How to Stop Going Over-Budget on Groceries

[@bettedavis9261]

Except for doing grocery pickup, I've done every one of Rachel's tips for over 20 years. I'm looking for other ideas. The reason I won't do grocery pickup is because I'm super picky about my produce and meats. I don't trust someone else to pick them out to my standards. I'm not someone who buys things that aren't on my list, so actually being in the store doesn't "tempt" me to make impulse buys.

[@karenwildfong]

Oh, I agree. And when you let the store shop for you they can substitute items if what you want is out of stock (and what isn't these days) for more expensive items and you have to pay for them!

[@sarahsabin1921]

I’ve had unfortunate experiences with grocery pickup where something I was relying on to have for multiple meals they didn’t have And didn’t tell me until I picked up my order.

[@rachelmiller7350]

Often they also don't show the things I know are there for the price I know it is in store - I can't find it online (the bread I like at Walmart for example), so I don't do grocery pickup either 😝

[@birdsaloud7590]

I am starting to make my own stuff from scratch, including rice pudding, cakes etc. They cost about the same but you are in control as to what’s in them! Like, I never say‘ oh no, I have run out of artificial preservative!’ Or: ‘ I need to go back to the store to get some more genetically modified palm oil syrup’! You just make cakes from 3 or 4 ingredients whereas shop bought ones have about 15!

[@radioheadfanlove]

Rachel is so sincere and kind, I love her! I literally feel like it's a friend of mine chatting with me with true care for my well-being. Thank you. 💖

[@lizzabbott]

I agree ! Rachel really wants to help us to WIN ! And she's smart & endearing as well. And what a beautiful smile !

[@maryandrusyk8702]

5:15 - where you shop Such an important tip! My dad (single father of 2 young girls by the age of 35 - God bless him) took the kids shopping at 2 stores EVERY Thursday (after the newspaper’s Wednesday food ads!) because he knew which store had the best deal ( I’m mid-40s and still hear about the store deals from him!). I also keep a running tab of what the bill will be on my phone and try to ‘beat the budget’ (ex. I plan on spending $50 at Aldi and add up the cost as I shop to make sure I am at or under budget)

[@TtheRachelCruzeShow.]

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[@averynmitchell]

A few years ago, I deigned a grocery price-comparison spreadsheet and system. First, I have three tabs open: I compare prices online between Aldi, Walmart, Kroger because that’s what’s in my area. Then, I search for the item on my grocery list- like roma tomatoes- on all 3 sites. I find the cheapest price, “Ah, it’s best at Kroger- there’s a sale”. On my spreadsheet, I put roma tomatoes under the Kroger row with price and aisle it’s in (often it’s on the website when you put in your store location). I either print out the spreadsheet and cross things out as I go, or cross each item off in Google Sheets. I am happy to email copies if any of y’all in the Ramsey community are interested.

[@coloringcloud]

Could you send me your spreadsheet? Thank you so much!

[@tracygarcia4078]

My biggest tip is to study your grocery store and work its system. Learn their sale cycles, coupon options, clearance system on meats, fruits, dairy. My Kroger has cheaper prices than Walmart and Aldi and sometimes Costco if I buy their sale items in bulk to last long enough until I know they will go on sale again. I created a spreadsheet with price per unit on my frequently purchased items and compared my local stores. This also helps determine if something is truly on sale or if the store is just calling their standard price a sale. This strategy won’t work for all and wouldn’t have worked for me during a different chapter in my life. However if you are privileged enough to have the time to price compare and/or cut out a takeout night or streaming subscription to spend a little more to buy in bulk, this system saves a lot of money over the course of the year even if you spend more upfront during a particular month. I didn’t really see significant savings until about six months of this approach, but they were huge. I cut our monthly grocery budget by about 60%.

[@emilykirkman8468]

Great idea!!

[@Amy-fk5we]

OMG! What a great idea 💡! I worked as a grocery cashier part time for over 10 years until recently, so the regular prices are pretty much engraved in my brain. But with the recent price hikes I’m not certain if sales are good sometimes. I will definitely use your system!

[@lindadorman2869]

1. Cut back on the number of meals per day and reduce portion size. 2. Buy staples such as rice, beans, soup, dry pasta, cereal, canned food, spices, sauces, etc...on sale and stock up. 3. Learn how to cook cheaper cuts of meat and/or eat less meat. 4. Trade unused food with a neighbor for something they have that you would use.

[@Jennifer-1724]

5. Buy living on a dime cookbook

[@sherryobar5750]

Great tips, thanks!

[@CDTucker336]

The best thing is to use cash envelopes for food. One for groceries and the other for eating out.

[@TtheRachelCruzeShow.]

👆👆 thanks for your feedback. Tell Max Thomas, my trusted investment broker, I recommended you for a life changing investment opportunity💯

[@jonquindiagan682]

Rachel Cruze is literally the prettiest girl in the wide world! Whether she is sharing her life experience or even a small video to teach us to stay within our I budget I always find value. Love your videos I love you ❤️😘💕. Keep up the good work!

[@Mamadriggs]

Always great advice!!!❤ Plan around what’s on sale so you can make TWO and freeze one. Then you’re saving money and time while stocking your freezer!

[@bradleyvanzile1111]

Don’t dive into just give us the facts

[@expertonmyself]

shop sales and plan your meals on that and what you have at home. eat smaller portions. don't throw away those stocks from cooking or juices from things like peppers, mushrooms, soups, etc. store them in the fridge and use them to help season your meats and pour on your sides.

[@sandraboose3686]

Crockpots are great. Saves so much.

[@AmandaRogersarock1988]

I've never done curbside because you just can't see the fresh produce with your own eyes. The meal prep ideas are great. Check the flyers for what's on sale & coupon if you can! Leftovers are amazing too. Learn to love them!

[@tonyahenry4167]

They give you the crapiest produce

[@SR98889]

I’ve never had an issue with produce with curbside

[@julia738]

I buy everything other than my produce via curbside!

[@nicolewin4180]

If you are a military member please shop at your local commissary first before you go anywhere else. Soooo much cheaper! If you can't find it there then go somewhere else.

[@jurav61]

Free Curbside pickup will cost you more in the long run, it's free but the price is increased, from .15 cents to .80 cents or even 1 dll, and sometimes vegetable are not sell by lbs, it's by quantity , more expensive

[@sharonszakacs9355]

Look at the weekly ads and plan your menu around what is already on sale

[@Thelilmissbz]

Yes curbside pick up 100%!!! Just commented on another Ramsey video about that saving money and time for us!

[@janna8437]

Watch out with curbside pick up. I noticed the items on ALDI’s pick up were much higher than actually in store. I like to use the website to make my list since it has price. I was SHOCKED at the price of eggs. But then when I went to the store, the same eggs were two dollars cheaper.

[@TtheRachelCruzeShow.]

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[@julia738]

Whoa, thank you!

[@candy2325]

Yup! I was using instacart to do pick up with Aldi and I had to stop because they charge more on the platform and that’s the only service they use for pickup. Instead, I’m going to Trader Joe’s in person to get my groceries and have my list. I also found a website where I can check prices for items beforehand so I know how much to budget

[@coloringcloud]

@@candy2325can you share what website that is? Thanks!

[@karenwildfong]

Egg prices are INSANE!

[@lukemccusker2673]

Lots of good thoughts here. I find that the most effective way to save money on the food budget is to shop the sales, and get it home....divide your bulk meats into ziplocs, in the amount you normally use for a meal, and freeze it. Also....write your menus based on what you have (you bought on sale), not on a whim. Save thousands!

[@shirleygermain5707]

My best tip is to make enough for next night's supper. That means only cooking 3 days a week. Then on Sundays, we eat something simple like soup and salad or a sandwich. Please don't make it so hard unless you enjoy cooking. I make simple meals. A big bacon cheeseburger and a salad are a meal. Taco salad you can eat for days!

[@thealexandraway]

Yes definitely! I love to meal prep the basic essentials!

[@michelleadams5609]

What will save you money is buying the healthiest. Beef, eggs, butter, bacon, milk…my father is 80 works overtime in the construction industry, welds, Carrie’s ladders and has no plans to retire. Meanwhile, my other family have arthritis, cancer, and are on disability and scared for the future. Your health is your wealth.

[@kb20241]

The curbside pickup doesn't work for me I see produce and dates that are too close to there expiration dates so I end up wasting food. They don't check dates they just scan your groceries quickly from what I can see ?

[@cristinaevans139]

I now shop only when lots of the things I use are on special have gone for a monthly shop instead of weekly saving heaps now I will start eating what I already have and this has allowed me to replace my broken washing machine ❤

[@TtheRachelCruzeShow.]

👆👆 thanks for your feedback. Tell Max Thomas, my trusted investment broker, I recommended you for a life changing investment opportunity💯

[@judithwagner727]

I got a breadmaker at a yard sale awhile back. Now my loaf of bread costs way less than the $3 -$5 a loaf they cost in the store!

[@amberwaterbury8232]

Do you have a favorite recipe? I tried the sandwich bread recipe that came with mine and it’s terrible. The French bread one is great, but I’m a newbie at cooking and baking bread in a bread machine.

[@thecrazylifeandtimesofacra2629]

these prices are out of control we have really tightened our purse strings we never eat out ever we completely cut out all out of the house meals drinks and entertainment and instead adopted movie and game night as well as themed dinner nights at home we make all pizzas subs etc, at home and get you a food storage its saving me a ton and im a gardener we have been since 2020 and we live right in town i pack a ton of food in my tiny yard i get lots of food in the summer to can and preserve we buy nothing in a box either we learned to cook from scratch instead i also learned to sew and knit and craft my own decor by using what i already have i am saving as much as i can i hope it was sure big steps to get here though but i had to or we were going to be so broke

[@thecrazylifeandtimesofacra2629]

we eat out if we get gift cards as gifts lol i should say that so we do eat out very seldom though never that we pay for and we always ask to have gift cards for groceries or gas instead if asked what we would rather have Restaurant food is getting so nasty any more theres not one place that cooks better than either of us lol i dont like it so i was fine with cutting it all out so was our son that still lives here he dont even care to spend money we have all we need here we dont need to go out

[@katrpotatr3320]

If you're going to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, then but them when they are in season. That's when they are available in bulk, and you can freeze, can, or dehydrate them yourself for a fraction on the cost.

[@TtheRachelCruzeShow.]

👆👆 thanks for your feedback. Tell Max Thomas, my trusted investment broker, I recommended you for a life changing investment opportunity💯

[@brg2743]

We stopped buying microwavable popcorn and are using popcorn we pop ourselves. It is about $1.49 a bag.

[@brentkillian]

It tastes way better too. I have a pampered chef thing I can use to pop and it is so good

[@Peaches.2187]

And the microwave popcorn is full of chemicals. Good choice!

[@letty4558]

We only use our air popper too.

[@MaryJClark-n9h]

I go to Aldi and Walmart. I'm trying to figure out if I'm even saving anything. Buying food now days is just frustrating.

[@tristan2332]

Yea you definitely are...where we go. Publix is way more.

[@coloringcloud]

I used to shop a lot at Walmart but since BJ’s had just opened near my place, I started to shop there. After comparing prices between the two, I was surprised to see BJ’s was much cheaper than Walmart. So now I try to buy more at BJ’s.

[@MegaDiddlemaus]

We do budget € 200 per weekly groceries. Last Christmas and New Year were a bit more because prices were up. But now back to normal budget again € 200 weekly 🤗

[@TtheRachelCruzeShow.]

👆👆 thanks for your feedback. Tell Max Thomas, my trusted investment broker, I recommended you for a life changing investment opportunity💯

[@faithadeosun1985]

Rachel when is every dollar app coming to canada 🇨🇦

[@brg2743]

We don't menu plan. We buy things at a low price and stockup. Menu planning is tedious and more costly for us. It works for us better this way.

[@sabrinawilliams748]

I use ground chicken all the time. Especially now because I’m trying to eat healthier and it’s cheaper than ground Turkey. I use it in egg roll rice bowls, chicken chili, Thai laab salad, meatballs, etc. Such a versatile protein to work with

[@TtheRachelCruzeShow.]

👆👆 thanks for your feedback. Tell Max Thomas, my trusted investment broker, I recommended you for a life changing investment opportunity💯

[@karenwildfong]

Thanks for sharing this. I've never used ground chicken.

[@theshelbypalace]

shop around, and look at the flyers! It helps a lot!

[@tiffanyfabbian5951]

I need to get much better at taking inventory of what we already have before I add it to the grocery list. A lot of times I buy things for meal prep recipes and then I already have 1-2 of that item in the pantry.

[@ameliapranger5455]

Thank you for the reminder on meal planning this week cost me only $25.65 for groceries (mind you we have meat in the freezer already and it’s just me and my hubby, baby is not due till April)

[@bigmeany1184]

Congratulations on the baby.

[@lizzabbott]

Congratulations on your imminent New Arrival ! I pray you will be blessed with a comfortable pregnancy snd a happy, healthy baby !

[@fsmoura]

Eat less 👍

[@williekenk]

The curbside pickup sounds good in theory, but it sometimes feels like it ultimately costs us more. I’ve found when we do pickup, the vegetables and meats in particular seem to always be on the verge of expiration. The staff is clearly not taking the time to look at shelf life left, or ripeness of items. So if we buy a week worth of groceries, but the majority of it expires by Wed/Thurs then we just end up buying stuff twice. Does this happen to anyone else?

[@melissasprayberry5047]

Yes ! It happens to me too. Instacart, which is expensive, has the options of communicating to the shopper about issues like that and substitutes whereas “curbside pick up” does not. All of my items are almost out of date and produce is overly ripe and gets trashed. Another thing that happens is if something is not in stock that just refund that item and you don’t get anything. It works if they would check dates and make good substitutions when something is out.

[@michelleadams5609]

No money for groceries after buying a house. Thanks Ramsey solutions. (of course I didn’t really buy a house. I’m not an idiot, but that’s the advice that was given at the real estate live stream.)

[@PeteJDunn78]

Rachel is at it again! I am inspired by her channel. Rachel inspires me to continue my own investing channel.

[@TtheRachelCruzeShow.]

👆👆 thanks for your feedback. Tell Max Thomas, my trusted investment broker, I recommended you for a life changing investment opportunity💯

[@mariacorretge6615]

What saves me money is to make of a few really cheap dishes, favourite staples. Poor man's meal, pizza, rice and beans, lentil soup and chickpea salad, they are in the dish rotation every month, and they're so cheap.

[@TtheRachelCruzeShow.]

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[@StephanieJoRountree]

Rachel, get together with Tawra from Living on a Dime. She's got some additional ideas.

[@TtheRachelCruzeShow.]

👆👆 thanks for your feedback. Tell Max Thomas, my trusted investment broker, I recommended you for a life changing investment opportunity💯

[@gloriarosales1318]

to buy in aldi. you must be a smart shopper. some items are not going last such as sweet oranges or bananas specially if you buy in bulk.

[@melissasprayberry5047]

The weeks that I need paper products, garbage bags, cleaning supplies, and all my pet needs literally takes all of my grocery budget .

[@abrareads]

I would separate those line items. I feel ya on the times all the non food things need to be replenished.

[@brg2743]

We are about to use plastic grocery bags for garbage bags.

[@natalieeubank4533]

Buy less paper products

[@melissasprayberry5047]

@@natalieeubank4533 I’m trying hard to figure that out …

[@melissasprayberry5047]

@@abrareads what do you mean ? Not include them in grocery money ? I ask because I don’t really have enough money left to make a separate place for them. The budget is tight 😏

[@friednoodles666]

this is so helpful. i have been dealing with homelessness for a year so i'm on food stamps from the state and the amount they give doesn't match inflation. i've managed by using walmart+ and having my things delivered to wherever i'm staying and i've saved $70 on there just in the last 3 months. so can attest to the fact these grocery memberships are pretty much immediately a very very helpful asset to have.

[@lorettarobinson2263]

Hi, I don't see the link in the description on meal planning, the shopping list, etc, that she said would be in the description. Could someone please point me to where I need to be looking? Thanks.

[@davidmilhouscarter8198]

5:22 I shop at King Soopers. I’ve been going to the same store since 2010. I like it; I’m used to it; and I am stuck in my ways.

[@marcielynn4886]

That is a hard one in Hawaii. $11.00 just for eggs.

[@TtheRachelCruzeShow.]

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[@jenniferborthwick4449]

How do you ever fit in special items for holidays or other special events if you have the same needs for your food budget every month?

[@marggoriebrown6449]

If you have events / holidays with family and friends you can do potluck style. Being responsible for a dish rather than the whole meal can save you some money. You can also do nice breakfast, brunch or get together for coffee/ pastries. Those foods are more affordable than dinner items. For birthdays I find that one dessert is enough rather than a dessert table. I think most of us buy more than we actually consume. Plan ahead and buy an ingredient or put some money aside even is if 5 dollars specifically for special occasions so when time comes you’ll have what you need. Use what is in the pantry and freezer. We sometimes have more than we realize. I just cleaned my pantry and was surprised with all the pasta, sauce and breakfast items I have.

[@birdsaloud7590]

Rachel, I love your videos. And the whole Ramsey set-up. Please may I request you watch Lynette Zang’s latest youtube video (a Q and A session). I would love your views on this.

[@krystalcotter7765]

I go to my local grocery store early in the morning and catch the clearance sale meat.

[@anya8221]

I freeze leftover spaghetti sauce, chili, and such. I don't have to buy canned chili.

[@jenniferflynn2722]

Cheapest hamburger 4.99/lb 12 eggs 7.98 store brand white cheese 5.99 store brand How can young people afford to eat … cheapest rent in my city is 2200$ a month cheapest house over 200k with median income 800$ a week 😢😢

[@meganmeteer8862]

Rachel is there a good way to use curb side grocery pick up and not use credit cards? Staying away from that bad habit. I agree that not going into the stores saves you money 💰 for sure!

[@raising__her5545]

Cheddar cheese is now $13.99 now! What?!😳😳😳

[@TtheRachelCruzeShow.]

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[@americafirst9144]

Wow! Is that for 2 lbs.?

[@sherryobar5750]

Thanks for the ideas!

[@TtheRachelCruzeShow.]

👆👆 thanks for your feedback. Tell Max Thomas, my trusted investment broker, I recommended you for a life changing investment opportunity💯

[@garymoore3446]

A Sam's membership saves me a lot of money. Buy your paper towels and toilet paper there.

[@lenettasmith-murray2145]

There's just me and cooking for one is no fun soooo I eat bagels or toast, maybe occasionally cereal. I have food & freezer food, just hate cooking for one. No I don't eat out, maybe once a month pick something up. Food just boring alone.

[@cynthiajohnston424]

Make eating alone a " special occasion " . Plan your meal(s) ahead , use pretty tableware & place mat / tablecloth , fix your favorite beverage / dessert & enjoy music, movie , etc. Treat yourself like you would a guest - you are special ! Set up a regular time / day for a meal w/ a friend - even coffee after church or a meeting is nice . Enjoy ! 💗

[@davidmilhouscarter8198]

I’m starting to become a Ramen master.

[@davidmilhouscarter8198]

A jar of peanut butter and a loaf of bread will go a long way.

[@michelleadams5609]

It’s all oxalates though. A short path to gut issues

[@MarcyHoney]

link forprice comparison videos

[@davidmilhouscarter8198]

3:49 “The Fine Print”

[@cristinaevans139]

Can you publish your favourite recipe s I’m in Australia 🎉

[@lifewithlana7275]

I save by looking at the store and keep driving, if I dont go in I dont spend. Il find food some where, work, friends house, parents house. Ect. If I dont then I guess Im intermittent fasting for the day.

[@TtheRachelCruzeShow.]

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[@BMAN1able]

Use the items in your pantry 😆

[@TtheRachelCruzeShow.]

👆👆 thanks for your feedback. Tell Max Thomas, my trusted investment broker, I recommended you for a life changing investment opportunity💯

[@bethanyg153]

I love ground chicken burgers. It reminds me of Chick-fil-A.

[@TtheRachelCruzeShow.]

👆👆 thanks for your feedback. Tell Max Thomas, my trusted investment broker, I recommended you for a life changing investment opportunity💯

[@ksksjd]

Why everydollar app isn't available in Romania?

[@TtheRachelCruzeShow.]

👆👆 thanks for your feedback. Tell Max Thomas, my trusted investment broker, I recommended you for a life changing investment opportunity💯

[@prayingpilot3806]

If you have 2-3 hens nothing will ever go to waste and you will save on eggs. 🥚 🥚 🥚 🍳 🍳

[@tonyahenry4167]

How does ground chicken sound gross 🤷🏻‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️

[@TtheRachelCruzeShow.]

👆👆 thanks for your feedback. Tell Max Thomas, my trusted investment broker, I recommended you for a life changing investment opportunity💯

[@brentkillian]

Why buy at whole foods when you can buy at aldi. Because the nearest aldi is 500 miles away.

[@tonyahenry4167]

😂

[@rlangford1734]

You don’t have a Walmart or even a Kroger?

[@brentkillian]

@@rlangford1734 never said that just sick of her telling us to go to Aldi

[@A2thaLO]

Yup, ground chicken sounds disgusting.

[@uah9]

Someone needs to feed back to Rachel, it's "from point A to point B" not to point A to point B when speaking about cars..

[@TtheRachelCruzeShow.]

👆👆 thanks for your feedback. Tell Max Thomas, my trusted investment broker, I recommended you for a life changing investment opportunity💯

[@greensleeves8095]

You have an awesome. Clearly you don't get it from your dad.

[@saumyadani6253]

Good video, but also be mindful of choosing healthy options over saving money so you can avoid spending your SAVED money to DOCTOR’S Visit. Like for me buying preserved/ canned/ frozen fruits/ vegetables is NOT worth saving money cause it has already lost its nutritional value and is not good for your body. So being wise in choosing options is really important.

[@TtheRachelCruzeShow.]

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[@candy2325]

Frozen veggies are absolutely healthy and are picked when they’re in season. Don’t be a fear monger

[@alancold1427]

This episode should be all about Rachel gaining a solid 15 pounds.

[@huntergreene7306]

This episode needs to be about how you need therapy and your parents need to give a public apology for how badly they raised you.

[@Dontwantahandle111]

I love my Publix app. It shows me the BOGO’s and deals by category 😊

[@TtheRachelCruzeShow.]

👆👆 thanks for your feedback. Tell Max Thomas, my trusted investment broker, I recommended you for a life changing investment opportunity💯

[@Wilma-Ackerman]

I use ground chicken all the time. Especially now because I’m trying to eat healthier and it’s cheaper than ground Turkey. I use it in egg roll rice bowls, chicken chili, Thai laab salad, meatballs, etc. Such a versatile protein to work with