Save Money On Groceries by NOT BUYING These Items!

[@raisingwildflowers]

Wondering how I keep my grocery bill so low? Check out how I feed my family on just $85 a week: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIaXg3tth5tsr6M

[@jillgott6567]

About 30 years ago a coworker of mine mentioned a book she had read that talked about the cost to work. For example she figured out her salary for a week then the cost of gas, food for lunch, clothing, makeup and hair and subtracted that from her paycheck. In the end she decided it was not worth the cost. So instead she went to work with her boyfriend who was renovating mobile homes. She said it saved them a little of money as they commuted together and her wardrobe was basically t-shirts and jeans. It makes sense. I was given a coffeemaker years ago. At first it was great but then I found myself drinking too much coffee. I went back to instant coffee which I buy at Dollar Tree. 2.8 ounces for $1.25 = 30 cups. I can add Vanilla or Cinnamon or Hot Cocoa mix if I want to make it fancy otherwise I just use Soy or Almond Milk or 1% if I don't have the others.

[@raisingwildflowers]

This is a really great video idea! And when some people factor in childcare … 😬💰

[@sharonfleshman6961]

Just the cost of work for anyone is a consideration. Commute expenses, lunch (sure, bring it from home but you aren't going to remember every day ), business clothes, guilt requests from co-workers (girl scout cookies are great but spendy) etc.

[@reneeroath1048]

I just read that book! It's called "your money or you life"

[@nobodysfool4444]

I knew you were legit when you started with the coffee mark-ups. It's gotten so out-of-hand. Shopping by ounces vs price really does save a lot. Great video!

[@laceyswafford3785]

Would love to see your tips on household items. Homemade cleaners, reusable paper towels, etc. Loved this video!

[@raisingwildflowers]

Thank you 😊 Great ideas!!

[@amandazplace5663]

I love all your tips and I implement all of them. We are used to high priced groceries in Canada, but it's definitely getting worse. That said, the inflation is the worst for processed, packaged items. So, I purchase about 90% whole food and do all my own cooking & baking. Whenever the unit price is cheaper for a bulk item, I buy it if I can freeze it or if we can use it before it expires. So, I buy a 20 lb bag of potatoes and make half into hash browns and freeze them. We aren't vegan, but my "rule" is meat for supper only. We eat vegetarian for breakfast, lunch, and snacks. We also only use nuts as an ingredient, not as a snack. I also only eat 2 meals per day, rather than 3. I'm fine with that because I'm over 50 and don't need as many calories as I used to. ♥️🇨🇦

[@raisingwildflowers]

I think 2 meals a day is great - my parents are in their early 60s and also only eat 2 meals (plus my mom eats "healthy" ice cream every evening lol). Your other tips are great too - thank you so much for sharing!

[@feliciaharbach610]

Instead of buying chicken thighs or legs, I wait for a sale on leg quarters and make my own by cutting the leg quarter at the joint. It takes less than 10 min to do at home.

[@rebacarmack8335]

Wow, Florida prices are high! So girl, you are rocking it with your low food budgets!

[@rebacarmack8335]

I had cooked broccoli and 3-4 baked potato halves left over- so, I made a delicious soup. Trying to make a whole different dish from leftovers. Trying the fridge,pantry and freezer clean out!

[@raisingwildflowers]

One of our favorite meals is broccoli, potato, and cheddar soup! Good luck with your cleanout - it is amazing what your can make out of leftovers when you get creative :) You will probably create some dishes you love and will want to make it again lol

[@missdesireindependance5194]

The chicken cubes come in handy for soups. Tea bags are good for drinks and it’s cheap.

[@annewinchester6945]

Storage bags can be used more than once. Clean them good and they can be used again. Aluminum foil can be washed and used again.

[@dreesaad6151]

I live in Montréal Canada. I mainly go to Costco & buy in bulk once a month. (I get 2% back on every item & use that yearly check to pay my membership) I check my fridge & pantry before I shop. I pay attention to sale items & have returned to get reimbursements ( price adjustments). It adds up quickly. We filter our water too & have a huge water cooler. We exclusively drink water. We buy Coke zero one a month as a treat. Thank you for your tips. Alot of people are adjusting their grocery bill & others refuse to. Personally I live a consumer debt free life. I pay all my expenses by debit. Thanks for your tips 💕

[@shariburns6263]

I would love to see a video on what your family eats for snack food. I think that is a big calorie and price issue for many.

[@raisingwildflowers]

Great idea!

[@ponylady111]

An easy way to save is stay out of Publix and shop at Aldis and Walmart. 40% less!

[@debbieframpton3857]

I don't think Walmart or Aldis has that great prices but that's just my opinion.

[@57msdeb]

Quality isn’t the same though. I mostly get by with buying the BOGOs every week. I don’t buy any drinks except water. The city water tastes strongly of chemicals where I live. I use a Brita pitcher for water for cooking, but don’t like the taste plain. It’s just me though in my household so I don’t think a Berkey is appropriate.

[@blackjag121]

I bought a reusable KPods for my Keurig. Saved me a ton of money on KPods and me stopping at Starbucks.

[@kenyonbissett3512]

I did the same for my son and sister. He uses his, my sister buys in bulk on sale and has not changed. Oh well, not my money. Sometimes office supply stores have them for much cheaper than grocery stores.

[@janegardner604]

Thank you for these great reminders! I make my own laundry detergent and it saves hundreds a year.

[@lindanizamoff7981]

I reuse my kcups.I have replacement cover and can reuse my cups three times.I replace it with ground coffee from the canaster.I wash and reuse my zip lock bags.

[@kenyonbissett3512]

I used to keep a price book of food prices. That doesn’t work anymore. And, I had the cost of each recipe, can’t do that anymore. As of one year ago, I could get pasta for 15 cents a pound. Not anymore. I would stock up fo 6 months to a year. Adjusting is difficult. We did a garden last summer and will again this year. That helps! And, I love the taste of chickweed, garlic onion and sorrel, which is now abundant and free just outside my front door. I shop several stores and change recipes to include sale items and exclude expensive items called for in the recipe. Beware of serving size when purchasing /measuring to serve and shrinkflation. I have specific dietary requirements, so meat is required and limited grains. But I substitute with sweet potatoes. I try to stock up when they go on sale. Many people in my area are having to put food on their credit cards. 🤷‍♀️ And, many families refuse to adjust. They can’t get family members to agree. Or, they are sure this is temporary, they heard a tv announcer or politician say so. 🙇‍♀️ After C-19, people saved a lot of money not commuting, many are now going in 2 days a week, but there are many who will be returning to five days which will more than double their gas bill. Millions have to start paying on their student loans. Late spring and summer are going to be difficult.

[@pennynickels5216]

Food stamps returned to pre-pandemic levels in February

[@raisingwildflowers]

These are great tips! I definitely don't think the food prices will be going down anytime soon - if ever. So many people are willing to pay for convenience, even if they cannot afford it.

[@kenyonbissett3512]

@@raisingwildflowers this Wednesday Lidl grocery has chicken quarters 10lbs for $5.90. Good for my area. This week the shredded cheeses is 1lb for $2.50. So if you are careful and don’t mind shopping several stores, you can keep the prices down. Hamburger is 80/20 is $2.99lb. I know you don’t eat meat, but those prices are affordable and closer to years past pricing. Canned beans are on sale for $0.59 as well as canned tomatoes/vegetables. Planning is essential right now.

[@crystalgrenert2424]

I love to skip bottled water. But right now it's always good to have some on hand. Our water comes from the Ohio River and with the train derailment in Ohio the chemicals have made it into the Ohio River and I'd much rather spend the money then drink the tap water. Don't want to risk it. All the rest of your suggestions are great and I do most of them. Just got reusable pan liners for my baking.

[@raisingwildflowers]

The water situation up there is so scary! I definitely understand wanting to keep safe drinking water on-hand ❤️

[@kenyonbissett3512]

Please check to see where your bottled water comes from. To many companies take shortcuts and cross their fingers. Periodically, our news stations check bottled water and the results are local tap water.

[@danawood8103]

😢

[@judithscharf6318]

I agree with most of what you said. I use a percolator to brew an entire pot of coffee, and refrigerate that. I don’t have a separate cold brew machine. I do have a few cans of soup for my meals if I get a cold or other illness. I wash and reuse all plastic storage bags, except the onces that contained raw meat. I used to buy the jars of applesauce. Once I became an empty nester, the individual packs are less wasteful for me.

[@annsaeli7583]

I'm glad you reminded us to use reusables and recyclables and that not only the price is important.

[@papermason]

We wash ziploc bags many times. We buy paper towels, but a good brand and use them multiple times. I also use rags. My mother prefers to use paper towels because she feels they're more sanitary.

[@JehanineMelmoth]

Just one point - sometimes disabled people like me have no choice but to use precut produce and other products. It’s that or have no fresh produce. Being disabled is expensive! Apart from that, great points. I’d heard that food was expensive in the USA, but I had no idea it was that costly. It makes all your achievements even more impressive, Katie (apologies if I’m spelling your name wrong). Your delicious, healthy meals on such a low budget are great!

[@raisingwildflowers]

Thank you for pointing this out! I thought about adding this into the video because I do know it is more important than just convenience for some. I shop a lot of Instacart orders for people who are older or disabled, and this is all they are able to prepare. They are also unable to get to the store, so have to pay delivery fees on top of these prices. There should be more free programs to assist people with food delivery and prep.

[@JehanineMelmoth]

@@raisingwildflowers definitely! Xxx

[@amythomson4446]

Loved the comparison of servings versus price. Great economical advice. I adhere to all of your suggestions. Cheers.

[@raisingwildflowers]

Thanks!!

[@RhondaTowanda]

I just found your channel. I have been binging on your videos. Todays video was excellent! Even My husband stop to watch the whole video, and then wanted to watch it again to take notes! We eat one meal a day, and fast. We lean towards more plant base eating. If we eat meat, it’s side dish rather then the main dish. My daughters eat two meals a day. I was excited to hear that you use Build Your Library! We do too. And I just bought Learn Math Fast, because my daughters are having a hard time with algabra. Today we will start using LMF! Looking forward to more of your videos! You have excellent content! 😊🌻💜

[@raisingwildflowers]

Thanks so much and I am so glad you are enjoying my videos ❤️ We sound so similar! When I am not pregnant or breastfeeding, I like to do intermittent fasting too. I am way too starving all the time right now 😂 Hope you guys enjoy LMF!

[@ElizabethDiaz-zr5ki]

I am so glad your channel was suggested to me! You have many great ideas and I agree with them all. The price increases have been really shocking.

[@pennynickels5216]

Excellent lessons here! Glass storage containers and silicone reusable bags are more environmentally friendly.

[@suefleming]

I also live below the poverty line. I really admire you and thank you for the great tips!!! I live as Frugal as I can and I look at it seem like fun.🙏❤👍😊

[@johncasey5594]

All these tips are bang on. I will not allow... THE MAN... to dictate what I consume and don't consume. I do like a glass of pop every now and then. Similar to your coffee and juice tips, I simply buy pop in the 2 liter bottles vs. expensive cans or 500ml bottles to save money.

[@esthers9140]

So excited for you to see your Channel Growing. It does not surprise me as you have great content.😊 I have that exact reusable K-Cup. I had a regular coffee maker but my children got me a really nice smaller Keurig that I just love. Using the reusable filter is so easy and so cost-efficient.

[@raisingwildflowers]

Thank you so much! A Keurig with a re-usable cup really can be super economical!

[@BoutsFamily1]

Asian people eat a lot of rice...., you should look into Jasmine rice , you can get them just about any asian market and even at walmart these days. My wife buys jasmine rice in 25lb bag units. They'll last a while for our family of 4 and occasional guests we have over. Sometimes we'll get the 50lb bag and that last us a very long time. My wife will grocery shop for mostly fresh veggies and bulk meat which she'll vacuum seal and freeze. I usually cook different proteins and various styles and dishes through out the week. My boys eat very simple because they're young and picky. Meat and rice... that's all they want. 1 cup of jasmine rice a day will make enough to fill all your bellies and still have left over rice for the next meal, depending on how much ya eat lol. We only buy bread for burgers and hot dogs. we keep our rice in closed containers but because it's not cooked and just dry rice, shelf life isn't an issue plus we go through the rice within about 3 months. A rice cooker is only about $25 at Walmart I think. Making stir fries is super simple and you can make big portions with such little ingredients, mixed veggies, protein, broth and seasoning over rice. My family was very poor when my parents first came to the US as refugees but we NEVER were hungry as long as we could get rice to cook. My parents would go fishing so we always had fish to eat at least with rice. My mom just cooked what ever meat and we ate it with rice.

[@killtorres]

😂 I shouldn’t be bummed to learn I’m already doing all these things. Sending hope to everyone trying to decrease their spending these days.

[@v_hovila]

Very good points! You mention plastic waste a couple times towards the end but almost all the things you mention also save the environment by making less packages and plastic waste. So if one aims towards zero waste, one should listen carefully this video! Btw. I have no idea what is a k-cup. Greetings from Kuopio, Finland!

[@texan3821]

Excellent analysis of cost v serving. Good for you!

[@Faith459]

That’s right mama, You can make homemade broth with the left over vegetables and meat it’s healthier and you know what’s in your broth ❤

[@untamedt7353]

Have you considered growing your own food, or at least some items? Florida seems like a wonderful state to grow quite a bit of fruits .

[@alyssarollinson5543]

Hi! Mama of 3 and Realtor from Las Vegas. I love your content so much! Thank you for sharing. Please keep up the videos :) I'm making IP coconut quinoa curry tonight thx to you ^_^

[@raisingwildflowers]

Thank you ❤️ Hope you enjoy the curry!!

[@thecottageatwoodlandcorners]

It's great you did this to help people. I do get sad when I realize that I live in a society where we have to find ways to save money on food, while other people have enough money as individuals to end world hunger. Also, I do get the point wrt the convenience factor for able people when it comes to things like pre-cut food. But again, it makes me sad when I think about people I know who are disabled and have no choice but to buy pre-prepped food items just to be able to eat. It's nice I can save money by avoiding them. I just wish our system didn't charge people more just for being disabled. :(

[@coffeewiththemasons1145]

Hey. Sorry for your struggles. Do you go to foodbanks? We subscribed.

[@kristykelley6212]

Excellent advice!

[@financialconversationswith879]

Great advice Katie

[@Spot4art]

New subscriber. You are brilliant at this. Very wise information.

[@Robins3dogs_andafoster]

I definitely need to do better on bottles and canned drinks! When I watched this I realized how badly I'm failing.

[@bluejasmin8424]

I would add to this if any of these products save you time and from going out to buy food instead then it's cheaper to use these products. Meaning if baby carrots cut and washed keep you from driving through McDonald's this week then buy them. Same with paper products. They are not cost effective but if it means not doing dishes tonight after a home cooked meal for a family of five...then they are worth it... Cost and worth ;)

[@sagenozko9317]

Is the filter in the fridge as good as a burki (sp?) water filter? I am on board with everything you do!! This is so helpful. Coffee is my down fall. I try to buy what is on sale, ground it myself but I drink 2 cups a day which adds up. Lastly what about cotsco for large families? I am trying to learn how to compare prices and get the best deal with out going to 3 stores. I have 4 kids ages 6-15 and my time in limited for grocery shopping. Love your channel!!’

[@amycolucci6769]

K cups are cheap at target or walmart

[@susansmith493]

Do you have a house tour of your minimal home? I think lots of ppl would appreciate a lifestyle adjustment re their homes. Ppl waste so much money on "decor." I've come to hate that word.

[@kellyjardine4856]

Great video thx

[@karareynolds6467]

Ohio just had a train derailment, and the fish, and wildlife are dying. There is Acid rain due to the train derailment and our water system is heavily polluted with deadly chemicals. *there is no substitute for eggs for someone who is diabetic and needs higher protein. Oatmeal raises blood sugar levels far too much. Thanks for the advice though.

[@sharonfleshman6961]

I was so happy to see the holiday flavors of coffee were on sale last week. They were cheaper per ounce than regular generic coffee.

[@lisadeolalikar424]

Do you ever find like black mold growing in the water filter?

[@raisingwildflowers]

I have not. But I do clean and flush the filters about once a month.

[@VeronicaRichardson1980]

@@raisingwildflowers how do you clean/flush them? I just got one (from Purewell)

[@vicki900]

I'm just wondering do you not recieve SNAP and health insurance subsidies for your family, discounts on your utilities due to your family size and income levels

[@kenyonbissett3512]

Requirements for SNAP vary by state, but you can not collect if you have savings over a certain amount. My state is $3,000, I believe. She has mentioned she exceeds Florida’s amount.

[@silentvamp]

@@kenyonbissett3512right, this is how it is for us. We live on a low income but have money saved up. I think they also check retirement accounts.

[@kenyonbissett3512]

@@silentvamp in my state your home, retirement accounts and 1 car are excluded. But some states put a value on the car. it can be confusing. We have a tricountywide food bank system. There are 2-3 in my county that don’t require state assistance to receive food but decide on a case by case basis. They help in short term emergencies like unemployment or illness.

[@debbieframpton3857]

I live in Illinois they have never asked how much money I have in savings or the value of my car to qualify for snap they do know my mortgage is paid for

[@kenyonbissett3512]

@@debbieframpton3857 excellent example of how states differ

[@stevehartman1730]

My dad was an alcoholic beer. From 1975 when retired till 1987 remarried he drank at estimate $140000. He let the house go to he'll till I put $22000 into it for moms sake. Dad do u Wana go to fla to c our aunt only 1000 mile drive no can't afford it. U Wana go to NYC to c uncle same answer. You'd really like to go to Nashville...no can do u Wana go out west to c family members... can't afford it. How bout less shield VA only 60 miles away no.cant afford it only 10 gals gas can't afford to c your fav sis. I'm thinking only 7 beers . He couldn't give up 7 beers. A better car... can't afford it. Please don't do this to your family. He changed so much he slept at home but lived at the bar. In 10 years when n school we only interacted twice he deserted us. $14000. A year wouldn't eat threw away a good porterhouse steak dinner. Lies. Dear god.

[@jessicabulloch5302]

We have chickens, it's cheaper to feed the chickens now then buying eggs.

[@amydecker6207]

I am mystified at the people whose carts are filled to the brim with soda and cookies. My god. Fifty dollars or more spent on crap.

[@raisingwildflowers]

Shopping for people via Instacart has been an eye-opener. I had no idea people spent so much on groceries - especially all the drinks! And they are so expensive!

[@katalinhalom7960]

Never buy fruit juices! They are pure sugar and miss an essential part of the fruit/ vegetables - .the fiber

[@CassieDavis613]

Sitting down and calculating how many hours you had to work to buy unnecessary or unhealthy stuff is interesting.

[@kenyonbissett3512]

45 years ago, I smoked cigarettes. When the price went over a dollar, I quit. Not only unhealthy but the cost in burn spots on my clothes, cleaning up the tar on my car, and then the rise in price got me to quit. Oh, and a guy telling me kissing a girl that smokes is like kissing the bottom of a dirty ash tray after a party. We didn’t date long but he certainly made an impact on my life.

[@Michelle_Emm]

@@kenyonbissett3512 a packet of 50 cigarettes in Australia is about $80 but people still buy them. It is the definition of insanity. Sending yourself broke while destroying your health.

[@kenyonbissett3512]

@@Michelle_Emm You are right, 80 is insane. But I’ve watched people in line at food banks smoking cigarettes and drinking Starbucks or a fast food soda. But I’ve noticed most people have some kind of addiction. Not everyone, but 75-80% or so. Sugar, sex, smoking, shopping, drugs, gambling and the list goes on.

[@joannetaggart4136]

Yes, it's amazing to view the spending that way. Makes an impact.

[@suefleming]

@@kenyonbissett3512 lol...I'm addicted to breathing air.👍😊

[@TaraParsons-m4f]

You are amazing! SO GLAD I FOUND YOUR CHANNEL!

[@easyemail888]

I love your videos. Can you do more recipes please. I have a 5 kg ( 10 pound) bag of yellow lentils (Dahl) and am stuck for recipes. I have recently cut out animal products. Thank you ❤

[@jessicabulloch5302]

I make a sweet potato coconut curry dish, you may be able to find it online. So yummy