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

[@Veevaivoevum]

Since the pandemic begun, I’ve been doing the order online and pick up curbside and I’ve realized I spend way less than when I normally go inside and shop because I don’t go in the store and browse everything haha

[@tstuckey6304]

Me too. It costs $3 for a weekday pickup at my store but the lack of impulse buys more than makes up for it. Plus I don't forget things nearly as often.

[@zacharykatsouleas9956]

@@tstuckey6304 haha thats funny

[@schill2002]

Me too. I’ve been doing meal planning and online grocery only for 7 years now. Huge cost savings. So much less food waste too.

[@Veevaivoevum]

@@tstuckey6304 yeah! Like it’s always nice to find discounted things in the produce isle when I go in. But I almost always end up forgetting to grab something 🥲

[@SamLuka2020]

I have been doing Walmart grocery pickup for a year. I went inside just to get a rotisserie chicken (we can’t get on pickup here) and I spent $210. I may never go in again.

[@karenprinz5987]

My trick for meal planning, have a frozen pizza or homemade freezer burrito stash on hand for when you don’t want or suddenly can’t cook a night. It’s saved us so many times from ordering out.

[@momentsformoms9467]

Yes.

[@shannonbrice8012]

I have a bunch of freezer meals for this exact reason. When I got really sick a couple of weeks ago, we used the freezer meals up. It was a lifesafer. Spent 2 days cooking to replace it but well worth it. Especially since my daughter cannont have sugar (that is in EVERYTHING)

[@schill2002]

Yes...or for when that freezer meal you thought was a great back up option is a bust lol 🤢 Learn from my experience there! haha

[@EliseWood]

Yessss I do that with Costco’s cauliflower veggie pizzas which are so good! Also more unhealthy things like corn dogs and stuff for those times when I need something in a snap

[@dacapomusic8780]

Me too! There is ALWAYS a frozen pizza in my freezer for that exact reason!

[@maryannbaldez6629]

100% this! My husband used to ask why I went to three stores to get meat, produce and dry goods. 😂 best prices for each were at different places and luckily they were all within two miles of each other. Great video!

[@mylindalou2426]

I’m so happy we bought a large property so I can grow fruits and vegetables. We also planted an orchard. It saves a ton!

[@mekon1971]

Fruit trees - plant once and harvest for years!

[@mylindalou2426]

@@mekon1971 absolutely 😁

[@lynkrieger6167]

I hope God has a house with a lot in mind for me so I can grow a garden. I have strawberry plants here I can dig up and replant and that would make me a happy start. Then I just want to grow things that will come back every year.

[@mylindalou2426]

@@lynkrieger6167 I’m sure you will get there some day ☺️

[@shellsmith831]

One tip I would add is knowing the prices in your area of your most often purchased items.

[@ourmodernhomestead2974]

I was going to say the same thing, knowing your prices on even just the basic items like milk,bread, eggs... has really helped knowing when to buy or not buy.

[@cherylann2271]

I have started tracking prices in our area and I am hoping to create a spreadsheet to make it easier to track.

[@beckymcd7679]

Agreed! Then you know what is a stock up sale price. I have all the prices of everything we buy on a normal basis in my head.

[@shannonbrice8012]

A lady in Costco was SHOCKED I knew the prices of things. I get some people don't look at the prices but to me that is throwing away money. I know my prices so when things go on sale I can stock up; and or if the prices jumped I know not to buy it.

[@gorgo4910]

@Colleen Dunn LOL! The Tightwad Gazette!!!

[@angelamercedes5136]

I started following your suggestions at the beginning of the year to try and save more money. Last week I only spent $51 on groceries and this week $18 for a family of 2. Your no-knead bread recipe is amazing!

[@Ferrexx]

the bread recipe is part of why i subbed

[@soccerchix98]

as a college student - your tips have been SO helpful - so thank you!!!

[@FrugalFitMom]

I'm so glad!

[@zacharykatsouleas9956]

I'm in college too, and I'm always trying to budget. there is this app my friend showed me called pickl. I haven't used it yet, but when he shops he uses it and I think it pays him $5 for taking pictures of products on display at the grocery store, it seems to work well he said he made $10 bucks with it when he went to target last week.

[@wilmariegonzalez2810]

Agreed!

[@denisecastano6500]

F F frrrrtth

[@seekwisdom5102]

Check if you have Grocery Outlet in your area. Its like Ross or TjMax but for food. I love it.

[@isabelled1130]

1- Meal planning 2-Use what you already have 3- Look at the store adds for lost leaders (very cheap items) 4- Learn how to cook 5- Buy generic instead of name brand 6- Eat healthy (buy less process food) 7- Shop for fruits and vegetables in season 8- Shop the clearance items 9- Use cash back apps (or coupons)

[@littlesongbird1]

1 and 4 are especially important. I know so many people who if they would just learn to cook, could save so much money. You don't have to learn to cook gourmet foods. For example, I cook a lot of beans and make burritos with them. I also find that chicken is easy to cook .

[@johnballard6725]

Good idea like this to have a summary of the video as sometimes you don't want to have to see it all in real time!

[@rowddyone2013]

I have been working at a hospital for over 3 months now at the ER entrance and I can tell you all- investing/ spending on your health is just as important probably more important than extra IRA and 401K contributions.

[@emilytheriault9935]

I've been watching your videos a lot this last few weeks. I probably use to spend almost 300 for about 4 days of food. Last week I spent about 156 for a week of food and my essential items. This week Im going to spend about 70 for essential items and week of food. Your videos helped out a lot. I realized that my family of 6 just needs to eat a little different and I can save money.

[@aliciaunaryan4751]

Another point & if possible, to grow your own fruit and vegetables, it saves a ton of money. Greetings from South Africa

[@lizacisneros9663]

My dad grows so much veggies and fruits he has an avocado tree me and my kids love them

[@LalzJeNeSuis]

@@lizacisneros9663 Grow own fruits and vegetables is my dream 😍 I'm 28, investing in real estate but still never had a house. Avocado is the best vegetable, maybe with some tomato, salad to complete, and as fruits the dream would be blueberries and some other berries

[@lizacisneros9663]

@@LalzJeNeSuis blueberries would be soon good!! We got a tangerine tree my kids, nephews and nieces can eat all those tangerines in days

[@seekwisdom5102]

Growing herbs alone it saves a lot and you can dry them

[@seekwisdom5102]

@@LalzJeNeSuis You can grow things in pots, check online. You can easily have a blueberry bush in a large pot and eat it from it. The same with raspberry and strawberries. You can take with you when you have your home. Herbs can grow in pots easily. I even grew tomatoes before and peppers.

[@FallOutBoy26MB20]

SPOT ON about the extreme couponing show ruining it for everyone. As soon as Kroger stopped doubling coupons, I knew it was over. RIP paper coupons; you will be missed.

[@vlmellody51]

I used to love Kroger's double dollars coupon days. I would mark them on my calendar and save up my coupons and money for those days. Thanks to that abysmal Extreme Couponers show, it was abolished, making life so much harder for poor families like ours was.

[@Carolegavinriley]

I couldn't agree more!!

[@arescue]

We never could do that here.

[@vl8835]

My sister and I got behind a person in the store one time with extreme couponing. Unfortunately, there was only one cashier in the store and it took 45 minutes for her to run all the coupons. Needless to say, a lot of unhappy people in the store AND we had to wait a ridiculous amount of time to check-out.

[@momentsformoms9467]

@@vl8835 I had a lady once get mad she had to pay $3 on a $100 bill. Then I had to cancel it bc she said she had to get her kids from school & would be back to talk to the manager bc it should’ve been free. She used to steal too. We had a lot of problematic people with coupons it was awful. Most knew not to come to me because I checked for expiration dates & wrong brand/sizes,etc. to be fair it’s only if a coupon doesn’t scan. There was also something called glitter coupons which means it’s for one item but worked for some reason on others.

[@dacapomusic8780]

Love your videos! 2 years ago my husband and I were regularly spending 1-1.2k per month on food. Mostly going out to eat, prepackaged food and grocery store impulse buys. Pretty much everything you say not to do 🤣 I made it a goal to bring that number down. We brought it down to 800, then 600 and now I only pull out $400/month for our family of 3. Now we're getting to the point where we're not even using all of that every month. Super proud of the savings I'm able to find. I share couponing and cash back apps with everyone I know!

[@dawnhodges4308]

See this is what I want to do. There's times I spend 300-400/ week at Walmart. That includes paper towels, diapers, personal care items, etc but it's our most expensive bill, higher than our housing cost. I'm learning more about food preservation and cooking from scratch because we waste way too much food. I'm ashamed by it. So happy to hear how much you cut your bill. Gives me inspiration!

[@patriciajackson1457]

My tip: stores have somethings on sale in rotation, learn the rotation and plan to buy while on sale. Also, if you have a deep freezer March is usually frozen food month.

[@elijahsheremet8980]

Everything you said was on point. Edited to add: this video better get a million views. So much valuable information most people won’t consider. -Lydiya

[@RandallHallKaizenReiki]

My diet has improved so much since I started cooking more meals instead of just heating up prepared foods. Your channel has been so inspiring. Thank you.

[@SpringFlowers537]

This is a Christine video everyone needs to watch! This is fabulous!

[@FrugalFitMom]

Thank you!

[@MelCross74]

I shared it with my daughter and daughter in law! Love it!

[@succulents6137]

I also make sure to take a sharpie and write "eat within 2 days when thawed" because once thawed, they will still go bad in 2 days.

[@candied_ginger6813]

Thanks to you I'm obsessed with clearance items in my Kroger. I feel like I won a prize when I find these deals!

[@vl8835]

Once or twice a year I will find them at Wal-Mart but my local Kroger has them every time I go shopping there. (Wal-Mart had some quinoa marked down for $1.00 a box and bought some of it-holy moly, so gross. Christine recommends washing it before using it which I didn't know about it-however-I'm not willing to give it a second try to take said recommended step to see if it is any better.)

[@candied_ginger6813]

And to follow up I just scored a couple 10 packs of 90/10 burger patties for $1.99! Right to the freezer!

[@mindibunch5232]

Kroger clearance is the best!

[@marywilliams6871]

Everytime I go to the stores in my area I always look for clearance items and sales. I usually use those items as my meal plan and I also buy bulk items at a local bargain store when the deal is good. Watching you has helped us so much. I’m now spending almost half of what I use to and still making good meals my family loves.

[@kellyraglow7393]

Dawn dish soap only! Also, feel the same with Kraft Mac & Cheese and Hershey’s chocolate syrup 😁😆

[@juanitaglenn9042]

I like Kelloggs Rice Krispies, (brand?) Cheerios. Lol. No name peanut butter is actually my favorite over all of the 'brand names'. No name snack crackers and no name pudding cups as well.

[@DebraMarakovits]

@@juanitaglenn9042 I’ve found that some of the crackers at ALDIs are good, the saltines are a no.

[@wildshadowstar]

The “healthier” foods may be pricier, but they satiate you for longer, meaning you don’t have to eat as much. At one point,I was drinking sodas like it was water. Once I cut that out, I noticed a big difference. I still need flavor in my water, but it’s cheaper to drink tea or kool aid that you make yourself and you can make it as sweet as you want it.

[@shannonbrice8012]

I know fruits and veggies are extremely pricey especially in the winter. I still spend less than 500 dollars a month (even though the average family spends 13 THOUSAND a year) and we eat very well. The downside, is that EVERY single meal must me made. I spend over half my day in the kitchen just cooking.

[@moonlightequilibrium]

i'm trying to get over a soda dependency and yup, it's insane what it does to your body. when i began cutting back on soda and going for flavored water, i began getting less headaches, less utis, stopped getting dizzy every time i stood up, etc. jeez!

[@barvdw]

@@moonlightequilibrium are there more people doing syrups? Yes, it's also sugary, but at least I have much less sugar intake when mixing in a grenadine syrup or citrus syrup. A bottle of half a litre lasts me a month. Plain water is a bit bland, and I often don't drink enough if it's just plain water, I think mixing a cup of syrup into a litre of water is worth it.

[@donnaleeclubb119]

I don't think "healthier" food is more pricey at all. It is just that people are more expensive eaters. If you are a "cheap" eater, a lot of healthy food is SUPER cheap. Beans, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat bread, cabbage, greens, peanut butter, oatmeal, grits, many frozen veggies, bagged red apples and bananas (year round cheapest fresh fruit). There are many more I am sure I forgot that are really cheap. If you are a meat eater, chicken legs or leg quarters and pork are your cheapest meat. It is just people want to eat berries, avocados, more exotic nuts than just peanuts which are cheap. The meat she mentions is chicken breast. That is the most expensive part of the chicken usually. You can easily have oatmeal with a small lunch size box of raisins thrown in with half a red apple and half a cup of milk. For lunch you can have a tuna salad sandwich (tuna in a can is pretty reasonable) with the other half of the apple and some iced tea, maybe even eat a little unhealthy with a small (50 cent) bag of chips or a large bag of raw carrots are pretty cheap too, or both. For dinner a baked. For a snack have a banana or any in season fruit. Dinner have a large portion of smothered cabbage (I always add onions and a bit of sausage IF I find the sausage reduced. If not, the cabbage is good anyway smothered with onions), I may add a couple of ears of corn and a small salad of mixed greens and cherry tomatoes. The greens and tomatoes are maybe more expensive than say cabbage, but eat less of it. Before bed, I may have another half cup of milk and two prepackaged cookies, generic brand. This is just one day. You could do beans and rice, baked potatoes with salsa on top or a baked sweet potato with a bit of brown sugar and a small pork chop for lunch or dinner. These are very cheap meals. Basically we have become so used to grazing throughout the day, convenience and not eating simply. We are basically a wealthy, blessed nation, even the poor compared to many countries who don't have our choices. I thank God everyday for living in the United States of America

[@donnaleeclubb119]

For dinner I meant to type a baked chicken leg quarter.

[@taytaytaylorj]

I’m Hispanic so salsa is ubiquitous in my diet and very important to me. Lol and I can 100% back up and approve your sentiments toward the Costco brand salsa! It’s so good. I normally always add cilantro to it but that’s because I love cilantro and my salsas will always have extra cilantro! 😋😋😋😋

[@ccl6192]

Yes!!! I’m Mexican American and I agree 100%! I do dress it up a bit as well. I add roasted green Chile I order in bulk from New Mexico and keep in the freezer extra garlic a few dashes of tapatio and cilantro. It’s too plain for me on its own but it’s such a great base. You can dress it up so many different ways Chipotle, borracho, fresh cherry tomato fruits and serranos in the summer. Watermelon mint cilantro and cucumber sounds weird but it works!!!

[@taytaytaylorj]

@@ccl6192 those are awesome additions and ones I will definitely try 😋😋😋

[@dogjeepmeat]

Cilantro, yum!

[@lesa100lbwtlossjrny]

You are so right about every point....and I had to make my husband get over always wanting name brand items when we first got together

[@zacharykatsouleas9956]

Haha thats funny i hardly ever buy name brands ever

[@sarasorensen2650]

I had to "make" my husband learn to eat left overs.

[@xr231yeet5]

Great video! All the tips in this video I use and have helped me reduce my grocery budget to $400 a month from an outrageous $1300 a month, and we eat much higher quality, nutritious food. I would also add the tip of simplifying your pantry and stockpiling single ingredients that can be turned into many different meals and to have a healthy stock of spices. Also the one thing that has made me a better cook is to not waste anything. That has made for some interesting meals and new favorites. Thank you Christine great job!

[@rmyerscmi]

It would be great if every food pantry had this video playing on loop. So many people could learn how to shop better while stocking up. We're pretty good at handing out fish, not so good at teaching people how to fish.

[@AndreaRuralMN]

I do not like meal plans/freezer meals. I go day by day what sounds good for dinner. If I make something I planned 2 weeks ago and not in the mood for it, I won't eat much and snack on unhealthy things and it goes to waste. What I did when I started making everything from scratch was make a list of meals we like and make regularly. Then made a list of ingredients for those meals. Then I shopped for the cheapest ingredients and started building a pantry. First with 1 of everything, then 2, now 3 or 6. So everyday I can just think of what sounds good and pull from my freezer/pantry, then, most important!, write on my shopping list what I used so I can replace next shopping trip. Just putting this out there for others who don't like meal plans but would like food insurance!

[@celestelopez4333]

PREACH IT GIRL!!! Great advice, kind of the stuff that used to be taught in Home Ec class back in the day. 😁

[@marthaharwood2960]

I hated my Home EC teacher,, but she sure could cook

[@valeriehilltew8999]

1. You’re having a great hair day in this video. 2. I’m still loving your kitchen renovation updates! 3. Brand vs. generic: Only Dukes mayo will do.

[@sarahlawhorn7955]

Hi Christine! Ok, my mama didn’t teach me how to cook, I’m becoming pretty desperate with the rising prices of take-out. I have been watching your videos for a couple of weeks and you have the BEST “ cooking” channel of them all. Thank you so very much for all of your tips, wins, and most of all your “ask me how I know” fails 😉 Again I cannot thank you enough…

[@FrugalFitMom]

Thank you!

[@shellsmith831]

So glad you went over this again. Especially the part about higher priced grocery stores. So many people write them off and i know from experience that they can have great sales, specials the best markdowns! Bravo and Well Done!

[@joane5777]

Loss leaders for the WIN!!! Those ultra cheap items that draw you into the store are the best way to outsmart them ~ I've been following this way of shopping for years and it really works in saving a boodle of $$ Keep up the good work Christine❣

[@tonyagrimm1024]

I was inspired by you this week cleaning out my freezer found cheese tortellinis and made a creamy soup with clearance whipping cream spinach and Italian sausage. Was the best soup I have ever made! Your tips will help our family of soon to be 6 a ton. Thank you for all you do.

[@madisoncarlton5568]

Over the summer, i go to my dad's house at that point, I'm going to set a soft limit of $40 a month for groceries, and a hard limit of $60 for just me. My dad is helping me with this since I don't have a job yet. Your videos have been a great inspiration for me to prepare myself for college and living on my own. One of my biggest challenges, other than learning to budget, is coocking with almost zero counterspace and cooking equipment, and I've actually found your videos useful in that regard as well since its usually made in a basic pot/pan and in the oven. Thank you for making these videos

[@kimhundl8994]

Great video! Good, solid tips for saving money. Also would add checking digital coupons that some stores utilize now. Yesterday at my Kroger's, 1 lb butter - on sale for 1.99 / digital price 1.77 then I used the 50 cents off store coupon they mailed me. Final price $ 1.27.

[@ellendunn559]

One reason I prefer to shop in person is because I love hunting for unadvertised manager’s specials! Many stores have these in amongst the full-priced items rather than in a separate clearance section, so I’ve trained myself to look for the brightly-colored stickers. Great way to save!

[@sherryvalentino6180]

I wish we had a discount store like you do. I always see you mention it in your videos and Im like dang we need one. Love all your tips.

[@3000RP]

I enjoy these videos but when I see the prices I laugh at how low they are. Even the cheap stores here aren't that cheap...

[@M-hc9xm]

I could not agree more with these tips! Doing your own cooking from real ingredients is less expensive, more satisfying, and waaaaay more healthy. It also helps bond your family together. My teenage son's first question about 5 is ... What are we having for dinner tonight? And he loves trying new things. After adopting a lot of the ideas in the video years ago, I ended up saving the biggest hunk by switching to Aldi's for most of my shopping.

[@kristenwagner8765]

YES!!!!! I go to the store on Mondays for “Meat Markdown Monday” as I call it. I pretty much buy all clearance meat

[@magpie9223]

Food waste was my biggest money loser. Still not great at it but made improvements. Having a plan, as you mentioned, really does help with that.

[@MsPandachen]

I live by the Motto Aldi for everything (I’m german so Aldi is everywhere)... and meat deals for the freezer from the „expensive“ stores

[@hollyb4799]

Every time I go into my local Safeway, even for 1 item, I hit the clearance areas. Sometimes amazing deals, sometimes not. Now even Hubby checks when he goes in too. I'm so proud! LOL

[@travelmom3031]

​I have gotten some great tips from you, Christine--old dog, new tricks and all that--but mostly it has given my newly married daughter a way to eat well on their tight budget! I have really been enjoying your channel. I have 4 kids as well, but only 3 still at home, but i can relate to your busy household.

[@travelmom3031]

and i got Ibotta because of you.

[@cynthiamyers4265]

Everyone should watch this. Everything you said was great advice -- if people do these things, they really will save so much and eat better.

[@granitemoss1451]

We eat meat and for years, I only buy it on sale or on markdown (near expiration). If it's regular price, it stays there! Recent markdown finds in other areas- bagel thins, .50 a pack, donuts .50 a box (the only time I'll buy them, a rare treat), tomato paste .50 a tube, pasta, .50 a box. If you're not shopping markdowns, you're missing out for sure!

[@irmamagana4234]

Clearance Naan is the best. Thank you

[@masquitaful]

For produce, learn to can. Talk about savings! I love to buy in season or grow it myself, and then preserve it. I very often will buy up the clearance bananas and freeze them. Or whatever is on sale, figure out a way to preserve it.

[@susanboatright6425]

I absolutely won’t budge when it comes to stove top stuffing, I ONLY like cheap “stove top” the original is WAY TOO STRONG!! But I made homemade stuffing this year , because of u, and my family LOVED it! So thank you SO much!! I also made 4 pans of homemade granola for the 1st time in my life, it’s SO SO GOOD!!!! I look for stuff to put it on... u have saved me time and money over and over again!!! Thank U so very much!!!

[@TheGlitteringEducator]

Haha, yes Oreos for the win! I really think those are the only name brand requirement!

[@rebeccam7932]

Fun fact oreos are actually a copy brand!

[@janedoe9421]

Na, Aldis are better. Besides who can live without Heinz ketchup!!😂

[@pennygivan2551]

Being ketchup and jiff peanut butter only. I will buy generic and off brands of other items.

[@theozzy4717]

@@janedoe9421 I agree, Aldi ones are yummy!

[@Krisgenx]

Meijer has a great knock off!

[@kendrasmith6637]

I am just learning the Ibotta app. Thanks for this frugal info. We are retired and on a fixed income. Can’t buy a lot ahead of time but I try to buy a few extra things we will use, each time I go. Thank you for sharing these tips for us all to use. 😊

[@sarahjanecross6127]

Could you do a video (or post the link if you have already done that ) on plant based shopping on a budget or Vegan on a budget ???

[@jenniferschmitt7938]

I have been using I bought a for years and I love it! I let it add up all year long and then I cash out at Christmas time and use that for Christmas presents. I just started using fetch when I heard you talking about it and so far so good :-) I like that your receipts can be up to two weeks old I went back and dug through all the receipts I could find.

[@annswann1941]

For me meal planning begins with your #3. First I check the sale ads then I check the pantry & freezer. I meal plan according to what ingredients are in the first two. That’s probably what you mean. 😀

[@abbeyhowell2418]

As a young family of 4, I appreciate all your videos! With only one income I love saving money where I can!!

[@christinekalin3321]

I’m totally fine with store brand in most cases. A few things I’m particular with. Tuna (I prefer skipjack) and Mayo (Hellman’s). Same with cheeses and milk.. I’m not picky with brands in that but I hate the Lucerne brand on those.

[@maisharahman539]

I used to shop only at a Walmart and sam's club, but recently I started getting fliers from other grocery stores and yesterday I stocked up on a sale where chicken thighs and drumsticks were $0.79/ lbs and beef chuck roast was $ 2. 99/ lbs.... I'm so glad I started paying attention to the sales from other stores near me!!

[@danaa6283]

Excellent tips! I do all of these:) One to add to the list is that somehow people have come to think they need large meat portions at every meal. Not true and meat is expensive. If you are creative in your cooking you can stretch meat(just like you have shown!) and save a ton! You are such a joy:)))

[@rosemariemartin1795]

Meal planning + pick-up and go at the grocery stores has saved me a ton of money in the last few months! Just by doing these steps alone, I've cut my grocery bill from $600 to around $400 a month for a family of three (I live in WA for context). Still working on getting it lower, but I do have a diabetic and a kid with multiple food allergies and autism in my house. I'll take any win I can get! Thank you for your tips!

[@pancakespandemonium]

Clearance items have been so beneficial to my budget!!

[@tammymarshall1329]

Dry beans totally worth time to prepare for savings. I do a batch on day off eat some & freeze some to pull out as needed. Even for a 1 person house!

[@erinmccleary919]

Land O’Lakes white American cheese is the ONLY thing I refuse to buy generic. I swear, I can pick land o lakes in a blind taste test every time 😂

[@lynnegordon6749]

Frozen Vegetables are great, if you have the space. And the store brand or no name are just fine. Great ideas.

[@GroceryNinja]

buy fresh local produce in season, and freeze to eat while out of season.

[@patriciaburr4826]

I do that with my mom's favorites...blueberries & strawberries. I have meal saver vacuuming system and I freeze for later.

[@teresaamueller]

I love those tips! The one thing I’d add is to know and track what a ‘good price’ for your most regular items is...otherwise it’s hard to judge if discounts or clearance deals are actually good value

[@NKTran83]

People tend to think a lot produce (like strawberries) are good year round just because they see them in the store. I work at a grocery store and trust me, the strawberries in November are not the same as the strawberries in June. They’re grown in greenhouses and when you cut into them.. white, not red. The produce manager actually told me that the red color comes from being grown in the sun hence why they’re in season, taste better, and look better during the sumner and don’t cost $5/lb

[@cherylann2271]

This is good to know. I just started shopping seasonally and it has saved me money.

[@katrinalynn6]

what i do is a tend to buy maybe an extra package if they are a good price and freeze them that way they are in the freezer for when they arent in season and you dont have to buy the frozen bag which in my opinion are waay over priced

[@cherylann2271]

katrina lynn, that’s a good idea

[@RTCPhotoWork]

The white versus red comes from harvesting before they are ready, not from the lack of sunlight. Also, greenhouses get sunlight. That's why they're see-through. 😆

[@RTCPhotoWork]

Not that you shouldn't buy seasonally when it comes to produce. You should. There are A LOT of various reasons why. Cost is a one; it's cheaper during its natural season. Just wanted to let you know your produce person was telling you wrong info.

[@kathiemott3988]

Love finding and getting clearance items.

[@kathiemott3988]

Love being able to use my freezer to prolong the use of my food. When I get fresh berries, I put a mixture into snack size ziplock bags and put them into the freezer to be taken out for each mornings breakfast oats. Whenever I get frozen berries I make a big batch of my oats and berries and put into single serving containers and put some in the fridge and put the rest in the freezer. I'm the only plant based person in the household, so I "process" my food when I get them home.

[@shellyturner2766]

When my kids were little, my daughter resented that she never got strawberry shortcake for her January birthday... unlike her younger brother with his June birthday. Lol

[@sanfranciscodamn]

That’s 😞 I think it’s OK to make an exception for a birthday

[@alisab3041]

Another idea: make the classic British cake called a Victoria Sponge, which is basically a vanilla cake with strawberry jam and whipped cream. Delicious! Easier still: buy a pre-made pound cake, slather it with Simply Fruit strawberry jam and top with Cool Whip. Not healthy, but an easy treat that would at least taste like strawberries in winter. Here in Kansas, there is no way to get a decent fresh strawberry in January!

[@viveviveka2651]

You can stock up on sale produce, and preserve the extra. Dehydrators are useful. You can also use ovens on a very low temperature setting.

[@haileyrootsey8899]

I would love to see you come to Australia and try and do a shop! The prices will blow you away!!

[@nataliestanchevski4628]

Same but I'm in Canada. When she said you can buy 2 pounds of chicken for $3 I just laughed.

[@LilacDaisy2]

Yeah, why are their prices SO much cheaper than here? And why don't we have that couponing replacement app? That would be great!

[@bookmusingsus]

Yes, but your salaries are also higher in a lot of cases. For example, I’m a teacher. I did some research and in Australia the average starting salary for a teacher is 65-70k. In the US it’s 38k.

[@shawna620]

I'm retiring soon, looking forward to meal planning & having time to cook my meals.

[@msbo5171]

Definitely try generic brands - my home grocery delivery was substituted once with a named brand vs. my requested home brand. The home brand was superior to the famous name! Give different options a try, you will be very surprised!

[@lindawilson290]

The generic brands are often made by the name brands.

[@barbmabus3434]

Found that true of the Essential Everyday brand a local store carries.

[@mzjennx]

Love all the tips. I do most of these but I need to shop the clearance more. I have to check with my local stores in Hawaii

[@samanthagoebel6006]

Dang, can someone send me that fruit and veg by season chart. I need that on my fridge lol

[@sewwawa3202]

Same!!

[@ladywytch129]

Here's the one I use. There's a print option there somewhere! www.household-management-101.com/seasonal-food-calendar.html

[@Journeylivin]

You can just look on Pinterest

[@lifebeyondthesalary2458]

Usually it’s the fruits or veggies under $1 or several for $1.

[@Mrsmellis2015]

Loving this video. I meal plan weekly. I spend for a family of 3 about $100-$120 a week. My husband always asks if I can get it lower but I’m at a loss. I buy off brand items all the time. My name brand non negotiable items are mayo (best foods) and toilet paper. Although I’ve recently switched from cottenelle to sams club brand toilet paper. It’s just as good!

[@norma9416]

My favorite is the Fetch app bc you scan the receipt, that’s all, you don’t have to select products. Just cashed out a $50 Amazon gift card 🙌🏼

[@zacharykatsouleas9956]

wow that's crazy. Iv'e been using this app called PICKL, that pays you $5 for taking pictures of products on display at grocery stores, it works good

[@bethanykaitlyn7680]

@@zacharykatsouleas9956 just taking pictures..? like finding the items listed and taking a picture? Because that would be pretty easy.

[@denagarcia6628]

I have not figured out how to use Ibotta yet. I have been using fetch for a couple of months. Only have 9000 points

[@zacharykatsouleas9956]

@@bethanykaitlyn7680 yeah that's exactly how it works. each task involves you finding a single product, and once you take pictures of the product the app pays you. It works off of GPS so you can see tasks in your area.

[@doriodea]

HI Christine, Would you do an episode about "use by" or expiration dates? Sometimes I throw things out because it's past expiration but I wonder if I need to throw it out (I just threw out half a carton of veggie stock)...or do some things last a bit longer than the expiration date? If so, which ones? How long can I freeze certain things? I know some of your viewers are culinary domestic pros...but some of us (me, for one) are just not sure, a bit domestically declined in the art of kitchening...besides doing the sniff test, I am at a loss and don't want to poison myself. Thanks! Dori

[@nathalieleblanc8536]

I have no problem buying generic products but ketchup will always be French's or Heinz. No budging

[@catherinebarlow3079]

A lot generic product are all made by same companies that do more expensive brands just have different products lines for each company they are making goods for that day just swap the label machine over from expensive products to cheaper brands that's how they do it but here uk l no that hazlewood foods company make the Christmas cakes for harrods that's very expensive but they also make Christmas cakes for Mark's and Spencer, asda that's equivalent to Walmart, also if you look at the barcode on back of box expensive painkillers then look at cheaper brand the barcode are the same just code on box it means made in same factory

[@nathalieleblanc8536]

@@catherinebarlow3079 I know generic products are made by the same companies but it's the only one that I do this for. 😉 Hello from Canada.

[@laurenpigott885]

Your passion and experience is really coming through in this. Preach, Christine! Great tips.

[@laylamurphy3503]

One time I bought 7 ground turkey packs at a dollar a piece and the cashier said she was concerned for my health and didn't want me to buy them. I said, chill out and give me the dang turkey.

[@mrs.webley909]

she probably just wanted some for herself.

[@jenf7721]

Ummm...how is it possible the comment section is yet raving about the awesomeness of your t-shirt. Love it!

[@rachelrae2371]

Velveeta is one for me that has to be name brand! But I love generic brands and clearance or couponed items!

[@vl8835]

Yep, but I am thinking Christine probably doesn't eat Velveeta very much! :)

[@videoandgaming6909]

Mac and cheese for me has to be named brand. They never tasted right to me. Unless I am in a pinch or someone is making it, I'll only eat name brand mac and cheese

[@crystalpolice]

Watching your channel this past year has made me a better cook and planner, which in turn has saved me money. Cooking for my family is now enjoyable. Thank you for all your tips and energy!

[@FrugalFitMom]

I'm so glad!

[@hopespriggs5569]

I love shopping the clearance! But with living in a small apartment and alone I often find myself in a position of having lots of odds and ends and not enough freezer space. If you have any advice for someone that’s young and single (I know, the exact total opposite target audience of this video) it would be greatly appreciated!!!!

[@livierbrambila6190]

I saved up and bought a chest freezer so I could take advantage of clearance items

[@patriciaburr4826]

When I lived alone I would spend one day of the weekend cooking 3 separate meals. Divided them in half and froze them. That way I just had to defrost the nite before and heat in microwave.

[@alizaras]

When I had only a tiny freezer I would remove stuff that comes in boxes and similar from their packaging and put it in plastic bags, that would let me fit more stuff into the small space I had. So make sure you're not storing air in the freezer, so to speak :)

[@kaileysporbeck8417]

YES CHRISTINE!!!! 👏👏👏👏 LOVE this video! People ask me all the time how I spend so little on groceries every week for my family of 4. This is the video to show them! I even learned a few new tips! Thank you 😁

[@lindarichey4689]

My sister always said she was going “cherry picking “ aka shopping the sales lol

[@AFrugalLifeTheChannel]

100% agree! Groceries is the way to go. You can slash it so much farther than you think.

[@michelleannwick]

Does $400 include toiletries and household goods like trash bags, laundry soap and all that?

[@rhemaelly496]

I dont think so that would be underhouse keeping

[@username00009]

@@rhemaelly496 it’s a valid question- most people seem to include them because it’s more work to separate them.

[@tanyapetrushka6641]

im here just want to say thank you christine.. with all of your videos you help my family survive pandemic.. we are still in recession here in indonesia.. n im still struggling making income.. but the fact that our family survive that horrible year is thanks to all the tips you gave.. im so glad.. n GOD BLESS UR FAMILY

[@dietitianmama]

Dietitians everywhere rejoice! It’s common sense really. Love this video

[@debbiemabrey9240]

I'm a Dieitian...and I do rejoice!!

[@lisacheyenne100]

I am a dietitian too and I love this channel!

[@lorraineeasydoesit8448]

I am new to this channel. This is great info. One thing I do as well is to pack a small lunch and drink in my car to avoid the temptation of fast food. I am in California and I can buy a small New York steak (on sale of course), a russet potato and some some frozen veggies for what a burger meal costs now at most chains. Plus, I'm not eating garbage!

[@stacey738]

It looks like I'm losing my job in the next couple of months. Company is sinking due to covid. We're going to have to re-evaluate our budget. I need to figure out how to cook even more cheaply than I already am, and my husband is diabetic and my daughter has really bad allergies. I don't know what I'm going to do. It sucks.

[@ברכהה]

For the diabetic cook meals with a plate in mind a third vegetable, a third protein, a third complex carbohydrates. I'm diabetic. A salad or cooked broccoli with venigrete or vegetable soup or grilled vegetables, salmon or chicken grilled or scrambled eggs or soy hotdogs or grilled cheese ,whole wheat bread with hummus or mayo or pasta whole wheat .spaghetti bolonese. For snacks dates and pecans. Milk Chocolate sugar free .fruit 2 pieces a day . carrot cake. Look for ideas and resources on the internet and maybe see a dietician. Good luck and Don dispear. All life is is trail and error. Get going and stay strong.

[@ברכהה]

Don't despair. Trial and error. Sorry for the spelling mistakes.

[@ברכהה]

Also my husband lost his job two years ago and for 2 years we had no income So eggs,cheese,chicken,hotdogs beef,a steak shared by 2 ,beans ,torteas ,legumes, spices in bulk,vegetables in season, sales, comparing prices and a study made by a student how to live healthy on 4 $ a day a few years ago are your best friends. Stay strong and know that all we ever have is time on our journey. Spend it well. Exercise and meditation. You will overcome.

[@ברכהה]

And organic vegetables soup powder for the allergic needs of the daughter. I know I give a lot of advice but I want to help and support you in your challenges. You can do this.

[@ברכהה]

Its called eating on 4$ a day good and cheap/Lenna Brown. A student did a 88 page study for her degree on how to eat healthy on a low budget. Can it be done and how. The result is this guide. It really inspired me. You can download it for free from the internet. All my best wished for you and your family. After 2 years of unemployment my husband found a temporary position. We are very grateful.

[@welovedisney3717]

I just love your channel, we eat out way too much and now that we have 3 kids it’s expensive to do so so I’ve been cooking more at home and my struggle is with meal planning, so I will try and make a plan today and then grocery shop. I spend way a lot there too. Thank you for sharing

[@shelbywilson6842]

I was so sad when I couldn’t coupon like that anymore 😭

[@FrugalFitMom]

Right!

[@amandagoss9767]

I am just seeing this video for the first time, and I am new to your channel. We are a family of 4. I spent $50 on groceries this week, 3 dinners, snacks, and my son's lunch packing for all week. I love your tips, I have been practicing this method since I moved out on my own as a college student over 15 years. We have been in very tough times throughout the years. There have been times I have literally had $30 for groceries for the week and I have done it!! You just have to shop smart!!

[@omegasobsessions]

*raises hand* a little help on meal planning please? My mom didn’t cook so I wasn’t taught that little life hack. I taught myself to cook rather well but the meal planning has eluded me entirely.

[@KaySueMatt]

I made a list of “foods my family eats” and whenever I try a new recipe I look at how much we have leftover and decide if it gets added to the list. It’s just a note in my notes app on my phone. It currently has 40 meals on it because I’ve been working on it for about 5 years. I started out with 10 meals that make everyone happy or at least they all eat. When you’re making your meal plan, write out days starting the day AFTER you plan to go grocery shopping then do a two week plan including at least 5 of the “food my family eats” meals. On my regular list: creamy chicken pasta. Lasagna, stuffed shells, potato soup, yellow curry, pad Thai, I then made a “food I like but the family doesn’t but they should anyway” list. Stir fry, broccoli soup, etc and I add ONE of those meals into ONE day that way I feel like I’m being a good mom and making them eat all the veggies. The last day is for trying NEW recipes or eating out. I tried doing the “meatless Monday, taco Tuesday, crock pot Wednesday” thing where each day of the week has a theme and it didn’t work for me because I like a LOT of variety, but if you can’t think of anything, having a theme might help. Hope you get things figured out. 💜💜

[@shannabrownallen]

Another tip when you make your meal plan, try to plan a few meals that either use some of the same ingredients or could make use of the leftovers from a meal. For example, if bell peppers are on sale have fajitas one night and then add peppers to a stir fry another night. Or make a batch of tacos for dinner, and then use the leftovers to top a baked potato. And most produce can be blanched and frozen when it's in season and cheap to use throughout the year. Brocolli is a great one for this.

[@callalily_6084]

For the brand name items, you’re paying for the company’s marketing cost.

[@miriamhdez4900]

I absolutely love your channel and tips. I kicked off my year implementing several of these tips along with a freezer pantry challenge and can already see results 2 weeks in. Keep the videos coming!

[@felicia8053]

Still haven’t figured out Ibotta, but I will!

[@dunjakodrman4494]

that is what I do...I know all local famers in my town..I buy fruit and vegetables in season and pickle/can them or freeze them for the winter :)