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Amanda Stewart

After Nike: What is Colin Kaepernick’s Net Worth Now?

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Colin Kaepernick Net Worth
Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has been grabbing national attention but not for his football-yielding abilities. In 2016, Kaepernick decided to remain seated during the national anthem. He stated that he would not stand up and honor a country that was suppressing the people of his race. Now, Nike has named Kaepernick the face of its latest ad campaign. How will the endorsement deal impact Colin Kaepernick’s net worth?

Colin Kaepernick’s Career

Kaepernick was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Heidi Russo. He was placed for adoption with Rick and Teresa Kaepernick. Kaepernick became the youngest of the couple’s three children. He lived in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, until age four and attended grade school in Turlock, California.

He first began playing football at the age of eight as a defensive end and punter and became the team’s starting quarterback at nine. In high school, he was a three-sport star and actually passed up a promising baseball career as a pitcher to continue playing football.

He was nominated for all-state in football, basketball, and baseball during his senior year in high school and was the MVP of the Central California Conference in football. During his senior year, he led his school to its first-ever playoff victory.

However, he achieved most of his accolades in high school through playing baseball. He was offered several scholarship offers for baseball but he wanted to play football in college. Several colleges expressed interest in Kaepernick but he had trouble landing a football scholarship. That is until the University of Nevada’s head coach Chris Ault decided to offer him a scholarship.

Kaepernick was drafted in the 43rd round of the Major League Baseball draft in 2009. However, Kaepernick did not sign with the Chicago Cubs. Instead, he decided to continue his football career at the University of Nevada.

In 2011, he was drafted into the National Football League and became the 36th pick for the San Francisco 49ers. His coach said he had the potential to be one of the best quarterbacks in the league. In fact, he signed some of the largest contracts in 49ers history during his time with the team, which significantly helped increase Colin Kaepernick’s net worth.

National Anthem Controversy

That is all seemingly over now. After just a short time in the NFL, Kaepernick has become a national figure, but it isn’t because of his athletic talent. In 2016, he came into the spotlight for starting a controversial protest. Kaepernick chose to kneel during the national anthem as a protest to the racial injustice occurring throughout the U.S.

These actions have prompted many negative responses. After the 2016 season, he opted out of his contract with the 49ers, making him a free agent. No team has picked him up since. In 2017, he filed a grievance with the NFL, claiming the organization was colluding to not hire him.

Kneeling may have been one of the best things for Kaepernick’s career though. Although he had some athletic talent on the field, kneeling has brought him more recognition and more cash than playing ever did. In fact, it even helped him become the new face of Nike.

Colin Kaepernick’s Net Worth

Currently, Colin Kaepernick’s net worth sits around $22 million. Even though many people have projected he’d lose a ton of money from the “national anthem controversy,” he’s actually been in the spotlight more than ever.

In 2011 Kaepernick signed a $5.1 million contract with the 49ers. He also got a $2.26 million signing bonus in addition to an annual salary of $375,000. The following year he had an annual salary of $607,000 and $840,000 in 2013.

Kaepernick decided to re-sign with the 49ers in 2014. The contract he signed was worth $126 million. He received a signing bonus of $12.3 million, in addition to earning a regular annual salary with the team ($10.4 million in 2015). However, it was later revealed that Kaepernick only received about 31% of his $126 million contract before leaving the team.

How Much is the Nike Deal Worth?


The terms of the deal between Nike and Kaepernick have not yet been disclosed to the public. However, it is safe to say that Kaepernick has already benefited from the deal. He has had increased publicity and stands to make millions. In fact, Nike is known to pay its endorsers extremely well.

Four athletes are featured in the “Just Do It” campaign alongside Kaepernick: Odell Beckham Jr., Shaquem Griffin, Le Bron James, and Serena Williams. Lebron’s associates revealed that his lifetime deal with Nike was worth more than $1 billion alone. So, it is safe to say Kaepernick will make a pretty penny from his deal as well.

Although Nike initially fell 3% in the market after signing Kaepernick, and many people were up in arms about having him be the face of the company, Nike stock has since recovered. In fact, the stock is currently at a 30-day high.

It is not yet clear whether Kaepernick will ever get back on the field, where he’s made most of his $22 million fortune. Because of this and his overall lack of endorsement deals (outside of Nike), it isn’t really clear what the future of Colin Kaepernick’s net worth will be.

What do you think about Nike’s decision to sign Kaepernick?

Photo: Flickr: Kate

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This Is Where You Can Double Coupons in Your State

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Double coupons by state

Many people see couponing as a waste of time. But, did you know you can actually save thousands of dollars per year on your grocery bill? Some grocers and retailers offer double coupons and even triple coupons for customers. Here’s where you can reap the benefits of coupon stacking in your state.

Rules for Double Coupons

Some double and triple coupons are limited, depending on the store. Stores like Harris Teeter will allow you to double or triple your coupons up to $0.99, while others only offer this promotion on specific days of the week or one week at a time. We’ve outlined each store in your state that offers to double your coupons and their policy below.

Alabama

  • Bruno’s: Bruno’s Supermarkets offers to double your coupons up to $0.50 every day.
  • Food Giant: Food Giant will double all coupons up to $1 on Mondays.
  • Food World: Food World offers to double all coupons up to $0.50 every day of the week.
  • Fred’s: Double your coupons up to $0.70 at Fred’s every Saturday.
  • Kroger: Double any coupons up to $0.50 every day at Kroger.
  • Piggly Wiggly: Double your coupons up to $0.99 every day of the week.
  • Publix: You can double your coupons up to $0.50 every day.
  • Western Supermarkets: Double coupons up to $0.65 every day at Western Supermarkets.
  • Winn-Dixie: Winn-Dixie also offers to double your coupons up to $0.50 each day.

Arizona

  • Albertsons: Albertsons allows you to use Twice the Value coupons for up to $1 every day of the week.
  • Bashas Market: Bashas offers to double all coupons up to $0.50. If your coupon is between $0.51 and $0.99, it is rounded up to $1. Coupons over $1 are accepted at face value.
  • Fry’s Food and Drug: Fry’s allows you to double coupons up to $1. Individual store policy may differ.
  • Safeway: Safeway in Arizona offers double coupons up to $0.50. Coupons between $0.50 and $0.99 will be rounded to $1.

Arkansas

  • Albertsons: Albertsons offers to double customers’ coupons up to $1 every day. The store may also offer triple coupons occasionally. Your local store will have more information.
  • Country Mart: Country Mart doubles coupons as well. However, the store’s policy may vary location-to-location. Read the store’s policy here.
  • CV’s Family Foods: Several CV’s Family Foods will double any coupons under $0.50.
  • Freds: This Arkansas store doubles coupons up to $0.50 on Saturdays.
  • Harps Food Stores: Harps Food Stores limit you to 20 coupons per family, per visit, per day. Coupon doubling may not be available at all locations.
  • Kroger: Some Kroger locations may allow you to double your coupons up to $0.60. This may vary by location.
  • Piggly Wiggly: You can double your coupons at Piggly Wiggly up to $0.99 every day. This does not apply to eCoupons.

California

  • Lucky: Lucky Supermarkets offer double coupons. Days of the week and coupon amounts vary by location.
  • Ralphs: Ralphs will double your coupons every day (up to $0.50). Coupons over $0.50 will be rounded to $1 and those over $1 will be accepted at face value.
  • Save Mart: Lucky Supermarkets and Save Mart are under the same ownership, so their coupon policies are the same. Some stores will offer double coupons. You’ll need to visit your local Save Mart to learn about their specific policy.
  • Stump’s Market: Stump’s Market will offer double coupons on manufacturer coupons up to $0.50. However, you may find that Stump’s coupons offer better deals.

Colorado

  • King Soopers: King Soopers doubles coupons up to $1 every day.
  • Safeway: Safeway offers double coupons valued up to $0.50 every day. Coupons between $0.50 and $0.99 will be rounded to $1. Anything over $1 will be accepted at face value.

Connecticut

  • Big Y: Double your coupons up to $0.99 every day at Big Y.
  • Price Chopper: Price Chopper, true to its name, offers to double their customers’ coupons up to $0.99.
  • Shaw’s: Shaw’s is also doubling coupons up to $0.99 every day.
  • ShopRite: ShopRite is also matching other stores with double coupons up to $0.99.
  • Stop & Shop: Some stores may offer triple coupons on occasion. However, every Stop & Shop offers double coupons every day up to $0.99.

Delaware

  • Acme: Acme supermarkets will double a coupon up to $0.99 every day of the week.
  • Giant Food: Giant Food stores offer double coupons up to $0.50.
  • Pathmark: Pathmark grocery stores offer double coupons up to $0.99. On occasion, the store will offer double coupons up to $2.
  • SuperFresh: SuperFresh will double coupons up to $1.

District of Columbia

  • SuperFresh: Like in Delaware, SuperFresh will double your coupons up to $1.
  • Giant Food: Giant Food grocery stores will double coupons up to $0.50.

Florida

  • Foodway: Foodway will double all coupons up to $0.50 every day of the week.
  • Fred’s: Fred’s will double your coupons up to $0.50 every Saturday.
  • Hitchcock’s: You can also double your coupons at Hitchcock’s Supermarkets up to $0.50.
  • Publix: Publix will double coupons up to $0.50 every day.

Georgia

  • A&P: A&P doubles coupons up to $0.99 in some locations. You will need to contact your local store to see if they will double your coupons.
  • Bruno’s: Bruno’s will double all coupons up to $0.50 every day.
  • Fred’s: In Georgia, Fred’s allows double coupons on Saturdays up to $.70.
  • Harris Teeter: Harris Teeter allows you to double your coupons up to $2 every day of the week (up to 20 coupons per visit). On occasion, the store also offers triple coupons.
  • Harvey’s: Harvey’s will double all coupons up to $0.50 and limit your doubled coupons to five per transaction.
  • Ingles: You have to have an Ingles rewards card to double coupons. They will double up to $0.50.
  • Kroger: You can double your coupons up to $0.50 every day at Kroger.
  • Piggly Wiggly: Piggly Wiggly offers double coupons up to $0.99 every day.
  • Publix: Double coupons are allowed at Publix every day (up to $0.50).

Illinois

  • Cub Foods: Cub Foods will double coupons up to $0.50.
  • Kroger: Kroger allows shoppers to redeem double coupons up to $0.50 every day.
  • Schnucks: Schnucks offers to double coupons up to $0.40.
  • Shop N’ Save: Shop N’ Save will double coupons up to $0.99 every day.

Indiana

  • Kroger: You can double coupons up to $0.50 every day.
  • Wiseway: Wiseway will double coupons up to $0.90 every day of the week.

Iowa

  • Jubilee Foods: Double coupons up to $0.50 every day.
  • SuperValu: This store offers double coupons up to $0.50 each day.

Kansas

  • Dillons: This store will double coupons up to $0.50.
  • Thriftway: Thriftway will double up to three coupons per visit. The store will double coupons up to $1.
  • Hen House: Hen House will double coupons up to $0.50.

Kentucky

  • Buehler’s: Buehler’s will double your coupons up to $0.99.
  • Kroger: Double coupons up to $0.50 every day at Kroger.
  • Piggly Wiggly: You can double coupons up to $0.99 every day.
  • Remke Markets: Remke Markets will double coupons up to $1. On occasion, the store also holds a Super Double Coupon Day.
  • Sureway: Sureway doubles coupons up to $0.50 every day of the week.
  • Winn Dixie: Winn-Dixie doubles coupons up to $0.50 every day.

Louisiana

  • A&P: Not all A&P locations offer double coupons. However, some stores will allow double coupons up to $0.99.
  • Brookshire Brothers: Brooks Brothers offers triple coupons up to $0.49 and double coupons up to $0.99 every day.
  • Fred’s: Fred’s will double coupons on Saturday up to $0.70.
  • Kroger: Every day Kroger will double coupons up to $0.50.
  • Matherne’s: Double coupons every day up to $1.
  • Piggly Wiggly: This supermarket offers double coupons up to $0.99 every day.

Maine

  • Shaw’s: Shaw’s will double coupons up to $0.99 every day of the week.
  • Stop & Shop: Stop & Shop offers double coupons every day up to $0.99. On occasion, some locations may also offer triple coupons.

Maryland

  • Acme: This supermarket chain doubles coupons up to $0.99 every day.
  • Giant Eagle: You’ll need a Giant Eagle rewards card to double coupons at this grocer. However, the store will double your coupons up to $0.99.
  • Giant Food: Giant Food doubles coupons up to $0.50 every day of the week.
  • Martins: Martin’s will double your coupons as long as it does not exceed the price of the item.
  • Metro: This supermarket will double coupons up to $0.99.
  • Safeway: Safeway will double coupons up to $0.50. Coupons over $0.50 are rounded to $1.
  • SuperFresh: This store doubles coupons up to $1.
  • Weis: Weis Supermarkets will double coupons up to $1.

Massachusetts

  • Johnnies Foodmaster: Double coupons up to $0.99.
  • Price Chopper: This grocer offers double coupons up to $0.99.
  • Shaw’s: Double your coupons up to $0.99 every day of the week.
  • Star Market: Save money with double coupons up to $0.99 every day.
  • Stop & Shop: Double coupons every day up to $0.99. Some locations may also offer triple coupons.

Michigan

  • Kroger: Kroger will double coupons up to $0.50 every day.
  • Oak Ridge Market: This supermarket will double coupons up to $1.

Minnesota

  • Jubilee Foods: Jubilee Supermarkets will double coupons up to $0.50 every day.

Mississippi

  • Fred’s: On Saturdays, Fred’s will double coupons up to $0.70.
  • Kroger: Double coupons up to $0.50 each day of the week.

Missouri

  • Dillons: Double coupons up to $0.50 every day.
  • Piggly Wiggly: You can double coupons up to $0.99 every day at Piggly Wiggly.
  • Price Cutter: Double up on coupons up to $0.50.
  • Schnucks: You can double coupons up to $0.40 every day.

Nebraska

  • Apple Market: On Monday and Tuesday, Apple Market doubles coupons up to $0.99.

Nevada

  • Scolari’s: Scolari’s will double coupons up to $1 every day of the week.
  • Lucky: Lucky Supermarkets offer double coupons on occasion. You will need to contact your local store to determine days of the week.

New Jersey

  • Acme: Double all coupons up to $0.99 every day.
  • A&P: You can also double your coupons up to $0.99 at A&P.
  • FoodTown: FoodTown offers double coupons but coupon policy will vary by store.
  • Pathmark: You can double your coupons up to $0.99. Occasionally, Pathmark will run a $2 double coupon special.
  • ShopRite: ShopRite also doubles coupons up to $0.99.
  • Stop & Shop: Some locations may offer triple coupons. However, every Stop & Shop offers to double all coupons up to $0.99 daily.
  • SuperFresh: Double coupons up to $1 every day.
  • Wegman’s: You can double coupons up to $0.99 daily.

New Mexico

There are no stores in New Mexico that offer double coupons at this time. If you know of a store in this state that does allow this, please let us know in the comments below.

New York

  • A&P: Some A&P stores allow you to double your coupons up to $0.99. To see if your local store allows this practice, give them a call.
  • FoodTown: Most FoodTown locations offer to double your coupons but the policy will vary by store.
  • Jubilee Foods: This store doubles all coupons up to $0.50 every day of the week.
  • King Kullen: King Kullen stores offer double coupons up to $1 (five per visit).
  • P&C Foods: Double your coupons up to $0.99 daily.
  • Pathmark: Occasionally, this store doubles coupons up to $2. However, on a daily basis, they will double them up to $1.
  • Price Chopper: Double your coupons up to $0.99.
  • ShopRite: You’ll be able to double your coupons up to $0.99 at ShopRite every day.
  • Stop & Shop: Double any coupon up to $0.99 every day.
  • Tops: Double any coupons up to $0.99.
  • Wegman’s: Double all coupons up to $0.99 every day of the week.

Nevada

  • Scolari’s: Double every coupon up to $1 every day.

North Carolina

  • Harris Teeter: Harris Teeter limits your number of coupons per visit to 20. However, the store doubles coupons up to $2 every day and offers triple coupons on occasion.
  • Ingles: Double all coupons up to $0.50 with your Ingles rewards card.
  • Kroger: Kroger will also allow you to double your coupons up to $0.50.
  • Lowe’s: Like Harris Teeter, Lowe’s Foods offers to double all coupons up to $2.

North Dakota

  • Cash Wise: This store does not double customer coupons daily. However, Cash Wise does hold double coupon events from time-to-time. Keep an eye out in your local flyer for details.
  • Hornbacher’s: Hornbacher’s doubles coupons up to $0.50. Anything over $0.50 will be rounded to $1.
  • SunMart: This store offers to double your coupons up to $1.

Ohio

  • Country Mart: Double all coupons up to $0.50 every day.
  • FoodTown: Many FoodTown locations will double your coupons but policy differs store-to-store.
  • Giant Eagle: Double every coupon up to $0.99 with your rewards card.
  • Kroger: Double your coupons up to $0.50 every day of the week at Kroger.
  • Stop & Shop: Stop & Shop will double each coupon up to $0.99 every day the store is open for business.
  • Thriftway: Double your coupons up to $1 (limit of three per visit).
  • Tops: You can double coupons up to $0.99 at Tops Supermarkets.

Oklahoma

  • Albertsons: Double coupons up to $1 every day of the week. Some Albertsons locations will also offer triple coupons from time-to-time.
  • Apples: Apples Supermarket will double all coupons up to $0.99.
  • Dillons: Dillons doubles coupons up to $0.50 every day of the week.
  • Homeland: You will need a Homeland rewards card to double your coupons at this grocer. However, they will double up to $0.50.
  • Piggly Wiggly: Double coupons up to $0.99 every day.
  • Puckett’s: Some locations may double your coupons. You will need to visit your local Puckett’s to confirm whether they do or not.

Oregon

  • Albertsons: Double every coupon up to $1 every day at Albertsons. The store also holds triple coupon events from time-to-time.
  • Safeway: This grocer doubles coupons up to $0.50.
  • Thriftway: You can double your coupons up to $1. However, the store limits your coupons per visit to three.

Pennsylvania

  • Acme: Acme doubles coupons up to $0.99 daily.
  • Giant Eagle: Giant Eagle also doubles coupons up to $0.99 every day with your Giant Eagle rewards card.
  • Giant Food: Every day, double your coupons up to $0.50.
  • Pathmark: You can double your coupons up to $1 every day. On occasion, the store will run a double coupon event where they will double all coupons up to $2.
  • Price Chopper: Price Chopper doubles coupons up to $0.99 every day of the week.
  • ShopRite: You’ll be able to double your coupons up to $0.99.
  • Shop-N-Save: Double any coupons less than $0.99 at Shop-N-Save every day.
  • SuperFresh: You can double your coupons up to $1 every day.
  • Tops: Coupons up to $0.99 are doubled daily at Tops.
  • Weis: This grocer doubles coupons up to $1.
  • Wegman’s: Double coupons up to $0.99 every day.

Rhode Island

  • McQuade’s: Shop at McQuade’s and double all coupons up to $0.99.
  • Shaw’s: Double any coupons up to $0.99 all week at Shaw’s.
  • Stop & Shop: Take advantage of doubling coupons (up to $0.99) every day. You can also keep an eye out for triple coupon events.

South Carolina

  • Acme: Acme will double your coupons (up to $0.99) every day of the week.
  • Giant Eagle: Double your coupons with your Giant Eagle rewards card. The store will double your coupons up to $0.99.
  • Ingles: Ingles doubles coupons up to $0.50 when you shop with your rewards card.
  • Harris Teeter: Harris Teeter doubles coupons up to $2 every day. The grocer is also known to hold triple coupon events as well.
  • Jubilee: Coupons up to $0.50 are doubled daily.
  • Kroger: Every day of the week Kroger doubles coupons up to $0.50.
  • Pathmark: You can double your coupons up to $0.99 daily at Pathmark. It has also been known that Pathmark holds double coupon events where they will double any coupons up to $2.
  • Piggy Wiggly: Coupons up to $0.99 will be doubled daily.
  • Publix: This grocer will double your coupons up to $0.50 every day.
  • ShopRite: ShopRite stores offer double coupons up to $0.99.
  • SuperFresh: Coupons up to $1 are doubled every day at SuperFresh.
  • Winn-Dixie: Coupons under $0.50 are doubled daily.

South Dakota

  • Jubilee: Coupons up to $0.50 will be doubled every day of the week.

Tennessee

  • Acme: Coupons less than $0.99 will be doubled at Acme Supermarkets.
  • Fred’s: Double your coupons up to $0.50 every day of the week.
  • Kroger: Kroger also doubles coupons up to $0.50 every day.
  • Ingles: Coupons up to $0.50 are doubled every day at Ingles.
  • Piggly Wiggly: Piggly Wiggly will double all coupons up to $0.99.
  • Winn-Dixie: Winn-Dixie will double your coupons up to $0.50.
  • Publix: Publix is also offering to double coupons up to $0.50.

Texas

  • Albertsons: You can double your coupons up to $1 at Albertsons.
  • Brookshire Brothers: This store will double your coupons up to $0.99 every day. They will also triple coupons under $0.49.
  • Homeland: Homeland grocery stores offer to double your coupons up to $0.50.
  • Kroger: As in other states, Kroger doubles coupons up to $0.50.
  • Randalls: Randalls will double all coupons up to $0.50. Coupons under $0.39 will be tripled.
  • Tom Thumb: Tom Thumb shares Randalls’ double coupon policy of doubling coupons up to $0.50 and tripling those under $0.39.

Utah

No stores in Utah currently offer to double customer coupons. If you have one to add, please let us know in the comments!

Virginia

  • Giant Food: Shoppers can double their coupons up to $0.50.
  • Harris Teeter: Harris Teeter doubles coupons up to $2, occasionally offering triple coupons.
  • Kroger: Coupons under $0.50 are doubled every day of the week.
  • Safeway: Safeway doubles coupons up to $0.50. Coupons over $0.50 will be rounded to $1.
  • SuperFresh: Coupons up to $1 will be doubled.
  • Wegman’s: Doubles all coupons up to $0.99 every day of the week.

Washington

  • Albertsons: Albertsons will double all coupons under $1.

West Virginia

  • Giant Food: As in other states, Giant Food doubles coupons up to $0.50 every day.
  • Giant Eagle: This store will double your coupons up to $0.99 with your rewards card.
  • Kroger: Coupons up to $0.50 will be doubled every day of the week.

Wisconsin

  • Copps/Pick N’ Save: These stores will allow you to double coupons up to $1. You are limited to five coupons per purchase.
  • Sentry: You can double your coupons up to $0.50 at Sentry every day.

Wyoming

  • Albertsons: Albertsons doubles coupons up to $1.
  • City Market: City Market also doubles up to $1.
  • Safeway: Some stores may limit your coupons to four per visit. However, you can double your coupons up to $0.50 at Safeway.

In some states, you will not be able to use coupons on tobacco or alcohol products. It should also be noted that any store manager has the right to refuse your coupon based on store policy. If you still have questions about a specific store’s coupon policy, visit their website or give your local store a call. Readers, if you have a store to add to the list or more information about a specific store’s policy, let us know in the comments below!

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20 Costco Vegan Food Products You Need to Try

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Costco Vegan Food
Vegetarianism and veganism are on the rise in the United States. In fact, 7.3 million people in the U.S. follow a vegetarian-based diet with about 1 million people being strictly vegan. Many individuals have decided to make the switch due to personal beliefs. Others have found that going vegan can actually help save money. That being said, another great way to save money is by shopping at Costco. So, what Costco vegan food products are available to members who prefer a plant-based diet?

1. Don Lee Farm’s Beefy Burgers

These “beefy” burgers were extremely popular when they debuted at Costco. During its first 60 days on the shelf at Costco, it sold 1 million units. Prices may vary on this product, depending on your location, and not every club will have it. However, if you’re able to get some, they are definitely worth trying! It is a great plant-based alternative to burgers.

Be careful though – you’ll want to be sure you purchase the “beefy” burgers and not the Don Lee Farm’s black bean burgers. Don Lee Farm’s Black Bean Burgers are not vegan.

2. Organic Coconut Clusters

A large bag of organic coconut clusters only costs about $8.59 and they are a delicious snack. It is also a great addition to your morning cereal or granola.

3. Organic Quinoa

Grab a bag of Kirkland Signature Organic Quinoa for around $9.99. Occasionally, the price will go down to $8.99. On top of being a great product to integrate into your diet, Kirkland’s Quinoa comes pre-washed (saving you time).

4. GoGo Quinoa’s Super Grain Chocolate Cookies

If you’re able to find them in your store, these Super Grain Chocolate Cookies are awesome. They normally sit around $8 in price and prove to be a good vegan snack to have around.

5. Amy’s Organic Soups Multipack

Vegans are likely already familiar with Amy’s brand. You can grab a multipack of organic soup from Costco (8-pack) for about $15.

6. Hummus Pods

Kirkland has its own brand of hummus pods. These are great to pack for lunches or serve at a party. A package of 20 for about $8.09.

7. Banza Chickpea Pasta

Not all Costco locations will have this specialty pasta. These are great for vegans because they are high in protein. You can get five 8-ounce bags of pasta for about $8.79.

8. Organic Fire Roasted Red Peppers

These canned roasted red peppers are great for snacking or adding to a salad. You can also blend them up for pasta sauce and use them on sandwiches. A 14-ounce jar only costs $5.99 and lasts quite a while.

9. Crispy Vegetable Spring Rolls

Spring rolls are a great thing to have in your freezer for a quick and easy meal or snack. You can get a box of 18 vegetable rolls for around $9.

10. Organic Sweet Pickled Beets

Pickled beets are a personal favorite. You can snack on them, add them to your salad, and even blend them down into a sauce. Get a 32-ounce jar from Costco for around $6.29.

11. Organic Peanut Butter

Kirkland’s Signature Organic Peanut Butter is extremely affordable. You can get two 28-ounce jars for just $9.99.

12. Organic Black Beans

Black beans a great source of non-meat protein and Costco makes it easy to add them to your pantry. You can get an 8-pack of black beans at Costco for around $6.79 (about $0.85 per can).

13. Nature’s Path Heritage Granola

Kirkland’s Heritage Granola is a great addition to your morning cereal or fruit bowl. You can get a bag of it for around $9.99.

14. The Good Bean’s Sweet Chili Chickpeas

Chickpeas, as mentioned above, are a great source of protein for vegans as well. These sweet chili chickpeas are only about $7 a bag and make a great protein-filled snack.

15. Organic Seaweed Snacks

Seaweed is one of the superfoods many people overlook. Costco sells boxes of seaweed snacks that are perfect for vegans. You can get a box (10 snacks) for around $11.

16. Organic Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has become a kitchen staple for many people in recent years. You can use it for baking, frying things, and even add it to smoothies for additional nutrition. Grab an 84-ounce jar of coconut oil for about $17.

17. Hippeas White Cheddar Puffs

If you’ve tried the Pirate’s Booty snack at Costco, these come in a close second and are a great, healthy alternative. Hippeas are made from chickpeas and provide much-needed protein in a delicious, cheesy-tasting snack. A large bag won’t cost much more than $6.

18. Kashi Blueberry Waffles

You can get 48 of these organic waffles at Costco for about $11.99. They are a quick and easy breakfast or snack and with 48 in the box, you won’t have to buy them very often.

19. Kale Chips

Kale chips can be made at home but Costco sells a 6.25-ounce bag of already-made kale chips for about $8.69. Some stores may have different flavors available as well.

20. Other Costco Vegan Food

Costco’s produce section has a lot to offer vegans. Based on recommendations from readers, vegans may get a great deal on bananas at Costco. You can also purchase bulk amounts of Silk almond milk, tofu, steel cut oats, rice, brown rice Ramen noodles, and nuts.

Other items may rotate in-and-out of the store. On occasion, you may be able to pick up vegan cookies or vegan ice cream bars. Readers have also noted that Sour Patch Kids Freeze Pops are a vegan treat the wholesale retailer carries regularly.

Costco Food Court Vegan Options

Cooking Light reported that Costco has been working on introducing more vegan items in the food court. One Costco customer posted a photo of a delicious looking salad stating the salad was “really, really good, and also huge.”

Costco CEO Craig Jelinek has been working on introducing more organic, vegan, and vegetarian items to the store’s food court menu. Check out your local Costco food court for things like an acai bowl, vegan burgers, and plant-based foods like the “Al Pastor” salad.

These are just a few of the vegan options available at Costco. If you have a favorite Costco vegan food product you’d like to share, let us know in the comments!

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Hurricane Costs: Florence to Cost Hundreds of Billions

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Hurricane costs

Over the years, the overall hurricane costs have increased with each natural disaster. Hurricane Florence will be no different. The storm could cost the East Coast as much as $170 billion in damages and lost productivity. In New Bern, NC alone, more than 4,300 homes have been absolutely destroyed. Wilmington and many other coastal towns are still completely unreachable by car and it may remain that way for days.

Hurricane Costs Reach Hundreds of Billions

While the $170 billion estimates may seem high, flooding from Hurricane Florence has completely cut off access to coastal towns. Towns on the coast often rely on tourists to keep their economy going. Most businesses were forced to shut down completely for evacuation. Not to mention, destroyed homes and at least 23 individuals confirmed dead, with numbers climbing.

Below is a graphic of the most costly hurricanes in U.S. history from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, with Katrina still leading the way. If estimates are correct, Florence will surpass that.

Hurricane florence

Hurricane Flood Insurance Payouts

Katrina led the way with more than 167,000 flood insurance payouts, reaching $16 billion in total cost. On average, each payout was less than $100,000. Estimates of insurance payouts for Hurricane Matthew (2016) range from $1.5 billion to $7 billion. Hurricane Sandy, another high-cost hurricane, led to $18.75 billion in insured property loss.

Personal Cost of a Hurricane

Cost of hurricanes

Outside of the obvious property loss and damage, many of these areas will suffer serious economic impacts in the months to come. Many individuals aren’t able to return home or travel far from home right now. Those who stayed are trapped inside with no stores, gas stations, or restaurants open locally. Individuals who evacuated often have to spend money to stay in hotels.

Because Hurricane Florence came so far inland and many areas are still unreachable, it will still be quite some time before we know the true cost of the storm.

hurricane costs

 

First Person Account of Hurricane Florence

Less than 30 miles down the road from where I live, homes and cars are floating away, a one-year-old child’s life was lost, and people are still without power. Many people will also be unable to go to work due to road access or their place of work being flooded.

Locally (in Charlotte, NC), we’ve been extremely lucky. We have had some trees down and some flooding. Although we’ve been stuck inside with many roads blocked off for a few days, we’re thankful for our safety and how we faired during this devastating storm.

Readers, have you been impacted by Hurricane Florence? Join the discussion on hurricane preparation in the Saving Advice forums. 

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Swapping Kroger For Aldi Foods: How They Compare

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Aldi foods comparison

Aldi is continuing to pop up in new locations around the United States and it has many people wondering about Aldi foods and how much they stand to save by shopping there. I’ve personally made the switch from Kroger-owned Harris Teeter to Aldi in recent months and am loving the savings. Is swapping out your grocer for Aldi the right move for you?

How Much Should You Be Spending on Groceries?

Many people look to their grocery bill when they need to start trimming their budget. It is one of the easiest expenses to control, especially if you are willing to shop around. You can collect the local flyers and compare sales prices across the board or look prices up online to determine where you can get the best deals.

However, there are some items that cost pretty much the same everywhere you go. So, how much should you be spending on groceries each month?

USDA Monthly Grocery Budget Guidelines

Each year the United States Department of Agriculture releases information about the cost of produce and other food items. According to the USDA, the figures below outline the average cost to feed yourself or your family.

Family Size  Thrifty Food Plan Low-Cost Plan Moderate-Cost Plan Liberal Plan
1 (Low) $197 $248 $359 $442
1 (High) $207 $287 $306 $391
2 (Low) $384 $491 $609 $763
2 (High) $384 $491 $609 $763
3 (Low) $465 $600 $731 $911
3 (High) $547 $721 $903 $1098
4 (Low) $546 $703 $854 $1061
4 (High) $693 $928 $1166 $1398
5 (Low) $621 $797 $972 $1204
5 (High) $817 $1107 $1390 $1660
6 (Low) $751 $979 $1190 $1463
6 (High) $964 $1302 $1644 $1955
7 (Low) $851 $1112 $1368 $1666
7 (High) $1053 $1419 $1797 $2132
8 (Low) $991 $1298 $1608 $1946
8 (High) $1176 $1591 $2004 $2378
9 (Low) $1141 $1481 $1830 $2218
9 (High) $1274 $1714 $2156 $2563
10 (Low) $1289 $1665 $2051 $2491
10 (High) $1508 $2023 $2538 $3022
11 (Low) $1436 $1849 $2273 $2765
11 (High) $1451 $1945 $2426 $2894

Kroger vs. Aldi Foods

Some individuals have completely swapped out their traditional grocer for Aldi. This has helped them better control their grocery budgets and, in the long-run, it helps them save money. How do Aldi foods compare to, say, Kroger?

Pros and Cons of Aldi

One of the biggest pros of shopping at Aldi is the prices. Because of the way the store is set up, you’re able to increase your savings.

There are some cons to getting those savings, however. If you are a “brand snob,” you won’t always be able to find name brand items at Aldi. Even if you do, they may not be there the next week. Some products are rotated within the store’s inventory. The store may not always have what you’re looking for either, especially if it is a unique food product.

Another thing to note is Aldi’s produce does not keep that long in the fridge and sometimes doesn’t seem to be that fresh. You may want to continue picking up items like lettuce or fresh greens elsewhere.

Also, keep in mind, Aldi does require you to insert a quarter into the shopping cart to use one. You’ll also need to purchase bags or bring your own. In some cases, the store may have extra boxes they are willing to give you to store your food for the ride home as well.

Pros and Cons of Kroger

Kroger-owned grocery stores are a bit more expensive than Aldi on most things. Unless you’re able to cash in on a specific sale or stack coupons, you can get almost everything cheaper at Aldi.

Personally, Kroger offers up a better shopping experience. Lines at Aldi can be a bit long and it is difficult to find someone to help you if you need it. That isn’t the case at Kroger. You’ll also be able to find everything you need in one store shopping at Kroger. Whereas, as mentioned above, Aldi may not have some specialty items.

Non-food items are cheaper at Aldi than Kroger but, in most cases, you’ll be able to get these items cheaper at a store that isn’t only selling groceries. More often than not, you’ll get a better deal on items like toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning supplies, and other non-food items at Walmart or Costco.

Are the Savings Worth It?

For many people, shopping at Aldi has been able to save them up to 50% on their grocery bill each month. When you consider those savings, swapping out Kroger (or your current grocer) for Aldi foods seems like a no-brainer.

Many people may try to argue that Kroger-owned stores offer up rewards and better promotions than Aldi. Keep in mind, most rewards programs are designed to get you to spend more money. You’ll pay a higher original price to get your $5 off or your gas rewards.

Aldi prides itself on not having to do those types of deals because their prices are always low. One Reddit user even mentioned the local Aldi store manager sending associates to local grocers to ensure they have the lowest price on staples like milk and eggs.

While there has been some negative feedback on some produce at Aldi, you can always shop there for most of your food and hit Kroger for specific items. Switching to Aldi for the bulk of your shopping stands to save you $100+ a month.

Readers, what do you think about Aldi foods and prices? Have you shopped there? 

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Three Daily Servings of Dairy May Help Reduce Your Risk of Stroke

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servings of dairy

Many people have recently adapted to diets low in dairy. However, if you’ve been taking this approach to dieting, you may want to rethink your nutrition. A recent study found a link between the consumption of whole-fat dairy and cardio health. More specifically, researchers are suggesting at least three daily servings of dairy may help reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Previous Health Recommendations

Previously both the United States Department of Agriculture and the American Heart Association recommended that adults not exceed three servings of low-fat dairy each day. Both agencies believed the high levels of saturated fat found in dairy may raise bad cholesterol in your body.

The new research may challenge those guidelines because now researchers have evidence that fatty acids found in whole-fat dairy may help protect against heart disease and stroke.

The Latest Dairy Study

The latest study took a look at the dietary habits of 136,384 people across 21 countries and five continents over nine years. What they found was that the consumption of whole-fat dairy has a correlation with an overall lower risk of mortality and cardiovascular disease.

Lead author of the study, Dr. Mahshid Dehghan, and his colleagues collected self-reported data via food questionnaires. Individuals surveyed were between the ages of 35 and 70 and consumed milk, yogurt, and cheese regularly. For the study, a portion of dairy was considered to be a glass of milk, a cup of yogurt, a 15-gram slice of cheese, or a 5-gram teaspoon of butter.

The team of researchers divided the study participants into four groups. The groups consisted of those who consumed no dairy, individuals who only consumed one serving of dairy each day, those who ate two servings of dairy a day, and people who consumed more than two daily servings.

What they found was that people with a higher dairy intake had lower mortality rates overall. They were also found less likely to die of cardiovascular disease or develop major heart disease. Individuals who consumed more dairy were also found to be less likely to have a stroke.

Full Fat vs. Low Fat Dairy

Furthermore, individuals who consumed full-fat dairy only had an even lower risk of mortality and cardiovascular health issues. This suggests that some saturated fats found in full-fat dairy products could be beneficial for cardiovascular health.

Should the Recommended Daily Servings of Dairy Change?

Previous studies with similar findings have suggested the guidelines need to be revised, especially to benefit individuals in lower-income countries.

“Our findings support that consumption of dairy products might be beneficial for mortality and cardiovascular disease, especially in low-income and middle-income countries where dairy consumption is much lower than in North America or Europe,” said Dr. Dehghan.

However, that doesn’t necessarily mean we need to change the guideline across the board or load up on cheese right now. Jimmy Chun Yu Louie, at the University of Hong Kong, and Anna M. Rangan, at the University of Sydney in Australia, don’t think we should be so quick with the eraser.

“The results from the study seem to suggest that dairy intake, especially whole-fat dairy, might be beneficial for preventing deaths and major cardiovascular diseases,” they wrote. “However, as the authors themselves concluded, the results only suggest the ‘consumption of dairy products should not be discouraged and perhaps even be encouraged in low-income and middle-income countries.'”

Overall, this study simply suggests we not discourage eating or drinking dairy products. By no means, it is a doctor’s approval or recommendation that whole-fat dairy is healthier than low-fat products. Keep in mind, this is just a study that provides evidence that may be worthy of consideration.

Readers, how many servings of dairy do you eat a day? 

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