Cut Grocery Bills in Half | 20 Things to STOP Buying at the Grocery Store
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00:00 Stop buying these
00:24 Baby food
1:02 Gift bags
1:42 Holiday Items
2:36 Fabric
4:00 Kitchen Supplies
4:50 Granola
5:57 Snacks
7:30 Frozen Apps
8:44 Precut veggies and fruit
12:50 Impulse purchases
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When the hubby and I are grocery shopping around Valentines Day, we stop at the card aisle and each read through the cards, pick one out for each other, exchange them right there and then put them back. We've been doing this for more than 20 years. By the way, it's also our anniversary!
This is such a cute idea ❤
Awesome idea!
We just take pictures of them and exchange them now!!!! Lol
We make homemade cards for all occasions! It's creative, fun, and super personal. Favorite family tradition. I just keep a pad of nice watercolor paper at all times so they are nice quality.
Great idea, and fun❤
I have a great tip for everyone, never eat anything from a box or packet unless it is dry pasta, rice or beans. Cook your own food.
Amen.
This includes single people who work full time. Learn how to do food prep once a week and use that freezer!
This also includes parents. Get those kids in the kitchen and get 'em cooking! They'll help you and learn great life skills.
@@kell_checks_in Yes, yes, yes...I love that!
I agree on everything. My other thing I do is not go in the grocery store every time!! Curbside pick up MAKES me stay on my list and therefore save money with impulse buys. I do go in about every other week to look for clearance items!!!!! 😁
10000% 👍
I'm shocked you didn't mention paper products.
Today was my first pick up order and it was nice. I thought I loved to go into the store and pick up my own groceries but it was actually nice to get my groceries in 20 min, going there, pick up the groceries and go back home. It was at Sam's club, I feel like I saved money cause everytime I go there I end buying things I don't really need and blow my budget.
Yes, it took some getting used to, but curbside pickup helps with impulse buying. I feel I have much more control!!!!
Yes great advice. It's hard for me because part of my income is from Instacart and Doordash. So I am in the grocery store every day, multiple times a day. And unfortunately I buy stuff all the time. I have to learn to say NO to myself lol.
I've made my own Reese's before. Very easy. My family was surprised. And they tasted better than store bought Reese's.
Melt chocolate chips, mix peanut butter with some powdered sugar and layer in cup cake liners. Let set. A lot less sugar and cheaper. ❤
I see savings and frugality in layers. And which layer I'm on directly depends on where I'm at with time and mental health. I agree about the baby food being expensive but it was a "worth it" buy for me when I was struggling postpartum. Same for pre-made meals and such. Now that I'm doing better, I can be more frugal and make almost everything from scratch.
The convenience and time saving comes at a monetary cost. I'm glad that you were able to afford to buy the convenience when you needed it. I hope that you have recovered from your post partum.
This is such an important comment. I agree 100%, I have never been in a situation like yours but I can't imagine how difficult this must have been with a small child. I also struggle with mental health (seasonal affective disorder) and I know in the deep dark winter I don't have the energy to scratch-cook so i might do more freezer dinners etc. It is a matter of not only money but also time and effort like you said.
You make important points. We all have days or time periods when we can do it all, and ... That. Is. Okay. There should never be shame and we should not feel a bit of guilt because real life happens, like a new baby's. 🎉. You were still frugal because you used premade meals instead of going out, or ordering in every single day. So what if you used jarred baby foods? Your baby was fed, you were perhaps less stressed ... it's all good.
We cook from scratch most of the time. However, the top shelf of our upright freezer has premade foods. I could make all of them by scratch but sometimes all I want to do is put something in the oven for 12 minutes at 425, and eat. And the other side is ... A few minutes ago I made a chicken pot pie with leftover chicken veg stew, made crusts, put it together, it's in the oven and in a bit we'll have dinner.
Despite what others will say, being frugal is not a one-size fits all. And our "best" can change too, because we're humans.
Agreed. My up and down purchase is the paper plate and plastic cutlery. Different times in my life I've felt that sanity is so much better than mountains of dishes. You do you and what is best for you
💖💙"SUPER BABY FOOD" by RUTH YARON is the baby food making Bible. I fed three kids with it and I am not a chef by any means. Steam it, blend it, serve it, freeze the uneaten portions in ice cube trays and then pop them out into freezer bags. Start with one batch of food, and see how EASY it is. Only buy those jars if you are going out to a restaurant or traveling. You get way more food for way less money.💖💙
Stuffing mix is the biggest gimmick ever. Some genius came up with a way to sell stale bread at exorbitant prices. Stuffing is so cheap and easy to make. You rip up some stale bread, throw in some sauteed onions and celery, a few herbs, add some broth, bake, done.
I'm widowed, I live alone, a box of Stovetop stuffing ($1.98) lasts me three meals. I buy a Costco rotisserie chicken $4.99 (take the meat off the bone, make bone broth with the bones with added celery, carrot, onion, garlic, and pepper corns) divide up the meat which usually makes several meals because meat isn't my favorite. I make gravy with the stock, shred 1/2 cup of chicken approx. $2 worth into the gravy, open a can of cranberry sauce $1.66. WALA my favorite meal! I get a bowl put 1/3 stuffing on the bottom, 1/3 of the gravy and shredded chicken on top, and 1/3 can of cranberry sauce on the side. Three easy cheap meals! The rest of the chicken I usually shred and put into red chili made with the bone broth and make red chili, chicken and cheese burritos, or omelets (2 eggs, cheese, and chicken chili). I'm also at a stage of life that I'm all for easy prep meals because at 74 I don't want to cook elaborate meals for one, anything simple is good enough.
Stuffing really isn’t that simple… I’ve tried it myself….
@@AZHITW there is a crock pot recipe with box stuffing and chicken. I have made it twice. I usually cook alot & freeze it.
@@InTheWildWithYouyep. The box saves time.
The only time I make homemade stuffing is for holiday dinners. It’s time consuming, so even though it’s easy to make it takes too much time. We don’t eat stuffing often so when we do it’s Stove Top!
One big problem with pre-cut veg and fruit is the increased risk of contamination. If you hear about ecoli or salmonella outbreaks (like the current one on cantaloupe that's killed 14 people in Canada and the US) it's usually on pre-cuts.
I Breast fed, used cloth diapers, made my own baby food I saved a bundle and that was the late 70’s.
Another great replacement for baby food is canned veggies! They are already cooked, so you can just open the can and give them to the kid if they're old enough to pick stuff up, or give it a quick mash if you're still spoon feeding. I've used this for all 4 of my kids and it was so much cheaper than jarred baby food, but also so much faster/more convenient than making my own baby food. Biggest hits in my household were always canned green beans, carrots, peas, black beans, and pumpkin.
High sodium content.
Yes, watch the sodium content, but you can get canned veggies without added sodium.
As someone with ADHD, prep is a step that is sometimes just beyond me. Limited focus and massive executive dysfunction means that pre-prepped is the difference between eating the food and throwing away spoiled food. You're not wrong, but it's also important to recognize that pre-prepped foods have a place for a number of reasons.
Did a grocery store experiment- hungry for Chinese food, I knew a spin through the drive through would run me about 30 bucks for the two of us, so went to frozen food section and found the same items in bags, just heat and serve at home ran us about 14. For the win! We eat 95% of meals at home, saving us so much money!
I should really do that. We don't eat Chinese much but hubby loves it, do you have a brand you liked?
I did the exact same thing for about the same amount. Plus we got extra egg rolls!
@@lisacalandra2474 what brand do you like? Thx
I do that too! Especially when I see them on sale, I stock up. My family likes crab rangoons so, I tried Making my own. You get so many more and they are delicious! Better than the frozen box kind.
We do this too! PF chang frozen meals are really good! I stocked up when there is a sale!
Your last tip can be amended. I have an always list. I might not need the item now but I will eventually. Some always items are toilet paper, coffee, canned goods, meats. If the sale is right I'm buying these regardless of budget, and if money is that tight I will return something else I did come to buy for the deal.
I shop sorta opposite. I don’t make a meal plan beforehand. I buy whatever is discounted, and work with that. Well that’s what I used to do before I had a deep pantry. Now that I do, I strictly go to the store to clearance shop for savings on future meals. 😊
Me too !
Me three!
Yup, exactly 😉
Me too! I find it easier that way instead of sticking to a meal plan.
We are trying to build meals around what is perishable in the frig whether it is produce, dairy, leftovers or whatever. Has cut down on waste for us.
Lots of great suggestions! As a disabled/chronically ill person, I have found that not all pre-cut food is a bad deal! Particularly broccoli. I don't use the stems, so if I buy stalks, I spend just as much as buying the pre-cut, plus have a lot more work to do. Bulk celery sticks at Costco also work out as a better option for me compared to buying the whole celery.
I feel similarly with some convenience foods. Best choice is to pack my lunch at home and take with to work - but if I forget and don't have something quick to grab on the way out or an emergency "convenience" option in my desk at work, I end up spending more to eat fast food. In some situations, it really is practical to spend a bit more for the time/convenience.
And I've had my hand in a brace the past week - I'm feeling you on the prep work! I simply was unable to cut things on my own. I bought some prepped produce at a fairly ridiculous price, because the alternative was skipping the produce completely.
My grocery store sells celery by the rib, I don't eat enough celery to buy the stalk and I usually end up throwing it away unless I'm making chicken stock, soup, etc. I put broccoli stems in stir fry or in soup as well as the florets.
Sams/ Costco definitely has the better prices on veggies. I rinse and prep the celery, put a paper towel in the bottom of a glass dish with tight fitting lid, put celery on top, and it will last longer.
@@wallashakallaoh I need to do this, I don't eat it but hubby likes it on salads and if we don't eat a salad every single day it starts going bad.
These videos come from a very ableist perspective, with no consideration of the cost vs benefit for individuals with limitations or differing needs, based on physical or mental health. While I don't expect every content creator to create for the disability/chronic illness community, it's not difficult to understand that others might find these convenience items useful and worthwhile, rather than labeling them as a pointless waste of money for everyone.
Pineapple core + large bottle of water = delicious hydrating elixir of life 😂
❤ from Iowa
My "impulse " buy at the grocery store is an unexpected reduced price or sale on an item I always buy or is on my list. Example:bacon is something I always have at home, I recently found thick cut bacon reduced by $5.. This is why I believe another tip is to build a margin into your weekly/ monthly grocery budget.
I think Christine is fine with that. She meant don't be buying junk food on a whim.
@dianasimplifies agreed 👍.I guess my point was that making sure you have some margin built into your budget is a pretty important tip. It's one I don't see mentioned in almost all of the budget videos that I watch.
@@charylliss3741 oh yes that's correct! 👍♥️
@@charylliss3741 Exactly - people talk about the "weekly/monthly grocery budget" as if you're only using it to buy food for that week or month. I don't have a lot of space right now to store a bunch of clearance items, but I do check which stores have sales on the kinds of meat we like to have on hand. We're always shopping ahead on certain items!
As someone with pretty severe depression and anxiety during certain times of the year, I do buy convenience food options, but only when they are on an amazing sale or give me some great points. Planning ahead for these moments helps me still feed myself, and I don't suffer from low blood sugar as often because I did plan ahead. I also buy clearance and big sales on pricier items such as meat. I'll then bulk, cook things like stews, chili, chicken of all sorts, and freeze what I don't eat right away for those depression days. That way, I am still eating healthy foods that I can thaw and reheat. I also choose store brand unless again there's a huge sale or major points given. Having those points has helped a great deal on days when I need items I can't get on ebt such as household items and dog food. Right now I have chicken and ground beef frozen from some amazing deals and, of course, tater tots and fries. Again, both bought on great sales. Nothing full price hits my cart or gets on my list unless it's on amazing sale, and it has great extra points or clearance. I have coffee for the rest of the year, thanks to clearance on Amazon fresh and amazing grocery store deals. I'm talking a big can of coffee for 6 bucks as opposed to almost 13. Plus, I got 200 points for that purchase, which translates into 2 dollars I can use on nonfood items.
About a month ago, pineapple were on super sale just about everywhere in my area of Washington state--69 cents EACH!! If you've never dehydrated pineapple, you must try it. It saves SO much money versus the dried pineapple from the store and it is like eating candy!!
I have been making my own granola for many years. I was concerned recently because the price of all the nuts seems to have gone up so much! But then.... I realized that I could buy a package of "trail mix" at our dollar store for $3.75. It was enough to make 2 batches of my granola recipe! Dollar store for the win!
My husband I write each other letters instead of doing cards. They are free. Also, for family members our kids always draw them cards for birthdays or Christmas. Way more special, and way cheaper. We love it!
Great tips, but I just wanna throw in here:
Time and energy have to be on the scale with money for convenience foods like pre-cut fruit. I have wombo combo ADHD + Major Depressive Disorder, and if the fruit isn't already cut and in my line of sight, I am not going to eat it. I need the lowest possible barrier for healthy foods to compete with carb-y things. And 99% of the time I don't have the energy and/or executive function to spare cutting the fruit myself. It'll just rot in my fridge and make me feel bad.
All this to say, don't feel bad about paying extra for pre-cut fruits and veggies as an accommodation.
I definitely have days like that too! I have a routine (same day/same time) that is my cutting time. I have a certain 35-45 minute podcast that I only listen to then. I cut, wash, seperate into containers then and then only. It's worked for a year already! I realized that if I left it up to my whim, it would never happen. 😊
Precut fruit and veggies are a game changer for my 93 year old mother who lives independently. She no longer has the hand strength to cut through melons or broccoli. My biggest complaint with them is the packaging! Not only is it a challenge to get open, but the plastic container?! Just not good!
Grocery pick up would cost us more because discounted manager specials aren't available and that's where we save the most money. My only impulse purchase *might* be a discounted bag of fresh green beans, broocoli or brussel sprouts that I'll blanche, ice, portion and freeze but it can't be outside the budget. We're very diligent about sticking to the grocery budget and use the online cart to get a total before we leave the house. I'm glad Christine advised checking unit prices because those can vary so much.
I love this! I heard a tip one time to put all of your impulse (not on list items) in a separate part of the shopping cart or basket and after you are done. You can choose from there. Usually you end up putting them back.
That's a great idea!
I pick up impulse items then go through my cart at the end and ask"do I really want or NEED this?". If not, back it goes!!!
I agree so much with this whole video. We always shop at Aldi first because so many of their products are cheaper than the regular grocery store. Not always, but 95% of the time. We are total Dollar Tree addicts. We get everything we can there, like gift wrap/bows/cards (and so much more!) before going elsewhere. We're not rich people, so we try to be as frugal as possible. Thanks for another great video!
I agree. I will start with trying not to buy the pre-cut fruit bowls and pre-cut veggies.
You are rich with what is most important! Sensibility and respect for how hard you work for your income!
Next time you go, go around and take a look in their dumpster (if yours don't have a compactor).
I haven't gone to Aldi yet, but my go to grocery is Trader Joe's. I do go to regular grocery stores on occasion (like Giant and Safeway), but for me, Trader Joe's is the place for stuff.
I’m an Aussie so my stores aren’t Walmart. But we do have Aldi. I spent $151 on 31 items, now if I got the same products at my local Woolworths (woolies), or Coles I would have spent $193 same items and these ones had deals attached (Aldi didn’t on most things so full price), I was pissed to work out that for the same 31 items, cost me more even with deals attached and without the deals attached would have been $205. Woolies and Coles have just gone through an Audit Xmas eve because they racked up the prices over the top and outta this world and didn’t pass the extra profits, not a single cent back in to our farmers etc.
I actually bought a head of cauliflower and riced it myself. Walmart band was over $2.50 for a 10 ounce bag. I got a organic head of cauliflower for $3.30. I was able to get 3, 3 cup bags. We also picked up a bag of unsalted mixed nuts at Costco for around $10. I can put together a nut and cheese snack pack ad save money.
Great idea! Did you cook and rice the stalk as well?
@@mrskimmieg I actually didn’t, thought about using that too. But I also just riced it up raw. I haven’t done this in about 2 years. I was like did I stop doing this?😂
I live in Canada and laughed out loud when you complained that the price of eggs was going up. Our present price of eggs ranges from 5-8 dollars a dozen.
Where approximately do you live? I live in Toronto and pay $3.50 for eggs at Walmart/No Frills. The price you’re paying is outrageous- I hope it gets better.
I live in Montana and pay for dozen of eggs $7.99. Yes, there are some cheaper eggs, but they are not always available.
I went to Kroger yesterday with my dad and showed him the wonderful world of reduced price stickers!! As well as looking for sales!! He was happy to find all the reduced prices!
What a blessing! I miss my Dad so much...we used to have a friendly competition and compare receipts to see who saved the biggest percentage and who found the best deal of the week.
@@shellyturner2766 I showed him on the receipt how much he saved and showed him mine 🤣 Shopping clearance, reduced, or sales is the only way to shop these days!
Nothing like that at my Kroger which is Mariono's. 😢
Crazy! 1 apple is $1. Crazier is that this is the cheaper option.
I am now using up my pandemic pantry items before they expire so there will be lots of pasta & bean recipes til summer!
Great info!
I agree i have been doing chemo since August and have to go in to town twice a week.. i have found the best mark down deals are between 9am and 930 am... Then i just plan my meals around the mark downs... 😊
I love your videos, Christine! My birthday is February 18th. My mom always bought me clearance Valentine's candy for my birthday!❤
I save the core of pineapple, chop in small pieces and freeze it to add to smoothies. I also add it when I'm making applesauce from scratch. It softens up nicely and I immersion blend the whole thing and it's yummy!
That's a fantastic idea! I need to remember that next time I make apple sauce. Thanks 😁
If you guys ever gril, the pineapple peels and cores work wonderfully for smoking. They impart a wonderful sweet fruity flavor to pork and chicken.
Great tips! I keep assorted nuts in jars on the counter so those leaving the house (or snacking at home) have them ready anytime. A string cheese and a piece of fruit - and it's a really easy option that actually has nutritional value
I make Gorp aka trail mix and put it in sandwich bags. M&M’s or chocolate chips, mixed nuts and raisins or craisins. Equal parts in a bowl, mix, and portion out. Healthy snack even with the chocolate
I need to start doing that! I'm so tempted to stop and get a snack when I'm out. Thank you for the reminder. Diane
Homemade granola is amazing. I once took some of my granola as a hostess gift when we were visiting relatives and it vanished almost at once. Everyone raved about it. Try making granola at least once, and choose a sweeter recipe if your family has never had a homemade version before. I assure you they will love it.
OK! So my biggest take away is do not buy pre-cut/pre- packaged produce! And this was even based on previous videos of yours! I know..buy in season, best price, best quality produce, and use it or preserve it. I love, love, LOVE your videos! TY!
My schnucks had General Mills cereals on sale for $1.99, plus $1 off 2 store coupons, I had $1 off each paper coupons, and ibotta had $1 off 2, and I had fetch points that equaled $5. So even with taxes I made a couple bucks and got all 12 boxes of cereal for free! The kids were pretty happy because they had Cinnamon Toast Crunch, honey graham’s, and lucky charms, all favorites.
Now THAT is my kind of deal!!!
I did this same deal over last weekend!! Although for my area the store was Giant, not Schnucks. It was 1.99 per box, plus Ibotta and fetch deals plus Giant had 1.50 off 3 boxes paper coupons. I didn’t do quite as well as you did, but I only ended up paying about 1 dollar per box of fancy cereal
@@strawberrylove5684 that’s awesome! I only had 12 $1 off General Mills but I was tempted to go back and get more for $1 each.
I do buy some convenience foods because I have to be careful with my time as a disabled mom of 3. There are some times that the cost to effort ratio leans toward convenience, even though I'd prefer not to spend the dollar bucks.
A dozen eggs in my area is $1.99/carton - IF you can find them. A week ago, they were $2.59 and still oos.
I buy the Christmas candy. After Christmas marked down. Like the kisses, peanut butter cups etc.. Candy that isn't passively Christmas. Pick out the red and silver. Use it for valentine's day. A friend taught me that years ago. Get a jar or basket at a dollar store.
When asking people how much they spend on groceries, what if you asked instead, “How much do you spend to feed your family every month?” Some people get EVERYTHING at the grocery store, especially if they shop at Walmart, so they might consider all their Walmart shopping as a “grocery” bill. In a recent video, you shared $1200 a month as a high budget for groceries. Personally I agree and spend about $700 a month on groceries, BUT I buy my pet food and cleaning supplies online and budget those separately. Many people also get makeup, body wash, and other personal care items at the grocery store. $1200 for all of those expenses isn’t so bad compared to $1200 for groceries (food) alone. Another helpful question to add might be, “How much do you spend eating out?” It’d just be nice to have some stats that give the whole picture. Love what you are doing and all your helpful tips!!!
I agree with all your tips. I live in Canada and we don’t get those kinds of bargains. One of our major grocery chains just announced that they were eliminating the 50% off sticker. They’d rather throw it out and contribute to the food waste issue I guess. Or hope people don’t check best before dates.
I saw that in the news the other day and was not surprised in the least coming from that grocery chain and their reasoning is other grocery stores provide 30% off last day. Remember the great Canadian Bread Sandal where the parent company had to pay back 50M in 2023 - not surprising once again they would rather line their executive pockets than provide savings to their consumers.
I’m sorry to hear that 😢. I learned the markdown policy in grocery at Walmart and if I find something they missed, I will get a grocery person and ask them to do the markdown. They haven’t said no yet. Maybe you can beat them to the “toss” stage? 🙏. Love to the best upstairs neighbor ever 🇨🇦 !
Had a list to shop @ Walmart but spotted a grill (to replace my rusted out one) for more than half off. Looks like this the time to get one. Budget took a hit today but will be happy this Spring/Summer.
Precut veggies and fruits are the devil!! Christine, you've got me scanning the outer aisles of my Kroger for clearance stickers every time I go in. I now know where every store in my vicinity places their bakery markdowns (hint: it's usually over by the milk!) and the snack/dip/appetizer areas are always on my radar. One item I noticed was way too expensive in the grocery store (Kroger) was the refill bottles for Dial foaming hand soap. I kept checking but it was always $10.99 and never went on sale. Stopped by Target and the same bottle was $6.60 but on sale for $5.60.
Such a good video to show comparisons between food costs. Some other are cake mixes, homemade bread, pancakes, mac n cheese made with your own gooey cheese, homemade noodles, flavor coffee with extract instead of creamers, and pork n beans for refried beans. These are the ways to really cut costs as well as sales imo.
This was so helpful. Thank you so much, Christine! I was terminated on medical leave and trying to get a remote job to be home due to my job injury. You give me hope! Thank You!
I only occasionally buy pre-made stir-fry. This one is quite good, but I also sometimes just spend some time to make a few small bags of this myself at home and freeze it. The problem is now that I don't have that much freezer space so it makes more sense for me to buy a smaller amount and pay more but the prices difference of pre-chopped vs raw veg is insane so I avoid that as much as possible.
I stopped by a Hallmark store the other day and got a bunch of their ornaments on sale for 80% off!!! I'm talking $25 ornaments for only $5. I scooped up quite a few.
Agreed! Watch your prices and compare with the larger sizes. It’s cheaper to make juice from concentrate than buy the jug of already made juice. Also, if I have leftover taco meat, I mix in a can of refried beans and roll them into burritos for the freezer. A quick snack using leftovers coating $0 vs $6 at the local market for the same thing made who knows when.
I feel called out on the drink situation and pre-cut foods. Being a college student, I don't have a lot of space so I tend to get the pre-cut foods for certain foods, such as pineapple, if I were to buy it, or fruit salad. I don't have a big fridge to store a lot fo things in. Or, I have chronic pain so on my very bad days, where it is almost impossible to even do the most basic task, having something already prepared and cut for me is something that makes sure I eat that day.
But, I also remember you mention that do what is best for you in one of your grocery audit videos. That is one thing that I extremely like. There are some bigger sized creators that outright bash people for buying anything pre-cut even if is one of the biggest things that keep them from not going hungry.
No one should ever apologize if they find that convenience food Is the best option for their situation. I find a lot of that precut stuff on mark down clearance often.
I have never bought pre cut anything until last summer. I didn't have enough space for watermelon and it's just 2 of us and Kroger's was only $5. It was really good but then I realized Aldi has it cheaper and also theirs was so much sweeter! For the rest of the summer I made room for Aldi full sized watermelon...hands down best I have tasted in years lol. Buy the pre cut if that's all you have room for ❤❤❤❤ my parents are late 80's into 90's and they are having to buy convenience foods these days. Everyone has that season of life where it may become necessary.
Cheaper than the dining hall!
@@jlw7189 It certainly is but my college makes you buy a meal plan if you live on campus. So I'm spending almost 1400 dollars a semester on that. But that still doesn't stop me from buying food for my room for on the weekends when the closest dining hall open is .5 a mile away. Very few people don't even try to walk there during the winter when it gets to between -15 all the way to -40
I live by these tips myself! Always gotta look at the price per pound/ounce as well as consider if you can just make xyz product yourself at home.
Every 2 weeks I make a grocery list included with the breakfasts and lunches we can have, and the dinners we will have. I always stick to my list; we generally do not buy ANY snacks, unless you count fruit, and we rarely get cereal. I only go to the grocery store on grocery day, unless I forgot something, but otherwise we’re set for 2 weeks!
I wnjoyed Watching how you compared a homemade version to store bought. It really puts it into perspective!
Cristine, your list is 100% spot on. I will be learning to make my own spice mixes. Gluten-free spice mixs are insanely priced.
I am amazed how easy it is to make my own. The only mix I've bought in recent years is taco seasoning at Costco...
I make my own spice mixes and have for years. The preservatives in the other makes me ill 😮
I've been growing my own herbs and drying whatever I don't use fresh. Even make up an Italian seasoning mix to give as gifts.
I also try to remember to think outside the box. At a gas station/ convenience store up in Minnesota they usually have monthly specials. Like this week its bacon for 2.49, one month it was eggs for .99 cents. Sometimes stores that you aren't thinking of will have deals to get you in.
Sticking to my grocery list is my biggest savings goal for groceries this year. Those impulse purchases can really get me.
Love this video! I do splurge on sparkling water. I substituted sparkling water for sodas, so while they are not free (like tap water) they are cheaper (when you shop sales) and healthier than soda.
Eggs are $1.60 in my area of Georgia. I have chickens so I don't have to buy often but sometimes I must supplement.
Same with sparkling water. Sometimes I really want fizz, and better the sparkling water over a soda. Plus they aren't addictive like my old diet coke habit, so I only drink one when I really want the carbonation, not as a default beverage. Much better a $5/week treat than a $20/week addiction!
@@wjb-wi6dt Aldis has a cheaper version a little less than $4 a 12 pack and I actually like it better than krogers generic. Blackberry or Strawberry are my favorites. Anna In Ohio
Here in Germany we are VERY big on sparking water and have amazing tap water. Many people here use SodaStream - you just add the CO2 to your tap water.
You have a CO2 cylinder that lasts quite a while. Here you can get exchange an empty one for a new one at literally any store. If your next one is far away you can save some money by having them refilled at a place for diving or where you buy fish / fish tanks. Just remember to do the proper exchange every now and then as they also check the cylinder for savety.
We're using this for 30+ years now and the one we're currently using with glass bottles is at least 7 years old.
From what I've checked they are also available in the US.
@@buckeyedav1 That's awesome to know! We have a fairly new Aldis here - I've been meaning to check it out, and now have added motivation.
I do have to say I did get a great clearance buy at the grocery store. I got a Ninja blender for 20 dollars.
Amazing - I don't buy what you do not buy. It's been frugal living for years for me.
I find it funny that Christine is telling us not to buy baby food, but she's being sponsored by Gerber Life. 😂 At least she used a different brand as an example. Love ya Christine! 😁
😂
Water is the only thing we drink!!! Filtered water in our fridge is the best way we save so much money. Of course we have flavors to put in the water, coffee and tea. That's it. Pop/soda is so expensive and really not good for you to drink every day. Love your videos!!
We get the powdered drink stuff so we still drink enough water. If you got a carbonated water machine at work, and have a soda need-buy the store brand soda-stream syrup. One 6.99 syrup bottle lasts me a whole month for a 20oz “soda” that’d normally cost me about 2.19 per vending machine bottle. So, still get soda with my lunch everyday for what 0.34 cents each 20oz cup?
I buy the flavored Seltzer waters but the majority of the time I use filtered water from my Brita with fresh squeezed lemon juice.. it takes some adjusting for taste but yeah it's great. You could add a little sugar to it and make your own fresh squeezed lemonade. Anna In Ohio
One more hint that most people know, but I'm saying it anyway. NEVER go grocery shopping when you're hungry!
So true!
Thanks again, Christine! You're the best! And a lot of fun, too. Thanks for reminding me about making granola. I don't buy it, but sometimes I get stuck in eat the same foods. Going to make some soon. Thanks for the reminder. Perfect timing. . .Ha ha ha!
re: the frozen cauliflower, I love that stuff and have shopped around for the best price on frozen. sometimes it does go on sale too. Why do I buy it instead of making it? because I live alone and work full time, and find that a few simple conveniences go a long way. cauli rice in particular blends in really well with lots of dishes, so I throw it into stuff all the time. And I'm okay with a couple of conveniences that encourage me to eat more veggies. not so much for the frozen appetizer things...
I also buy and enjoy seltzer waters. I stock up whenever they're 0.33/can or less. I used to feel guilty about this but I realized that often times I come home from work and I reach for a seltzer instead of a beer. and beer does NOT cost 0.33/can. I decided not to worry so much about it haha. I still run a frugal household overall, including in my kitchen.
So right on! Way to put things into perspective!
Great video, Christine. I so look forward to seeing you. Love 💕 and Hugs ❤❤❤
Wow! I love the comparisons!! The comparing the cards/bags to the dollar store price and also the cut up food versus the whole fruit and do it yourself was great to see
I found those pizza’s for $2.65 at my Kroger a couple of weeks ago. I bought all that I could and stuck them in the freezer. They freeze great!
You make the most boring daily living tasks so exciting!!! Thanks for being education and entertaining!
Love these recommendations! I am trying to not buy premade breakfast foods.
Thanks Christine!! Awesome video and wonderful “science facts” on the cost of convenience items. And that is why I never buy them😊😊😊 hope things well with you and all of yours.
impulse buying is what does it for me as far as blowing the budget. Thank you for continuing to share your tips which have become your habits. I learn lots from you
For my nephews graduation I used Christmas cards and marked out anywhere it said “holidays” or “Christmas” and wrote “graduation.” They thought it was hilarious. Now I only use clearance Christmas paper, bags, and cards no matter the occasion.
Never thought about using the pineapple core in smoothies - great idea - thanks!
Christine, love your energy and your common sense. Have done all these things and watched my mother do these things.
A note about TH-cam commercials. Gerber insurance is a money saver IF YOU ARE IN THE MARKET FOR INSURANCE. Hard to believe watchers can discount the recommendation.
Ads are not my favorite addition to my favorite subscriptions. TH-cam itself made that change a reality for viewers for their own reason.
👌🏾Fantastic Italian Job reference...one of my faves🤗 Great list!❤🙏🏾
Loved your video today. I pretty much shop the same way.
Lots of great suggestions. I buy my gift bags at Ross you can get 3-6 bags depending on what you pick for about 4.99
Love the orange monster card, it’s so cute!
Fav energy drink ‘MONSTER’ delish ❤
I was making baby food in the 80's for my son.
I did that for all 4 of my kids.
We mix the sparking flavored water with juice.. buy the kroger brand any flavor and about 3 oz of whatever juice is on sale.
Thanks for the info, i will rethink what i buy now.
Omg, thank you for saying La Croix is gross!! All my friends drink it, but I think it tastes like rank water. Now I'm not alone!
I tried several different flavors. Just nasty.
Rank water - perfect description 😂 I find La Croix absolutely vile.
I don't buy any of these products at the grocery store. Like you, I either make my own or head to the local Dollarama (in Canada) or Dollar Tree. Very good advice for all of us though. You keep us on our toes. Thanks Christine.
Lacroix passionfruit and key lime are my favorites. The beach plum isn't bad either. But I only buy on super sale or clearance. ($1.99 per case or less.) Grape flavored waterloo is pretty good too.
I rarely buy cereal (4-8 boxes a year).
Loving this style of video Christine !
Same same. I do the same. I also make my lotion. No junk in it. I use vinegar to clean with arm and hammer. Penny’s compared to dollars. ❤❤.
Love watching your shopping skills. You are sooooo entertaining…. Love you❤
Love la croix BUT have NEVER bought it. We used to buy generic but we got a seltzer water "machine" for our anniversary last year and the 15$ canister lasts my whole family two months. Other than coffee and tea, we don't buy any other drinks. Worth it.
Great video! Great value one dozen large eggs are $1.60 here in Mankato, Minnesota right now.
thank you for helping me save money. love your videos
Thank you for a wonderfull channel. Makes me so happy to listen to so much common sence stuffed in to your videos. :) Besides saving money, you are also saving the planet a truck load of packaging! I'm honestly blow away by how much plastic is unnessecarily used in some of the products you show!
I never buy boxed frozen meals, for years I've weaned myself off salt and anything frozen in a box is so salty I can't eat it, same with chips, I don't buy cookies because I have absolutely no portion control with it comes to cookies, if I have a sweet tooth I usually go for a piece of toast with apple butter I can manage to stop at one slice of bread, but cookies are addictive.
Hello, love your videos. A LaCroix fan here.👋 I enjoyed the bubbles and flavor from soda, but not the syrup-y feeling that lingered. So I would blend mostly seltzer water with a little 100% juice instead. For convenience on the go and a no sugar or calorie option, LaCroix worked as time went on. I personally enjoy the taste. Coconut is my favorite. Adding a bit of lime juice or as an addition to a mixed drink is delightful as well on occasion.
OH MY WORD! I can't imagine being in that situation! Glad you made it to the wedding!
Love your shop with me. At my Walmart in California in Palm desert eggs in the 60 count is $5..97. I always pick up two packs. I love the Dollar tree and the 99 cent store has great. More of your family continue the great work
I never thought of saving the pineapple core for smoothies. Thanks for the tip!
My 14 month old grandson loves homemade smoothies: frozen banana, blueberries, spinach, peanut butter, raw cacao, almond milk. Make as organic as possible add anything else that sounds good.
He drinks it with a straw.
Amazing tips as always! Super entertaining too!
Thx for your ideas it is so true to make your own ❤
Store brand eggs are $1.59 at my local Target, $2.05 at Giant, $2.29 at Weis. I'm in southeastern Pennsylvania.
I Love Lacroix!! Lemonchello is my favorite. I am a huge diet coke drinker and really bad about getting water in, so the Lacroix gives me that carbonation without all the bad stuff and im getting some water in.
I'm learning by following her advice.