weekly basis how much each essential item is going up by! It’s eye watering, but now vital to keep them instead of relying on the ever decreasing memory, how much items are in different supermarkets! If at all possible, buy the BIGGER version of everything, it’s the packaging that costs more after all! And if you are lucky enough to have Asian grocery stores, do check them out, sometimes items are cheaper, especially if you cook Asian meals!

  • @nancyquarella6709
    @nancyquarella6709 ปีที่แล้ว +52

    Good morning from New Jersey! Hope everyone here is able to make their budgets stretch to cover all their needs. Jane and Michael have been very helpful with ideas for how to do this.

  • @iriswelch3553
    @iriswelch3553 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    With all the prices going so high, I think all our math skills are improving!

  • @vicki900
    @vicki900 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    How I wish we had some of that pink toliet paper in the USA! You're prices are overall much better than I am able to get here

  • @freakinfrugal5268
    @freakinfrugal5268 ปีที่แล้ว

    Really interesting!

  • @rebacarmack8335
    @rebacarmack8335 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I shop at Aldi and Kroger. Our spreadable cream cheese is around $3 US

  • @karenmalcolm7274
    @karenmalcolm7274 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Its pays to share what you already have. We mince casserole beef so that we pay 8euros per kilo for mince, I am happy to loan my mincer to my friends and neighbours so that they can do the same, its just a cheap attachment that came with our blender. My friends may have kitchen gadgets that we can occasionally use when baking and cooking to help with our cost. I recently loaned a cot when my granddaughter visited rather than buying one which helped and saved us having to buy one.

  • @pengle
    @pengle ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Trying to do the math and make a fair comparison. I believe your 1 kg of sugar cubes (1.75 euros) based on the exchange rates stated (1.45) is about $2.55 CDN. I am on the Westcoast of Canada and at one of my more reasonable stores for 1/2 as many (500g) we pay $3.29 CDN. More than double!

  • @janetstonerook4552
    @janetstonerook4552 ปีที่แล้ว +55

    I've cut down on non-essentials and am trying to use up every last drop of everything before I buy more. A few years ago I'd had my hair bleached platinum but went back to my natural mix of gray and auburn. I found some old shampoo in back of the cabinet and thought I'll use this up too! It turned my hair pink and purple! My son and grandson roared when they saw me!

    • @FrugalQueeninFrance
      @FrugalQueeninFrance  ปีที่แล้ว +19

      I bet you rocked it

    • @Deedeevenice
      @Deedeevenice ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Janet, you are keeping up with the trend ! 2023 hair colour is Pink! 👍🏻

  • @lisaward3890
    @lisaward3890 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Hello Jane&Michael, first of all i love your video,it is so reflective and direct. It helps me to ponder and find areas that maybe i could&would consider doing differently. For example,i no longer buy prepared cleaning products. I remember my grandmother using baking soda and lemon juice to scour the kitchen sink with. I also remember her using rubbing alcohol to clean the bathroom sink,baking soda and vinegar for cleaning the toilet,for mopping the floor she would use a bucket and a scrub brush with just a drop or two of dish soap in a pail of water. I figured if it was good enough to clean for her maybe it would work out for my cleaning. So far success and what a savings i have experienced!

  • @brigittedossor8167
    @brigittedossor8167 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    In Australia here on our last shop I had to stop myself from making too much of a scene as I watched the register tally go up and up. I'm finding most shoppers are leaving the supermarket whilst performing the art or act of receipt reading/checking. It is really becoming frightening.

    • @FrugalQueeninFrance
      @FrugalQueeninFrance  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      It’s worrying

    • @stephaniesemmler4190
      @stephaniesemmler4190 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yes I wish our so called Labour PM, thought along those lines, it’s getting harder, and more expensive every shop. So much for looking after the workers, it’s becoming an elites paradise..

  • @jocrooks1293
    @jocrooks1293 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I love the pink toilet paper. I would buy it too. 🌸

  • @Essexbird
    @Essexbird ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I haven’t been supermarket or brand loyal since we moved to France over 15 years ago. My grocery shopping is always combined with other errands as the diesel prices here are eye watering! We have no food waste. We only shop when we need to which is fortnightly, sometimes stretches to 3 weeks. I use the love food hâte waste site to find recipes using up what’s left in the fridge.

  • @jeannebowes2898
    @jeannebowes2898 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    The conversions are very helpful, thank you. We enjoy mugs of hot cocoa by the fire at night, as well. Temps here are dipping below -10 F so far tonight. The cabbage is beautiful!

  • @jennifershaw4756
    @jennifershaw4756 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Thank you so much for posting the Canadian conversion. It made it much more relatable to what our prices are. I haven't seen pink toilet paper since the early 80's! I used to always buy pink to match my bathroom. As far as keeping our food budget stretched, we are checking flyers, cooking more from scratch, trying more generic brands and I make most of my home cleaners. It's so discouraging to go grocery shopping.

  • @jhamilton8398
    @jhamilton8398 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Meat is so expensive in the US, so we are eating less. I intermittent fast. So only two meals a day. Our granddaughter raises chickens and gives us eggs for free. We are blessed

  • @mariemcpartlin7077
    @mariemcpartlin7077 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    That’s interesting adding pesto to stews. I’m making one this weekend so will try it. Thank you.

    • @mariemcpartlin7077
      @mariemcpartlin7077 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hi Jane may I ask if you put the pesto in while the stew is cooking or add it at the end? Thanks.

  • @janetstonerook4552
    @janetstonerook4552 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    I do my big grocery haul early in the morning on the last day of the month.
    It's quiet with no crowds and I'm more energetic in the a.m.s so can be more efficient. Where I live there are many pensioners who get their check on the first day of the month so the stores get pretty crowded those first few days of the month. I avoid all that.

  • @Sonoragrove4
    @Sonoragrove4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I stopped buying cleaners and now put my lemon peels or orange peels or pine branches in a mason jar and fill to top with white vinegar with lid. Let sit for a week, I will shake every once in awhile and then strain into spray bottle. Great disinfectant , eco friendly , no waste and cheap.

  • @GroceryNinja
    @GroceryNinja ปีที่แล้ว +13

    I look for 1/2 off sales on things nearing best-before dates and either eat right away or freeze. Shop the in-store lost leaders and look for items going on deep discount. For example, the butcher put whole chickens on sale for .99 cents per pound the other day. They’re normally $2.49 per pound. I bought 8 of them for the freezer.

  • @KsoPlans
    @KsoPlans ปีที่แล้ว +25

    I really appreciate you including the Australian conversion 😁
    I think our inflation was slow, since December it’s really noticeable now. I shop 3 stores. I’ve started to eat more vegetables - I like to buy a small bag if coleslaw for $2 and eat half with Japanese mayo and the other half I cook up with sesame oil and oyster sauce for stirfry. Fruit I just buy what is on sale. I also went through my freezer and I’m using up all the old meat and lots from my stockpile (as mine is a lil too big).

    • @FrugalQueeninFrance
      @FrugalQueeninFrance  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks for sharing!

    • @robynclarke5274
      @robynclarke5274 ปีที่แล้ว

      I'm doing the same with the coleslaw & Japanese mayo and eating out of the freezer. I wish our prices were the same as Jane pays in France.

  • @TermiteVideo
    @TermiteVideo ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I shop at a variety of places including the farmers market and the farm shop. The worse possible thing to do is buy everything in one supermarket. They will hike the prices on staples and basics because they know a lot of people don’t shop around. It doesn’t take that much longer and I enjoy the farmers market and our local shops. Chatting with friends and neighbours I run into makes food shopping a more relaxed and sociable time.

  • @lauraIngleswilder74
    @lauraIngleswilder74 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Enjoyed the video. Prices here in the United States have gone up so much. I am blabbergasted each time I shop! We have been stretching our meat to where we are turning what we use to eat in1 meal to 3 meals. I think we really haven't noticed the difference in the casseroles. That has helped . I shop sales and am no longer a brand snob. I buy generic items to try and if they are just as good I will continue to buy them in the future as long as they are less expensive. One thing I have noticed is the generic brands are the first to leave the shelves nowadays as before you could always find the generic.

    • @FrugalQueeninFrance
      @FrugalQueeninFrance  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That’s hard

    • @lauraIngleswilder74
      @lauraIngleswilder74 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@FrugalQueeninFrance It is but I am thankful I can eat and also help others. The older folks here seem to be the ones suffering here.

  • @NurKurz
    @NurKurz ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Very interesting to compare the prices. Here where i live (in the Middle East) what is available locally has not increased substantially, but as we import a lot from Europe and elsewhere, these prices have shot up immensely, more than 50-60 %. But in comparison I feel its still a decent level here if you stay away from import goods. I can get a full chicken from here (1-1.2 kg) for 4 EUR, I can get 30 medium eggs for 4 EUR, locally produced veg is cheap, a bundle of spinach is a few dirhams, less than a EUR, a big bunch of parsley the same, potatoes can get for like 2 EUR for 3 kgs, onions around 2 EUR for 5 kg. All these prices are the same for the last 10 years or as long as I recall. Cucumbers for like 1 EUR a kg or local tomatoes as well. In comparison tomatoes imported from Holland go for 7-8 EUR a kg! The difference is crazy! Lower quality minced meat that is frozen and not fresh but works great for spaghetti sauce and the likes is only like 1.25 EUR for 400 g pack. But then on the opposite end of the spectrum are as I said imports, European brand mayonnaise Knorr for example the smallest one I think around 200 ml is now like 3 EUR. Hence I started making my own mayo. Oil went up a little but its still cheaper than buying ready mayonnaise. Milk went up quite a bit too. Generally everything imported from Europe is extremely expensive, I remember turkeys from Ireland around Thanksgiving were like 100 EUR for a 5 kg bird. I personally do not spend any more on our grocery budget than I did a year ago, but I suppose most people do. I buy when there are offers and as I cook everything from scratch and use local products mostly, I can kind of bypass the most inflated items. Love your videos!

  • @gailm1230
    @gailm1230 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    I live in rural Ontario. I do a once of month grocery stock up at Costco in Ottawa. My daughter gets a free card from my membership. With my and her grocery buying, the rebate cheque at the end of the year pays for our membership fees! So I can then get the cheapest lactose-free milk that I can find. I do look at the more local cheap store flyer (akin to Walmart) called Giant Tiger, and I design a nutritious menu from what's on sale as an exercise in frugality. I will buy from them if I need to, to round out the food order from Costco, but I do this because I might one day have to give up Costco as a place to go to, because I'm getting older, and who knows if I'll be able to drive that far in the future. My local shop is a 10 km bike ride. I give myself $50/per week Canadian dollars to design a menu from them. So far, I have been able to do so. But as time goes on, I'll probably have to up it to $60. Silly little game that I play, trying to see how far a dollar can go!

    • @FrugalQueeninFrance
      @FrugalQueeninFrance  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks very much

    • @iriswelch3553
      @iriswelch3553 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank goodness for the freezer! I just gave mine a quick tidy.

  • @marieparks5674
    @marieparks5674 ปีที่แล้ว

    What a beautiful home

  • @SpatchG
    @SpatchG ปีที่แล้ว +5

    It's summer here in New Zealand, so I'm able to supplement most of our veggies from the garden. We also have chickens which helps. I stock a deep pantry, and we definitely have more vegetarian and vegan meals in our repertoire these days. I make what I can from scratch.

  • @andersonomo597
    @andersonomo597 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Thanks for the conversions, Jane - it really puts the prices in perspective - and OUCH, our prices are getting bad here in Australia but gosh - yours are eyewatering! I'm really focusing hard on wasting less because that's something I absolutely can control. I'm cooking smaller portions to avoid leftovers that might go to waste - unless I specifically plan a use for that leftover. For example, I made extra polenta and sliced and breaded it the next day as part of the evening meal (first try - and oh yum!). I'm shopping at the end of the day because that's when they do the markdowns. I too scour the catalogues online and plan my shopping accordingly. I try not to stress about it - which is hard. My parents went through some very tough times, as have my husband and I, and looking out for the positives can make a big difference. Your puppies at the end always make me smile!!

  • @30yrsanddone94
    @30yrsanddone94 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    GM from Edwardsville Illinois near St Louis Missouri. I love all your vids - but I find myself waiting at the end now each time to see those sweet babies! Too Cute! Smart idea picking up extra. I’ve been doing it since September 2021. Things in the US are beyond ridiculous now. I retired early also, in 2021. Basically in the same situation as you and Mike, but single. I do work a little part time job to keep my mind going and a bit of pocket money. I have two poodles and one of them growls when he sees your pups 🤣. I told him he’s just jealous because they are too sweet! Enjoy your week, dear🌷

  • @amberatartimec2564
    @amberatartimec2564 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Steak tartare!!! Glorious when made right, when at Cote Brasserie.
    I have started having a farm meat box delivered , about monthly. It is probably slightly more £ more per kg but its bloody lovely stuff! There is a variety of weights to buy so I'm not trying to use up excess, and I'm supporting farmers which I think is really important.
    I don't waste any of it; I can buy a single 100g steak if needed, along with
    Really interesting things like mutton, venison and amazing bacon.
    Once delivered, I decide what meal Ill make with each item and what other ingredients are needed.
    That is then the basis of my shopping list, which is on the fridge, along with the meal list.
    I'm also looking in the store cupboard at the tins and packets and using them up; no point in storing money in the cupboard and buying more !
    Many thanks for your well planned videos, they're a real pleasure.

  • @danielintheantipodes6741
    @danielintheantipodes6741 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I am trying (unsuccessfully!) to eat less sweets. Thank you for the video! Have a fabulous week!

  • @schrodingerssquirrel6973
    @schrodingerssquirrel6973 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I built a deep pantry. Now I am using the stocked food with the perishables to create meals. That deep pantry helped to lock in lower prices. Then I can wait on offers to shop.
    I don't buy a lot of toiletries because I use mostly vinegar and baking soda. I stocked up on soap.
    I have a little bit of wiggle room.

  • @susanjacks8830
    @susanjacks8830 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    We are retirees also. Not only are food costs shooting up but medical costs and prescriptions are really going up. I am currently juggling the budget for February to make it all work. We have definitely reduced our shopping trips to save money. One thing that helps us is having a dedicated freezer to keep extra meat and frozen vegetables in. It is much bigger than what I see people utilizing in the U.K. I also review all sales and offers at the grocery every week. We are now only shopping every two weeks.

    • @FrugalQueeninFrance
      @FrugalQueeninFrance  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      No medical or prescriptions bills here except our taxes

  • @susanwilliams4969
    @susanwilliams4969 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    G'day Jane & Mike Would like to thank you for the monetary conversations on your food shop in this video. We thought it very thoughtful and it was much appreciated

  • @roblloyd1879
    @roblloyd1879 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Grew up in a rural community in the 50s. Some foods were still rationed but we always managed to have a store-cupboard for those times when things were short. Many were not so lucky.

  • @frankieniedorf4463
    @frankieniedorf4463 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    We too , have gravely accelerated prices on all food and necessary home supplies, Yikes!

  • @katiefranklin5055
    @katiefranklin5055 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I once read that it is very important to stick to your weekly budget - even if it means that you are unable to take advantage of many offers or sales. It is easy to get swept up by sales, and then overspend weekly "in order to save money". I took note of the fact that you did not stock up on sale items until you were certain that you had money left over at the end of the month. Very wise!

  • @juliephelps7616
    @juliephelps7616 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I live in North Florida and shop a discount store. They had miscut chicken breasts for 1.25 a pound. I bought a family size package, went to put it in the oven and there was a whole chicken in their too. While I did not expect it I will use it, baked and put in the oven and will use the bones to make bone broth with veggie scraps. We will get at least 4 dinners from that pack of chicken. First time baked. Next deboned and diced added to noodles and broccoli with a cheese sauce, third time dice chicken on salad. Fourth time will be soup, maybe chicken and vegetables with additional tomatoes and a couple zucchini in it. 3 people 12 or more individual meals from 7.00 of chicken. Also got pork spare ribs for 6.00 will feed us 6 individual meals with sides like potato wedges or baked beans and green beans. That is a weeks worth of dinners for us with what I call hint and pick night which is where we eat leftovers or cereal, oatmeal, or a sandwich. No snacks in grocery cart, fresh fruit, vegetables, coffee and a package of toilet tissue, and noodles.
    I also search for copycat versions of restaurant meals to keep from missing out on some favorite meals. I just cannot go I to a restaurant and pay 15 to 20.00 for a single meal and get poor customer service on top of that.
    Enjoyed seeing your grocery haul and price fluctuations.

  • @sannevandeneijnde6716
    @sannevandeneijnde6716 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    From the Netherlands here! I do a lot of similar things like you: check the offers, take store brand when it’s cheaper, stock up on things I use often when they’re on offer.
    Next to that I do 2 other things: 1. I buy most meat directly from the farmers as the taste is way better and the price the same as the supermarket. We eat less meat but better quality.
    2. Use the ‘too good to go’ app. In supermarkets you often get a bag with minimum value €15,- for €5,-. It depends on the supermarket what they put in it, so it’s always assessing whether you want to go back to a specific place based on 1-2 try-outs

  • @krisf-h9835
    @krisf-h9835 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I shop bi-monthly at Winco - a store in some of the larger cities in the western USA. Winco does not print flyers, or run ads, nor does it have an on-line presence. You will find sales in the store but no "yellow" stickers. All of that keeps their costs very low. It is also owned by the employees - which is always a great thing. They have a great area of the store that is for bulk purchases so you can buy only as much as you need - so if trying a new recipe with a new spice you can literally buy just the teaspoon of that spice you need until you know if you will make that recipe again.

    • @FrugalQueeninFrance
      @FrugalQueeninFrance  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks Kris

    • @iriswelch3553
      @iriswelch3553 ปีที่แล้ว

      We love WinCo! Last week they had quite a bit of marked down pork chops, close to $1 per lb.!

    • @annseabolt6645
      @annseabolt6645 ปีที่แล้ว

      Our local grocery store here in Texas is HEB & they have a bulk food area. I always get my spices there if they have what I need. I keep my old spice containers and refill them. I got enough Italian herb mix to fill my old container for about 50 cents.

  • @wendymort5349
    @wendymort5349 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    I live in Alberta and food is expensive here. I now check all three of my nearest stores for their weekly flyers and now check the prices of everything that I buy. Thanks for all your great tips and recipes. I live alone so find it really hard to cook for myself. I only have a very small fridge /freezer so storage is difficult! I am learning to cook!!

    • @FrugalQueeninFrance
      @FrugalQueeninFrance  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks for sharing

    • @jennifershaw4756
      @jennifershaw4756 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I'm from Alberta too! Sherwood Park near Edmonton. The food is crazy expensive and even the flyers don't have much on sale like they used to. Nice to see you here! :)

    • @lizp.9513
      @lizp.9513 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I too am in Alberta. I've been mostly shopping at No Frills and most of my stuff is the no name brand. I've got my budget down to $150 per month. It's just me and I eat plant based only.

    • @wendymort5349
      @wendymort5349 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ingridmarsden8866 Thanks I will check her out.

  • @therobertsuk8498
    @therobertsuk8498 ปีที่แล้ว

    I don’t buy fabric softener, as I don’t believe it does anything but scent your clothes. In fact, my towels became softer when I stopped using it! I add a few drops of essential oils to my final rinse if I want scent, as on the sheets wash.
    Shopping wise, locally we have Lidl and Sainsburys, 6mls away we also have Waitrose and Morrisons. Our main shops are at Morrisons and Lidl. I go very occasionally to Waitrose for some dairy free items (vegan) as more choice,. I also go to B&M snd Home Bargain and top up with tinned goods. I got a jar of tiger balm at one recently for £1, wishing I bought more as I’d usually £7.99!

  • @mortenbecks2017
    @mortenbecks2017 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    We shop similarly. Usually at the Aldi next to my place of employment or the Netto near our house.
    Almost all store brand except if the brand is cheaper.
    We put the amount budgeted for groceries into a seperate wallet each month. So when we are shopping, we can clearly see how much is left.

  • @rev.ruthe.gallot9103
    @rev.ruthe.gallot9103 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thanks for sharing, I find it so inteesting to see the differences between prices in different countries. Some things are higher here (US) other ae significantly lower. I also compare the on-line sales flyers of three different stores, which are all very near to each other to see what is on sale at which store and then shop accordingly.

  • @mitchj1
    @mitchj1 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    My father was born in morbihan. The ancestry dna came back high percentage british. Only 7% french. He passed away 10 years ago. I enjoy listening to your channel. Only visited france one time and that was 30 years ago. Mostly saw the sights of Paris and le louve. Family lived in Paris and could get fresh bread and veggies every day if they wanted them.
    Would love to know more about dna results... but france does not allow the testing.
    Take care. Enjoy watching your channel.

  • @lizcarter6938
    @lizcarter6938 ปีที่แล้ว

    I am in Las Vegas Nevada USA. I'm now a 52 yr old disabled grandma who was forced to leave my long term job in a supermarket after a bad car accident. IF you pay attention and follow the trends grocery stores do follow a type of pattern with their sale items.
    Ironically enough I DESPISE shopping at the supermarket that I previously worked at. The prices are much higher on MOST things and It is irritating to me to be shopping and see the exact same people still shoplifting groceries that were stealing groceries 9 years ago when I worked there.
    Anyway I do like the meats from this grocery store as they are much better quality than walmart or the cheaper stores which never put their meats on sale.
    I set aside $25 monthly (used to be $20 but had to raise that some) I wait and only purchase the protein that is on sale. It usually works out that one month the store will have a great deal on ground beef and then in a couple weeks the store will have chicken on sale and about every 5-6 weeks they have an incredible offer on Bacon. We do not eat bacon by itself or even with breakfasts we instead use it one slice at a time on a homemade breakfast sandwich or a slice or two on a homemade bacon cheeseburger so this literally lasts us until it goes on sale again. I am not limited to building my grocery meal plans around what is on sale that week because I always have proteins available for whatever mood hits us. I roll over whatever is left into the next month's budget and here recently that was a major win as they offered a 3.5 pound bag of chicken wings for $5 and then another amazing offer was a slab of ribs and the cost was just under $6 for the entire piece which will break down to 2 meals for 2 so 4 servings of ribs for under $6.
    I ONLY go in for the sales and you MUST remain disciplined and not allow for impulse purchases.
    Another tip whether you consider it "ethical" or not is up to you....... I did payroll for the grocery store so I know what the store directors were paid and what their bonuses were so I personally don't feel bad about this practice ESPECIALLY when I see the same damn people STILL stealing their groceries and I'm paying for mine but trying to save where I can. I have an app account for the store on MY phone and my son who just turned 18 now has his OWN account app on HIS phone.... we can BOTH take advantage of the special offers that are limited to 1 per purchase and after awhile of him NOT using his app he gets coupons that I am not offered to try and lure him into shopping lol so his last coupon was $5 off a $5 order. I still spend the $30 to take advantage of the pick up service as I am disabled but sometimes I use MY phone app and sometimes I use HIS and if it's a week with REALLY good deals I do an order from BOTH of our phone apps.

  • @milda0820
    @milda0820 ปีที่แล้ว

    💖

  • @LeannsAdventures
    @LeannsAdventures ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I noticed yesterday that skin lotion is around $10 now. They use to be $5 or less. I've been home bound due to an injury for 2 months and just started going out to shop. Been eatting off my stock pile. And was shocked by the prices. 😮 Going to do a mini stock shop too.

  • @butterflyj1967
    @butterflyj1967 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thankyou so much for putting all the price conversions in !

  • @jenniferhoffmann4390
    @jenniferhoffmann4390 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This was a very helpful episode. I managed to come under budget this week and last, and I want to stock up on things we will need later. Lots of good ideas here.
    To come under budget this month, we've settled on less expensive snacks, swapped brands of tea and milk (half the price of og), and purchased sale meats to repackage for later.

  • @mak2867
    @mak2867 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    We purchase bread, 2.75 ltr. soda, sandwich bags, shampoo, body wash, for $1.25 each. Freezing leftovers individually. We purchase toilet tissue and canned fruit & veggies by the case. Meal prepping
    and Meal planning saves us. TY Jane. Nice video.

  • @juliemoore6957
    @juliemoore6957 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I read the ads and then make my weekly meal plan off of the specials. I sometimes go to up to 4 different stores to get the best deals on what we need.

  • @janetharrah8407
    @janetharrah8407 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Note on U.S. price comparison. In the U.S. many states add sales tax on top, which can be as high as 7%. Most states have sales tax on at least some food items. Where I live there is sales tax on soda, candy, cookies, and on all house-hold items.

    • @FrugalQueeninFrance
      @FrugalQueeninFrance  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks very much

    • @jhamilton8398
      @jhamilton8398 ปีที่แล้ว

      In Tennessee sales tax is on all food items.

    • @janetharrah8407
      @janetharrah8407 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@marianlinden9736 We live in Kentucky. Our sales tax is 6%.

  • @mandysimons1590
    @mandysimons1590 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    To save Money I Measure everything now so not to use more than what's needed also I cut My Dish Detergent with Water... if you look at the Bottles they are mostly Concentrated so when you pick up the bottle and give a Squirt into the Dish water you are already using to much so I cut it and it Cleans just as Good . Cooking from Scratch on everything also Saves Money ...

  • @leesabailey2453
    @leesabailey2453 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Good morning from Australia

  • @nikki27ish
    @nikki27ish ปีที่แล้ว +1

    We try to eat seasonally, check offers and only buy extra if we have the budget and the items have a long shelf life.

  • @carlasamuels479
    @carlasamuels479 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I'm only going to my local grocery store that sells only food not going to Walmart anymore as there's more temptation with the clothes ,toys etc .....also not shopping with kids if they are not going to cooperate with the concept of only getting food on sale so we have no squabbles in the store

  • @rachmc34
    @rachmc34 ปีที่แล้ว

    I normally do my grocery shopping fortnightly but stretched it out to 3 weeks this time and only spent an extra $40 on top of what I would normally spend. I will be doing that from now on as it will save me hundreds over the year. I have been making an effort to use up what I have in the cupboard and freezer and it is summer here so our garden is feeding us as well. Thanks for all the great tips and keep up the good work, it is much appreciated in these hard times!

  • @monikagausmann897
    @monikagausmann897 ปีที่แล้ว

    I always check the advertisements from our local shops. After that, I make a weekly meal plan with recipes matching the offers - and I stick to it. Secondly I reduce the amount of meat in the recipes and increase the amount of vegetables. When there are real good offers, I use my "special-offer-budget" to stock up on these things.

  • @CharlesAvilaMeasInst
    @CharlesAvilaMeasInst ปีที่แล้ว

    Love the tip about pesto in soups. Wow. Will definitely try this. We make all our meals at home and that would be a nice change in this cold (soup!) Weather

  • @lesleylovatt
    @lesleylovatt ปีที่แล้ว +1

    hi from new Zealand my budget 100-week prices are high potatoes and eggs are 7dollers a dozen and we have a shortage of eggs in some areas. meat is high. use cheaper cuts .and only have meat 3 times a week .reason there is a shortage of eggs is we no longer have caged chickens, only free range or cage free . meat can be up to 32 dollars kg

  • @paulineclarke5388
    @paulineclarke5388 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I usually try and get meat when it’s yellow sticker but I’m finding the meat is now so expensive that the reduced items are not such a bargain any more

  • @preppernut
    @preppernut ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I love your shopping trips and comparing prices. Yours are still better than ours. Our burger (mince) is $8 lb, CDN. So glad that I pressure canned pasta sauce with the meat last year, and when the beef in the freezer is gone, we'll be eating more salmon and chicken, eggs and beans, which will be more affordable because we live close to a river, have a garden and chickens. But there's been hefty increases in other areas, property taxes, for example, so frugality will not be flying out the window.

    • @FrugalQueeninFrance
      @FrugalQueeninFrance  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks for sharing

    • @preppernut
      @preppernut 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@FrugalQueeninFrance It was good to look back and compare prices now. Oh my goodness. Our mince has gone down to $6 lb, but the vegetables are more expensive. Seldom is anything less than $2 lb, even potatoes are $1.25 in bulk. That head of cabbage would be close to five dollars.

  • @ybois3
    @ybois3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Carrots, celery, potatoes, onions, and winter greens average near me, $ 1.00 USD per pound or Less so we a lot of these items!
    Keeps it simple and healthy too 🥗
    Bless you all and keep warm 🌟💛🌟

  • @kakelinga
    @kakelinga ปีที่แล้ว

    I think you got some real deals; with the exception of the butter. I appreciate your conversions. The U.S. dollar does not go as far as it used to.

    • @FrugalQueeninFrance
      @FrugalQueeninFrance  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I remember when the UK £ used to buy two US dollars.

  • @kaykrausman8012
    @kaykrausman8012 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Our eggs are 4.59 a dozen. But, I can usually find some sort of chicken on sale (legs quarters are currently 49 cents/pound . I guess it averages out in the long run. Great stock up haul.

  • @andreeb4507
    @andreeb4507 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Bonjour from Quebec! I use a budget. I do stock up on lost leaders. I rarely go out for dinner or order in.

  • @judymcpheron5955
    @judymcpheron5955 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    💗 your tips. Surprised to hear we are cost comparative to France. I try to stock up on the best in store deals also. Usually the big chain stores can offer better quality produce & some frozen than our local store. But before Thanksgiving they had superb specials and I scooped them up. 😊 💗🤗& happiness from the 🇺🇸.

  • @jobellecollie7139
    @jobellecollie7139 ปีที่แล้ว

    I really like your tile backsplash. I have to remodel my kitchen. My home is filled with all the treasures I purchased in Paris in the 1980's. I was stationed in the UK and I had 10 days off per month. I'd haunt the back street markets for all my home decor. When I say I like "French Country" it is NOT the American version. The tiles for my kitchen are the last thing I need to buy. I will plan a project, then purchase what I need as I find it. This saves $1000's on a project. I'm glad I'm not the only frugal person in the World.

  • @patmartin9727
    @patmartin9727 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    To keep my shopping budget as low as possible I stock up on anything I use regularly when it’s on offer. Here in the uk the sales cycle is usually every 6 weeks so that the stock I try to carry. I too usually buy generic unless branded is on offer and works out cheaper. I also alway look at the reduced section at the start of my shopping trip. I always use my loyalty card if the store offers one. I too check my stock on hand and the offers on line before I write my shopping list. If I happen to be near a food shop when I am not food shopping I will pop in and go and look at the reduce section buy anything I want then leave. Like you Jane I am not impressed by the consumerism of the stores sales team so do not find it hard to just visit the reduce section and leave without a purchase if there is nothing I feel is a good buy for me.

  • @oliviafox6745
    @oliviafox6745 ปีที่แล้ว

    Like you, we watch the ads before we shop. But we also look for unadvertised markdowns and in the discount bins. Happily, some chickweed started growing in the flower bed. I added some to leftover stew and some to a stir fry. It tastes a bit like corn.

  • @bookmagicroe9553
    @bookmagicroe9553 ปีที่แล้ว

    Many people underestimate the uses of pork broth. Any time I cook pork of any type I save the broth. It's a very good base
    for minestrone soup, for bean soup, for gravy, for casseroles. It makes a good broth to cook cabbage. I put the pork drippings/broth in the refrigerator overnight, then skim off the fat before using it.

  • @yukofreeman4483
    @yukofreeman4483 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hello from your regular viewer...enjoyed watching as always.

  • @АннаИбраева-г5ц
    @АннаИбраева-г5ц ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Лайк и комментарий в поддержку канала👍 thank you very much

  • @UnrulyHousewife
    @UnrulyHousewife ปีที่แล้ว

    Love your channel and linked you in my description (new Frugal February video) as an inspiration. Pity that in the actual video I said "Princess" instead of "Queen" haha!

    • @FrugalQueeninFrance
      @FrugalQueeninFrance  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks for sharing. Good luck with frugal February. Today’s video might be a help for you too.

  • @marykappesser5145
    @marykappesser5145 ปีที่แล้ว

    I am in Ohio, USA. I am astounded by the prices now a days. I paid 4.89 for a dozen eggs just yesterday. Our family doesn't have eggs for breakfast now, I only use them in baking. We also have cut down portions of meat, stretching it with pasta or vegetables. Now a days, I look at the price before I look at the product to see if I want it. I am also looking for recipes to make my own mixes and herb blends, like my own Mexican blend, and a "cream of something" soup mix. Much more cost effective. Oh and I have a homemade soup every week. That lasts us for one dinner and 2 lunches per week.

  • @gregsgirl23au
    @gregsgirl23au ปีที่แล้ว

    I make my own cream cleanser it's cheap and no nasty chemicals it works well on sinks and the bath
    1 cup bi carb/baking soda
    1 tsp liquid glycerine (found at supermarket or pharmacy)
    Add Enough liquid dishwashing detergent to make a paste. Keep in a recycled jam jar and use 1 tsp per use
    I wanted to share to help others save money 💰😊🇦🇺

  • @annajones1396
    @annajones1396 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I tried steak tartare once.....from my French piano teacher. She insisted the way it was prepared was safe, but I wasn't convinced. She was hosting a party with steak tartare and caviar. Even though I took lessons from her for years, and she was like a second mom, she could never completely get the Texan out of me:-)

    • @FrugalQueeninFrance
      @FrugalQueeninFrance  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It’s really popular. It tasted great but the texture wasn’t to my liking

    • @annajones1396
      @annajones1396 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@FrugalQueeninFrance I know. Me neither!

  • @mariannejoynes6541
    @mariannejoynes6541 ปีที่แล้ว

    My friend has been taking me shopping for the last few weeks and we’ve been horrified at how much things are going up in price week on week! We both wanted a whole chicken on sat so we picked up the cheaper “value” chickens. My friend just picked 1 up & walked away. I rummaged to the back and picked up the heaviest bird I could find. I checked the 2 birds and mine was 2 kilos heavier than my friends. The same price for both mind you! I showed her the difference then got her a heavier 1 too. She had no idea that these shops do this kind of thing and make extra money from unsuspecting customers. I ALWAYS look for the heavier item! I managed to get Beef cheeks in the reduced fridge so I grabbed a pack for the freezer. Beef bourguignon for me next week! Yum! Not had beef for months! Thanks for the great video. X

  • @momof2momof2
    @momof2momof2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm in the US and think your prices are still good. Even with the conversion rate, your prices are good. You may not be used to the current prices, but for us in the US your prices are still very good. I shop at Aldi, Walmart, Winco and the dollar stores. The savoy cabbage is beautiful ! Very nice grocery haul Well done ! Thanks for sharing 🥰🌷❄☃💗✝

    • @FrugalQueeninFrance
      @FrugalQueeninFrance  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks for watching

    • @maryg1338
      @maryg1338 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I thought the same thing. Most everything that was purchased in the video is more expensive in the US. I live in NY on Long Island and shop Lidl, BJ’s and Costco.

  • @valerieparks4582
    @valerieparks4582 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hi Jane and Michael. Greetings from NYC To save I have learned to make a few items. Like bread, mayonnaise and sour cream I wish I had chickens. Eggs are very expensive.

  • @terrysimpson6761
    @terrysimpson6761 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have been working on our budget for living and have now streamlined it inclusive of fuel and pet needs we are now spending $500. Aust dollars a month. For just me and hubby, a dog and cat. Very close to your budget.
    I manage it by shopping like this. Week one is Groceries $200. Week 2 fuel $100, week 3 meat from the butcher plus fruit and veg $150. And week 4 $50 fruit n veg which includes 6 litres of milk. Hubby loves his milk and we go through 6 litres every 4 days. Gotta work on that one.

  • @suzanneoconnell9625
    @suzanneoconnell9625 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks Jane and Mike, great haul.

  • @socorro6476
    @socorro6476 ปีที่แล้ว

    Last week, our local grocery store was selling whole chicken for .77 cents a pound. It was a jackpot for me, bought 5 whole chickens and stored them in my freezer to use for family meals. Now I have 5 monthly family meals covered. It was a great sale on chicken that I haven’t seen in almost 2 years. I told my families about it, hope they took advantage of it.

  • @anntaylor4247
    @anntaylor4247 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    We only buy what we need and look for short dates, which are usually discounted. We've swapped to roll on deodorant from spray, which is a big saving. I don't enjoy shopping now, it's quite challenging and stressful.

  • @juliethorn869
    @juliethorn869 ปีที่แล้ว

    We are using everything up before we buy more. I have a small amount of roast beef left over from last week that I froze. I will add this small amount of left over roast and gravy to a cottage pie which I will pad out with lentils/vegetables to make a few more meals. We have to more strategic now with stretching our dollar. Eggs are outrageously expensive and sometimes not available. I usually eat two eggs for breakfast each morning. I am getting really creative with my breakfast now by including lots of veggies and one egg. I guess it is kinda like an omelet, but I've never been good at making an omelet, so it's more of a veggie hash with an egg. LOL! We are also eating smaller portions so we have extra for later in the week. It is also cheaper to eat seasonally, so we eat cabbage which we both really love. Thank you for the helpful ideas!! Love the pink toilet paper!! :)

  • @judimantos904
    @judimantos904 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Saw a great idea for a quilt+ thought of you Jane. A woman bought men’s shirts at charity shops (solids, stripes, plaids). Looked like cotton fabric cut in 5 or 6 inch squares. The stripes were in different directions and each square had a button from the shirt sewn in the center of each square. My try this idea myself.

    • @sandraskaggs6223
      @sandraskaggs6223 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Love this idea, I have a bunch of shirts from my late husband that would work.

    • @FrugalQueeninFrance
      @FrugalQueeninFrance  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Great idea!!

  • @MsArri81
    @MsArri81 ปีที่แล้ว

    I live in California and I noticed that cleaning soaps have gone way up in price, especially dish soap and Laundry soap! The meat has also gone up by a lot. We usually buy all of our meat in bulk at Costco because I can separate it and freeze it. To save money I have been using less meat in our meals, like dinners for instance and bulking it out with carbs and vegetables. Or putting them in chilli's and stews and curries. My husband still likes to eat convenience frozen meals and we purchase those if they are on offer in their flyer. Fresh produce is purchased at the smaller grocery chains because bulk veggies can go bad if not used quickly. Thanks for sharing your perspective on frugality and what you do for your shopping to save money.

  • @hollyjobitner3285
    @hollyjobitner3285 ปีที่แล้ว

    We buy protein in bulk. 1/2 a beef, 15 chickens, and a pig. It’s a lot to shell out, but cheaper and more delicious in the long run. I freeze dried 4 dozen eggs when the price was $1.55 US at Aldis. We are still eating our home canned peaches, green beans, and potatoes. The garden carrots are done. We still have some garden garlic. My husband is starting another bunch of spinach under the grow lights in the cellar. I shop with a list and we eat what we want. No manufactured junk. I’m too picky. I dislike people eating fast food. Be well! 💙

  • @woman5918
    @woman5918 ปีที่แล้ว

    Went out today to purchase some sinus medicine…Walmart shelves were bare, I asked the clerk was this due to supply chain issues, she advised it’s because at one point they were out so now when they get stock in people are over buying…(hoarding) I have to wonder if these people understand shelf life on medicine??? They are wasting their money in this selfish manner…and causing others to suffer needlessly…frustrating…the second Drugmart I visited was also out…sigh

  • @ruth4696
    @ruth4696 ปีที่แล้ว

    I work...so I fix sausage biscuits for breakfast. I baked 2 cans of biscuits (20), eggs @ 1.99 from Rulers, and sausage from the freezer I bought a few weeks back @$2 a roll at Rulers. 68 cents a biscuits, all cooked, individually wrapped and in the freezer. Prices are higher every trip to the store. When something is on sale. I buy a lot...no sale, no buy. I can now get farm fresh eggs @ $2 a dozen.

  • @missmerrily4830
    @missmerrily4830 ปีที่แล้ว

    For UK fans of your channel, I'd like to recommend looking in Superdrug and Boots for 'specials' on anti-perspirants. There's almost always some kind of deal, the best being half-price. If you want a particular one it might not always be so good, but if you don't mind what brand you have, the saving is really well worth it.

    • @FrugalQueeninFrance
      @FrugalQueeninFrance  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The cien anti perspirants in
      Lidl uK and the lacura in Aldi are fantastic

  • @AprilStephenson-ui4db
    @AprilStephenson-ui4db ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi Jane,
    With your fabulous garden. Do you grow your own veg. I have an allotment which keeps my shopping bill down. I use teabags twice always can get another cuppa out of one. Enjoying your channel.

  • @bethanysherwood5930
    @bethanysherwood5930 ปีที่แล้ว

    It's very noticeable now how much many items are going up by. Butter particularly, and it's one of the things I can't do without. When making lists, (I'm a very rigid list maker), I make one for each shop, starting with Netto, which is one of the cheaper ones, then into Lidl, then to Leclerc for cat food, again staggered at how much that's gone up, and only two brands available, shelves nearly bare. Spent what was left of our food budget, but like you, we did a bit of stocking up on staples, such as soup. I so enjoyed the bread making video, I bought a bread making machine, just a simple one, (I can't cope with anything complex!), so hoping that will reduce our staple foods budget.

    • @FrugalQueeninFrance
      @FrugalQueeninFrance  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      We need to brace ourselves more food price rises here

  • @lindajacquot5391
    @lindajacquot5391 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    I was surprised yesterday to buy butter for the "low" price of $3.99. Unfortunately the store, Trader Joe's (like Aldi), is 35 miles from my home, so I only shop there a few times a year when I am in that city. Shrinkflation has hit here - packages are noticeably smaller, but the price certainly does not reflect it. I really enjoy your shopping hauls!

    • @FrugalQueeninFrance
      @FrugalQueeninFrance  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks Linda

    • @buzzybee186
      @buzzybee186 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      The shrinking package sizes are wildly out of control. Still in the same size package but 2 ounces less & 20% more expensive. 🙄

    • @francois3116
      @francois3116 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@buzzybee186 Actually, in France, they barely feed a Polly Pocket doll now 😆