Easy Money-Saving Strategies
13 Apr
Friday afternoon is probably my favorite time of the week. The feeling of leaving work at 3:00PM on a Friday & knowing I have two days of the weekend ahead me – even if they’re busy days – can’t be beat.
One of my favorite things to do when I get home on a Friday is to peruse my ever-growing stack of magazines. Today, I finally got around to reading an article — “Act Small Save Big” – that I’ve been wanting to check out for a while now in Real Simple’s April 2012 issue.
The goal of the article was to provide readers with simple, nearly unnoticeable strategies that could save them thousands of dollars each year.
Chris & I are always looking for ways to save money & cut corners & there were quite a few ideas that I thought were worth sharing.
Ways to Save – Food & Drink
- Purchase milk at a chain pharmacy, such as RiteAid or CVS. While their selection might be more limited, the article suggests shoppers can save up to 20%/gallon!
- Avoid buying individual containers of yogurt. Instead, buy containers that are at least 32 ounces. This might be a problem for me… While I do buy large containers of plain Chobani for my overnight oats, I simply can’t resist the individual ones! When possible, Chris & I stock up on those in bulk though.
- Instead of buying pre-shredded cheese (I’m totally guilty of this), buy a brick of Cheese & shred it yourself to save $2-$3/lb.
Ways to Save – Household Goods
- You can subscribe via Amazon to have pet food delivered to your doorstep at up to 15% less than store prices. And, shipping is free! I’m definitely looking into this!
- If you purchase toilet paper at the grocery store, keep an eye out at the beginning & middle of each month. It will usually be discounted 20-40% at that time.
This was only a fraction of the information provided in the article; it’s definitely a must read if you’re a penny-pincher, like me!
What are YOUR best money-saving tips?
Buy meat and frozen veggies only when on sale and freeze it till you need it…. and stick to a list—- “The most expensive ingredient you’ll ever buy are the ones you don’t use or let go bad/rot.” That quote makes me think.
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles recently posted..Words of a With-child Woman- The one with the Trampoline Bladder
I always try to stick to a list!
I always know I SHOULD buy yogurt like that, but I never do!!! I just like the convenience so I can take it work and whatnot. That’s an interesting trick about the pharmacy milk!
Corrie Anne recently posted..Papa’s & Pitas
I have that issue of Real Simple sitting on my bookshelf, but haven’t gotten around to reading it yet.
WHAAT! I love the dog food and yogurt ideas– definitely two things that I could work on. I bulk up at yogurt at Costco, but also buy the individual packages when I’m running low. Maybe now I wont be as inclined..
Brittany @ Itty Bits of Balance recently posted..Friday Updates
these are great tips! we’re always trying to save money. i think it’s often easy to buy more food than you really need, and then it goes to waste, which means money is wasted. i try my best to only buy things we really NEED rather than just going crazy and buying whatever. we also compare prices on food that we can buy in bulk at costco or buy at our grocery store… most people assume that food in bulk is naturally cheaper, but it’s definitely not always the case!
enjoy your weekend!
Ashley @ My Food ‘N’ Fitness Diaries recently posted..Healthy Frosted Lemon Muffins
I have heard over and over about buying yogurt in the big container, but can’t commit to one flavor! Love these tricks
Baking Serendipity recently posted..Trail Mix Puppy Chow
I read that article, too! I don’t think I have ever bought milk at a drugstore! However, now I will have to pay more attention when I shop at CVS!
I am all about buying seasonal produce as it is always on sale. Also, I buy the store brand because it is such a good deal and often tastes JUST the same!
Sally Anne @ PaleoRunnerGirl recently posted..Fact: You Cannot Cry with Chocolate Pudding in your Mouth
I have never thought to buy milk at the grocery store, but now I’m interested in doing a little price comparison!
I’m with you on the store brands. The only products that I’ve bought store brands & could taste a difference are jelly & ketchup!
Thanks! I hadn’t thought to check Amazon for pet food.
Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers recently posted..Revisiting the Weekend
poor little pug! i hope he feels better soon!!
Courtney recently posted..neVer forgeT
I don’t know about all states but I know the price of milk in PA is regulated. There is actually a Milk Marketing Board that is responsible for setting the prices. Giant advertises that they sell their milk at the lowest possible price permitted, I’m not sure if other stores advertise that as well.
Karen recently posted..Hershey 10k {Recap}
Good to know; I had no clue! Thanks Karen!