Since we're all talking about how much we spend and some of us would like to knock that down a little, what are some of the things you do to cut costs? I'm talking about besides couponing and bulk buying. What trade/substitution/trick have you found that saves you money?
For instance, for me, one small change was buying whole melons (hehe) and pineapples and cutting them up myself. I can get a pineapple for $1.98 and have it last the entire week (I eat some every morning with my breakfast.)
The other thing is that the vinegar rinse totally works to make berries last longer. I used to waste so much money on berries that went bad before we could finish them.
I buy spices in the small Mexican section. I forget what the brand is, but they have a white label. 2 aisles over, different packaging, same exact spices for way cheaper.
I use the salad bar at the grocery store to get my toppings for homemade pizza. Then I can just get a few sliced of pepperoni and some prechopped veggies. Way cheaper than buying a bunch of whole things that I am not always good about using up. I also buy a tub of plain Greek yogurt. I use it on its own, but also as a substitute for a ton of other ingredients (sour cream, mayo, oil in baking, buttermilk, etc).
I garden in the summer, buy generics (some generics are crap, but most are the exact same thing), only buy meat and produce on sale, and I don't buy a lot of junk food or drinks (except alcohol - that is necessary). The most important thing is to meal plan so we actually eat everything we buy. I hate wasting food.
I need to start meal planning. I'll literally decide that day what I want for dinner and go to the store. I know we waste so much food which is annoying and I feel like I grocery shop 3-4x per week. Are there any websites or places you went to meal plan?
For instance, for me, one small change was buying whole melons (hehe) and pineapples and cutting them up myself. I can get a pineapple for $1.98 and have it last the entire week (I eat some every morning with my breakfast.)
The other thing is that the vinegar rinse totally works to make berries last longer. I used to waste so much money on berries that went bad before we could finish them.
Haven't read the rest of the post so sorry if it's a repeat question. Does the vinegar rinse not make the berries taste like vinegar? I can so see my DD turning up her nose at vinegar berries.
Re: s/o grocery budgets (savings tips?)
ETA: damn autocorrect
I also buy a tub of plain Greek yogurt. I use it on its own, but also as a substitute for a ton of other ingredients (sour cream, mayo, oil in baking, buttermilk, etc).
I garden in the summer, buy generics (some generics are crap, but most are the exact same thing), only buy meat and produce on sale, and I don't buy a lot of junk food or drinks (except alcohol - that is necessary). The most important thing is to meal plan so we actually eat everything we buy. I hate wasting food.
G: 6.10
L: 11.13