$25.00 GROCERY BUDGET DECEMBER PERSONAL CHALLENGE WHAT DID I BUY THIS WEEK

[@MsRene98]

My parents grew up in the depression so I learned to keep a well stocked larder and deep freeze. About 20 years ago the company I worked for shut down unexpectedly and I lost my job with no notice. We didn't buy anything but milk for 2 months and had plenty to eat. Just like the animals - stock up during fat times so you have in lean times.

[@marianraftery]

That was fantastic that you were so well prepared. Hope things are going better for you now.

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

@@MsRene98 Thank you for sharing your experience. A well stocked larder has proven itself over and over again. Your parents were a good example for you. God Bless them!

[@diamondintheroughiamthelaw9682]

What is a "larder"?😊

[@marianraftery]

@@diamondintheroughiamthelaw9682 it’s another word for pantry.

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

@ A larder is a cool room for storing food. Originally it was a cool room for preserving meat covered in lard. The word is of old French origin.

[@inasl4551]

Folks, keep buying at Aldi and Lidl if you can. With them we got the food prices down here in Germany. Now every big store also offers low priced basic foods. And due to Aldi the prices never really went up again. Now we even have competition among at least 5 low price food store chains. I hope the american customers learns how much power you actually have. All the best from Germany

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

Thank you for sharing this with us. I appreciate it. Very helpful!

[@inasl4551]

@simplefoodsimplelife9632 i find it so sad what is going on in the US. itś not that we dont have problems here but yours are much worse. it breaks my heart when I hear that you can spend just 25 Dollars. i hope better times are coming soon.

[@MrsUnderwriter]

Argh thank you. Lidl started great un my country Latvia, they quckly realised they can top off uz and now they are equally bad AS 2 other big chaines.started with Orange juice 0,44 EUR, now same 1,95 RUR

[@alysezalazinski5599]

We don’t have ALDI in Nevada 😢

[@m.y.o.b.724]

I grew up in Germany but have lived in the U.S. for almost 40 years. I remember the old Aldi and how basic it used to be. They have gotten fancier over the years and so have their prices. Many things are still cheaper than in other stores but you also got to work the sales and markdowns of competitors, to avoid getting ripped off.

[@theresaegbuniwe5808]

Over the past few years corporations have made record profits. These price increases are not inflation but rather corporate greed.

[@Janet175]

Really?? I'm a farmer and when the stock market and FDA stops you from farming because you will not make any money to pay off the seed you bought in the spring. Farmers are not millionaires, it's not the stores.. they make 2% profit. Do research before you make statements that you can't back up. SMH 🙄. Keyboard warrior 🪖. Tell this to the people of nwc.. FEMA helped so much... Not 🚫 stockpile food with sales, grow a garden buy a cow from a farmer.

[@tbarc1]

@@janedowasjanedow we've lost alot of stores. Soon we'll not have choices at all.

[@jbalconi9903]

I don't know where you are, but in the United States, the following prices have increased: salaries of workers on farms and groceries stores (increased minimum wage), costs of fuel, costs related to trucking, costs of fertilizer, and costs of preservation (including prices of packaging and electricity). All of those price increases raise the cost to the consumer. The profits are in devalued dollars as well.

[@maryannecba3889]

Gross profits or net profits?

[@bettyir4302]

@@janedowasjanedow Ok, I'll say it, I won't care if Kohl's closes their doors. One year, during back to school sales, I was shopping with our daughter. When we went into the women's dressing room, there was a man who was sitting in a chair getting an eye full of little girls. Every store employee and manager I told acted as if I was in the wrong. Nope, sorry, they lost this customer forever.

[@MJCarter-MnknLady]

My mom would say, use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without. My mom cooked most of our food from scratch. If you can make bread, soup from scratch, etc, you can save a money and eat real food. Sometimes, you buy the bread. Sometimes you make bread sticks, muffins, or biscuits. I realize now that I ate a lot of “depression era foods”. You often give up some time though save money doing things yourself AND you build a skill set. Thankful that my mom showed me a lot of skills.

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

That's wonderful that your mom taught you those skills!

[@MarleneJones-i1b]

Feel blessed

[@jillsmith633]

When I was newly married in 1973, $25 was my weekly grocery budget. I brought home 7 large brown paper bags of steaks, chops, roast, produce, cheese, milk, eggs and canned goods. My grocery store sold the long loaves of white bread, 10 loaves for one dollar. It made plenty of bread crumbs, croutons, and multiple lunch sandwiches for my steel mill working husband. What has happened to food prices in this country??? I agree that prices will never come down now. I just found your channel and have subscribed.

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

Thank you!

[@Chellascommoncents]

I just came back from Aldi! I was so lucky to find 50% off stickers on roasts! I bought three

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

That is awesome!

[@ultramagapatriot5874]

Score

[@dianabehr3169]

Poor slaughter animals ... I NEVER buy cheap meat

[@carollynt]

Bet you’re fun at a party.

[@bawlingchicken1]

​@@dianabehr3169That is a VERY privileged mindset. How very fortunate for YOU.

[@SDH-x9i]

Just for reference, I priced these out in Canada and it would cost $45.58 for these items. You’re getting a great deal!

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

That's very interesting, thank you for sharing!

[@Slnaocwe]

I'm in Canada, too. Just estimated base on my grocery store prices and you're right, this mini haul would be right around $50. 😕

[@SDH-x9i]

@@Slnaocwe it’s crazy! We pay double what they do.

[@karenayochim9137]

I live on Vancouver Island in 🇨🇦🇨🇦 and I don't know how much it would be for these EXACT items here but I buy the same things and pay this or close to.I did all of the math and I would put mine at $22 to $25 Canadian.So her original budget.

[@Commonsensehurts]

I’m in Calgary, I was too lazy to add it up but I could tell we pay close to double

[@lindahowell3605]

Good morning Robin, it’s crazy how fast we can spend $18, but I remember little is much when God is in it! Love ya ❤

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

So true! Thanks Linda!

[@SandraMayer-z7i]

❤

[@sunnysweden4691]

What a haul for $18.00! Good planning can really payoff. Well done.

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

Yes! Thank you!

[@ninajohnson6578]

Thank you. Please do not hesitate to use food pantries.

[@runningbearranch7362]

In Northern California Winco foods Winco brand vegetables are .50 cents.corn and green beans.

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

Thank you for sharing!

[@RadianceRush]

I miss WINCO!

[@athomeinaz5421]

We have Winco in AZ too and it's good prices there

[@SandraMayer-z7i]

Wish we had Wincos in New York State!

[@happycamper1372]

I agree that prices will not be going down, let’s hope the quality starts going up.🇺🇸

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

Yes!

[@dianabehr3169]

😂

[@ImaOKay522]

Hello! I try to keep 1 or 2 backups to my favorite spices and herbs. In dire straights, even cardboard and straw can taste good! Onion and garlic POWDER will save the day!

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

That is so true!

[@lhv569]

You are so right! I bought a large bottle of dried chopped onions. I mashed the chunks when I needed minced and ground them with a mortar and pestle when I needed powder. It saved me space, also.

[@cherylhall8975]

Robin you are so sweet. And just what I needed today 😢 Also, I grew up on pork n beans and my dad would add hotdogs or bacon & a dash of bbq sauce!

[@ireneroy8820]

I use to fix pork n beans, cook rice and home fries for my kids for lunch when they were growing up. The pork n beans served over rice So good! 😊

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

Thanks for watching. I appreciate your kind words Cheryl!

[@SandraMayer-z7i]

My Dad would make that for us too! And serve it on toast. 😊

[@BeckyCreger-vs5ce]

With the threat of the shoremen going on strike the beginning of January, plus how the weather was all over; we are actually going to see some shortages in many products.

[@danamissouri]

I spent $19 yesterday on a gallon of generic milk, a bottle of generic nasal spray, 2 cans of the cheapest can chili I could find, 2 apples, and 2 bananas It doesn't go very far.

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

No it doesn’t Dana!

[@ohmeowzer1]

Hi Robin .i let my family know I can’t afford Christmas presents this year ,it was very difficult. But I did it l I need to do the $25.00 challenge . You’re my hero .Have you had snow yet ? We live in Upstate NY in the Hudson Valley . ❤

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

Thank you for your kind words but I am not worthy. We are all doing the best we can and I admire your courage to talk to your family about Christmas. I know it was very hard. Thanks for sharing with us. Just a dusting of snow here but very strong winds.

[@debbieframpton3857]

I quit shopping for Christmas several years back what I do instead throughout the year I buy things for my two daughters that are needed

[@bettyir4302]

Zero cost on you would be to send out/email old family pictures. Entire family albums. Perhaps send the family genealogy that you know of or stories. Maybe attach grandma's apple pie recipe, etc. If nothing else, they are irreplaceable so if there is an Helene on your house, the pictures aren't lost. Can you part with their baby books and little shoes? Let everyone take a favorite item? Again, it spreads memories out so precious things aren't all in one place. Do you sew? With so many working from home, make some mug rugs (do a search) from random scraps of fabric and trim. Don't purchase anything but use whatever you have on hand. Maybe sew laptop covers for the grandkids. Give of yourself such as a Saturday of clearing out and reorganizing someone's kitchen.

[@Myboringbliss]

I’d love it if my family did this instead.

[@melodyshukas4483]

The holidays are rough for a lot of people. Yesterday was a rough day for me. I miss my mom! I miss the excitement and joy of the holiday season. I don't know. I just pray a lot. I know I'm not alone. A lot of folks feel the same. I'm sorry for rambling on. It just feels like regardless of how accepting and "inclusive" this world is supposed to be, it's a much colder place than I ever remember in my 52 years. Jesus knows the plan. I'm not called to know or understand, I'm called to follow. Thanks for making this world a bit brighter. God bless you always. ❤😊

[@The-Vintage-Needlecrafter]

Thank you for sharing Robin! I would love to see your basement grocery store again sometime. You take care.😊❤

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

You take care too Laura! And thanks so much for being here.

[@christinec4919]

Hi! I'm a first-timer to your channel. I was wondering if you knew that a lot of grocery store prices are priced in yearly cycles of sale discounts from manufacturers? For example, late January through February frozen foods (particularly vegetables) go on sale more to make room for the start of the new season of vegetable picking/processing. Or the best time for canned salmon prices is late August into September because that is the window when the new season if fish are caught and canned and they want to be rid of all the previous season's catch. However, if the catch is low, then the next years' pricing will be high. There are so many factors involved behind the scenes for each product in a grocery store.

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

That’s interesting! I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you!

[@miss.baptist394]

I thought I'd share from another "lifestyle"/ "generation" We have five children so to say we eat a lot of food is an understatement :) At the discount store I spent around 235 dollars for 119 items!! At walmart I spent 274 for 88 items.. This did include household items and we will buy very little (100-200) for the next threeish weeks. Sidenote we homeschool and eat every meal at home except for the occasional lunch date that my hubby and I go on for lunch that is about 30 dollars a month. I'll admit it's high, but I thought others might like to see a little bit of our budget from another kind of person :) LORD JESUS is KING of kings and LORD of lords!

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

I appreciate you showing your budget. I raised 4 children and although in a different era, I understand how expensive it is to feed a family. I think you are doing well. God bless you and yours.

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

Ur food $ is GREAT for 5 kids eating there every meal, no free lunches or brkfsts like at school. Once they hit 12 they just can NOT be filled. Boy OR girl.

[@robinbonanno3543]

Another great video. I went to Aldi’s yesterday and noticed the sausage was over $3 also. Lunch meat also higher. I did not purchase the sausage but did purchase some ham. Spent $18 also. Going to do $25 a week challenge for the remainder of December, January, and February.

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

Good luck with your challenge! And thanks so much Robin!

[@miss.baptist394]

I buy sausage and deli meat a local discount store. It would be HARD to afford that at the "normal" grocery stores! I do watch our expensive grocery store for clearance meat because they always have the best deals locally! LORD JESUS is KING of kings and LORD of lords!

[@SandraMayer-z7i]

Seems to me that ham steaks and diced ham are still inexpensive. We have been using that a lot lately.

[@witsonsmom729]

I still have things in my freezer to use up, so I'm mainly trying to just get fresh produce and dairy. I had two unlabeled mystery bags yesterday (my bad) that I thought were tomatoes and grated cheese -- turned out I had darkened apricot slush and grated pumpkin 😅. So, quick save on my lazy girl biscuit crust pizza... I used pesto sauce from my refrigerator and Swiss cheese as toppings instead with success. I'm still vacillating if next year I want to do $25/week or once a month $100 grocery budget. Main goal is to use older items in freezer and Pantry before they go off so I don't waste.

[@bettyir4302]

I reorganized the pantry a couple months ago and sat the oldest dates front and center on the counter to use immediately no matter what they were. Good or bad, the shrinkflation allowed for 3 canned goods to stack where only 2 could before leaving empty space. The #1 goal now is eating down the freezer and used homemade stocks, carrots, celery and a ham bone today in split pea soup. Stocks/broths are on the top shelf, next shelf is chicken, then pork, then beef and the door is fruits, vegs and nuts and the basket is lunch meats, grains and odd stuff so I know at a glance if we're running low. I try to go left to right with dates but they still get jumbled up. With the long drive into town, we shop once every 4-6 weeks. There are only 2 grocery stores in the county and they're the same prices.

[@witsonsmom729]

@bettyir4302 I really like your idea of setting the "use immediately" cans on the counter where you see them to use.

[@user-yg4hv3un7c]

I buy mostly FIRST, Fresh fruit, (usually apples) spinach, carrots, celery, mushrooms (mushrooms I have heard are VERY healthy for you) & some tomatoes. I told my husband "I would rather buy fresh fruit & produce FIRST before ANY other items, as personally I feel it is healthier eating that way & "your health is your greatest wealth." NICE to see another person shopping like I do too. I am trying too, to get our freezer items down as well. Take Care & HERE'S TO GOOD HEALTH!!🥂🥗🍎

[@ClashOfTheKunai]

Great finds! Thank you such wholesomeness in your content!

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

That is so kind of you to say! Thank you!

[@davidcrickmer-o4r]

I think you’re right about inflation not going away. Meat just keeps going up in price here in the UK . If you go in late, the premium steak is still in stock but all the cheap chicken & pork is sold out which tells you how things are .

[@esteeb42]

I was just looking at the grocery flyers for the next week. It seems like good deals are getting harder and harder to find. When I have found meat markdowns it seems it is marked down to the price I was paying a couple months ago and really isn't such a great discount.🤑 My 40 year old son is living here with me right now. We have his 3yr old son hear from Friday evening to Sunday evening. My son contributes towards groceries we are currently averaging $500 per month.

[@tbarc1]

I used to spend $100-$125 a month for myself and I was able to totally skip store for a month, sometimes 2 months. Now, I spend $150-$200 and all I'm doing is restocking what I've used and I cannot skip even one month.

[@tbarc1]

And yes...the sales are not sales anymore.

[@esteeb42]

I think I would average $200 a month if it was just me

[@flygirl0923]

Hi Robin, from Houston, TX! I know what a truly grateful person you are....but, you did look a little disappointed, as did I, when looking at this haul compared to last week. I had heard that Aldi was going to be raising prices. I have noticed in my local grocery ads that "good" sales are vanishing....there are sales, but not nearly as good as they usually are. I liked your "basement grocery" having rows of 12 of everything. I also wonder how much I really need. I have seen other KZbinrs basement stockpiles and it seems so overwhelming. I am doing an inventory of my staples to see how close I am to 12 this weekend. Take care, Robin!!

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

You take care as well and thank you for your comment.

[@catluvnj]

A grocery outlet opened a year ago around here . Amazing prices and great quality , see if there is one near you , way better than where you went

[@karendiane9154]

A grocery outlet opened up my town. I love shopping there.

[@trixienuno528]

I love Grocery Outlet too! It's my go-to now. 👍

[@carolynstewart8465]

Thank you for your valuable suggestions!❤❤❤❤❤

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

You’re very welcome.

[@StephanieBacks]

Glad to USA prices are still reasonable. The best I've seen for butter here in Canada in the last 6 months was 4,79$.

[@brendaholland9064]

Prices in Canada don't compare

[@hollyfink6168]

We really need God In! 😊

[@dianeeyestone2040]

Only if you believe.

[@joycejackson9315]

Carrots are root vegetables . Canning it makes it more expensive than buying raw and just boiling it.

[@cathtf7957]

Wow! These items would cost $60 or $70 in Canada. We haven't had these prices since the eighties. Enjoy your food!

[@lucialuciferion6720]

That's insane!! And I think $18 is alot for what she got.

[@notsheepish8304]

How do you live with those astronomical food prices?

[@nanasplacepaula]

I am stocking coffee right now as prices seem Togo up every week. can do without a lot but not coffee. I have been stocking/ preserving what we eat but not going to Aldi too much as walmart is just as cheap with more choice

[@carollynt]

There is a coffee disease that is causing the pods to fill with rot. Coffee is going to skyrocket soon.

[@lucialuciferion6720]

@@carollynt Figures. I seriously doubt there's such a disease going round. Question everything you hear . It's an excuse to raise prices more!

[@melodyshukas4483]

Agreed. Coffee is going up, up, up...

[@martinamitchell7612]

​@lucialuciferion6720 You do realize the only state that produces coffee is Hawaii, right? Not enough to supply the continental U. S. Most of our coffee comes from Central & South America. Brazil & Columbia are among the top importers. Followed by Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda & Tanzania. So yes, due to probable tariffs, striking dock workers, the price of coffee, most likely will be going up.

[@sparklemotion86]

@@lucialuciferion6720 wrong there was just a big news report about it. Two of the biggest coffee producing countries had problems due to climate changes. So there will be shortages. I already noticed a decaf brand that I buy has been unavailable for several weeks

[@kathydvorak3075]

I love your jacket!

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

Thank you Kathy. I have had the coat for many years.

[@kathryndockrey1477]

Organic is a marketing ploy, IMO. I've come to point where I am starting to not like canned vegetables as much. Carrots are always cheap. I buy them 'fresh'. (even though in Canada, we know they have been in storage for months)

[@tbarc1]

@@kathryndockrey1477 I keep 3-4 of each canned vegetable but only for emergency purposes...they regularly get donated when I inventory. I either cook from fresh or use frozen and cook dry beans. I've also found that I much prefer Walmart frozen veg over Aldi. I buy my meat at Schnucks where the meat is always good and they have buy 4/$20. If I Iuck into a meat markdown at Sam's I'll buy...otherwise the pricing is too high imo Produce at my Aldi (there are 2 I can patronize) is always hit or miss on quality and more so miss.

[@michellejennings3232]

It's such a good idea to add spices to your pantry. They make such a difference when putting economical meals together.

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

Absolutely!

[@vernabryant2894]

Once prices go up they usually don't go down much.

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

Very true.

[@melodyshukas4483]

Hey Ms. Robin Unfortunately I don't think prices are going to go down either. I believe that companies have now realized that they CAN charge more and that people will pay it because everyone needs food. I cannot believe that their sausage went up! It's always been 2.95 here in Virginia. The canned food has gone up as well. I remember when a can of peas was .33!

[@celiaapple5317]

around thanksgiving Aldi had 10 pounds of potatoes for $1.82. I thought that was a great price! Still eating on them.

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

Awesome!

[@CurlyQxyz]

This is super cute

[@mycupoverflows7811]

We have a family of 8. I absolutely LOVE Aldi organic ketchup because it doesn't have high fructose corn syrup. Don't know what I'd do without Aldi!! Their jam is fruit, sugar and citric acid-- no HFCS. Their natural peanut butter, Their chocolate bars, their sugar free sodas... i can't sing the praises of this wonderful store enough!!❤❤

[@reginarenoude1098]

Inspires me to try this challenge. Ty

[@donnamcclenton7340]

If you shop around you can do it on very little, I got 2 -10 lb bags of leg quarters yesterday for .79 a pound so 20 lbs around $15

[@ultramagapatriot5874]

It's absolutely depressing for me to go grocery shopping!! Not just because prices are ridiculous but looking at people trying to afford to buy food to feed themselves & their families! It's heart breaking! I help people when i can when in line at the grocery store if they don't have enough money😢😭😢😭

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

You are very kind. I agree. I don’t know how families manage.

[@debbieframpton3857]

Peas are my favorite but they're always higher priced when canned then other vegetables. I live by myself so I often open a can of pork and beans and eat from the can

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

Lol…Debbie sometimes I do too.

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

My dad ate canned beans or canned soup from the pan with a potholder underneath. I couldn’t get him ever to nuke a bowl of canned stuff 🙄 2 of my daughters will eat an entire can of beans by themselves. If they’re newly opened, they don’t even have to heat them. They prefer them warm but they enjoy them room temp too 🤔 I make rly good homemade beans which I prefer for sure!

[@lhv569]

I love this video. You made that $25 go a long way. I'm living from my stockpiled items from Nov. through Feb. and saving the cash for a needed appliance. So far the only things I've purchased were a few dozen eggs from a friend with chickens. Wish me luck.

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

I can’t not have fresh vegs, if not fresh fruit. I need some fresh, raw foods not just cooked. Plus we buy milk and cream (make our own yogurt, kefir and sour cream, cottage cheese) and hard cheese also. Frozen cheese isn’t same as fresh so can’t stockpile it like butter. We also eat 12 dozen eggs a month. Every.single.day. in some form or another for brk. Put in porridge and smoothies even if ur sick of eating eggs. We also bake and make custards with eggs. Do u not mind not having fresh veggies? Or milk, yogurt, kefir, cottage cheese? Thanx for ur comment, it got me thinking!

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

I wish you luck indeed. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@lhv569]

@@YeshuaKingMessiah My fresh veggies are kind of limited to cold storage stuff right now. I have a store of 3 different types of potatoes and 3 different types of onion, some shallots, garlic heads, different squashes, pumpkins (that I got for $.50 each after Halloween), etc. I've found that brussels sprouts and cabbage keep very well, also. Raisins, dates and prunes are very shelf stable. I'm currently fermenting limes so we'll see how that goes The only thing I really miss for veggies are fresh cucumbers, bell peppers and tomatoes. I'll probably be buying those along the way. I really don't eat much fruit so that's not been an issue. As for dairy, hard cheeses, heavy cream, cream cheese and half & half last a surprisingly long time in the fridge, even going by their own dated. If I'm cooking with milk, I've gotten good at using canned evaporated milk, like mac and cheese. I bought all the stuff to preserve my hard cheeses by waxing them but haven't tried it yet. Thanks for giving me things to think about, also.

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

@ I can’t get cheese to last 3 weeks, once it’s open, incl cream cheese They both mold, even wrapped tight.

[@lynette8234]

Hi🙋‍♀️, new watcher and I felt like I had an exciting day with ya too!! I like that you tell why you bought your items. It helps to know because it teaches new peppers or young shoppers what and why it’s needed. And reminds us ones who have gotten a bit lax in the savings department to get our acts back in order. To save is to have more another day when those amazing sales are around. See ya!

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

Thank you for joining us. I'm so glad you like the channel.

[@pammentzer3584]

Absolutely love you, Robin! 😂 Your PS today made me laugh. Thanks for bringing Frugality AND Joy to my days!

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

Thanks, you are so kind!

[@jbalconi9903]

I thought I'd mention this related to the costs of grocery products. The following have increased in the US: salaries of workers on farms and groceries stores (increased minimum wage), costs of fuel, costs related to trucking, costs of fertilizer, and costs related to food-preservation (including prices of packaging and electricity). All of those price increases raise the cost to the consumer. People mention "record" profits based on dollar amounts, but those profits are in devalued dollars as well. In my own corner of the world, most family farms in my hometown are gone. Some farmers sold the property to developers of new subdivisions. Some are under solar panels because the subsidy from electric companies is a needed source of income for farmers who struggle.

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

Thank you for such good information. I appreciate your point regarding the devalued dollars. Put prices into perspective.

[@jbalconi9903]

@@simplefoodsimplelife9632 You're welcome. I have young family members who got much-deserved raises this past year. Their customers are upset about the higher costs of their services/goods. At the same time, those raises didn't keep up with inflation. BTW at Thanksgiving, the subject came up of YT channels about frugality and budgeting. I definitely plugged yours to my family!

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

@ So kind of you! Many, many thanks. God bless you and yours.

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

@@jbalconi9903where I am, very poor state - $9.50 is what most everyone in retail makes. There’s never a raise. There’s 50 ppl to replace u if u don’t want the job. My daughter in college got hired as a shift lead for a cookie shop. She only gets pd lead wage if she wks lead position that shift!! She has no say what shifts or how often she is lead on. She thought she would always wk lead and so her wage would be $12.50 an hr not $10 for many of the shifts she wks. WHICH IT SHOULD BE. Talk about a terrible company. Employers do not care. At all. And in this economy we have had for last 4 yrs, it’s a biz owners’ market, not an employees’ market at all. I srsly think the banks are going to implode in Jan. Everything’s all set for it to happen. PLANNED

[@jboren5552]

Now that the weather is cold again, I’m back to dumpster scooping (I don’t climb in. ) hahaha. This month so far 4 packages of Beelers bacon, a case of chocolate milk minus one, a case of kimchee minus one, 22eggs, a package of kerrygold butter, 3 loaves of sourdough bread and yesterday a box of 49 beautiful red and yellow bell peppers!! Everything is organic and only the bread past its sell by date. What fun!

[@dixiebell7011]

Love that. I don't think that is an option, lots of food pantries here where stuff goes.

[@jboren5552]

⁠I’m not in financial need. Quite the opposite. In fact I often give away what I find, telling them where I got it. It’s just fascinating to rescue full cases of food, thrown away simply because store space is limited. Did you know that returned or left items are never reshelved. It is also against the law to put recalled food in a dumpster that people or animals have access to. But thank you for your concern.

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

That's quite a haul! You rescued so much food. I am impressed.

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

Great information. Thank you!

[@janicerhoades8851]

It is illegal in my state. We volunteer at the local food bank. Many of the local stores donate to us. Sad to see anything go to waste.

[@brattycin]

You did good. I'm picky about my ketchup, only liked Heinz but I tried the Aldi's brand because it looks like Heinz's and it tastes like it so I'm wondering is they make it for them. I think I"m going to do more checking at the Dollar Tree, just wish it was easier to find one with a refrigerator section.

[@37degreesnorth76]

The new aldi ad that came out today has 2.99 butter. Limit 6. I have a ridiculous amount of butter left from the sale last Christmas. 2.49 last year. Hoping it will be 2.49 again this year. Probably not though. I didn't bake much this year. Not much else in the ad to impress me.

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

The butter in the new local Aldi add had butter for $3.49 limit 6.

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

We use almost a stick a day lol u must not use much butter

[@susanturner1171]

It's really interesting if you study the supply chain at all. There are so many factors that go into it and things involved that fluctuate so greatly.

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

Yes there are Susan.

[@BeckyCreger-vs5ce]

I've spent the last 3 months stocking up my freezers. One is a 21 cubic foot upright and the other is a 5.5 cubic foot chest freezer. I also have the freezer on top of my refrigerator. I have 2 pantries. I have one here and the other is in the basement. The one in the basement is for everything except for non food items. I have a special place for all of that in my bedroom. I comparison shop each month with every store. Three of the stores are next to each other and the other on is about a mile from me. Of course, this does not include Sam's Club because that's about a hour and a half from me. I usually go with my best friend and we share the gas. We also only go once a month or every other month.

[@BeckyCreger-vs5ce]

I know that I would have never been able to do anything of this without God's blessings

[@BeckyCreger-vs5ce]

I forgot to tell you that I'm 71 years old and live alone. I live on my Social Security check which is the minimum a person can make. I always make sure my bills are paid before I go on a big shopping spree. It usually means staying home the rest of the month. I do not mind that at all, especially with the winter cold weather we are having up here in North Central Iowa.

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

Thank you Becky! You have a great system and are very organized! You and your friend working together is awesome. Well done!

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

For 1 person? All that? Wow! That’s some yrs of work of buying ahead while feeding urself currently. My teens (17&19) have to buy food now too as there’s no way I can feed us myself anymore. I never buy tp either. They do. In huge boxes at Sam’s (my friend has a card there n they don’t scan ur face like at Costco).

[@BeckyCreger-vs5ce]

@YeshuaKingMessiah With the way food prices keep going up and the threat of the shore personnel going on strike the beginning of the year, there are many things that won't be able to buy. Plus the weather all over the USA being so weird, many products will be in shortage.

[@sherrypuckett6686]

Yes yes and yes i have chickens now selling the extra eggs and using all the eggs to do all my baking its so nice . Then at walgreens two bags of 5 lb each 7 dollars which i will use as i bake my flour from krogers two weeks ago was almost 4 dollrs so good savings. I always walk around the store looking for the deals while waiting on my meds win win

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

Wonderful Sherry!

[@sildan1988]

This is not a challenge, unfortunately it is the real life for lots of Americans.

[@lizzabbott]

First time viewer here. Thank you , Robin !! Does anyone have a delicious rice & beans recipe to share ? I’ll be doing this challenge. Did verrrrry little Christmas shopping this year. But thatz fine. Had to be done. Cheers ! Liz

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

Thank you Liz!

[@nancyfranks3505]

I so wish Colorado had Aldis. These prices are so much lower than King Soopers. I agree with you , most likely prices won’t go down,

[@karendiane9154]

I wish Idaho had an Alidis.

[@karencripe7949]

Hi Robin! Thanks for sharing another budget haul! I met my sister in Aurora IL last week for our Sister Christmas getaway, and she brought me 5lbs of butter from the new Aldi in her Indiana town. Strangely, they've had butter on sale since they opened - $1.99 lb! She couldn't believe her eyes when she saw it, and even checked with an employee to be sure it was correct! What a blessing to have butter at that price! BTW, when I crossed over the bridge into Iowa on Friday afternoon, I called out "Hello Robin!" I hope you heard me! 😁 Have a blessed week! 💗 **I forgot to mention - I buy the Farmland ground pork sausage at Walmart - currently, it's $2.98.**

[@danamissouri]

Wow, I'd be stocking up as much as possible on butter for that price.

[@tbarc1]

I've been waiting for that $2.99 holiday butter sale at Aldi...didn't happen this year! The lowest I've seen it was $3.49 (down from the current regular $3.69) I didn't buy one single pound. If I have to I'll use margarine after my last pound in freezer is gone. I'm very disappointed in Aldi pricing...the best buys I've seen the past 2 months was cans of wkcorn and green beans for 50 cents which I'm certain is only due to them having over stock and they'll double in price as soon as stock levels. I won't go over 4-6 cans because I normally use frozen and only stock cans for "safety".

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

What a great gift! I’m so glad you spent time with your sister. Sounds lovely and the weather was good. I love that you gave me a shout on your way home! Thank you Karen!

[@honestyk4894]

@@tbarc1 Yesterday's Wednesday Aldi ad had butter for $2.99 finally, as I was waiting for the same thing. Limit 6, and I certainly bought 6, which might last the year.

[@tbarc1]

@honestyk4894 thanks! I'll check ad! Thought I did but who knows lol

[@loisvreeland7623]

Good choice of spices. Using paprika and cinnamon as often as possible. My Aldi does not sell that peanut butter and butter is close to $4., good catch for you at a store I do not have access to. Prices have not gone down. Potato prices have been nuts. Canned veggies are well priced at Aldi. lol Saw a woman filling a cart with green beans. 2nd yr. in a row. Last yr. it was a couple pulling cases into their cart. Can't stand the onion, mushroom soup recipe, but good for them. I live near an Aldi and make myself shop there before driving to Walmart. Good job!

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

Thank you Lois! I’ve seen similar situations in Aldi. I have done the same myself when restocking.

[@margaretbauer3813]

Rice, beans, onions, spices, tomato, peppers. The prices are not going up, however, they are not going down with foid. Plan your garden now!

[@Patricia_10_3]

Dollar tree, if u have one in your area, does sell bacon 2pc packs 1.25. They even have single steak packs. Yes they're not the prime juicy steak we all like but definitely an affordable one.

[@dixiebell7011]

Ketchup is one processed foods I pay extra for. Target has good price for it.

[@lisan4674]

Please don't buy broth, just buy a chicken and make your own. You get chicken meat as well!

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

She makes poultry broth but beef is outrageous so no way to make broth. Hamb doesn’t make broth lol I think the yuck in those pkgs aren’t worth ingesting, even they were free. They’re MSG or similar in brown colored water, no fat either 🤢

[@pamv6549]

Get there when they open for markdowns.

[@tbarc1]

I honestly don't buy much at Aldi any more and actually don't miss it. Earlier this year when they bought those other stores (sorry, can't remember precisely the stores) I honestly expected prices to increase. Imo they did as I suspected...and also some aldi stores went to self check which is a savings for them. I think doing self check goes directly against their original start up. I mainly shop Walmart, Schnucks and Sam's. My pantry/freezer stock has leveled out and im at the point of just fill in shops so Im sure that helps. I agree 100% the prices are here to stay BUT at what point are they going to STOP going up???? I only shop once monthly and I am shocked the prices are much noticeably higher each month!

[@57msdeb]

Winn-Dixie is what they bought.

[@tbarc1]

@57msdeb thank you! I couldn't remember to save my life.

[@57msdeb]

@ I was hoping the huge Winn Dixie near my house would become an Aldi. Hasn’t happened yet. I haven’t been in a Winn Dixie in 20 years.

[@tbarc1]

​@@57msdeb I don't think I've ever been in Winn Dixie. They most definitely are not in my area and it's been many, many years since I've traveled to any city large enough to have one. My town has Kroger as sole grocer...well, there is a small private owned but I absolutely cannot pay their prices for the very limited stock. About 20mi over I can shop Schnucks and there's a Sav-a-lot. I shop Schnucks mainly for the 4/$20 meat cooler they keep nicely stocked always. That affords me a very nice variety to stock freezer and being single household I really enjoy being able to purchase a variety instead of a $20 pkg of a single item. I normally do a monthly trip and hit the Walmart, Schnucks there and then hit the Sam's club and Aldi that is a bit closer to home...maybe 10mi the other direction. I avoid Kroger like the plague lol

[@57msdeb]

@ Winn Dixie used to be known for good beef. My mom got a lot of her meat there back in the day. They actually had their own farms and raised it themselves. When I grew up, the beef people slogan went away and they started having a lot of BOGO items but their prices were higher to start with. I have never shopped there. The one near me was dirty. I don’t like Save-a- Lot. The other stores you mentioned I’ve not shopped at. I do shop at Sam’s, Aldi, and Publix. I’m in Florida. Publix is pricy but such a nice place to shop.

[@user-ii3vn8tn3q]

Massive corporate profits are unpaid employee wages.

[@ohmeowzer1]

In my city I have to say Toliet paper is very expensive. I buy the cheapest and it’s almost $ 9.00 for 8 rolls .it kills me . What’s with the paper products? I will try the dollar store next. I keep forgetting to buy ketchup..ughhh

[@bethparker1500]

As a present my son put in a bidet, reuseable wash cloths from $ tree. And toiletpaper use has been cut back.

[@BohemianDollhouse]

​@@bethparker1500Smart move! I've been using a bidet for more than 10 years and it's fantastic!

[@Sweetie8387]

New viewer. Enjoyed the content but also the ASMR , it was relaxing. Thanks 🇬🇧

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

Thank you!

[@MarleneJones-i1b]

Hi Robin New to your channel Ty so much for the knowledge you share

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

I'm happy you are here!

[@kathleennece715]

Enjoying your $25 grocery budget. My little local grocery store tries to have at least a few good buys each week. However, nothing I need this week. However, I will be sending some canned goods to someone who lives across the country from me. It’s costly, but sometimes, it’s uplifting just to know that someone cares. Well worth it, I think.

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

That is very kind of you.

[@bettyir4302]

Canned goods are heavy so can you purchase the foods at their local store and put it on curbside pick up for them? Or the store might have a home delivery service. Your money would go farther and they'd have more foods.

[@kathleennece715]

@ thank you.

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

Send a gift card to a store local to them! Add in the price to mail if u want, I’m betting $15 EASY

[@rachaelsupadventures]

Good morning lovely Robin 🎄I am new to your channel. It is cold here too in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Although is is much warmer today. We had been in the single and negative degrees. We moved here a year ago from Washington state. Bought a livable fixer upper on some property for $23,000 cash. We are debt free and mortgage free. We also have a nice pantry and shop like you! I do cooking by scratch and save so much doing it. Plus packaged meals have so much garbage in them! I have also noticed the sausage has gone up at Aldi's as well! Great buy for the money! Keep warm and stay blessed!

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

Thank you! I’m so happy you found me, I love hearing your story.

[@rachaelsupadventures]

@@simplefoodsimplelife9632 Robin do you live near Michigan? I look forward to watching more of your videos!

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

@@rachaelsupadventures I am in Iowa.

[@EricNorthman-h2f]

Ive found the only thing about anything organic seems to spoil faster .

[@BohemianDollhouse]

Strange. I've noticed the opposite. Not that I buy a lot of organic.

[@EricNorthman-h2f]

Everytime I buy organic I learned I have to use it faster AND it's more expensive. So I don't buy it often. Organic fruit I've bought must be used immediately where non organic has given me longer shelf life.

[@elizabeththorp8307]

Thankful to have multiple Lidl's in my area. Their prices beat Aldi and Walmart around here, Charlotte, NC. I stopped shopping at Aldi when some of the prices were even higher than Walmarts. Only shopped at Aldi this week cause they had winter squash for 75 cents a pound.

[@emmDubbs208]

What about splitting sausage package in half to serve your meal plan?

[@kathybradshaw5777]

I just found you thanks for the inspiration!!

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

You’re welcome and thank you!

[@m.y.o.b.724]

I always shop the last chance shelves, markdown produce, and sales. Usually Dollar General will gives you a five dollar coupon off 25 dollars spent, and I love their dollar aisle. If you're not too particular, you can still do okay.

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

I love the dollar Isle as well. Always worth checking out.

[@melodysmith5573]

I have a working stockpile pantry that I built up along with adding a freezer … I like to keep it under $20 for restocking but I’m currently finding my list of items is growing faster than I can refill it … will see how it goes

[@melodysmith5573]

Also I never thought of backup spices till I watched your video

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

I think I am the same way. My grocery list is always growing.

[@rejeannagwynn5665]

The Aldi baked beans are really good.

[@BrenBuskirk]

I have a freind who is a great saver has retirement. But she only shops with small cart. Never buys more than one bag..always under $10

[@NobodySpecial509]

Food costs are definitely not dropping in Canada 🇨🇦 we’ve already been “warned” that groceries will cost an ‘average’ of an additional $800/per year. 😢

[@BarbaraTorrey-y3m]

I try to. Very hard. It doesn’t work. I try to buy cheap love your y tube . I’m from Maine ❤

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

Thanks for being here Barbara!

[@BarbaraTorrey-y3m]

@ I found your you tube. And I just love it. I’m from Maine and love it.

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

@ thank you Barbara. You are very kind. Hello to Maine!

[@BarbaraTorrey-y3m]

@ Thank you. Your KZbin’s are warm and comforting.❤️

[@htas6888]

There was that carrot recall, people are more up to buying canned carrots instead of fresh probably, so higher demand higher prices at the moment. In a few months, canned carrot prices will go down more than likely.

[@rustyrussell3211]

I made some chicken soup (no noodles or rice), but I put some scratch made dumping in broth and added them together, wow was it good.

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

Sounds delicious!

[@sharonjennings1282]

Nice job Robin!

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

Thank you Sharon!

[@bria2596]

As an exceptional food extender on low budget - try making the Under The Median Lentil burgers recipe - cut the recipe in half. A half recipe will make 12-15 large lentil burgers (with the liquid smoke flavoring - the bottle will make many batches). I had never made them before. I am a meat eater, and I am big on the right texture in my food. These met my criteria, and I was very surprised. * I added a finely chopped onion, and 3 beaten eggs, and a little extra water (to make the recipe hold together better). If you make these lentil burgers according to Hope's recipe, you will be very surprised how close they are in texture, and in smell/taste (thank you Liquid Smoke), to a meat patty. They freeze great. They are very good. I like them with some Aldi medium salsa, and some cheese, if any is in the house. Try them as an experiment - they would also make great lentil meatballs. Thank you, Hope.

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll check it out.

[@gladyschandler6724]

I shop at Trader Joe's, which is also a great affordable grocerer. We have an Aldi's is far. My budget is 200-300 a month for 2 adults.

[@FrugalCraftyVegan]

Thank you for another great video!

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

You are very welcome!

[@brendabennett4829]

Here in Texas the canned goods are over a dollar

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

Oh dear!

[@Revert2017]

I start everything with flour….i make bread, peirogie, tortillas, pancakes, etc…then I decide what will with the flour item.

[@EricNorthman-h2f]

I like your jacket - yikes 20's. I believe the prices did go up because of the rise of transportation cost But I too am not sure if the prices will go down from their savings.

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

Thank you. I have had it for about 15 years.

[@JC-rl1vd]

I find it very interesting that the comments are so varied now about Aldi vs. Big Name stores. For me, it used to be that Aldi was cheaper on almost every item, almost every week compared to Walmart. Not now, though. I have moved, and the stores that are available to me now are much higher in prices(even with sales) than Walmart and Aldi, with the exception of a few sale items here and there. And no mark downs (produce, cheese, dairy, bread..etc) in these stores like I used to find in my Kroger store. I rarely shopped at Walmart for groceries before the move, but it's my main store now..which I don't care for, but I have to shop where my money goes further. Hyvee and Price Chopper are my other stores that are so expensive. Oh and Aldi butter is on SALE this week for $3.49 LB. LIMIT 6 😮 I used to look forward to the sale ads to see what I can get but now I'm usually just disappointed. But to end on a high note..lol..fresh cutie oranges are finally on sale this week..yay..I've been waiting! Aldi has them 3lbs for $2.99. Other stores are $6..crazy Just for reference, I live in the Midwest.. US..

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

I think that’s true about the prices! We are just doing the best we can. I too look for sales but sometimes they are not what I would call a sale. Thanks so much for sharing with us.

[@pamhopkins8339]

Dang, I love Aldi sausage, bums me out! Now I will look for sales on sausage and buy then.

[@alysezalazinski5599]

At one of our stores they had English cucumbers 5 for $1.00.

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

That’s a great price!

[@ZoeGirl_hey84]

Great video! One request: please don't sit in your car unless it's facing out and you can see who's out there. (My husband is a police officer.) And now... on my way to a $50 grocery trip! Doubled it for me and the always hungry dude. 😅

[@lisianthus4558]

I live in the UK and can't believe that now I'm retired I have to keep to a budget of £30 a week. Even in Aldi I've noticed that prices are still increasing. Also the fruit and veg does not last long and when your buying for one its hard to not end up throwing things out. I'm vegetarian and I like good quality organic produce but it's too expensive in most stores! Frozen is a good option.

[@AlrakWeaver]

I don’t drive, so I’ve been using Amazon fresh delivery. I am on SSI, and on a budget. It’s been so easy for me to take my time and look for deals. M Being on programs I only pay 4.99 a month for free deliveries. They also have coupons to use in some items. It’s only me, I don’t have a car, so I saved on just groceries 400.00 left in the bank. ❤ my budget per week is less than 40.00 (realistically with the price but still able to save.) Hope you can give that a try…. 🤗

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

Thank you for sharing your shopping strategy!

[@gaildurocher6553]

I bought 1 head of iceberg lettuce 1 pack of 3 peppers 1 English cucumber 3 Roma tomatoes and 4 apples. $20.20. The peppers and apples were in sale . Blew my mind. Thankfully it's only me and not feeding a family. The prices here in Canada are outrageous. Last week I bought 1 dozen of Eggs 1 pound of bacon and a bag of milk $ 19.00. Just insane.I love your channel . God bless ❤

[@EvelinHolmes]

Not sure where in Canada you live? I live in Calgary 1 dozens eggs $3.79,Bacon 375 grams $3.99 ,Milk 1 l $2.89. Just watch your sales.

[@gaildurocher6553]

@@EvelinHolmes ontario the eggs were 3.99 the 3 litre bag of milk was 7.09 the bacon 7.99. I do sales all the time. On this particular day nothing was on sale in that department .

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

Thank you so much! I think the same thing. Glad I’m not feeding a family.

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

Milk here is $4 a gal 36 pack of eggs is $12 Plus TAX $20 for milk & eggs!! (Almost) This is why single moms cry in their pillows each night

[@chrisfry436]

I live in a tiny agricultural town in Washington state and we only have one grocery "Safeways" and the next town is 25 miles away IF you have a car and money for gas, otherwise you shop at Safeways....we have no grocery delivery, not in the amazon food delivery area, no uber, no doordash, no public transportation, no chain restaurants, so you learn to make do, we did finally get a dollar Tree but prices have even changed in there and some things are three dollars to five dollars!! At Safeways I just bought 4 oranges for almost $9, an avocado was $3.49, bread was on sale $2.99, half gallon of whole milk was $2.79, my bacon is $10.49 a 1lb pkgs, eggs were $4.99, the very cheapest small pkg toilet paper was $7 catfood was .90 cents a small can....and my husbands soda was $9.99 a 12pk and I get it for him, we are 70yrs old and just live on social security and I try to watch our money best I can, and THANK YOU JESUS we paid off the house and car and credit card before we retired!! we have no pensions etc so I worry about that, but we just get through day by day and are Blessed! to have a roof overhead and food and hotwater etc so life is good!! we don't travel because he has Parkinsons and can't walk but we are good staying home and watching the world go by!!

[@BeckyCreger-vs5ce]

I seriously think that many grocery items have gone up because it is the holiday season and the stores know that people with be buying more. Especially eggs went back up because they know it's the holiday baking season.

[@MaryLaRue-k8e]

I don't know what part of the country you live in. You are so blessed because we can't buy anything anywhere near the prices you got the items for. We have always paid more here and the excuse is the shipping costs. I don't understand that as no matter where you live there is shipping cost.

[@simplefoodsimplelife9632]

I am in Iowa Mary.

[@maryharper9321]

I really dont expect huge decreases in prices