GROCERY SHOPPING HACKS! | TIPS TO SAVE HALF YOUR GROCERY BILL WITH FRUGAL FIT MOM

[@kathleenlacelle6671]

My favourite tip is to not "pop out" for a few things. If you are missing something last minute, make due with what you have. The "pop out" trips end up costing you so much because you invariably buy way more, and you tend to be hungry when you go which does not help lol. You have said this in many videos and I appreciate it.

[@elizabethard3620]

That's so true.

[@kreativekimberlycohouseofwall]

I really need to adhere to this thought process.

[@blairlavalley3395]

I need to stop doing that too. I live right behind aldi, and it's so hard to not just run to the store.

[@PinkTigger33]

I send my husband for those things. He can get in and out with absolutely nothing else. He is a grocery store ninja. Not one sale item will catch his eye, not one snack will tempt him, not one "look at that fantastic deal, I can stock up now and save money" will woo him.

[@Charlotte-bc7vj]

yesss so true! you can spend $50 without blinking, just "picking up" something

[@katiePBD]

My tip as a former grocery store employee for meat and produce: find out when the managers/team leaders shifts end! They usually mark down items that expire soon near the end of their shifts. At the store I worked at, you could get 20-70% off depending on the product!

[@LP2488]

You're definitely a jewel thanks for the tips

[@ter8330]

THANKS!! I do that sometimes at my local Grocery Outlet! This last time, I KILLED it with Happy Eggs! Yay!

[@sams517]

How do you do this when you aren’t an employee there without directly asking them lol

[@eyeshutopenful]

@@sams517 I am wondering the same, without sounding like a stacker lol

[@katiePBD]

@@eyeshutopenful lol fair! I would find an employee that works in the meat/dairy/produce etc section who seems like they work in that area (maybe they're stocking something) and ask what time they put out their markdowns or if they have a discount/reduced area. My store had a grocery area that had 1/2 price (or lower) on discontinued or near-expiration dates. We had one for bakery items (usually not a good deal), a small cooler for dairy/deli, and a shelf for general grocery items. That area was in addition to the reduced items they put out at the end of the first shift.

[@ShastaAdam]

Favorite grocery saving tip- we all know it but I'll say it again FOR MYSELF: do not go grocery shopping when you're hungry! 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@theyoftheravens]

Or cranky, haha. Then nothing looks good except for the chocolate! 😂

[@kathyratino962]

@@theyoftheravens Or thirsty or hormonal. . .

[@judiesdream]

Amen!

[@ginadowd1713]

Yes girl! SAME! Use what you have and rotate that stock! Love that free grocery money back! I remarried at 50 after 20 years as a single mom and my husband is AMAZED at how cooking from scratch & being organized saves us. Poor thing, he had first wife who bought everything pre-made or hit the drive thru. We love challenging ourselves to no spend periods on food. Two years ago, we found a fabulous deal on a convertible and used grocery saving to buy it. Now these two 50 something year olds are loving day trips and picnics in style with plenty of natural vitamin D!

[@jenisouthdakotagirl9581]

What a great inspiration you are! Maybe we could do the same to finally get ourselves a little camping trailer! Thank you!😊

[@maryrobie4752]

That's awesome! Good for you!

[@sonyaberry9805]

We are low carb so I make most of our baked goods from scratch. It saves alot of money.

[@cltinturkey]

Another great tip is to create your own price sheet. Select the top 30 items you buy routinely and make a chart of their "normal" prices at the stores you use. You can easily see when a sale is real or nix it if it's just marketing blather (smaller quantity for slightly smaller price). Update your price sheet every few months and you'll know where to go for the cheapest items your family really enjoys.

[@GlamourNNail]

I was so freaking proud of myself the other day. Between sales, digital coupons, clearance and Ibotta, I saved over 50% on my bill! Regular price it would have been over $160 (didn't know the regular price on a couple of items so I don't know the exact regular price) but I spent $79 and then got $8.75 back in Ibotta. I was so pumped! I managed to get some clearance yogurt for 9¢ each because they still ring up as the item and Ibotta still recognizes it. I also just cashed in my Ibotta and Fetch for Amazon gift cards and got some birthday gift for my son. I'm on a roll lately.

[@tallhottie6]

I did this once and there college aged kids behind me were like "teach me your ways!!" Lol, who knew the one time I was cool in my life is because of couponing

[@michelleporter6672]

I soo wish we had Ibotta in the UK! Its sounds great, also we hardly ever have coupon either 🙁

[@psymompa]

@@tallhottie6 I just had my 18 year old get the Ibotta app. Teaching her how to use the app before she heads out to college. She'll be cashing in her rebates for Amazon and food gift cards.

[@WiseWomanLola]

It's essential for parents to teach their children how to cook basic foods, how to read recipes, and how to grocery shop. It's not enough that we do those things ourselves.

[@debbykidd9813]

SOOOOO true. Both my kids are ABLE to cook (not that they always choose to do so...).

[@rhiahlMT]

Yep, my 22 yo son is a great cook. In fact, these days he cooks a lot. I have to have carotid artery surgery here in a week or so, 90% blockage. It's causing my eyesight to be blocked for short periods. So, I won't drive. While waiting for this surgery, they've all gotten shopping tips since they have to take me. 😁😁

[@blairlavalley3395]

Yes! My oldest is a pretty ok cook. I'm having surgery in Mexico next week, and while their grandpa is staying with the kids, my 14 year old will be cooking dinners. Also, we shop for instacart and my kids are always pointing out the cheaper way to do things lol

[@Charlotte-bc7vj]

I have a one year old and can't wait to teach him how to cook! I learned in secondary school in Home Economics and luckily my parents let me experiment at home, especially when I complained about my mother's cooking 😅 (let's just say she's a fantastic gardner and that's where her interests lie!)

[@Blue_Caribou]

Best tip I have for anyone living alone: Cook a *full family size meal*. Eat one portion for dinner and freeze five. Do that with a different meal once a week for a month and you have a full month's worth of frozen dinners ready and waiting, with in-built variety! Once you have the system going, you can eat a different single portion of home-cooked dinner quickly and easily every night, whilst only having to cook "properly" once a week. It's so much cheaper than trying to cook different meals in the same week (As always, the most expensive thing to eat is variety) and doesn't leave you bored. Just make sure to test a small test batch of any new recipe first - if you don't love it fresh, you won't like it frozen, and food goes to waste as you don't reach for it when hungry!

[@PurposefulHomeschool]

I've always been able to do that in my head, but the prices are going up so fast I can't keep up! I don't know the going prices at my favorite stores anymore! This is a great idea.

[@blairlavalley3395]

I do this, get the containers from Sam's club so they're all the same shape/size. But my dad has a "subscription" where he pays me once a month and I take him at least 30 containers a month of food.

[@sarak6401]

I'm amazed with how much people spend on groceries! We're a family of four and budget $400 a month, I cook from scratch, make coffee at home, and enjoy a beer on the weekends at home.

[@melissavazquez2953]

We are a family of 11..our grocery budget is$400 a month..I cook from scratch,we garden..we have not wanted for nothing..$75 per month on household items.

[@sarak6401]

@@melissavazquez2953 thats fantastic! If we didn't live in Chicago I would love a garden. We also included household items in that budget.

[@dianecelaya1354]

We are a family of 4 with 2 dogs our budget is $400 a month but I am trying to spend only $300 a month and save that other $100. So far in January 2022 we only spent $300. And that's for household needs, pet needs and food. We recently started canning which has helped, because if I find a good sale I buy what our budget allows for then can it up. Saves so much money and time running to the store.

[@carolynmcleod7533]

Wow, that’s very good for a family of four! It’s was during the lockdown that I realized how much I was spending on groceries/household products (shocking actually) for just the two of us, I was spending around $1000.00/month🤦🏻‍♀️ I did have adult kids visiting a lot but that didn’t really justify it. I think (I know) I had/have PTS over food insecurities from childhood which I’m dealing with. On the plus side though, I had a very well stocked pantry/freezer/cleaning products, and still working through it today. Had enough toilet paper to hand out to family during that crazy time! My kids still say I had crazy intuition on what was about to happen in the World. But it wasn’t intuition it was food insecurities that hadn’t been recognized or dealt with. Today, we are spending about $600/month for us two (certainly would be better if prices weren’t soaring) by shopping sales, scratch cooking, freezing, eating what we have on hand, ect. Hoping to get to a $400/mnth grocery budget. It’s a work in progress.

[@rachellake2722]

Wow! All of you are so inspiring to me. I just started in January to track our grocery spending, and I’m going to try and cut it down by $100 a month to see if I can get it as low as you guys. I live in the desert but we’re trying to garden as much as we can :)

[@IngridKjord]

Great advice! I just left the shocked stage of current store prices and am now entering the "okay... Let's make this work" stage. Loved the video, thanks.

[@amandawilliams5219]

Yes to the breakfast prep! I make sausage egg and cheese bagels for my husband every week. 87 cents each. He has a bagel and a banana every morning and swears that it's better than anything he could get at any drive thru!

[@caziontherise]

Yes with Lidl and Aldi they are .65 and better than McDonalds.

[@lizarodriguez7750]

Yess so munch better my parents have an avcodo tree so when is in sesson we do eggs with bagels and avcodo is soo yummy

[@jadwgfgaecacawef]

Great tips! My kiddos like the flavored instant oatmeal packs. I always add a few extra tablespoons of plain quick oats to each bowl before I zap it in the microwave. It helps cut back on the sweetness and helps the budget

[@crystalramirezmoreno9190]

that is so clever! i never thought to do that 🤔

[@justpatty7328]

You could try adding a tinge of jam (desired flavor) or cinnamon/sugar to the quick oats. You'll save a ton and leave out the artificial gunk. Save your doll hairs. 😁

[@carolynrodgers6836]

I also do that! I have a small scoop from something else that measures about the same amount as in the flavored packet-1/3 cup I think!

[@anitas5817]

I always cook the full recipe for 6 or 8 even though it’s only my husband and I. Once for dinner, once for lunch in the next couple days, and one or 2 more meals in the freezer. I only cook about 3 times a week and we eat almost every meal at home this way. Toaster pancakes are great - I make the whole recipe, we eat a few, freeze the rest (separated by waxed paper) and pop them in the toaster. Made from scratch oatmeal, rice, potatoes, beans saves a fortune. Learning (from Christine!) to plan meals around freezer and pantry changes everything!

[@carolbenson6524]

I've been doing freezer meals too and boy does it save a lot of money!!

[@sonyaberry9805]

I usually buy family size chicken and fish 2x a month and my meals around that.

[@crystalm7732]

I didn't get all the free offers this time, because well I just don't know people to refer. I did get the pizza offer and (on a delivery order) my walmart subbed me out for a different pizza and I still got credit. That is really awesome of them to do.

[@PandaBear62573]

For years, well decades, people are so shocked at my way to shop. I see what I have, figure out what I want to make for the week, check the sales flyers, check my coupons, and write down my list in the order I shop through the store. I have a pen in my bag to cross things off when I get put it on my cart, check out, double check my receipt before leaving the store, and get any needed rainchecks. It just seems obvious to me, that's how my mom and grandmother shopped.

[@jennfersiler]

Great tips! I'm not giving up my crystal light or coffee, though. 😂 I typically order groceries these days from HEB and Walmart, and believe it or not, I actually save more money doing that because I'm not tempted by everything. I cannot tell you how many times I have passed by the chefs prepping meals at HEB and have bought all the ingredients to make whatever it is s/he was cooking only to become disinterested in actually preparing it. 🤦‍♀️

[@FrugalFitMom]

😂 that’s a risk!

[@ginadowd1713]

Same here on my coffee but I use a refillable pod in my keurig and get about 200 servings for $7. That's about the price of a large take out coffee at one of the trendy chains. No thanks to that. No Crystal Light though! I am allergic to aspartame & I have found a great trick for a substitute! Kool-aid and stevia! I love some Kool-aid and most stores have 5 packets (makes 2 quarts) for a maximum of $1(even cheaper with store brand pkts). I make a gallon with 1.5 cups of stevia when I want something besides water. Or ICED TEA! There isn't a cheaper nonwater drink! Restaurants charge $3/glass! You can make enough tea for your whole neighborhood for $3!!!

[@marygrott8095]

I find that unless my grocery store is having a good sale, Trader Joe's is still the cheapest on nut prices - at least in my area.

[@marieday6126]

I love you %+#- 41

[@robinmorrison8688]

Another HEB loving Texan here!!!

[@maria_w311]

My husband is in construction, so money gets tight in the winter. I stock up with sales in the summer and save my ibotta rewards for a Walmart gift card in the winter.

[@KillowCat]

I try to spend like $20 a week on my groceries, a lot of protein like tuna, egg, and bulk buying chicken to freeze. Also lots of cheap frozen veggies. Meal prepping makes sure it doesn’t go to waste. I’ve been finding I haven’t been craving sugar like I used to since I’ve started.

[@morecoffeeplz9992]

Preach Sister about the drinks. My daughters friends think we are strange that we only have water. I keep some county time in the pantry for guests but never use it. Water, tea and coffee that is it.

[@SongbirdCollageArts]

Thanks, Christine. Your tips have helped me transition into being self-employed after a job loss last year. I never would have been able to do it without knowing how to make a dollar stretch--and groceries are one of the easiest ways to trim a budget. You rock!

[@kasiowelove1]

Christine dancing to High School Musical is my jam of 2022 savings! Big plans, small steps - let’s do this people in those difficult times!

[@jessicasimmons3957]

Oooooh girl! I love my coupons!! There's been times I've saved $50-$75 with coupons and clearance! I also buy store brand 99% of the time. And I shop at Kroger mostly so I get money off on gas too 😌😎

[@SarahAbplanalp]

My husband and I realized we've spent WAY too much on food last year, both in groceries and fast food 😬 we started mainly just going to Aldi and making way more homemade food and cutting out fast food and I think we're under half what we were spending before 😯 it's crazy

[@tonyamiller3336]

Great tips! I do need my Zevia, lol. Our breakfast is apples with nut butter (or nuts) and a little OJ. No one complains, so I haven't changed it. Being a celiac family with several food allergies, grain-based items get $$ so we just avoid them as much as possible. Another trick we use is potatoes. They are a great filler for meals and are cheap as well. Chili on potatoes, soup with lots of potatoes, top homemade pot pies with potatoes instead of crust, a small amount of meat with gravy thrown on potatoes...

[@susanshanks2407]

Tonya, you are so right about potatoes they are fantastic, another items I like to have on hand are eggs. Eggs go a long way.

[@Mrrngglory3043]

You can make a gravy by taking whole cream and reducing it by half - you’ll have to watch it or it will boil over & mess up your stove - and once reduced, add your seasonings or mushrooms or meat or whatever. (You can also do this, add blue cheese, for a fabulous sauce for steak or beef roast. I had it in Italy and then Barefoot Contessa made it. )

[@tonyamiller3336]

I'm not that fancy with gravy, just broth based for us, but that sounds yummy!

[@sheila1435]

Love these tips. The ONE beverage anyone truly needs is water.

[@deborahsevcik9564]

Clip coupons, eat before you go, totally stick to your list. Plan all your meals.. check what you already have and last is to plan your meals around grocery store sales !

[@juliebrummett1567]

We have allergies in our family. Surprisingly, when price comparison shopping, Whole Foods can be cheaper than our regular grocery store on certain items. You just cannot blindly shop there expecting a big savings overall. 😊

[@psymompa]

Definitely true plus if you stick to sale items can be cheaper on specialty items.

[@calihapamama]

Yup. While Whole Foods is not one of those places where I get my groceries for the week, for specific items it is worth the trip. Ironically things like milk, eggs and decent pasta sauce are cheaper at Whole Foods than the local Safeway.

[@stillsimplystephanie]

Since I’m cooking for 1 I definitely freeze a lot of stuff and try to save that way since the single servings of things like meat can be more expensive. I’ll buy the family pack of chicken from Aldi once a month and then freeze some pre-cooked and some raw and pull it out as I need it.

[@tallhottie6]

I use my Ibotta for gift cards, then I can get starbucks or something fun for myself and not feel guilty. When we were on a super tight budget this was a great way to get a treat for me and the kids without breaking the bank.

[@littlesongbird1]

I will have to check out that app..how do you like it?

[@mariayelruh]

In my area, Philly, most stores change on Saturday or Sunday. I actually don't like shopping then because the stores are crowded. I shop often on Tuesdays, because several stores do a 5% senior discount, and I can get rain checks for items that aren't in stock.

[@jlcarter1975]

A good breakfast item is to cook up sausage and put in muffin cups, add 8-12 beaten eggs over them, bake for 10 mins at 359 then sprinkle grated cheese on top and bake 10 min longer. They freeze so well and are low carb & extremely tasty. Heat up from frozen for 1-2 minutes in the microwave.

[@margueritekinchen6558]

If a meat department item you want is on sale, but when you get there the shelf is empty ask for help. Almost every time when I see a great meat deal I get there and the self is bare. I nicely ask if they happen to have more in the back, they go check or ask me to wait a few minutes and they come back out with the product. Patience and politeness go a long way.

[@sistermaryam8204]

Hi. I just wanted to give 1 tip for Tomato Paste. Take your can opener and open the can; big or small at both ends without removing the metal lids. Once have that done…. Into a reusable container PRESS the lid through the can and it’s a smooth push through then just remove the lids. If any of the paste is left behind it minimal and easy to scrape out. You’re welcome 😉

[@nephilimslayer73]

My tip with supermarkets and food retailers is to shop around. My local butcher and greengrocer are consistently cheaper than the major chains, even ALDI. Know your prices and keep track of sales cycles.

[@deannealbrecht774]

We bought a soda stream and a 5 gallon tank to hook it up to. Add a squeeze of lemon and it's great. Also, use the flavor drop.

[@annasemak8240]

To make the oatmeal taste the same as a box is dried fruit and all it takes is hot water soak to soften fruit 1-1/2 tablespoonfuls of chopped dried fruit of choice and dash of vanilla extract and dash of cinnamon to taste. I use dehydrated fruit from the Dollar Tree.

[@saraguay4619]

Lol your reaction to the frozen breakfast foods is my reaction to a lot in the stores now, especially snack foods

[@liessabai]

Let's hack that budget! I love food too, and have found some was to lower my bills here in the Netherlands: - get a freezer. Buy in bulk, buy discount and freeze it - plan your meals. Make a list of ALL your stock, plan to use as much as possible that you already have - use the Too Good To Go app. This gives you the option to buy heavily discounted products in surprise packages. Most of these products you can then freeze, some you will need to eat in one or two days, and sometimes they are not quite good enough to go ;) Get the bread boxes from the good bakery, get the Lidl veggie box and splurge on the convenience store boxes ;) - cook in bulk! I usually make pasta for 4 days, portion it out and then either freeze the portions or eat them over a few days - watch people like Christine, See Mindy Mom, Meals with Maria, Simplified Saver and many more for simple meals with high value for less! Keep it up peeps, go forth and hack that budget!

[@liessabai]

Oh and watch Atomic Shrimp! This Brit does "1 day for £1" style videos, is superduper creative and has a very calming voice with a lovely accent. He does loads of other stuff too, like scammerbaiting and experiments, his channel is pretty cool.

[@stefaniedecoster2772]

@@liessabai Hello fellow Dutchie! I love to make good use of my freezer as well and challenge myself to buy as much discounted stuff as possible. Atomic Shrimp is great, and I have a stash of sausage stew in my freezer, so yummy and comforting. Greetings from along the river IJssel!

[@marjoladejonge2628]

oooh dutchie here as well check your turkish supermarket as well they can be even cheaper than aldi

[@stefaniedecoster2772]

@@marjoladejonge2628 That's a toptip too! What kind of stuff do you tend to buy there? I'm better off shopping there than I am shopping at our weekly food market (for non-Dutchies, it's like a farmers' market)

[@liessabai]

@@marjoladejonge2628 good tip! The Turkish supermarket here has AMAZING meat, and the best selection in spices. Plus, simit. I could just eat that all day and be happy.

[@Mumsy711]

What I do for saving money is shopping the three major stores online. Take your list and check the prices of every item and see which is the cheapest at which store. Schedule the time to pick them all up at the same time. No extra things are put into your cart because they look good. Then you got the sale price from each store of the things that you needed.

[@laylabadiha7296]

Food prices are so high in aus right now! It’s so hard to keep under budget especially with shortages

[@pancakespandemonium]

I live for planning on store sale stacked with digital coupons. I save soooo much money. Usually around $75 a week!

[@squisitissima2810]

My favorite tip is to make use of everything you already have and see how long you can put off grocery shopping. It forces you to get creative and honestly some pretty great meals have been made with what seemed like weird substitutions.

[@rhiahlMT]

I used to do that also. Just refuse to go until what is in the house was used. With shortages showing up. Don't do that anymore.

[@Charlotte-bc7vj]

love this! sometimes procrastination can be a good thing 😅

[@calisahardy4845]

I love taking one pack of flavored oatmeal and a 1/4 scoop of quick oats in the l larger container. Best of both worlds!

[@grannyprepper1181]

My grocery budget per month is $151.66, that’s $35 per week for one person. The budget in the article would be $220. per month for one person, so I’m $68.34 BELOW the average 🎉🎉

[@robinmcmillin4132]

I really like your tip about not buying beverages if you’re looking to save on your grocery budget. I do drink mainly water but to be honest I just never really thought about that in a way of saving money. My best tip for saving money on groceries is to work a pretty good distance from home, live next door to your parents, and have a mother, who is a great cook, tell you that you need to just stop by and eat (since she has to cook anyway and always has plenty) before you go home because you get home so late! 😁 Gotta love my mom! ❤️

[@mespencer9258]

We are a large family of 10 here... we budget $800 for food, household goods and clothes... My top tips are meal plan from your pantry, shop sales and stock up on the things that you always need, watch for clearances. And eat more simply.

[@sarav7066]

My best way to save money grocery shopping is to order for pickup. I don’t shop hungry or pick up things I don’t need. I save more than $60 a week!

[@iwd1856]

My favourite tip is paying with cash. If I go to the supermarket with limited cash I buy just the thigs that I need. Another tip is divide my budget per weeks and put the cash in 4 separate jars. Every Sunday I pass the remaining cash to a very nice 5th savings jar. It's very satisfying to see how this savings jar is been filled, and at the end of the month is great to see the total.

[@henhousebathco]

My daughter loves a breakfast sandwich from Starbucks that costs $6. We meal prep the same sandwich at home for $1/sandwich. She gets 6 breakfasts for the price of one Starbucks trip.

[@meagerz]

Can i ask how do you reheat them? Been wanting to try this.

[@brendadomingo2949]

I only buy those sandwiches when I have gift cards . But lately they have been so lame and are smaller .

[@henhousebathco]

@@meagerz she microwaves them and says they taste great. She’s in college so this is a quick breakfast for her to grab and go.

[@henhousebathco]

@@brendadomingo2949 not only that, but our locations have had a lot of shortages. This means she always has the sandwich and is saving money too. (Plus she’s usually using my Starbucks acct which means I pay lol)

[@brendadomingo2949]

@@meagerz I personally use a conventional oven when I reheat anything and they taste fresh in my opinion.

[@jernigan007]

I'm a DOUBLE BATCH AND FREEZE guy. Portion it out, easy reheat meals. Single guy, busy schedule, works for me

[@ellendunn559]

A couple times a year, I do price comparing. I used to have to go to each store in person, but nowadays I can do most of it online. Select two or three stores, make a list of items you use regularly (everything from oatmeal to shampoo), get out your calculator, and figure out the prices of things per pound, per gallon, whatever. You may be surprised to find that (as Christine says) the stores you think are the cheapest are not. For some items. But they are for others. (It depends.) This is why you keep track of this information! Lately (February 2022) I’ve noticed prices for many items jumping quickly, and it’s probably going to get worse. So knowing where to get the cheaper [fill in the blank] will help the old budget.

[@karenholland2012]

Best savings tip: when you see a buy one, get one free on items sold by the pound, get the free one as close to the same cost as the first one. I was amazed people at my store didn’t realize that!

[@rhiahlMT]

The buy one get one free can be a bit of a trap. The product prices are jacked up so you may find the item (especially meats) the next week at 60% of the price per pound. So, you may be getting one free, but you are actually paying quite a bit more off the price jack up per pound. The only way to tell is to watch the prices overall. I saw one last week where the meat was cheaper if I waited for the "sale" to end. It was a first, but it is something to be aware of now.

[@rhiahlMT]

@R MS Yeah. I was shocked when I looked at the price per lb on something on a BOGO and knew another grocery store had the same cut of beef for less than half the price on the BOGO. Went over there and stocked up. I think it was chuck roast for $4.99 and the BOGO price at the other store was up to $9.99 lb. I asked the head of the meat department if it was labeled correctly. It was. So, essentially the same price, except the $4.99 store had a larger selection. Really time to keep an eye on the meat labels.

[@mariayelruh]

We do 2 oatmeal packets, but usually one plain and one flavored. The plain ones are 12 to a box not 10 so when there are sales I buy 6 flavored and only 5 regular. It's like getting a free box ;).

[@theyoftheravens]

If you use zip baggies, (snack for one serving or sandwich size for keeping at your work desk) you can fill with quick oats and whatever seasonings you want ahead of time. It's great! And you can do the same with cream of wheat (aka farina/sooji at your local Mediterranean store) 💛

[@melissachapman6213]

My favorite tip of yours is the clearance items! We buy the krogers clearance salad kits and stir fry kits all the time!

[@ashKnights]

My Starbucks hack was to get a job there. Now I don’t spend a ton of money on a Starbucks run! I drink it while I’m there 😆

[@yrobticsmail]

I love Dave’s wiggle walk, so funny.

[@kimeverhart6253]

Thank you for helping so many, Christine!!🙌🏻✨ Ps…my favorite grocery saving hack is JUST DON’T GO!! Hah! Eat simple and healthy foods. Stay away from processed foods as much as possible!🤢 Grow what you are able; sourse locally if available. Having a well stocked pantry is the real answer.

[@FrugalFitMom]

Very true! Just don't go!

[@nunusky3942]

Hey Christine your videos and advice have helped me make it through much blessings to you and ur family

[@rachelmckoskybennett8285]

Great tip from this video: Peruse the frozen food isle to get inspiration for freezer meals you can make yourself at home for way less.

[@kathyhooker4968]

I'm a widow, so I cook only for me. But I love to cook and I have a freezer and technically, I have enough food in my freezer to last me about 3 months or more other than occasional milk, bread, eggs. I shop Aldi first, then WalMart. Love your videos. Thank you.

[@beckymaus4614]

My favorite parts of the video were how you filmed all over (laying on the table 😂), your husband dancing at the store, and at the end both of you gasping over the prices! I think I already use most of your tips: drink water, use Ibotta, shop WinCo and Walmart, sometimes Albertsons with the AP.

[@benlloyddavis]

Well...cracks knuckles...clicks pen...time to save some money and start menu preppin! Thank you for the great ideas.

[@YouSUBSCRIBE739]

I agree....grocery are so high...if I can save money or get tips...I'm happy! Ty for sharing😉

[@rebecka3884]

My favorite tip is shopping from my pantry/freezer. My daughter says that I’m a “food hoarder“ i could literally survive at least a month off of what we already have and that’s not including any type of shtf prepper food

[@GoofballAdventures]

Shopping the ads and digital coupons are my favorites!

[@StellarDistraction]

The thing about Trader Joe's is that the prices are pretty much consistent throughout the country. So if you live in a more expensive area like me (California Beach town- nearest Walmart is 1hr away) Trader Joe's is pretty cheap for staples and "ingredients." The prepared/convince foods can definitely kill the budget but are far superior in taste and quality than many other grocery store items so I like to keep a few on hand for the night that I just want to order take-out but am too cheap

[@calihapamama]

I’m in CA too, SF Bay Area and there are 3 Trader Joe’s in my immediate area... the closest Walmart with a full selection of groceries is a 20-30 minute drive and we don’t have Aldi up here at all.

[@StellarDistraction]

@@calihapamama I'm in Santa Cruz! Do you also find trader Joe's to be affordable compared to places like Safeway or nob Hill?

[@calihapamama]

@@StellarDistraction Trader Joe’s tends to be cheaper for milk, eggs, frozen produce and some other high frequency of use items in my household.

[@lauranewell3197]

I'm getting back into meal prep, making my Kool aid and tea at home and packing lunches. I switched jobs and not being at the grocery store all the time is saving me loads! I just renewed my Sam's Club membership and we're planning to do a big stock shop after we get our taxes back. I already have my meal plans done and most of the stuff I already have on hand. I just have to get my bags and containers to put it all up. I'm so excited about it

[@annw1395]

In Arizona, the first Wednesday of every month is senior day, and you get 10% off your entire grocery bill. Ages 55 or older. At Albertsons, Safeway, Frys, and Bashes. Every month.

[@nancyh1892]

Loved the tips. I am an Aldi girl. I like to go to Walmart online and add everything that is on my list. Then I go to Aldi and compare prices. If Aldi is cheaper…I spend my money there. I also use Ibotta. But I like to get all the tips I can. Saving money is always a good thing.

[@christinejunk8184]

My cooking for the week is based around the lost leaders I purchase. Instead of meal planning and then sourcing ingredients, I flyer plan and then meal plan and change it up sometimes after I shop if I found something on clearance that I like for a great price.

[@CuzOfTheDog]

I have to agree with shopping around. Everyone has sales and the Wednesday tip is AWESOME!

[@kw8501]

I think as a single Mom and a professional waking up at 5:15 am and working until 4:30 pm every day the hardest part is having the time to do all this research. My son is also a picky eater so I can’t just buy stuff because it’s cheap or free because he probably won’t eat it anyway. Meal planning is what I try to do but sometimes that’s even difficult. Once he finishes college at the end of the year and gets a job (or moves out…😂) I will definitely be saving some big cash!

[@desertfamilyhomestead3127]

When our budget was so extremely tight I luckily had a well stocked pantry and freezer but to get our essentials each month I only shopped three times. The biggest shopping trip each month was at the beginning when I received my monthly payment and then the other two were small trips and biweekly with my husband’s paychecks. I would put $10 in my gas tank to last me two weeks and the kids and I would leave after eating breakfast to go do our shopping in town making a circle to hit all the stores and stops(pay bills/bank)we had to make. Some stores we just went in and bought the loss leaders and nothing else. My kids have said many times that I need to stop buying ingredients and buy food 🤷🏻‍♀️😂 Finances have greatly improved since those days but I still buy more ingredients than “food”.

[@C2yourself]

TIP: Cook your flour tortillas directly on your burner (over foil) until they puff up before you attempt to make burritos. They will be more flexible and taste way better

[@janetg7255]

No can do on the drinks! However, I do buy Sam's Diet Cola instead of regular Diet Coke now, & only 2-liters per week at .78¢... You're always an inspiration, Christine 🤗🌻

[@margaretpare8206]

I can't even do sam's cola. I just writes the $15 /wk for my weekly diet coke. Say what you will, an addiction, indulgence, whatever it's mine

[@rangerlove7]

My husband refuses anything but name brand soda and I have to have my water add ins or I won’t drink water. We cut back in other areas of the store lol

[@meagerz]

I need my diet coke! My i do only buy it on sale now.

[@Barbara-xi8iw]

Sorry I'm with your mom I need my diet coke.

[@lesliekanengiser8482]

With ibotta and coupons, my original grocery bill this week was 145. Got it down to 96. Then I'll get back 14 from ibotta. And I didn't plan it out that well. I still made a few impulse buys. Definitely can still save. Just got to plan and maybe change what you eat

[@BubblyBibleGirl]

I love how you pose on your counter and dance in the stores! Lol

[@kayraven3984]

One of my favorite hacks has to do with the individual packets of flavored oatmeal. My family also eats 2 packets as a serving so we have started mixing one packet with an equal amount (1/4 cup) of the cheapest quick cooking oatmeal. Just double the amount of liquid the flavored oatmeal packet calls for. I not only save money but think this tastes way better - you get the same fruity flavor but it isn’t so heavily sweetened. Win-win!

[@europeanmominalaska]

Love my target coupon scanner thing 😆 Crock pot guru 2022 😂 Rice and pasta with everything 🤩 Bake my own bread weekly Make too much chicken Lots of eggs Home made pancakes Home made Lemonade !! Fruits and veggies for snacks with peanut butter, string cheese and cheap pretzels instead expensive granola bars/ or make your own granola :) done that too:) So much to still learn :) thank you for sharing :)

[@terirachelsims8928]

I am SO enjoying your videos I didn't discover until fairly recently! Having more or less been forced to retire shortly before Covid (good timing!) I suddenly was no longer going to the gym, but had more time to cook (which I enjoy and I'm known as a good cook). Add to that the current ridiculous increases in food prices, and your videos just about cover it all!

[@jim6235]

Thank you for allowing me to keep home brew coffee.

[@alexandriahaage1619]

I make home made Waffles every Sunday for a week or two at a time, hard boil eggs for snacks for the week, and sometimes muffins. My mother in law always laughs at me for my frugal ways but I can't tell you the last time I've thrown food out... so I'm the one winning!!!

[@parallelpinkparakeet]

Eating less meat has saved a lot. An equivalent of two days worth meat free has shaved a good $20-$40 off my grocery bill.

[@33snowgal]

Sundays we do a big brunch and meal prep for the rest of the week- pancakes, waffles and French toast all heat Wonderful In the toaster!

[@Dantedmc713_]

I have such a crush on Frugal fit mom😍

[@melissalynn5949]

I love shopping my pantry! I can save so much money that way!

[@Andrea-hn6uy]

Thank you Christine! May God bless you and your family.

[@jerim4543]

One thing I never hear anyone mention is how much you can save at Walgreen's and CVS. Walgreen's, in particular, has a GREAT rewards program, and they have regular sales on cereal, beverages and lots of canned and frozen foods. Once you get to know their system, you can save a ton of money. Obviously, you can't buy everything there, but in the early days of Covid (when the supermarkets were out of food or closed entirely) they were a lifesaver. I don't work for them, but am just a total fan.

[@veralgsouza]

ALDIS ❤!!! My favorite grocery store from all times 👀🥳

[@milktoast8071]

Could you do a breakfast meal plan where you buy groceries for breakfast for a week? I always see breakfast ideas on KZbin but all the ingredients are not the same and it’s expensive to buy them separately just for 1 breakfast. Will be great if there was a breakfast idea video where you buy breakfast groceries for a week at a time

[@HannahHappyHomemaker]

I spend $500-600 a month normally for a family of 6, 4 kids ages 11-5. I’m currently doing a different approach for a $300 month! Only shopping every two weeks and using grocery pickup so I don’t impulse buy and stay to my budget of $150 per shop! :) I buy my coffee grounds at a liquidation store at 75% off and I bake all our bread! I’m hoping to keep the lower amount for the next few months keeping the extra $$ on the side to use for stocking up on chicken and pork when it’s on sale!

[@ann6985]

Love your first hack...I always tell guests at my home...we either have water or water :) Love your videos...keep it up! Blessings to you and your amazing husband and family!

[@deannealbrecht774]

I only shop the discount meat anymore. It's mostly just because of the color (the grocery lights change the color). Learned that working at a grocery store. Check out restaurant supply stores as well.

[@mtherfnprincess]

I don't buy juice/soda but wine is a staple that must be available and I need-need it. A budget saving tip I have to is buy the family pack of meats if possible. Its usually cheaper and just separate it before you freeze it.

[@tiffanycotton4616]

Thank you for all your tips. When my kids were little I prepped food in the freezer. I also used to make them breakfast sandwiches in my sandwich maker instead of buying the 4 in the box. As well as hot pockets in it. Way less costly sand they got more. The kids in the neighborhood would come for them too. They’re parents thought I was the greatest thing🤣 I only paid I think $5 for the sandwich maker. Very good idea to make things homemade and freeze them. ❤️❤️

[@sstong2054]

Are they mushy after they thaw? Do you use regular bread? Ty

[@rosauralandis6335]

I love the make ahead breakfast tip! It saves money and time in the morning. I've been doing It every other Sunday. I prepped chocolate chip pancakes, blueberry pancakes, and sausage egg and cheese muffin sandwiches.

[@marinaloporto9310]

Great tips! I agree with all of them, wish I could get the family on board, especially with the beverages. I have one thing I do, I always buy a whole chicken and cut it up myself. I can make a soup, chicken stir fry, chicken with potatoes. Thanks for all your videos, I always enjoy them.

[@annw1395]

And chicken stock from the bones.

[@ericaharris9015]

My son and his wife are moving back in to help them save money. We are gonna go from 5 to 8. Although they come over every night for supper anyway. I can't tell you how much you have helped me! I put back $500 today thanks to you! My kids look at me like I'm crazy because I tell them nope not paying that anymore!

[@geraldinelucas3143]

Being a widow I pretty much do all of your hints but one you didn't cover is you must consider the price of gas and wear on your vehicle going to different stores to save on an item.

[@sobeliever1638]

Have cut from 1300 to 1k a month. Trying to do more. Goal for this month is 800. Lots of food allergies and subs are more expensive but will keep seeing how low I can go! Thanks for the tips.