Groceries
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Buy off-brand food from Aldi.
The taste matches name brands closely while costing half the price.
one person who lived it
Use the Scanning Code of Practice to claim refunds when scanned prices are higher than advertised.
It has saved a good sum of cash.
one person who lived it
Buy non-perishable items, toiletries, or meat in bulk when they are on killer deals, even if you don't need them immediately, provided you can freeze or store them.
You know you will use them later.
one person who lived it
Keep about three months' worth of non-perishable food in your house to keep a psychological cushion against scarcity.
It helps keep your head when making important decisions by preventing a scarcity mindset.
one person who lived it
Buy food from Costco.
Although the upfront cost is higher, it is cheaper annually and offers better quality.
one person who lived it
Buy frozen fruits and vegetables instead of fresh to save money.
Frozen produce is often cheaper and retains nutritional value.
2 people, independently
Grow herbs indoors on a sunny windowsill using recycled containers like yogurt tubs.
They are expensive at the store but reliable and easy to grow, helping to jazz up inexpensive food.
one person who lived it
Buy non-name-brand macaroni and cheese for children.
Kids enjoy it, and branded varieties often contain more salt.
one person who lived it
Cut meat consumption by mixing it with half textured vegetable protein (TVP).
This drastically reduces the price.
one person who lived it
10 more on this
Buy off-brand kettle cooked or basic potato chips instead of name brands.
The taste difference is often imperceptible.
one person who lived it
Stick to store brands and use coupons aggressively.
One person found this brings their costs within striking distance of cheaper retailers.
one person who lived it
Keep a stocked pantry and supplement it weekly with sale items from regular stores.
Sale prices at regular stores can be lower than everyday prices at discount chains like Walmart or Aldi.
one person who lived it
Shop for groceries at Aldi or Lidl, then go to Walmart if items are unavailable.
Other major grocery chains can get expensive unless you shop their advertised deals.
one person who lived it
Verify barcode numbers against shelf labels to ensure you are paying the correct price for generic items.
Items may have been placed in the wrong location, leading to incorrect pricing.
one person who lived it
Buy only items you normally use when couponing; avoid purchasing discounted products you would not otherwise buy.
Buying items solely because they are discounted can result in losing money.
one person who lived it
Shop at Artesia for Indian groceries if you are in Santa Barbara.
- Based on one person's experience in Santa Barbara.
one person who lived it
Buy generic brands for items like instant oatmeal or canned veggies where there is little to no quality difference from name brands.
4 people, independently
Buy Private Selection (Kroger) brand mozzarella log instead of BelGioioso.
The texture is superior.
one person who lived it
Decide your weekly meals in advance and have ingredients delivered so you buy exactly what you need and nothing extra.
one person who lived it