Vons.com is currently having a special promotion. During your checkout, use this promo code: 2STOCKUP to take advantage of the free delivery offer that expires on March 7, 2008. There are cheaper alternatives to Vons.com, but I like having www.vons.com around. Sometimes, when the weather is unpredictably raining heavily, I prefer not to go outside. When that's the case, I don't really have the means to travel to the best bargains. Usually the delivery fee is $7.95 or $9.95 depending on the time slot you select. But if I'm not paying for the delivery fee, and I don't have the means to go out, this is actually an ideal choice. You have to buy a minimum of $50 orders. Right now, Chunky soups are having a 10 for $10 special. Marie Callender's frozen foods are also going for $3.00 each. Frozen foods are grossly overpriced, but I like having them around for emergency situations. I have back and knee problems, so it's a nice choice to have around, rather than costly takeouts.
Free Delivery
Promotion Code: 2STOCKUP
Expiration Date: 3-07-08
Friday, January 25, 2008
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Ways to Warm Up Without Increasing Your Electric Bill
1. If you live in a cold environment and are renting, you should look for an apartment that covers the cost of utilities.
2. Wear thermal pants and thermal shirts underneath your regular clothes. And just keep layering until you warm up. Buy sweaters that keep you warm. As odd as it may look, put on a pair of gloves. For a better range of motion, get the fingerless gloves. If you're doing something, the movement will keep you warm. And the most important thing you can do is to wear socks. If your feet are cold, the rest of your body won't warm up.
3. If you're able, go to the smallest room in your home. A smaller room warms up more quickly than a larger one. To keep drafts at bay, buy or make a draft lodger. Simply place it under your door or by cracks where the cold enters. For a cheaper alternative, use a towel instead.
4. If you're like most people, you probably work during the day and come home at night. Keep yourself warm by working out indoors. Put a DVD workout on and do some cardio. Or you can simply jump ropes.
5. When you cook, use the oven. It'll warm up your home.
6. Consume beverages and foods that'll keep you warm such as ginger or cinnamon teas, chicken soup, or beef stew.
7. Take a bubble bath. You can relax and stay cozy.
8. When you take a shower, leave the bathroom door open. So the heat can spread throughout your home.
9. Invest in a superior down comforter that can keep you warm through the night. They're more costly but well worth the investment.
10. In other parts of your home, consider buying a warm throw for the living room.
11. If you must use a heater, use a portable one, preferably in the smallest room possible. A small heater will heat a room up more efficiently than a central heating system.
12. Unused electrical sockets invite cold air from the outside. By using those child safety plugs, you can correct this problem.
13. Preheat your bed by using a rice heating pad. Microwave it for 1 - 3 minutes. In another post, I'll discuss the details of a rice heating pad. If you don't want to go through the trouble of making a heating pad, you can purchase one at a place like Wal-Mart or K-Mart. This used to be my organization: sheets, sleeping bag, covered by a larger, thicker blanket. My blanket warmed up quickly, but without body heat, it was a real shock to the system. The sleeping bag served as a buffer. The whole assemble was worth $40, major sale at Target.
14. Just like the electrical outlets, the drains in your kitchen and bathroom leave an open space for the cold draft to enter. Cover your sinks, tubs, and shower drains when not in use. You can buy a drain cover for a dollar at virtually any hardware store.
15. While I highly recommend doing everything you can to avoid using the heater especially the central heating system, sometimes it can't be helped. But make an effort when you go to sleep by reducing the temperature 8 degrees. If you reduce the temperature this much for 8 hours each night, you can reduce your annual heating bill by 10%.
16. Install a programmable thermostat if you're able. By being able to monitor the temperature, your heating bill can be reduced significantly.
2. Wear thermal pants and thermal shirts underneath your regular clothes. And just keep layering until you warm up. Buy sweaters that keep you warm. As odd as it may look, put on a pair of gloves. For a better range of motion, get the fingerless gloves. If you're doing something, the movement will keep you warm. And the most important thing you can do is to wear socks. If your feet are cold, the rest of your body won't warm up.
3. If you're able, go to the smallest room in your home. A smaller room warms up more quickly than a larger one. To keep drafts at bay, buy or make a draft lodger. Simply place it under your door or by cracks where the cold enters. For a cheaper alternative, use a towel instead.
4. If you're like most people, you probably work during the day and come home at night. Keep yourself warm by working out indoors. Put a DVD workout on and do some cardio. Or you can simply jump ropes.
5. When you cook, use the oven. It'll warm up your home.
6. Consume beverages and foods that'll keep you warm such as ginger or cinnamon teas, chicken soup, or beef stew.
7. Take a bubble bath. You can relax and stay cozy.
8. When you take a shower, leave the bathroom door open. So the heat can spread throughout your home.
9. Invest in a superior down comforter that can keep you warm through the night. They're more costly but well worth the investment.
10. In other parts of your home, consider buying a warm throw for the living room.
11. If you must use a heater, use a portable one, preferably in the smallest room possible. A small heater will heat a room up more efficiently than a central heating system.
12. Unused electrical sockets invite cold air from the outside. By using those child safety plugs, you can correct this problem.
13. Preheat your bed by using a rice heating pad. Microwave it for 1 - 3 minutes. In another post, I'll discuss the details of a rice heating pad. If you don't want to go through the trouble of making a heating pad, you can purchase one at a place like Wal-Mart or K-Mart. This used to be my organization: sheets, sleeping bag, covered by a larger, thicker blanket. My blanket warmed up quickly, but without body heat, it was a real shock to the system. The sleeping bag served as a buffer. The whole assemble was worth $40, major sale at Target.
14. Just like the electrical outlets, the drains in your kitchen and bathroom leave an open space for the cold draft to enter. Cover your sinks, tubs, and shower drains when not in use. You can buy a drain cover for a dollar at virtually any hardware store.
15. While I highly recommend doing everything you can to avoid using the heater especially the central heating system, sometimes it can't be helped. But make an effort when you go to sleep by reducing the temperature 8 degrees. If you reduce the temperature this much for 8 hours each night, you can reduce your annual heating bill by 10%.
16. Install a programmable thermostat if you're able. By being able to monitor the temperature, your heating bill can be reduced significantly.
How to Save Money with Your Freezer
Rather than spending countless dollars on TV dinners and convenience foods, you can make your own. You save money and have food available for lazy days. By keeping your freezer full, it actually runs more efficiently, reducing your electric bill. The key to not falling into bad habits is prevention and preparation. Have food premixed and ready to cook for simplicity. But using your freezer for food storage isn't the only way to save money. Proper insulation and location of your freezer, among other things, also have an impact. Below I've listed some suggestions:
I seem to only have enough money for fresh foods that have to be prepared, pantry staples, or frozen food already prepared. So this is perfect. Taco seasoning and Sloppy Joe sauce are pantry staples, and they have a long shelf life. It can wait around until I buy meat and turn it into frozen prepared foods. I like having effortless meals lying around, but commercial frozen foods can get pricey. And who wants to overpay for such low maintenance food?
~Cook 5-6 lbs of ground beef to prepare several meals in advance. Split them apart and flavor them with taco seasoning, Sloppy Joe sauce, and hamburger patties. Then, you can freeze them in freezer safe bags. Label them carefully. These save a lot of time and is perfect to pull out for lazy days.
NOTE: To make perfectly shaped hamburger patties, round them into balls and place them between wax paper and flatten with a clean dinner plate. Wrap each patty with wax paper. This will make separating, freezing, and thawing much easier.
~Frugal Lemonade: In the book, Helpful Hints and Tips to Make Life Easier, I came across this interesting suggestion of buying lemons in bulk during peak seasons and making multiple batches of lemonade and freezing them. This asinine idea has saved me so many times: during heat waves, when my water was shut down, etc. What a simple and cheap way to make your freezer more efficient.
~Similarly to the frugal lemonade, you can also freeze lemon juice into ziplock baggies and ice cube trays with covers (so it won't absorb the odor of other foods such as meat). Another great way to keep your freezer efficient. It's also an easy way to always have lemon juice on hand.
~Before storing your chicken into the freezer, separate them from the package they come in. Transfer them into ziplock baggies with marinade. Not only will the chicken marinate while it's thawing, but it makes cooking a real breeze. Simply move the frozen poultry to your refrigerator the night before. When you come home, you can put it in the oven or pan-fry it.
~Always have herbs on hand. Okay, so frozen herbs aren't the freshest, but it's a good way to always have herbs on hand. Fine chop and freeze them with a small amount of water in ice cube trays. Once frozen, pop the herbiscles out and store them in freezer safe baggies. Or you can buy a bunch of ice cube trays (I suggest ones with covers) when they're on sale and store them as is. The next time a recipe calls for a specific herb, just toss in a cube. This is great for soups and stir-fries. These herbs will have a three months shelf life. Ideal freezing herbs are basil, cilantro, and parsley.
~In addition to freezing herbs, you can freeze peels and zests from citrus fruits such as lemons. You can also keep stems from fresh herbs and freeze them in resealable bags. Peels from gingers can also be saved the same way. Zests, stems, and ginger peels can also all be saved in the same ziplock bag and thrown into a pot of boiling water to make a flavorful broth to poach fish in.
~Transfer leftover white wine into a freezer safe resealable bag and place it in the freezer. White wine is amazing to deglaze with. Add 1/2 cup of white wine to a pan you just used with some stuck ons from meat, poultry, or seafood with a little butter. Drizzle over cooked food.
~For people with slow cookers, make your own version of prepackaged slow cooking recipes. My boyfriend and I recently bought a pre-made one from Marie Callender's. It contained vegetables, meat, and seasoning. We added the water ourselves. The vegetables and meat filled the slow cooker halfway, and I have a visual memory of how much water there was. You can either freeze your own produce or buy frozen vegetable medley and pour the right amount into your slow cooker. Throw in some meat. You're simply using the slow cooker as a measurement guide. Take the measured veggies, and meat and throw it into a large ziplock baggie. The next time you want something filling, hearty, and simple, pour it into your slow cooker. Memorize how much space it takes up in the ziplock baggies and fill the same amount in the future. Cook on high for four hours or cook on low for eight hours.
*Proper insulation and other money saving tips regarding your freezer will be addressed shortly.
I seem to only have enough money for fresh foods that have to be prepared, pantry staples, or frozen food already prepared. So this is perfect. Taco seasoning and Sloppy Joe sauce are pantry staples, and they have a long shelf life. It can wait around until I buy meat and turn it into frozen prepared foods. I like having effortless meals lying around, but commercial frozen foods can get pricey. And who wants to overpay for such low maintenance food?
~Cook 5-6 lbs of ground beef to prepare several meals in advance. Split them apart and flavor them with taco seasoning, Sloppy Joe sauce, and hamburger patties. Then, you can freeze them in freezer safe bags. Label them carefully. These save a lot of time and is perfect to pull out for lazy days.
NOTE: To make perfectly shaped hamburger patties, round them into balls and place them between wax paper and flatten with a clean dinner plate. Wrap each patty with wax paper. This will make separating, freezing, and thawing much easier.
~Frugal Lemonade: In the book, Helpful Hints and Tips to Make Life Easier, I came across this interesting suggestion of buying lemons in bulk during peak seasons and making multiple batches of lemonade and freezing them. This asinine idea has saved me so many times: during heat waves, when my water was shut down, etc. What a simple and cheap way to make your freezer more efficient.
~Similarly to the frugal lemonade, you can also freeze lemon juice into ziplock baggies and ice cube trays with covers (so it won't absorb the odor of other foods such as meat). Another great way to keep your freezer efficient. It's also an easy way to always have lemon juice on hand.
~Before storing your chicken into the freezer, separate them from the package they come in. Transfer them into ziplock baggies with marinade. Not only will the chicken marinate while it's thawing, but it makes cooking a real breeze. Simply move the frozen poultry to your refrigerator the night before. When you come home, you can put it in the oven or pan-fry it.
~Always have herbs on hand. Okay, so frozen herbs aren't the freshest, but it's a good way to always have herbs on hand. Fine chop and freeze them with a small amount of water in ice cube trays. Once frozen, pop the herbiscles out and store them in freezer safe baggies. Or you can buy a bunch of ice cube trays (I suggest ones with covers) when they're on sale and store them as is. The next time a recipe calls for a specific herb, just toss in a cube. This is great for soups and stir-fries. These herbs will have a three months shelf life. Ideal freezing herbs are basil, cilantro, and parsley.
~In addition to freezing herbs, you can freeze peels and zests from citrus fruits such as lemons. You can also keep stems from fresh herbs and freeze them in resealable bags. Peels from gingers can also be saved the same way. Zests, stems, and ginger peels can also all be saved in the same ziplock bag and thrown into a pot of boiling water to make a flavorful broth to poach fish in.
~Transfer leftover white wine into a freezer safe resealable bag and place it in the freezer. White wine is amazing to deglaze with. Add 1/2 cup of white wine to a pan you just used with some stuck ons from meat, poultry, or seafood with a little butter. Drizzle over cooked food.
~For people with slow cookers, make your own version of prepackaged slow cooking recipes. My boyfriend and I recently bought a pre-made one from Marie Callender's. It contained vegetables, meat, and seasoning. We added the water ourselves. The vegetables and meat filled the slow cooker halfway, and I have a visual memory of how much water there was. You can either freeze your own produce or buy frozen vegetable medley and pour the right amount into your slow cooker. Throw in some meat. You're simply using the slow cooker as a measurement guide. Take the measured veggies, and meat and throw it into a large ziplock baggie. The next time you want something filling, hearty, and simple, pour it into your slow cooker. Memorize how much space it takes up in the ziplock baggies and fill the same amount in the future. Cook on high for four hours or cook on low for eight hours.
*Proper insulation and other money saving tips regarding your freezer will be addressed shortly.
Reduce Your Grocery Bill
1. Carry cash when you go grocery shopping to prevent yourself from over indulgence, unless you live in a bad neighborhood.
2. Make a list that you can follow. By taking the time, t helps you to focus and forces you to prioritize your ingredients. I try to include ingredients that can be used in at least three recipes. For every one ingredient that can only be used in one way, I buy three ingredients to counteract it and motivate me to find more ways to use an ingredient and restrain yourself. Be sure to include sale items on the list.
3. Shop the perimeter. All of the necessary groceries you need are there: produce, dairy, meat, and bread. Everything in between are just fillers: health care items, personal care products, convenience foods, snacks, pet care, etc. You can save a bundle by avoiding them.
4. Look through the weekly sale items on the flyer. By stocking up on sale items, I don't need too many other ingredients because I already have a generous amount of sale items.
5. If you don't already subscribe to a newspaper and aren't interested in doing so, view the weekly flyers online. Do this while you're making your grocery list.
6. Take advantage of coupons. You'd be surprised by how much money you can save by simply using coupons. It may not seem worth it for a ten cents discount, and I can relate to that, but you shouldn't eliminate coupons entirely. Some stores such as Ralph's doubles the coupon discount.
7. For those of you who don't know, when sale items are out of stock, you can ask for rain checks. These rain checks extend the discounted price for a while longer and can be used later.
8. Experiment with generics. I can't understand why some people are against generic products. If you look at the ingredients, the generics usually have the same or similar ingredients. Some generics even taste better. A generous bulk of your money is going towards packaging and paying for the label. So why not cut that cost out?
9. Pay attention to the signs above the aisle. If that aisle doesn't carry anything on your list, walk right past it.
10. Look below eye level. A common marketing tactic is to place the cheaper products below eye level, encouraging consumers to purchase the pricier items.
11. Buy meat in bulk when it's on sale and store it in the freezer. Just label the expiration date and be sure to use it before then. My favorites are boneless skinless chicken breasts, chicken drumsticks, ground beef, and beef chuck steak.
12. Consider how you're going to use an ingredient. For example, if you're planning on using fruit to make cake, you can go for overripe produce that may be a better deal. Cheaper cuts of meat can be used for a recipe that cooks for a longer period of time, allowing the meat to tenderize.
13. Buy seasonal produce at Farmer's Market. Seasonal produce are much cheaper unless grocery stores are having a sale. And even if it's not, they're much healthier because they're grown naturally and not speed ripened. So, you'll be paying a little extra for your health, which is more cost-efficient in the long run. Freeze the leftovers.
14. Take advantage of your freezer. You'd be surprised by how many things can be frozen. Buy in bulk during a sale and freeze the rest for later. That not only reduces our grocery bill, but a full freezer runs more efficiently, reducing your overall electric bill.
15. Reduce your beverage expenses. Filter your water and stop buying bottled water regularly. (I personally recommend having some bottled water in your home for emergency purposes). Restrain yourself from overindulging in sodas. If you must, try a generic brand or wait until it goes on sale. I wouldn't recommend having more than one kind of soda in your refrigerator at a time. Consider buying sugar-free powdered versions that need water. Sugar-free versions are cheaper, and you can add the sugar yourself.
16. Keep an eye out for reduced meat costs. Most grocery stores reduce the cost on meat that'll expire the next day. Try looking for meats that are already marinated to make cooking easier. But if you don't think you'll use it, don't bother wasting your money.
17. Buy candy and chocolate after the Holiday season when the best bargains are available. This forces you to restrain yourself from overconsumption and prevents your overindulgence.
18. A significant amount of your money goes towards the packaging. So rather than spending money on prepackaged items, buy the ziplock baggies and package them yourself.
19. Consider the shelf life. It isn't always a bargain to buy in bulk just because it's on sale if it has a short shelf life or you won't use it right away. Sometimes, you can use the freezer, but, other times, it just isn't a wise investment. Don't bother buying stuff that'll go bad before you have a chance to use them.
20. Store perishable foods properly.
21. Buy less convenience foods, and you'll save a bundle of money. Prepared food is more costly.
22. Check the price per pound on items to evaluate which size offers the greatest bargain.
23. Always inspect your eggs before you buy them. There's nothing you can do once you bring home broken eggs, and the effort just isn't worth it.
24. Discourage bad habits by planning ahead. If you plan to have chicken the next day, thaw it a day or two beforehand. You can even take five minutes to make the marinade and let the chicken absorb its flavor. By having the food ready for you to prepare, it keeps you from stopping by a fast food joint or ordering takeout.
25. Resist the temptation to purchase items by the checkout line. They're intended to entice you, but it's generally not worth it.
26. Before you proceed to the checkout stand, review the contents in your cart. Now's the time to make the responsible choices you couldn't make when you first grabbed he bag of chips.
27. Check your final receipt. I can't tell you how many times I've been overcharged. It's much easier to correct a $3 dispute when it's just happened.
28. Avoid purchasing personal care items and health items at the grocery stores unless they're bargain. Generally, these items are marked up a couple dollars ore than places such as Target or Walmart. But every so often, you come across a steal such as buy 1, get 1 free, in which case, buy.
29. Never shop on an empty stomach. Spending money wisely means that you have to think and behave logically and objectively, something that you're unlikely to accomplish at a grocery store when your stomach is yelling at you to eat everything in sight.
30. Don't shop when you're tired. That's when your blood pressure is low, and your body craves food that'll quickly regulate you such as carbohydrates and sweets.
31. Go alone or have company that'll keep you from splurging all of your money away. It's all about creating an environment that encourages you to be more responsible and goal-oriented.
32. Develop self-control and self-restraint. It's easier said than done, but with every rejection you make towards your self-indulgence and impulses, you'll become stronger. Just remember that it's okay to say no.
33. Until you have the self-control and self-restraint to make responsible choices, don't test your weakness at the expense of your paycheck. Steer clear of aisles that carry foods that you don't need but are likely to purchase.
34. If you're truly intent on buying only a few items, stop by the grocery store during a lunch break and grab a basket, rather than a shopping cart.
35. Find out how much store brand milk is at your gas station. Many people have found the best priced milk there.
36. If you purchased something that isn't edible, call the food company to file a complaint. A replacement coupon is sent to you. Sometimes, positive feedback can also be rewarded with a coupon.
37. Really ask yourself if you need those sale items. It's important to distinguish between proceeding with a purchase because you really want it or if you're just splurging because it's on sale.
38. Shop at grocery stores like Food 4 Less where you bag your own items. By not having to employ baggers, grocery stores are significantly lower.
39. Asian grocery stores sell their produce and meat at a fraction of the cost. I'm not sure exactly why, but it's just the pattern I've noticed. Unfortunately, sometimes the produce isn't very fresh. But I avoid the bad batch by shopping when the produce first gets stocked. Soy products and dairy targeted for lactose-intolerant people will also find great savings here.
40. Make a mental note or jot down how much basic essentials cost at one grocery store and compare the price with another. But keep in mind that a cheaper grocery store further away may not be a bargain when you calculate the cost of gas.
41. Search for bargains in the reduced or discounted carts. You can find some pretty good deals from time to time, and it doesn't occupy much of your time, either.
42. Try finding recipes from cultures that don't use too many ingredients in their recipes as a way to save money. Italians make simple, delicious meals without excessive ingredients. The Japanese traditionally have rice, natto, and a side of pickles. Koreans eat rice and kim chi.
43. Cook twice the amount of food you need and save the rest for another time. Freeze the leftovers.
44. Consume water with your meal. It'll make you fuller quicker, and, that way, you won't eat as much food.
45.
2. Make a list that you can follow. By taking the time, t helps you to focus and forces you to prioritize your ingredients. I try to include ingredients that can be used in at least three recipes. For every one ingredient that can only be used in one way, I buy three ingredients to counteract it and motivate me to find more ways to use an ingredient and restrain yourself. Be sure to include sale items on the list.
3. Shop the perimeter. All of the necessary groceries you need are there: produce, dairy, meat, and bread. Everything in between are just fillers: health care items, personal care products, convenience foods, snacks, pet care, etc. You can save a bundle by avoiding them.
4. Look through the weekly sale items on the flyer. By stocking up on sale items, I don't need too many other ingredients because I already have a generous amount of sale items.
5. If you don't already subscribe to a newspaper and aren't interested in doing so, view the weekly flyers online. Do this while you're making your grocery list.
6. Take advantage of coupons. You'd be surprised by how much money you can save by simply using coupons. It may not seem worth it for a ten cents discount, and I can relate to that, but you shouldn't eliminate coupons entirely. Some stores such as Ralph's doubles the coupon discount.
7. For those of you who don't know, when sale items are out of stock, you can ask for rain checks. These rain checks extend the discounted price for a while longer and can be used later.
8. Experiment with generics. I can't understand why some people are against generic products. If you look at the ingredients, the generics usually have the same or similar ingredients. Some generics even taste better. A generous bulk of your money is going towards packaging and paying for the label. So why not cut that cost out?
9. Pay attention to the signs above the aisle. If that aisle doesn't carry anything on your list, walk right past it.
10. Look below eye level. A common marketing tactic is to place the cheaper products below eye level, encouraging consumers to purchase the pricier items.
11. Buy meat in bulk when it's on sale and store it in the freezer. Just label the expiration date and be sure to use it before then. My favorites are boneless skinless chicken breasts, chicken drumsticks, ground beef, and beef chuck steak.
12. Consider how you're going to use an ingredient. For example, if you're planning on using fruit to make cake, you can go for overripe produce that may be a better deal. Cheaper cuts of meat can be used for a recipe that cooks for a longer period of time, allowing the meat to tenderize.
13. Buy seasonal produce at Farmer's Market. Seasonal produce are much cheaper unless grocery stores are having a sale. And even if it's not, they're much healthier because they're grown naturally and not speed ripened. So, you'll be paying a little extra for your health, which is more cost-efficient in the long run. Freeze the leftovers.
14. Take advantage of your freezer. You'd be surprised by how many things can be frozen. Buy in bulk during a sale and freeze the rest for later. That not only reduces our grocery bill, but a full freezer runs more efficiently, reducing your overall electric bill.
15. Reduce your beverage expenses. Filter your water and stop buying bottled water regularly. (I personally recommend having some bottled water in your home for emergency purposes). Restrain yourself from overindulging in sodas. If you must, try a generic brand or wait until it goes on sale. I wouldn't recommend having more than one kind of soda in your refrigerator at a time. Consider buying sugar-free powdered versions that need water. Sugar-free versions are cheaper, and you can add the sugar yourself.
16. Keep an eye out for reduced meat costs. Most grocery stores reduce the cost on meat that'll expire the next day. Try looking for meats that are already marinated to make cooking easier. But if you don't think you'll use it, don't bother wasting your money.
17. Buy candy and chocolate after the Holiday season when the best bargains are available. This forces you to restrain yourself from overconsumption and prevents your overindulgence.
18. A significant amount of your money goes towards the packaging. So rather than spending money on prepackaged items, buy the ziplock baggies and package them yourself.
19. Consider the shelf life. It isn't always a bargain to buy in bulk just because it's on sale if it has a short shelf life or you won't use it right away. Sometimes, you can use the freezer, but, other times, it just isn't a wise investment. Don't bother buying stuff that'll go bad before you have a chance to use them.
20. Store perishable foods properly.
21. Buy less convenience foods, and you'll save a bundle of money. Prepared food is more costly.
22. Check the price per pound on items to evaluate which size offers the greatest bargain.
23. Always inspect your eggs before you buy them. There's nothing you can do once you bring home broken eggs, and the effort just isn't worth it.
24. Discourage bad habits by planning ahead. If you plan to have chicken the next day, thaw it a day or two beforehand. You can even take five minutes to make the marinade and let the chicken absorb its flavor. By having the food ready for you to prepare, it keeps you from stopping by a fast food joint or ordering takeout.
25. Resist the temptation to purchase items by the checkout line. They're intended to entice you, but it's generally not worth it.
26. Before you proceed to the checkout stand, review the contents in your cart. Now's the time to make the responsible choices you couldn't make when you first grabbed he bag of chips.
27. Check your final receipt. I can't tell you how many times I've been overcharged. It's much easier to correct a $3 dispute when it's just happened.
28. Avoid purchasing personal care items and health items at the grocery stores unless they're bargain. Generally, these items are marked up a couple dollars ore than places such as Target or Walmart. But every so often, you come across a steal such as buy 1, get 1 free, in which case, buy.
29. Never shop on an empty stomach. Spending money wisely means that you have to think and behave logically and objectively, something that you're unlikely to accomplish at a grocery store when your stomach is yelling at you to eat everything in sight.
30. Don't shop when you're tired. That's when your blood pressure is low, and your body craves food that'll quickly regulate you such as carbohydrates and sweets.
31. Go alone or have company that'll keep you from splurging all of your money away. It's all about creating an environment that encourages you to be more responsible and goal-oriented.
32. Develop self-control and self-restraint. It's easier said than done, but with every rejection you make towards your self-indulgence and impulses, you'll become stronger. Just remember that it's okay to say no.
33. Until you have the self-control and self-restraint to make responsible choices, don't test your weakness at the expense of your paycheck. Steer clear of aisles that carry foods that you don't need but are likely to purchase.
34. If you're truly intent on buying only a few items, stop by the grocery store during a lunch break and grab a basket, rather than a shopping cart.
35. Find out how much store brand milk is at your gas station. Many people have found the best priced milk there.
36. If you purchased something that isn't edible, call the food company to file a complaint. A replacement coupon is sent to you. Sometimes, positive feedback can also be rewarded with a coupon.
37. Really ask yourself if you need those sale items. It's important to distinguish between proceeding with a purchase because you really want it or if you're just splurging because it's on sale.
38. Shop at grocery stores like Food 4 Less where you bag your own items. By not having to employ baggers, grocery stores are significantly lower.
39. Asian grocery stores sell their produce and meat at a fraction of the cost. I'm not sure exactly why, but it's just the pattern I've noticed. Unfortunately, sometimes the produce isn't very fresh. But I avoid the bad batch by shopping when the produce first gets stocked. Soy products and dairy targeted for lactose-intolerant people will also find great savings here.
40. Make a mental note or jot down how much basic essentials cost at one grocery store and compare the price with another. But keep in mind that a cheaper grocery store further away may not be a bargain when you calculate the cost of gas.
41. Search for bargains in the reduced or discounted carts. You can find some pretty good deals from time to time, and it doesn't occupy much of your time, either.
42. Try finding recipes from cultures that don't use too many ingredients in their recipes as a way to save money. Italians make simple, delicious meals without excessive ingredients. The Japanese traditionally have rice, natto, and a side of pickles. Koreans eat rice and kim chi.
43. Cook twice the amount of food you need and save the rest for another time. Freeze the leftovers.
44. Consume water with your meal. It'll make you fuller quicker, and, that way, you won't eat as much food.
45.
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