Groceries for $14 - Living On Social Security

[@GoMommaGo]

My mom raised a house full and the last 3 of us by herself on a cleaning lady’s $5/hour paycheck in the 80s. She could Stretch a dollar further than anyone I know. She kept all of our clothes nice and we wore hand me downs and Goodwill clothes. She never ever bought new. God Bless her, she has been gone since ‘13, but you couldn’t find a family more grateful to God for the gift of our mother. We never went hungry, never wore rags and she never let on how hard it was for her, but she leaned hard on the Lord. He never left her or gave up on her!

[@davisholman8149]

God bless that wonderful lady - she is living in her mansion on high with Jesus.💒

[@rmason5477]

💯💯👍

[@blanchep216]

My sweet Mama lived on SS for years before she passed and I was in total awe at how she could make that check work for everything it needed to do each month! She never felt deprived or went hungry and all her obligations were met each month! She could make a dollar stretch like nobody's business and I am so thankful that I got to see first hand how she managed it all!!

[@lisad2701]

I live on the same amount. My daughter (who makes 6 figures) is so much in awe of my ability to live within my means that she wouldn't dream of spoiling my talent by helping me out a little bit.

[@debbyp297]

My mom was the same way, and she had money till end of the month, she didn't do without. If she wanted or needed something, I made sure she had it. At Easter and Valentines day, I made her baskets and told her they were from the dog, my yoshie loved her gamma.

[@donnaw3084]

@@debbyp297 Cy by no

[@susanburleson190]

Lisa D Are you from the South? 😘

[@tammyr4971]

I. Enjoyed watching. This. My mom also passed away two years ago,, she was on social security as well,,very little food money,,,,she made it stretch. Lol. I tried sneaking money in other ways. She. Was Italian mommy. The woman made a meal out of. A potato,chicken leg,carrot and little leftover rice,, chicken soup,,,,lol. Nothing went to waste. She amazed me how can of tomatoes would make a marinara sauce. Leftover bread,,she made bread crumbs,,we also had lot of chicken soup with dumplings 😊❤️by far. My favorite. Meal..I miss. Her cooking I learned so much, I'm so happy when I get a bargain at food stores. I also buy fresh carrots,,,green beans,,,kale. I'm not big on the white bread. I love multigrain. Walmart. Sells the bakery goods cheap if day old lol. I love wheat bread also. Multi grain,, I make sure I take my vitamins each day, wheat pasta is great too...my mom made that dollar stretch. Too,,,,,I will cherish all her memories. The frugal. Ways,,old school, ,was. By far so worth it....

[@lorelletravis2650]

One of your words of advice that I have told my kids over and over... having convenience foods in the freezer is usually cheaper than going out to eat.

[@lee0den145]

Lorelle Travis that’s so true. We save so much since the pandemic and we stay home most of the time. I get things that are quick and easy to fix

[@bchompoo]

True! And I was just going downstairs for something at night and I was so glad I found an apple and a bag of nuts.

[@SonshineLady7]

I LOVE Banquet Beef Pot Pies! When my mother was single in the 70's and I was a teenager, we ate these with a small green salad and had a great meal. I'm 65 and still eating them. I've been on SS disability for the last ten years and re: healthy foods - I truly believe the Lord has protected me from illness. I've been a believer since I was a child but living on disability has increased my faith soooo much.

[@davisholman8149]

If I eat those I always ADD extra frozen vegetables. There are not enough in them & with all the gravy, adding the extra veggies makes it more filling & more healthy.

[@thehustlinhomemaker1467]

I love that you are showing fruits and veggies being purchased on a strict/tight budget. So many people are convinced you can't have fresh fruit & vegetables unless you spend a lot of money.

[@yoshislayer8872]

Did u ever help your moms?😊

[@rhondawaldron]

I used to say if I could wean my family off groceries we'd be rich. I wish I had your cookbook back then! I LOVE it now. Never too late!

[@codgersworkshop4647]

Jill, you showed everyone that on your small grocery budget, you were able to get healthy food, some quick meals, and some treats. This is the perfect balance. Great Job!!

[@mariansmartt]

I love this series. My husband and I are retired and living on Social Security. These videos are so helpful. I can’t wait till I can buy your cookbook. Thanks for all you do!

[@MarshaMartinez]

I would love to get it for you...What's your address? Do you have a P.O.?

[@judibohn1548]

@@MarshaMartinez if they dont want it i do. Could be my birthday present..its this month. 😀 wanted to buy the 20th anniversary one but dont know when ill have the $ cause got a lot of work on my home...lol and car..its a rat race to see which is gonna fall apart 1st.

[@juttadestiny6810]

I often make a big pot of ministrone soup❤️ plenty of vegies a little chicken some herbs and spices and a handful of small pasta or rice a great meal healthy and filling!!💙💜💚💛💙💜

[@MissBurr1]

So glad you doing these videos about living on social security, alot of our seniors out there are hurting and barely making it on social security.....Its really a shame .I want to encourage others that to look out for your neighbor, take them a casserole, or a peice of pie, etc....peice of cake, our seniors deserve so much and they need all the help they can get..Be a blessing to someone today!

[@Karafaith1315]

Thank you for this. My sister is living on SSI after suffering a brain aneurysm. She never learned to cook because she was to "busy" little by little she has begun to learn a tiny step at a time how to cook basic meals. We make the trip to her state to fill her pantry and freezer 4 times a year so we know she won't go hungry. This video and others like it will be such a blessing for her. We want her to have independence in making good choices in what little money she does have to spend each month. Bless you both.

[@SomeBuddy777]

@Debby Handy I suffered a ruptured cerebral aneurysm (Subarachnoid Hemorrhage) July 2009. I totally understand!

[@MC-ck3tw]

Bless you for helping your sister.

[@chineseslaves1971]

I save a minimum of $100.00 a month shopping at Grocery Outlet, but sometimes $130.00 per trip. If something is coming close to expiration use it up. Name brand ricotta cheese at .50 a bucket turned into spinach lasagna with Italian sausages, all bought there. I get tremendous deals. Before that I used clearance racks at Fresh and Easy and that was a goldmine. I’m not a senior but protect my assets. It’s an easy way to make money. I’m always working around the home and when my bills come in they’re a lot lower for it. Groceries are a big deal if you aren’t careful. I’m thinking about a 3rd small home.

[@teebirds7152]

Frugality is becoming a lost art. Hats off to all the commenters on their skill set . Great video ladies, thanks

[@carmenwheatley7316]

True. Many people won't think outside the box when it comes to meal ideas. Rice, a can of mixed veggies and soy sauce. Pinto beans and rice. Homemade tortillas with eggs and black beans Homemade pancakes and bananas Homemade Mac and Cheese with ham. Ramen with a can of veggies. Endless possibilities for meals.

[@katburgess8533]

@@carmenwheatley7316 your menus made me so hungry! Yes, we can eat healthy and cheap. Simple, delicious meals like your ideas appeal to me so much more than the crap I know so many others choose to spend their money on. Now I have to go fix myself some Ramen! Thanx again!💗

[@vivalou1496]

Living on social security would be a great KZbin Channel. Everything from how to apply and when to apply to other programs that can also be used as a subsidy. I love your mom and enjoy hearing what she has to say and how she thinks. She thinks in a very practical manner which really appeals to me. Thank you for encouraging us in so many areas.

[@CookingwithCatLover0330]

Great tips for anybody. I was at the grocery store the other day and bought 3 veggie trays from the "clearance" area for .99 each. The sell by date was the day after I bought them. I have enough carrots, pea pods, tomatoes and broccoli to last us (2 adults) about two weeks! Plus the Ranch dressing that came with them are good until June! I love your videos. Keep them coming.

[@lanabrooks1554]

I have done that also, and I cook the veges in chicken broth and make a soup!

[@earthbybike]

away to keep berries (raspberries, blackberries) from molding or going bad so quickly is to pull the white liner the store puts in there and replace with a paper towel. The white liner holds moisture which causes the berries to mold quickly.

[@rennsea5865]

Thank you for telling us. I had no idea, and wondered why my fruit kept going bad so quickly.

[@carmenwheatley7316]

I usually wash/soak mine in water and a little vinegar as soon as I get them home. Lay them out on a paper towel to dry off. Then put in a container. I used to have that same problem with berries.

[@shannondalshaug686]

Thanks for the great information

[@mikayladupree9408]

earthbybike if you use the blue shop towels instead of regular towels they absorb much better.

[@cherylT321]

Thank you; I didn’t know that!

[@gracec6485]

Your Mom is sweet and has a lot to teach us. She reminds me exactly of my ex mother in law which is compliment and even looked like her. She was also very frugal and didn’t spend a lot on groceries for herself and cooked at home. Sometimes she would cook a couple of meals that would last her all week. I think people forget that as you age you don’t eat as much.

[@SmokeyMtnRobin]

If you have a Dollar Tree nearby you can get name brands loaves of bread for $1, when it's in stock. Ask what days their truck comes.

[@daveywaves5325]

There are cheaper places for bread.

[@suzyq1865]

cat sniffer where is bread cheaper than $1

[@isddesigner7]

Suzy Q at aldis if you have one

[@chicnoir29]

Suzy Q In my city, we have a bakery outlet where bread is two loafs for a dollar.

[@glorytogod4372]

Suzy Q 40-60 cents at Walmart for a big loaf

[@KittyPepperPhd]

You are so right about stressing about food. When I found out I had hypothyroidism the doctors said, "This is very serious. You're obese and have hypertension." Well duh. Then I decided I was through with panicking about it. I lost a crapload of weight and I was recently told I have "perfect" blood pressure. I often skip breakfast 😱 and eat crackers with peanut butter or a little cheese for lunch. In other words: advice is not what it's cracked up to be. I go with my gut these days. Just to clarify, everyone advised me that "Oh you really need to eat breakfast!" This may sound weird but eating in the morning makes me eat more ALL DAY. That's one reason I was so heavy.

[@susanburleson190]

@Kitty Pepper PhD I also find it very difficult to eat in the morning and have gone through cycles of eating or not in the morning. Like you, I noticed over time that certain foods make me ravenous. If my choice now is to eat certain foods or skip breakfast, I am ALWAYS better off skipping breakfast! In my quest to improve my health (and I absolutely have!) I have done extensive research, and that research has shown me why those foods make me so hungry ... they are all highly processed, high in carbohydrates (grains), simple sugars, sodium, and chemicals and they are DESIGNED and DEVELOPED to induce hunger. Why? So we consumers will eat more and buy more of those foods, naturally. Remember, y’all, that food companies are not in business to be helpful; they are in business to increase their bottom lines.

[@KTplease]

Me, too! Eating in the morning makes me hungry WAY sooner than if I have just skip it, have black coffee, then eat lunch at noon or 1pm. Intermittent fasting rocks!

[@faridah8960]

Agree with you.

[@cgallagher5023]

Agree -- I skip breakfast too.

[@christinecrapser5033]

Same here, if I skip breakfast I don't get as hungry all day. Im 60 and simi retired, so if I have one meal a day I feel good, maybe a snack in the early evening.

[@evadeanu1]

I love you guys! Thank you for spreading the word that, with a bit of thought, nobody will starve.

[@kellymcnichols5240]

I buy a tub of Tollhouse Cookie Dough & it lasts me 1 month or more. Cooking Pintos, I can Do Chili, Refry for Bean Dip, Breakfast Burrito, Tacos. If I want Bread, I make (Flour & Corn) Tortillas as I need, so it's fresh, doesn't mold & can be used in many ways!!

[@yellowbird5411]

I live in an area with several different major grocery chains. I have lived and shopped here for years. I have NEVER seen a clearance fresh produce rack anywhere. They take the old stuff off and whisk it back to the back room, and it is never seen again. Prices that you mentioned for fresh stuff is unheard of around here. I think there is no excuse for not marking down produce, but a lot of it goes to the food pantries, not to their customers.

[@kittykat7312]

They also put it in the dumpster. 😢

[@Mysticsoul77]

Sadly most actually throw it in their compactors/dumpers. They don't want to get sued if someone gets sick.

[@rhondawaldron]

I have seen produce clearance in EVERY grocery store I have EVER shopped. Some of the chains I have shopped are Winn Dixie, Kroger, Harris Teeter, Food Lion, Publix, Hanafords, IGA, Piggly Wiggly, Wegmans just to name a few.

[@RubiesNews]

Our grocery stores never put fruits or vegetables on sale either. We sometimes find meat that has been marked down and once a week we can buy bread for 99 cents. There are sometimes grocery carts with reduced items in them and we have found some good buys there. Lately, they have been nothing but junk food.

[@Livinginoz]

Most Kroger affiliate stores have the reduced produce shelf that Jill was referring to. Honestly though, other than Kroger I have never seen any of the stores in my area with a discounted produce rack. Most of them discount meats and bakery items, but not produce.

[@floragrassy]

My Mum put me on to this channel and I am saying a HUGE THANK YOU. I think that we have been conditioned to have fancy ingredients when really, we don't need all the fluff to be healthy and live well without excessive expenditure.

[@cleotaylor1860]

My aunt and uncle in the 80's spent less than $40 for groceries. My aunt would buy a regular sized Snicker's bar and cut it into 14 pieces and have it for that midnight sweet tooth snack for 2 weeks. My uncles special snack was the regular size bag of Frito's (back then there were 4 sizes lunch bag, regular size share, grab bag, then the family size pack). That would last him a whole month.

[@susansmith8081]

"We've made a god out of our food". TRUTH!!!!

[@imahick5723]

When frozen veggies are on sale, I stock my freezer ($. 79 - .99), canned beans $.47 a can, boxes of macaroni 3 for $1.00 and buy bags of fruit usually $2.99-3.99 for apples and oranges. A large box of Oatmeal, some cans of tomatoes and a dozen eggs and I have meals for almost 2 weeks.

[@emmylou-y4b]

This is a lot of great information. I'm glad your Mom showed how sometimes you have to be flexible and buy things that are not on sale. Life happens. BTW, there are a lot of overweight vegetarians who eat a lot of junk food that's expensive.

[@marybrown3132]

You can put bananas in the fridge and they will last a week. The peel will turn brown but the inside is just the same as the day you put it in the fridge in the first place.

[@debbiblakeslee2373]

Mary Brown I will try this. Thank you

[@lilithbelle2051]

Skin and slice banana and freeze

[@paulathompson7345]

my daughter peels and cuts bananas in half and freezes them for smoothies rather than waste, same with avocado

[@maryswindell9640]

Thank you Mary Brown I will try that

[@texastea5686]

Or you can peel them and place in ziploc bag in freezer

[@racheljackson5083]

Its important to note that special diets dont have to cost more. I have to eat a diabetic/keto diet and i used to spend 80 to 100 a month. Recently finances have changed so i spend 200 but it can definitely be done on 80

[@SonshineLady7]

Good point! I'm currently transitioning toward a more keto diet. Previously I ate mostly frozen dinners/convenience foods and I'm now saving a LOT more money.

[@emmaphilo4049]

This is interesting. I have family members with diabetes. Do you have any book recommendation for a keto/diabetes diet?

[@bevdix]

My hardest part is my produce. I love fresh fruit and veggies and a lot of them. That can be $20 a week even when bought on sale. Everything’s cooked by scratch and I can make soup or pasta sauce and eat two meals and freeze one. Plus a lunch

[@beeskneesbabe1]

Thank you for sharing this with us! I have to say that Jill always look so well groomed and put together I also loved her outfit with the colorful scarf and the dark blouse and necklace from the previous video. You always look so classy! xx

[@terrim9355]

God bless you both! I get social security disability. You have a good point. When you have a good income you CAN choose what sort of diet you want. On a very limited income,even if you aren't buying "healthy" food, you aren't buying "junk" food either! You go Mom! I'm in the same boat! 😊

[@deborahmartin2337]

I like to take the tops off the pot pies. Then add any extra veggies I have in the fridge on top. Put the top back on to bake.

[@rosemarybrown4681]

Brilliant tip

[@carladavis2587]

It would be great too to see you and your mom go to the thrift store to purchase say school clothes for the kids. What I used to do was FIRST see what was good from last year that they could still use this year THEN hit Goodwill to see if they had anything there THEN I would go to an upscale consignment shop that had really nice items for low prices then we would go to Wal-Mart to round out whatever we couldn't find or items that needed to be new like underwear etc. I would put everything together into outfits on the floor complete with belts, jewelry that I'd gotten at the thrift store for just a dollar or so. We usually saved a TON of money doing this.

[@barbarawarner1442]

Right on. Second hand jeans. Yeah! Dishes, cooking stuff, tools, cars..and some stupid bozo gripes about being deprived. Give me a break!! Deprived of debt? Hey hey, I don't mind that either.

[@michelecraig9658]

I love that you are doing this series. Thanks!! I think that after raising a family, it is a huge learning curve to again just cook for one or two people. I love how your mom talks about servings.

[@FreckleFinance]

I can afford to buy whatever food and I STILL wouldn't spend $4 on an avocado!

[@granitemoss1451]

Yes! My family enjoys artichokes as a treat with dinner. At $2 a piece currently, we haven't had them in a long time now. I can fit the $8 in our budget just fine, I just refuse to spend that much on that.

[@zussanne1]

no way I would pay $4 por it

[@naomiemoore5725]

Even though I live where they grow the avocados, and I won't pay more than $1 each.

[@Vbluevital]

Aldi has great products and produce and wonderful prices.

[@Uniquability]

I've never seen a single avocado for as much as $4. I usually see them for $2. It must be a matter of where she lives. I get 4-6 servings out of an avocado and would have much rather bought a $2 avocado than $2 ice-cream cones. But that's just me, I LOVE avocados.

[@retirement7219]

Thank you for these videos, please keep them coming.

[@lynhanna917]

love this series - I live on a pension and fuel prices are so high (Canada) that I no longer go from my village to the next city 46 miles away to shop. For the past 5 weeks I have made do with what is in my pantry and deep freeze with the only purchase at our local very high priced convenience store for fresh milk and a dozen eggs. I will have to make a trip, with a list, soon but I am getting used to opening the fridge and there are a couple of dishes of left overs and a great selection of condiments. I help prep food at a local caterers in exchange for the off cuts of veggies (this is food for my chickens) and all the coffee I can drink when ever I want. This coffee saves me $2 per cup. This will save me $40 a month on coffee out with the girls. It all adds up.

[@danielleshay1972]

I live in the Yukon, Canada and I wish I could buy food at those prices!

[@midsummernight2009]

Hi I live in Canada too and I just swoon over the US prices! Thanks for the videos, very inspiring.

[@huntasoup]

I live in Quebec and I am amazed at how cheap some of the food is in where they live compared to here. But I also found out that eating a mostly Paleo diet (like, 70%-ish) is cheaper for my family. And we're not lacking anything.

[@cgallagher5023]

If "in a bind" and really broke -- Make a "sandwich" out of mayonnaise or ketchup! It's better than nothing. .... Personally I don't have bread as often as i have oatmeal. .... So i can make a lot of things with oatmeal, whether cooked or not. For example, can of vegetables mixed with some spices (cayenne and tumeric or cumin?) and olive oil and oatmeal. ... Or cinnamon mixed with honey and oatmeal and olive oil and water.

[@chefmason101]

Kudos to you. I can totally relate. I've been quite gas conscious and have been mindful of avoiding long trips if not totally necessary. As for groceries, I recently surprised myself by making a meal by upgrading Sardines into a Tomato sauce. Pretty neat not to mention the flavor .

[@annoravetz6697]

I really enjoy your videos and I’m glad you came up in my feed. I will buy your books soon. I really agree that the older you get, the less you need to eat. A lot of people don’t want to admit that, and that’s a big money saver.

[@Tori1401]

I feel so Blessed to have a wonderful lady in the neighborhood that gives my daughter eggs which in turn she shares with me. It is such a help and adds to the variety of protein since I rarely can buy meat. There is so much you can do with so little if you take the time to learn. Thank you for sharing.

[@lori5946]

I am 55 years old and I have autoimmune Celiacs and hashimotos. I can not eat dairy, grains or sugar. I am off processed food. We started a garden. I am going to do canning and fermenting veggies and fruits. All the cheap food you is extremely bad for your health. Prior to changing my diet I had high blood pressure, over weight, severe arthritis, brain fog, chronic infections, asthma and took frequent antibiotic and steroids. All my illness went away. I weigh 125 lbs.

[@sophiesmomma]

It's really not hard to save on groceries... buy what's on sale, create a pantry stockpile, cook with what you have in your pantry. Be creative!

[@opchick0597]

I remember as a kid, we never even seen an apple, pear or peach without a bruise. I have no idea why some people are so turned off by a bruise on a fruit or veggie.

[@barbarawarner1442]

Yes. We just cut the blastid spot out.

[@granjmy]

I purposely buy the oldest apples. They are sweeter.

[@doriswhite1348]

Dad always bought discounted bruised bananas. I was in middle school while we were putting groceries away. I sensed that he felt badly about the bananas being bruised, so I asked, "Dad, aren't those bruises where the vitamins got knocked into the bananas?" He said, "Yes". I think he felt better then.

[@Glittergirl87]

I just love your Mom!! ❤️ She has given me such inspiration to save money. I live on Disability as well.

[@sjr7822]

You are what you eat, My Dad ate heavy foods, but, he worked hard labor, his day started at 4am, I think his hard work offset what he was putting into himself, lived to be 96 when a hospital infection killed him. I, on the other hand, can not get away with that diet, I tried getting off the no dairy, no meats, no oils, but,, I get stiff and achy and feel groggy. The reason we are called 'individuals' everyone is different As always, good hints, you two make a great team Your food is so much cheaper than in the Maine woods, I guess we paid the transportation cost is being at the end of the map Our lowest cost of store bread is 1.49 at our local grocery store. No coupons available

[@rennsea5865]

What part of Maine? Are you up in The County? (Fellow Maineac, just Living Away.)

[@debbiekrause4370]

Thank you for your wise advice. My husband and I are approaching full retirement. I have been fearful of adjusting to a fixed income . This video demonstrates practical advice about groceries. Watching your last to videos have helped me gain confidence in managing and enjoying life on a fixed income

[@godisgood2919]

I do intermittent fasting a lot. You can save 1/4 on your grocery bill. I DO like the larger fruit, such as apples, because you have more edible flesh compared to the core. I add a little water to my whole milk.

[@saragosselin2658]

If you eat your apple from top to bottom or bottom to top, the core virtually disappears. 😁

[@mapy1979]

We need to be taught what a serving is.

[@freedomreign920]

Yes there are 8 of us and my husband and oldest son and father in law have no concept of serving

[@10529Erin]

Absolutely!!

[@doriswhite1348]

Am on Social Security. What is saving me is that I made sure I got an apartment on the bus line. No need for a car. If I need to, I can rent one (but I never need to).

[@pattynicholson2994]

Learned how to shop from my grandma. I’ve taught my children since they were little by taking them w/me to the store. I also used to cook dinner for our Vacation Bible School at our church. I was able to feed around 50 children and 15 adults for 4 days for about $300.00 total. Came to about 1.15 per meal including desert and a drink. 🤗

[@davisholman8149]

What a gift to your church - the pastor was grateful I bet!🤑

[@connieainlay8057]

Your mother is amazing..she is brilliant. avacados are selling at Walmart for 77 cents.

[@suestenstream3041]

I am on disability...have a teen boy at home....when I get bananas on sale they seem to turn before we eat them...does that bother me, NO , I cut them in three to four pieces, and get them in the freezer! Those get used in smoothies, with other fruit, and I sneak spinach in...the smoothie becomes one to two servings of fruits and vegetables, depending on how many cups my son drinks! With a picky eater...it's a win! Most stores get deliveries, M- W- F...just an fyi...that is when they have the most full timers working😊

[@marykershner8726]

I put turned bananas in banana bread

[@lorisanford8515]

I've never done the math on it but I get the buy one get one free of Foster Farms chicken family packs and then I freeze the individual pieces and that will feed me for months of the chicken then I'll go and I'll buy a huge family pack of hamburger and I'll individually put it in baggies like the chicken and that will last me for months so it really helps to buy the family packs and especially when they're buy one get one free or on a regular sale. I love these kind of videos keep them up ! 😊💕

[@barbarawarner1442]

Yes. Sometimes the bulk doing thing has been great for me too. I have also blanched, smoked, frozen and dried. When I was in school I often made bulk dinners and divvied them up. Some for my husband for lunch if he wanted, some for me and the rest in the freezer. Going to college and working can be a time sucking nightmare but sometimes bulk prep has "silenced that growling German Shepherd" almost instantly. Sometimes I still end up with the growing pot syndrome from the pantry stash so dividing comes in handy. Some brands I stick to because I like them. Like one of our friends said, stop stressing and adapt. Some of our standard brands are doing much better about offering same products with no MSG and/or low sodium for quick and dirty "partial assembly required"as my husband called it. Bon Appetit everyone. Thanks, Girlz.

[@daffodilyellow]

Just received my cookbook and Penny Pinching Mama a couple days ago, and they are soooooo helpful!!! And real! And down to earth. Thank you so much for everything. 💛Laura

[@paulrivera5231]

Four large tubes of Crest for $1 at Walgreens. How did I do ladies? I think that I’m getting there. Two large deep dish veggie pizzas 🍕 at little Caesar’s for only $3. I only ordered there because it was so cheap. Specials off the app when you get busy, but not to be consumed very often.

[@kyjarjon]

I do eat a plant based diet. I had a heart attack at age 46. I will tell you this..... I apply your tips on how to save money when I buy groceries.. no matter if your keto, plant based, vegan or organic 😀 if you want to save money just listen to what they say in their videos and apply the skills and tips and you will save money!!! Guaranteed!!!

[@emmaphilo4049]

If you plan your food eating natural or plant based is not that expensive... Good old rice and beans, lentil based curries aren't expensive

[@KC-dr3cg]

Millet is higher in protein..better than rice

[@edennis8578]

I can't eat rice, beans, pasta, bread, or any of that high-carb stuff. As seniors with glucose intolerance, we have to avoid carbs. For example, if I eat pancakes, I pass out for several hours.

[@tinasan3870]

I Love the idea of planning meals based on what's in your pantry. My husband and I are retired but I also get a reasonable pension so we are not really worried about going hungry at all ( unless they take away our SS!)......but I love to learn how to save money (you never know) and want to STOP throwing old food away! Thanks for the tips.

[@cheekysaver]

Sometimes when you get sick you just need some easy things on hand. You can't predict when you will be sick... so you just have to be ready.

[@debbyp297]

I'll be getting my social security soon, I'll be watching all of these videos, ty Jill and Tarawa.

[@danneyandroid0391]

You can mix the yogurt with a serving of your cereal for a more satisfying meal.

[@barbarawarner1442]

Add your favorite berries or banana slices too. Parfait.

[@snoopdog3771]

That sounds really good👍

[@cty9205]

Great video! Great tips! I eat keto (3 years now) it costs me average just under $3 a day. Lost 133 lbs! You are so right--your butcher is your friend. My food quality is excellent because I buy in bulk and freeze. Best part about keto for me is no more need for Drs or meds and their accompanying co-pays.

[@DragonPrepper]

Love your videos. I'm on disability, so I understand living on a fixed income. I grow as much as I can on my porch in containers. Tomatoes, bell peppers, bok choy, Swiss Chard, green onions, herbs, salad mixes, etc. It helps me eat healthy and saves me quite a bit of money, too.😀

[@Kabgirl24]

People get so butthurt when they are seeking advice and they get sensitive if the advice given doesn't align with their choices. My philosophy has always been take what you agree with and do what you want with the parts you don't. I am not as frugal as you guys are but I do implement some of your tips and just with that I'm saving an extra bit for our nest egg where we were breaking even not long ago. No need for people to take things personally.

[@MakeItEnough]

Preach!!!!

[@Kabgirl24]

@@MakeItEnough Exactly! They aren't holding people up at gunpoint saying that they have to do xyz to the letter. They're giving examples of what has worked for them and they are giving advice from their experiences. Not everyone responds to the tough love approach but I do. Most of what they talk about is common sense. Some of it is opinion and with that you can choose to take it or leave it.

[@MakeItEnough]

@@Kabgirl24 I agree! Many people don't have common sense these days. It's just advice. Take what works and leave the rest. 👌🏼

[@marciaamino9679]

@@MakeItEnough For sure, missing that uncommon common sense in society.

[@susanburleson190]

Katie Hecker YES!

[@Myfrugallife]

Great deals. I don’t meal plan either. I stock up my pantry when I can get deals and then cook what I have.

[@francesphillips8339]

Loved you video very informative I will keep watching for the next one

[@leeannwicker937]

I shop once a month for groceries and I allow myself two frozen pizzas and two other frozen meals. The rest of the time everything I eat I cook from scratch. I'm also on social security and my grocery budget is between $80 and $100 per month. I have an Aldi which is a huge blessing. Due to weather and car issues I've not been to town to shop since January 16. My emergency pantry has helped me have healthy meals -- and we're currently having a blizzard and my car battery is dead so it will be at least another week before I can shop.

[@christophermonkus5853]

I have been on a Ketogenic diet for 14 months, lost over 100 lbs, was pre-diabetic and because of the diet got my A1C and Glucose down to a normal healthy level. Anyway to my point, you can do a Ketogenic or low carb diet very frugally if you try. I get a 10 lb tube of 73/27 Ground Beef at Walmart for 19.99 easily lasts me a week and then some. Eggs are cheap where I live. I pretty much always buy my meat and vegetables on sale or at markdown. Chicken is always on sale. In the Summer Time Pork Roasts and Boston Butts seem to always be on sale for .99 to 1.30 lb. Because most places do not cater to a Ketogenic diet, I maybe eat out every 4-6 weeks (have to admit I have probably eaten out 5 times in the last 6 months, 4 of those times my meal was paid for by someone else). I have very little food waste. Also because of my metabolism I eat only two meals a day, no snacks. I generally do not waste my money on Atkins or other pre-made keto-crap. Keto like any other way of eating can be done on the cheap, you just have to develop a frugal mindset, I average $35-45/wk on groceries, I know there is room for improvement, still streamling things, my point is Keto does not have to be expensive.

[@CHSwildcats19]

Congratulations! That's amazing!

[@cty9205]

Awesome! Keep On Keto-ing On!

[@carolann811]

Nor does anyone have to say "keto" or "plant-based" as if they're saying something offensive if they're not judging someone's diet choices.

[@barrez7300]

I'd like to be on a VEGAN-KETO diet. My auntie was on one during her fight with cancer and her labs improved dramatically so I'm thinking how amazing this diet would be as a preventative. I just dont see how i can be on such a low budget eating VEGAN-KETO??

[@snoopdog3771]

Congratulations!!

[@greeneyedredhead61]

When buying bananas..yes small is good but also look for bunches with short stems...stems add weight and you don't eat them.

[@outshined7210]

I'm from Alabama and we love banana, tomato, and pineapple(yes, pineapple) sandwiches. It helps you get your fruits and vegetables and is a way to cut back on food expenses because it is cheaper than sandwich meats and peanut butter.

[@ayaniayani6092]

I like the way Mama explained the groceries. Soft nice voice

[@Gran2023]

I love Jill! And by cooking and also using portion control, she’s going to save tons in medical costs as well. Thank you for sharing your common sense!

[@davisholman8149]

She is slim because she has self control with what she eats. I see others on the internet that complain about not having enough money but eat double or triple what they should be eating. The person is obese & wonders why they can’t make it at the end of the month. Wake up, People!

[@gingerhokit216]

Thank you for a great video!Jill,I wonder if you might do a home tour and show us how you furnished and decorated your home on a tight budget. Tawra, your blouse is so cute!

[@michelledee9304]

My son works in the produce department at a grocery store. He does the mark downs/clearance on fresh produce. Some are over stocks, some are more ripe than they like to keep on the shelves. I always look for the red bag produce and dehydrate or freeze things. There are mark downs on the shelves with reduced stickers on them. The refrigerated items are on the shelves. I eat gluten free/dairy free/sugar free and vegetarian. I can do it very cheaply by not buying a lot of packaged foods and watching for sales and clearance items. He has to do markdowns on a daily basis and before 9:00 although if it's super busy, he doesn't always get a chance to do it before 9:00.

[@nanat6315]

Shame on you Tawra, making your momma starve for a video 😂 Love that y'all figured out how to do the Skype videos. Looking forward to many more videos from the two of you together.

[@LivingOnADime]

LOL!

[@jessicagriffis17]

I’m too in social security and I struggle. The same amount as mom. I adore and appreciate you all!! I just bought your cookbook and I love everything!!! I will be purchasing more for family and friends when I can afford it and a sale is running!! God Bless ♥️. Jessie

[@LivingOnADime]

Thank you! God Bless you Jessica

[@bunybleu]

I never pay more then .50 for an avocado, if they cost any more then that I just don’t buy it. I was at the store the other day and saw oranges 8 for a dollar, in my small town where our only grocery store typically has pretty high prices, the deals are out there you just have to look for them.

[@earthbybike]

Make your own salad dressing from Dr Esselstyn's book. Its called 3 - 2 - 1 dressing; 3 parts to 2 part to 1 part Balsamic vinegar, mustard, and maple syrup; was a game changer for me and I no longer waste money on dressing that contain preservatives and who knows what else.

[@bevdix]

earthbybike I just use oil and vinegar, sometimes a half of a lemon.

[@simplygoodwoman]

As a prepper of many, many years, in regards to the pull tab on the canned foods - while it is great to have these on hand, they do not last long term! I had a couple of pull tabs which went bad after a few months (not sealed correctly by manufacturer). I do always have several can openers placed throughout my home (in survival boxes, bobs, etc.). As for your shopping - way to go! I do like watching for tips and such and every little bit helps! Thank you!

[@midsouthhomestead9180]

We cook things in fridge and pantry as they get to the point of expiring next. This cute down on watste. Thanks for your video. Rhonda

[@eyelandgirl64]

This is a great series! Enjoying it very much. Thanks Jill and Tara.

[@Laura32562]

💓😃 So happy to see another one of these videos! Please keep doing them. I live on social security to due to obstructive sleep apnea and chronic fatigue syndrome. I shop wisely and ahead, as to tissue, dish soap, shampoos etc. I also dehydrate a lot of vegetables for soups and cooking for the fall and winter months. Everything covered and do very well on a small monthly income...being ingenuitive and frugal go alone way in this kind of living...🎉So happy you both are doing this subject...

[@caroscraftykitchen1806]

Tawra I really enjoy your videos because it’s really the way I approach grocery shopping as well. I only shop sales/clearances/discounts etc. makes a huge difference! Keep up the good work!

[@lynnedean713]

You two are a total delight to watch. I hail from England but all your comments are viable here and I am pleased to note I have carried out your tips for years! Yep, I am a senior citizen, a 71 yr old great grandmother and when my kids see my low grocery bills they get very concerned but I am sooo happy with my life. I batch cook, I cook from scratch, no convenience foods as I reckon my food is far superior. So keep up the good work and educate people and all the very best to both of you.

[@warrior5203]

Always makes sense! Even though I have watched for 30 times, I still have to watch until I fully understand the content and put them into practice!

[@crterwil]

just found your channel! Love it. . and I so appreciate the comment about making food our God. . . that is so true! My hubby is a heart patient but we are also on a budget .. so we do the best we can .. . we leave the rest to the good Lord :) God bless you both.

[@kerrynwright]

Thanks for sharing about your shopping, Jill. Lots of tips & tricks & always something to learn no matter how many years we've been living on a dime!🥰Blessings from South Australia💕🐨

[@charliebyerly3931]

i always do cash back, store coupons and store brands and stack offers and scan receipts for more cashback, so when I get an item not on sale, I'm already ahead by getting all the other stacked offers. ibotta, fetch, receipt hog, swagbucks, rakuten and my blue cash american express card all help. ALSO 10% off on the once a month Senior Day at the grocery stores really helps. my last haul on senior day, plus the stacked offers i always do, was $36 total at the store(Aug 2023) plus all the cash back offers I'll get, and lasting at least 2 weeks.

[@54jeanmarie]

Important to look at what you have before heading out and make a list, trying to follow it closely. Jill- you are wise to mentally portion out in your mind, this reduces stress regarding food lasting. What do you do with sweetened condensed milk// Careful not to use a big oven for 1 pot pie. Some are in cardboard containers and can be microwaved. My Italian grandmother taught me to fill an oven and cook a few things at once, which I did when all 4 children and a husband were here. Life passes quickly, enjoy some yummy treats occasionally w/o guilt as you do.ENJOY

[@lauriea4406]

Love listening to Jill, I learn so much from her.

[@jksatte]

Just sensible advice. You already know it but it certainly helps to hear it again and see it in action. Janice

[@kimc8250]

What a blessing you all are. GosD bless you ladies. So sweet of you to take the time to do these videos.

[@gabbiesmeemee]

Great video ladies. My name is Deb I've commented a few times on your channels. I live here in Wichita Kansas probably not too far from your mom. I am disabled and have been since 1995, after suffering three pulmonary embolisms. And then in 2005 and 2006 I broke my neck three times, after discovering I had degenerative bone and disc disease. So I've had to raise my kids pretty much on assistance because I make the same amount that your mother does her disability. They don't give you extra money for your children so you're forced to get assistance from the state. Oh I forgot to tell you I'm a single mom and have been since 1992. Raising four children on little or nothing was very hard but we did it. I did accept government assistance while trying to trace down their father who refuse to pay child support. He actually move to New Zealand and took up dual citizenship but work in New Zealand which actually would have gone after him for child support but the state of Kansas never went after him. As many times as I called and tried to get things moving it was too expensive for them. I was very discouraged with the Kansas Child Support Enforcement. Needless to say raising my children on assistance from the state in food stamps which for for children and myself we received enough probably to feed 15 people. that is one thing I do have to say my mother taught me how to cook as well as my grandmother's. From as far back as I can remember standing on the stool next to one of them cooking until I was old enough probably around 10 just stand in front of the stove and cook. My grandmother's growing up during the Depression we're always very frugal when it came to their meals. if they did not catch it grow it shoot it catch it on the line grow it in their Garden or raise it on their homesteads , it generally did not get ate. and I cook the same way. my mother has always been a very frugal cook as well she can stretch a pound of hamburger what to feed six people and a large hamburger patty out of that for my father Hillary refused to eat casseroles. I never could understand that. My mother no matter when it was what what time of year always had Three Square meals on the table. and lots of deserts throughout the month after dinner. One dessert mom would make was, if we had some kind of a rice dish she always made extra rice. we would sprinkle sugar on it with butter and milk and ate it as a desert. I still do that today when I'm craving something sweet. And how cheap is that for a family of 6. thank you for such useful information. I to splurge a little bit like your mother does and it lasts me forever I've always got something to choose from. thank goodness I am not into sweets that much to me the yogurt your mom bought it would be a quick lunch, or when I feel like my blood sugar is low. it has just enough sugar to bring it up instead of skyrocketing and then plummeting later. hopefully soon I'll be able to buy your cookbook, as I have probably about 15 cookbooks that I have collected over the years. I prefer to cook from a cookbook because you can choose ingredients. I have one that you can plug in on index cards what ingredients you have and it will give you several recipes for that group of ingredients it was an investment that I got for people who have hypoglycemia. you can take your test about anyting and change its taste with the ingredients that you put into it and trick your mind into believing that you're eating something more expensive. thanks again ladies take care and God bless Deb

[@ollenepoundstone7830]

I too am on social security. I get only$15in food stamps. I only spend less than $80 a month on groceries. I too buy only sale items. We at so have an Amish salvage store. This is where I shop for all my groceries l can buy yogurt for $2 a case of 12. This week they were on sale . If you buy 2 you get one free. I buy Ramon noodles buy the case for $3 . If I run out of food before the first of the month when I get my check. I go hungry so I am careful to not waste anything. I love you channel you give me more ways to save money.

[@zickafoose]

This is a marvelous topic!

[@kimhilder2300]

She doesn't "crave" because she just eats whatever she craves. 😂

[@mjsikes1470]

Loved this! You all are such an inspiration to me! ❤️

[@angelag.johnson1985]

Just subscribed. Loving all the Great info. Much LOVE from Georgia

[@campoida]

People.also eat too much .

[@evelinholmes6401]

ida campo to many of the wrong food. Like chips chocolate and pop. Not needed

[@teresaevans4840]

So true 👌

[@teresaengland100]

I eat to much im over weight...

[@ptlboodeb1]

Thanks for the great tips. Off topic but I watched your TP video. I loved the way you tested each one and the research that went into it. But I saved it under funny videos. It will be great to watch it again and again. Y'all are so funny!

[@cfinn9652]

I'm planning to eat several meals out of the pantry next week! Lentils and rice casserole and chili. I have the lentils, the rice and the red kidney beans. I think I have barley as well, which could make a soup.

[@patriciahoffmeister232]

I have the Living on a Dime Cookbook. Right now I am trying to use up my freezer items.