Grocery Display Tactics

Marketing research and psychological evaluations reveal the most effective ways to make consumers most susceptible to overspending, and these studies are exploited for maximum financial gain. Here are some tactics incorporatd with shelf display according to supermarket guru, Phil Lepert:

1. Eye Level Trick
The most expensive products are often located at eye level, while inexpensive choices are closest to the ground and furthest away from consumers.

2. End of Aisle Displays
Not every product that's on display at the end of aisles are a bargain. Many times they're intentionally isolated from their similar products to entice consumers at a cheap rate because the grocery stores are trying to get rid of them. Be sure to check the expiration date before overbuying items that'll expire in less than a month!

3. Candy Next to Cereal
Candy placed right next to the cereal is a parent's worst nightmare. As an attempt to shut their children up, parents end up purchasing a ridiculous amount of candy. So the prices are jacked up. This is also why you can find candy in another aisle. The candy next to the cereal is merely a marketing tactic.

4. Shelves Change Frequently
Marketers frequently rearrange their shelves, forcing consumers to search for their regular purchases as a way to make consumers unnecessarily view products they wouldn't otherwise purchase. This is also done to get consumers used to grabbing their regular items based on location and accidentally grabbing a pricier brand. So always inspect what you're grabbing.

5. Pre-cut Fruits
Pre-sliced fruits are deliciously on display like food porn at an exorbitant cost.

6. Cluttered Display
An overwhelming amount of sale signs cluttered throughout the store make subconscious suggestions in consumers' minds that so many items are a bargain when they really aren't.

7. Prepared Meals
Prepared meals are within visual range as you enter and exit your grocery store, displaying the convenience right in front of you, sometimes associated with free samples.

8. Encouragement to Stay Longer
Sometimes a little coffee area with a TV lounge is available. It encourages customers to stay longer, regroup, and relax because a relaxed consumer is a more generous one.

Milk

Find out how much your milk costs at your gas stations. Some people find the best value at the quick mart than they do at supermarkets. Powdered milk is generally cheaper than fresh milk, too. Powdered milk doesn't taste as good and takes a while to adapt to. Drink it when it's icy cold for the best flavor. If you really can't stand the flavor of powdered milk, consider adding it to soups and other cooked foods. I buy a large batch of powdered milk during the cold season and use it in my bath water for a relaxing experience.

Leftover Soup

If you're flat broke, here's a meal idea. Set aside your leftovers and store in the freezer. At the end of the week, throw everything into a pot (bits of meat, veggies, rice, beans, pasta, etc.) with water or chicken stock. Season it with spices, fresh herbs, and cook until heated through. Just be sure to not use this method with fish, which can stink up and ruin the entire dish. Don't expect this meal to be scrumptious. It's just a choice when you're strapped for cash.

The Worst Days to go Grocery Shopping

Here is a list of the worst days to go grocery shopping that was developed and compiled with the contributions of supermarket managers from around the country.

1. Christmas Eve
2. Fourth of July
3. Labor Day
4. Memorial Day
5. Thanksgiving Eve
6. Saturdays
7. Sundays
8. Afternoons between 4 - 7 p.m.
9. The day after a disaster such as an earthquake, hurricane, or tornado
10. The day after Thanksgiving

How to Grocery Shop Wisely

Here are some insightful suggestions from the supermarket guru, Phil Lepert. With the ethanol problem, cooking oils, corn, and gas prices are high. So it's more important now more than ever to buy produce in season because when it isn't, the costs are higher because of the long distances its traveled. When produce such as blueberries aren't in season, it's cheaper and more tasty to buy the frozen versions because they were packaged during the season's peak. And since the out-of-season produce arrive from long distances, the cost of gas is factored into the final retail price. Cheese in the dairy aisle is most affordable, 20% less than the deli cheeses and 30% less than the cheese table. For pasta sauces, buy canned stewed tomatoes rather than pasta sauce which is filled with tomato sauce, canola oil, corn syrup, fructose, and many other ingredients that increase its value. Tomato paste can be added to stewed tomatoes cheaply. You can also buy basil and garlic infused stewed tomatoes for the same price. Stewed tomatoes are also packaged during the peak's season, so they can have a richer flavor than fresh tomatoes, which is pricier and require more assembly. When you're buying fish such as salmon, the frozen packages are almost half the price and worth the bargain since "fresh" salmon has at one point been frozen previously and recently thawed anyways.

Important Documents

Organization is the key to not losing things. By keeping each family member's birth certificate in one designated area, preferably a security deposit box or some sort of box that requires a password to open. Consider using a fireproof and waterproof box. If your home becomes dilapidated from a fire or over flooded, you'll probably need your documents more than ever. By designating a specific spot, you also won't have to pay for a replacement.

Movie Lovers

For movie lovers, consider creating a gift basket centered around that theme for birthday or Christmas presents.

Two or three favorite movies and I like adding a wild card (a movie you think s/he might like)
Gourmet Popcorn
A selection of concession stand candy (I recommend a combination of chewy, chocolately, sweet, and sour combination)
Soda
Maybe even something salty and crunchy like chips

Gift of Time

If you're handy around the house, you're artistic, or you think you possess something of possible value to others, consider offering the gift of time.

Find the Right Blanket

Blankets come in thermal or conventional styles. Thermals are made of cotton or synthetic materials, intended for cooler temperatures and have an open weave design. Conventional blankets are usually made of wool, wool blends, or synthetics and have a tighter weave for warmer comfort.

Layer Blankets for Added Warmth

If you're cold, two light blankets will keep you warmer than one heavy blanket because each layer increases your warmth by about 3%. By efficiently staying warm, you reduce the likeliness of turning on the heater.

Book Swaps

If you have too many books you're no longer interested in, you can throw a book swap among your friends. You can offer a finger food menu or ask everyone to bring a dish and any books they're willing to swap. There are also book swaps available in many cities, as well. Check with your city or local library.

Recycle an Old Bookcase

Recycle an old bookcase that has weak shelves or one that you want to retire for a better bookcase into an under-the-bed storage unit. Obviously I'm referring to the bookcases with backings. Just add casters on the bottom. You already have built-in shelves and everything.

The Shelf Life for Bread

Fresh bread generally keeps for five to seven days, but the details depends on the weight. The lighter breads evaporate moisture faster, so it get stale quicker. You can prolong its shelf life by storing your bread in the refrigerator. It won't taste as fresh, but you can remedy that by toasting your bread or making French toast with it. For longer shelf life breads, rolls and bagels are preferable.

Uses for Stale Bread

Don't throw out stale bread. There are plenty of ways to use them. Depending on the stage of staleness, toasting the bread can reduce the stale flavor. French toast actually works best with stale bread. You can also make your own Croutons and dried breadcrumbs for a chicken recipe. They also work well in creamy soups such as tomato or chowder. Just cubed them and let it soak up the liquids.

Remedy Burned Bread Tops

By learning of ways to fix food mistakes, you don't waste food by unnecessarily throwing them out. Here's an example: If your bread burns, use a grater or a good serrated knife to remove the charred area. Then brush the exposed area with egg polk and return the loaf to the oven for two minutes or until brown.

Strengthen Buttons

To keep your buttons in place for longer, dab the back of the bottom with clear nail polish. Not every buttoned shirts we own unbuttons. By taking good care of your clothes, you can prevent the need to buy thread, needle, and maybe a new button.

Monitor Hospital Activities

Hospitals are notorious for overcharging and even including duplicating additional expenses that patients aren't responsible for in a confusing format, anticipating that most patients will unquestioningly pay the bills. To prevent yourself from being a victim, create a daily inventory of all of your activities: administered medications, procedures, tests, services, food, etc. Compare your inventory to the hospital bill. Discuss any discrepancies with the billing office immediately. Having a reference will expedite any remedial alterations.

Bring Your Own Supplies to the Hospital

Avoid steep hospital charges for vitamins, aspirin, lotion, telephone services, etc. by bringing your own. We can't always anticipate when we'll visit a hospital, so I highly recommend creating your own overnight stay bag with necessary supplies (shampoo, body wash, toothbrush, toothpaste, vitamins, eyeglasses or contacts, tampons, spare clothes for when you leave the hospital, entertaining activities, etc.) At the very least, create a list of items you would want to have at the hospital and place it in a location that's accessible to others. Have someone you trust gather items from your list and bring it to the hospital.

Wine Bottle as a Rolling Pin

If you can't rationalize buying a rolling pin, consider substituting a wine bottle as one.

Cloth Napkins

Consider switching to using cloth napkins. They're not reserved for fancy restaurants anymore. In fact, they're economical and environmentally-conscious. Think about the money you'd be saving. If you bleach your whites, consider buying white cloth napkins or else buy dark colored choices and wash them weekly with your regular laundering.

Buy Buckets

I know it sounds like an odd suggestion, but you never know when they'll be helpful, and they're so versatile. You can use it when you mop. You can fill them up with water if you live in an apartment complex and are told that water will be shut off for a while. After you use the bathroom, fill the toilet with water to force a flush. It's great for soaking stains and hand washing lingerie. (I'm unable to wash in my bathtub because I have a bad back). The best time ever to have a bucket is when you're feeling sick or you're throwing a party. If you're sick, you should be in bed resting. But a sick person shouldn't clean vomited sheets. So a simple solution is a bucket. And we all know those fake people who think they can handle their liquor and after two beers are ready throw up their lungs. I say trust no one, and have a bucket ready.

Baking Soda Expiration Date

I'm skeptical to trust shelf life guidelines, as they can be outrageously inconsistent and don't account for various factors. The general rule is that baking soda lasts for six months. If you question its freshness or it's been more than six months, you can assess its freshness by adding some vinegar to it. If the baking soda bubbles, it's still good. If it doesn't, it's past its prime. Throw it away. Test it out this way before baking an entire batch of baked goods and wasting other perfectly fresh ingredients.

Ways to Cool Down Naturally Without Raising Your Electric Bill

In the dead of heat, strip down to a spaghetti strap top and short shorts. Pull your hair up. Replenish yourself regularly to cool your body temperature. Eat light foods, as digestion uses a lot of energy and raises your body temperature. Stick to sandwiches, salads, fruits, and stay away from oven cooking. A slow cooker is energy-efficient and uses less heat, too. Just begin the night before and wake up to an already cooked meal. Try using a Japanese sandalwood fan, which has a light and refreshing scent. Rather than turning on the AC, consider buying a small fan focused on one area. It'll more efficiently cool the place down.

How to Tell If Your Eggs are Fresh or Expired

Rather than trusting the expiration date written on the carton and possibly disposing edible eggs, inspect it this way. Place the egg in a pan of cold water. If it sits on its side, the egg is still fresh. If, however, it tilts on an angle, it's past its prime by about three to four days. If the egg stands upright, it's approximately ten days old. If the egg floats to the top, it's really, really old.

Long Burning Candles

By transferring your taper candles in the freezer for a few hours before use, it'll burn for twice as long.

Makeup on a Budget

If you're on a budget, prioritize money for high-end foundation and concealer. Flawless skin can only be achieved with superior ingredients that glide on smoothly. Eye shadows, eye liners, mascaras, lip liners, lipsticks, and lip glosses are similar in formulation. In fact, many department store brands also own drugstore brands, too.

Replace Your Sponges Regularly, Affordably

How often sponges should be replaced vary largely from every two weeks, once a month, to a every few months. I prefer to replace mine every month, considering the contaminant exposure my sponges face: raw poultry and meat juices leftover on cutting boards, fats and greases from various foods, the damp and moist environment sponges live in, etc. Experts claim that sponges can be as dirty as raw poultry! To make replacements more affordable, I buy my sponges at the 99 cents store. I get 6 sponges for 99 cents! They're surprisingly durable and don't scratch my cookware surfaces.

Using Towels as Buffers

When you're packing breakable or rough-surfaced items such as dishes and cookware, wrap them in towels to protect them. It's cheaper than buying bubble wrap. Plus if the towels are clean and the dishes and cookware are, which they should be, you can skip the washing process as you unpack them.

Decorating for Christmas

If, for whatever reason, a Christmas tree is out of the question, either because you can't afford one or you don't have the space for it, you can still create a Holiday atmosphere. You can get a wreath and/or hang Christmas lights around the wall. But if you can't afford one, try buying a box of Christmas ornaments from the 99 cents store and place them around your home. You can also buy stocking stuffers and a gingerbread house.

Transform Your Lipstick into Lipgloss

Transform your lipstick into a lip gloss by melting your lipstick and a little Vaseline into a tiny jar. Mix it together and enjoy.

Microfiber Cloths

Replace your disposable one-time use paper towels with microfiber cloths. They're made of superior quality and can hold five to seven times its weight in water. They're also re-usable and versatile. You can use it to clean the dishes, dry the dishes, clean the counter, windows, mirrors, etc.

Make Your Own Vegetable Platter

Cut up fresh broccolis, carrots, celery, and radishes, all affordable veggies you should already have stocked in your kitchen. Store them in water to keep them fresh and crispy. You can dip them in Ranch dressing, hummus, onion dip, or another inexpensive dipping sauce of your choice.

A Cheap Snack Idea

Popcorn is a nutritious, light, and extraordinary cheap snack choice. You can also customize it to your flavor preference. Try it with a sprinkle of paprika or lemon pepper, whatever you'd like.

An At-Home Buffet Concept

At buffets, food selections lack cohesiveness are offered at a bargain. You can re-create that concept at home by turning your accumulated leftovers earlier in the week into an at-home buffet meal.

Categorize Your Expenses

The first step to financial equilibrium is organization. Once you categorize your expenses, you can set aside a specified amount of money.

~Housing: mortgage/rent, repairs, property taxes, cleaning supplies, home owner's/renter's insurance, utilities, furnishings, decor

~Food: groceries, eating out, takeout delivery, snacks and beverages at work

~Transportation: car payments, insurance, gas, oil, parking, repairs/maintenance, public transportation fees

~Medical: insurance, out of pocket expenses such as deductibles and non-insurance covered medical services, prescription medications, eye care, dental

~Clothing: new purchases, dry cleaning, repair

~Personal: cosmetics, haircuts, skincare and bath products, personal hygiene products

~Insurance: life insurance and any other insurance not covered under home, transportation, or medical expenses

~Education: tuition, miscellaneous educational expenses, school pictures, yearbooks, school supplies, books

~Credit Accounts: major credit cards, department store cards, any other outstanding debts

~Gifts: holidays, birthdays, graduations, weddings, showers

~Recreation: vacations, movies, books, magazines, newspapers, cable TV, restaurants, sporting events, sports equipment

~Savings: long term and short term goals, as well as retirement

~Donations: charities

Source: Frugal Living for Dummies

Teaching Children About Finances

Whether children should be exposed to finances at an early age is subjective, but finance is something we all have to face. The way I see it, knowledge is danger but so is ignorance. The more practice and understanding we all have of something, the more aware we are and the more manageable it becomes. With that said, with proper guidance teaching children about finances can be an invaluable lesson, not just about money but also about compassion, generosity, time management, prioritizing, forethought, impulses, responsibilities, and a myriad of other lessons. Create a four bank system, which can be stored in piggy banks, boxes, etc. You can even turn it into an arts & craft decorating day.

~Giving (10%) Donation fund that goes to a needy family, charity organization, etc.

~Spending (30%) A discretionary fund that can be used on whatever their impulses drive them to.

~Short-Term Savings (30%) Funding for pricier items such as a new bicycle or a stereo, things that require some financial accumulation

~Long-Term Savings (30%) Intended for future purchases such as a car, traveling, or college expenses.

Source: Frugal Living for Dummies

National Foundation for Credit Counseling

If finances are out of control, consider seeking professional advice such as the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, a nationwide non-profit network of Consumer Credit Counseling Services. For more information, go to www.nfcc.org or call 1-800-388-CCCS.

Three Checking Account System for Couples

For young couples who move in together, finances quickly become the primary source of argument due to poor planning, lack of effective communication, and different spending habits. The reality of the matter is no one is going to change their spending habits until they're ready. Attempting to expedite that process is just welcoming confrontation. Live and enjoy. Life shouldn't be spent wasted on futile arguments, and simple communication and proper planning can come to your aid. Open three checking accounts, one joint account for paying the combined expenses (those expenses should be specified and agreed upon ahead of time) and an individual account for each person. A predetermined amount should be deposited into the joint account on payday. Remaining money can be used freely after living expenses are met.

Source: Frugal Living for Dummies

Gift Expenses

1. Cut back on gift expenses by playing Secret Santa. Or suggest just buying gifts for the children.

2. Stock up on gift wrap and gift packages after the Holidays.

3. Get gift boxes from department stores, and present the gift unwrapped and boxed. Throughout the year when you make purchases, just ask for a complimentary box.

Fun $

Set up a small fund of discretionary money. Transfer a small amount of money into that account automatically, anywhere from $5 to $20 a month. Any money in this account can be spent on whatever you please.

Reduce Your Debt

1. Try not to extract your credit card for every purchase. Leave your credit cards, debit cards, and checkbooks at home,

2. Avoid carrying a lot of cash if you can.

3. Sometimes, you just come across something that you really want to get and can be justified. If you have developed enough self-control, consider putting some money into a sealed envelope labeled, "Emergency Only!". Carefully evaluate your decision before prying it open.

4. If you find something you want to purchase, think it over for a couple of days. If you still want it, are willing to make the trip to purchase it, AND it's a rational purchase, then buy it. Clear-headedness is difficult to achieve when you're delirious.

Cleaning Frugal Style

1. Clean the toilet bowl by pouring a cup of full-strength vinegaar into it overnight. Scrub clean the next morning.

2. Disinfect your mirrors, windows, and countertops with vinegar. It's inexpensive and environmentally-conscious.

3. Replace your disposable paper towels with re-usable microfiber cloths.

4. Cut your fabric softener sheets in half. Half the size works just as well. Generics also work equally well as the name brand stuff, too. Alternatively, you can buy dryer balls and replace them annually.

5. Soak your dishes before washing them, so you don't waste water.

Saving on Utilities

1. Check your bill statements and inspect any extra services you're being charged for such as call forward or voice messaging on your phone bill. Cancel any services you don't need.

2. Order basic cable, rather than full cable service with high-priced premium. F you can live without it, consider going without cable. But some cable/internet companies charge extra for people who seek internet service without cable.

3. Call your cable company and see if any reduction can be made to your bill statement. Explain that you're having financial complications, and the representative will be more than likely to assist you as an attempt to keep you as a customer.

4. Recycle when you can at a recycling center nearby grocery stores. The amount of money you receive can go towards groceries. Or by recycling yourself, you can reduce the amount of garbage service fee.

5. Keep curtains closed on south-facing windows when the heat is at its prime to keep your home cool.

6. Cook with small appliances that don't produce as much heat during the summer time such as a toaster, microwave, slow cooler, or electric skillet. Avoid using the stove or oven.

7. Use a draft stopper or a rolled up towel and place it at the base of your doors to keep the cold winter air from entering your home.

8. Layer when it gets cold, rather than resorting to turn on the central heating system.

9. Turn off the water while you're brushing your teeth or shaving.

10. Run the dishwasher and washing machine with full loads.

11. Call your water company and find out what your peak hours are. This is the least expensive time to use services available to you.

12. Fix leaky faucets and running toilets immediately.

Prevent Fast Food and Takeout Purchases

Poor time management is an enemy for healthy nourishment and makes us susceptible to fast food and takeout. By planning ahead of time and having already assembled food accessible can prevent this money sucking habit.

-Make four sandwiches, the exact amount the large ziploc baggie can store.

-Freeze already prepared food such as:

Breakfast Items - muffins, burritos, casseroles, waffles, pancakes, French toast

Lunch - meat and cheese sandwiches, single-serving desserts, soups, chili,

Dinner - main dish casseroles, soups, meat in marinade, rice pilaf, pre-made hamburger patties

Desserts - cake, brownies, cookies, dessert breads, pie

Make Your Own Ice Pack

The next time BevMo has a buy 1 bottle and get the second bottle for $1 special, take advantage of the deal...unless you're an alcoholic. I love to cook with white wine, so I stock up when I can. White wine can go bad easily in the fridge but will last much longer in the freezer. Once you open a bottle and you don't plan on using it right away, transfer the contents into ziploc baggies. Because of the alcoholic content, the wine won't completely freeze. It'll actually be slushy in texture, which means that this ice pack will conform to the located injury. Reserve a specific bag just for icing a wound. Do not, I repeat, do not use the wine you applied over a wound in a recipe. It's already been contaminated, which is why I recommend designating a specific bag for the sole purpose of icing a wound.