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Does Giant Eagle Price Match?

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giant eagle price match guarantee

Many shoppers prefer grocery stores that offer price matching. It ensures they can get their hands on the best deals even if the best discounts are available at another grocer. But not all stores offer price matching, and figuring out which ones do can be surprisingly challenging. If you’ve ever wondered, “Does Giant Eagle price match?” here’s what you need to know.

What Is Price Matching, and How Does It Work?

Price matching is a fairly simple concept. It covers stores willing to match a lower price that’s being offered by a direct competitor for that specific item. Usually, the store with a price match policy can define which other retailers are or are not competitors. For example, they may limit price matching to physical stores within a certain radius, or could be broader, also accepting online prices at major e-commerce retailers.

The products have to be exactly alike to qualify. For example, the model number or UPC typically has to match. However, for items like fresh produce, the matching may simply require that it be the fruit or vegetable, including the same variety and other identifiers (such as organic or non-organic).

Additionally, the shopper commonly has to provide proof of the lower price and where it is being sold. Usually, that means having a sales flyer or webpage available as evidence.

In most cases, getting a price match at the time of checkout simply involves informing the cashier of the lower price and showing them the evidence. They can then follow the store’s procedures to provide the discount, suggesting you qualify.

Some stores do have price match policies that work after the sale, though this is rare. For these, you may need to bring your receipt and evidence to a customer service counter within the designated price matching window, allowing you to secure a refund for the difference.

It’s important to note that a variety of other conditions can apply. For example, stores usually won’t price match a clearance price, or when the lower price is clearly a typo and not a legitimate discount. Every store has a unique price match policy, if they offer the service, outlining the requirements. Any request that doesn’t align with the rules is going to be denied.

Does Giant Eagle Price Match Guarantee?

While Giant Eagle doesn’t explicitly state they don’t price match, the store does not have a price matching policy. Since there is no policy outlining the service, it’s safe to conclude that the retailer does not offer it.

Giant Eagle Pricing Policies

While Giant Eagle doesn’t have a price match policy, it does have another pricing policy that could benefit shoppers.

First, there’s the price accuracy policy. If you discover that you were charged more than the posted or advertised price on an item, the first improperly scanned product is free as long as it is worth no more than $25. For items over $25, the customer will receive the first of them for $25 off the lower, correct price.

If you bought multiples, the price accuracy policy allows for changes here, as well. The subsequent items (including if they are different varieties, such as different flavors of the same type of cereal) are adjusted to reflect the correct, lower price.

Grocery Stores That Offer Price Matching

Many major retailers do offer some form of price matching, including on grocery items. While each store controls its own policy, allowing it to set its own rules and outline unique restrictions, it could benefit savvy shoppers who are willing to take the time to get discounts.

Target offers price matches for select online retailers and local competitor print ad prices. There are quite a few requirements and restrictions outlined by Target on its website. But, if your purchase qualifies, you can request the discount at checkout or within 14 days after making the purchase.

Walmart also has price matching, though its program is fairly restrictive. For example, you’re limited to one item per day, so you can’t get a reduction if you purchase multiples of an item or two separate products that could both potentially qualify. Other rules are listed on the Walmart website.

Price Matches Can Be Added, Removed or Altered

It is important to point out that companies can add, remove, or alter their price matching policies, mainly at their discretion. Usually, major retailers will announce modifications that are more restrictive or removals of services in advance.

When new options are coming available, a retailer may choose to advertise them to entice shoppers. However, some may simply add the policy without an announcement. As a result, savvy shoppers should review the policies of their favorite grocers regularly. That way, they can explore new options or policy changes as soon as possible, ensuring they are well-informed and can get the best deals.

Do you prefer grocery stores that offer price matching? If Giant Eagle started a price match guarantee, would you shop there more, or would it matter? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Frugal Recipes to Try When Money Is Tight

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Frugal Recipes For Tight Budget

Your food budget probably takes up one of the largest percentages of outgoing money each money. Therefore, if you can reduce your food spending then you can improve your savings. As a result, it makes sense to look for frugal recipes for a tight budget if you want to start saving money quickly. By arming yourself with a long list of recipes you love, but that are made from ingredients that don’t cost you a lot of money, you can do yourself a huge financial service.

Frugal Breakfast Recipes for a Tight Budget

Sticking to meals that are only one or two ingredients is a surefire way to save money on meals. Breakfast is one of the easiest meals that you can do that with. Buttered toast, a bowl of oatmeal, yogurt with berries, and scrambled eggs are all examples of simple meals that you can enjoy for breakfast without spending very much money. But for those times when you want something a little bit fancier and yet not expensive try these recipes:

Low-Cost Lunch Recipes

One of the best ways to save money on lunch is to eat dinner leftovers from the night before. A sandwich or wrap is always another smart choice.

However, that’s not always appealing. Luckily, it’s easy to find frugal recipes for a tight budget that are more than satisfactory for lunch at home or on the go. Here are some top choices:

  • Copycat Panera Tuna Salad Sandwich. Get a Panera-style lunch sandwich at a much lower cost using this recipe.
  • Homemade Chili Dogs. Use this recipe to serve tummy-filling chili dogs to eight people for less than $10 total. And if you have kids at the table they might be satisfied with just a no-bun, no-chili hot dog for lunch which will save you even more money.
  • Rice and Beans. This recipe will fuel you with energy for the rest of the day.
  • Vegetable Soup. Don’t just open a can of soup and heat it on the stove. Instead, make this homemade version and reheat it when you’re ready for a warm lunch.

Frugal Dinner Recipes for a Tight Budget

Dinner is usually the most expensive meal of the day. Oftentimes, that’s because we dine out. However, it can get expensive even at home. Making smart choices about the dinner ingredients that you use will go a long way towards reducing your food spending when you’re on a budget. Here are some frugal recipes for a tight budget that will satisfy you at dinner time:

  • Barbecue Chicken on the Grill. Affordable cuts of meat that you can grill for flavor are good options for those non-vegetarians on a budget. This recipe serves six.
  • Beef Brisket. Eating meat isn’t always the most affordable way to go with dinner but if you prefer it then this is a good recipe option.
  • Better Than Takeout Chicken Fried Rice. Or skip the chicken for an even more affordable vegetable fried rice dish.
  • Easy Roast Prime Rib. This recipe doesn’t just save you money but it also saves you time. It takes ten minutes to prepare then the oven does the rest of the work.
  • Grilled Flank Steak. If you enjoy eating steak but don’t want to spend too much money then ask your butcher about getting some flank steak. It’s a tasty alternative to more expensive cuts of beef. Generally you can get one-and-a-half pounds for this meat for under $7. Here’s a recipe that will serve six people for that prices.
  • Honey Glazed Ham. Like the Prime Rib recipe above, this is a meal that you can prepare quickly then do other things while the oven cooks it for you. It serves a whopping twelve people. Therefore, its one of the frugal recipes for a tight budget that you can bookmark for holiday meals.
  • Ramen Noodle Dishes. Of course, you could really save money and get the 50-cent soups but that’s not what we’re talking about here. We’re talking about three different recipes for high-quality, extra-tasty, very satisfying homemade ramen noodle dishes that are also very affordable to make at home. These are also healthy dishes with one vegetarian option.
  • Shrimp Scampi Pasta. You can almost always make pasta dishes on a budget. If you see a discount on shrimp then make the purchase and use this recipe for a wonderful low-cost dinner.

Snacks, Sides, and Appetizers

Sometimes you just want to have a quick snack. A simple apple or handful of nuts will often do and can be your most affordable option. However, sometimes you want something a little bit more special. For example, you might want frugal snack recipes when you’re on a tight budget but still want to impress someone who is coming over to your home. Or you might want a cheap snack that you can bring to a gathering. Here are some good choices.

  • Beer Battered Fish: Although you can actually use this recipe to make dinner, it’s a particularly good option for making an appetizer or side dish for large groups of people.
  • Classic Deviled Eggs: Make half a dozen terrific and tasty deviled eggs for less than five dollars when you use this easy recipe. This is a Labor Day or holiday gathering favorite.
  • Honey Glazed Carrots. Make these in a slow cooker. You can serve up to ten people with this recipe.
  • Potato Salad. Potatoes are among the most filling frugal ingredients that you’ll find for any meal. Stock up on them and use them liberally throughout your cooking. This potato salad recipe will give you a unique snack, suitable to take to any group gathering. Moreover, it costs about $1 per serving. You can’t beat that!
  • Stuffed Mushrooms. Mushrooms are a simple food that can be dressed up with good stuffing. They are often affordable, and they work well as sides or appetizers for any meals. Make one dozen of them with this recipe.

Frugal Dessert for a Tight Budget

If you want to save money on meals then you should skip dessert. In fact, when dining at a restaurant, it is almost always best to skip drinks and dessert if you want to reduce your bill. But of course sometimes we want a little treat. You can use these frugal dessert recipes to enjoy that treat on a budget.

  • Apple Cinnamon Rice Pudding. What a yummy option that will impress anyone you offer it to.
  • Chocolate Ice Cream. Ice cream is a popular dessert for all ages. Learn how to easily make your own.
  • Oven-Baked Smores. Who doesn’t love Smores? And you don’t even need a campfire to cook them. This recipe will cost you less than $10 to make. Nevertheless, it will provide dessert for fifteen people. Moreover, cooking and enjoying it will delight you.
  • The Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe. Simple chocolate chip cookies are a surprisingly satisfying dessert. Make six dozen of them with this recipe! Of course, you can cut the recipe in half to make fewer cookies and save more money.

What are some of your favorite frugal recipes on a tight budget? Share in the comments!

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If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started. If you want to be able to customize your blog on your own domain and need hosting service, we recommend trying BlueHost. They offer powerful hosting services for $3.95/month!

Easy Food to Sell to Make Money

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easy food to sell

There are so many different ways to make a little bit of extra money. For example, you can sell food. Whether you sell it at farmers’ markets, from a food truck, going door to door, or through a small online business, selling food can be a great way to garner some new income. You want to find easy food to sell, especially as you start out. After all, you want to make money, not spend a lot out of pocket to get started.

How to Sell Food

Before you begin to sell food, you need to think about what kind of business do you want. Some examples of food-based small businesses include:

  • Package a favorite recipe, such as homemade jam. Sell it online, at farmer’s markets, or in partnership with a local restaurant.
  • Start a home-based food business. This might mean that you offer a small menu of items that you sell through. variety of channels. You may sell to small restaurants or do direct-to-consumer sales online.
  • Become a vendor at a concession stand, food truck park, or other area where individuals and/or small businesses are allowed to sell food.
  • Sell food “door to door” which might mean visiting construction sites to sell meals to the workers at lunch time or using word of mouth to let your children’s parents know that you have food for sale.

There are Legal Issues

Depending on where you live and how you want to sell your food, there are legal issues to think about. These include general issues about small businesses, such as setting yourself up with a business license. Additionally, there are specific rules about food-based businesses. For example, you may have to determine whether your local laws allow you to cook from your own kitchen or require you to rent space from a commercial kitchen.

You Need Easy Food to Sell

If you want to make a lot of money, then you need to look for easy food to sell. There are two different aspects to what “easy foods” means:

  1. Foods that are easy to prepare.
  2. Foods that easily sell because they are highly popular.

If you can prepare food quickly, inexpensively, and easily, then you’re getting off on the right food. If you’re choosing foods that sell well because of their popularity, then you’re going to sell out. That’s how you make money.

Finding Easy Food to Sell

When deciding what you want to sell, there are some important factors to take into consideration. Ask yourself the following questions:

  • What are the foods that I find easiest and most enjoyable to prepare?
  • When I go to the type of place where I’ll be selling my food, what foods do I want to purchase?
  • What are the most popular foods at these types of places? Is the market already too saturated for those foods?
  • What is the cost investment and the time investment of the food I’m interested in selling?

In other words, you want to think about your market, your experience, your passion for food, and the cost of both time and money that you’ll invest into this business. Ideally, you will come up with a food that’s inexpensive to prepare, easy and fun to make, and popular but also unique from what’s already available around you.

Examples of Foods That Sell Easily

Your market may vary widely in terms of which foods sell easily. For example, in some places, the easiest food to sell is French Fries. In contrast, other places have good niche markets for organic, artisanal, vegan food trends. You’ll have to research your market to figure out what’s going to sell easily in your area. With that in mind, though, here are some examples of easy food to sell:

  • Candy and packaged snacks that you simply buy in bulk and resell
  • Chili or baked beans
  • Concession stand foods such as fries, corndogs, nachos, and funnel cakes
  • Cookies, pastries, and other baked goods
  • Corn on the cob or elote off the cob
  • Drinks including lemonade, coffee, and mocktails
  • Fresh-baked bread
  • Hummus and/or other dips with bread and crudités
  • Jams, jellies, and other homemade canned items
  • Kebabs / skewers
  • Oatmeal
  • Pancakes
  • Pickles and other pickled vegetables
  • Pizza including deep fried pizza; consider offering both traditional toppings and more unique ones
  • Simple salads with just a few fresh ingredients and your own dressing
  • Simple sandwiches, such as grilled cheese, done really well
  • Tacos and quesadillas
  • Toasts, such as avocado toast and bruschetta
  • Trending foods, such as meat marinades, açaí bowls, or plant-based protein dishes

Additional Factors to Consider

You’ve already reviewed the legal issues for starting a food business. You’ve looked at some easy food to sell. Moreover, you’ve thought about how your food interests intersect with popular foods to come up with a good product to sell. Here are some additional factors to consider before you decide for sure what food to sell:

  • How will you source the food ingredients?
  • What will you need in order to store the ingredients? For example, will you need to buy a freezer?
  • What will you need in order to prepare the food? For example, will you need to buy a deep fryer or Mason jars for canning?
  • How long will the food prep take? How long after preparation will it be good to sell? Consider, for example, that initial food prep to can a lot of foods at home can take a long time but then the canned food is something you can save and sell over time. In contrast, as soon as you make French fries, you have to sell them; they don’t save well. That said, they’re quick to make in comparison with something like canning peaches.
  • What additional items will you need in order to serve this food? If you’re making a prepared food at home, such as cookies, then how will you package and ship them? If you’re handing out food at a stand, what plates or other supplies do you need to provide?

You can start a business selling food. It might turn out to be not just a passion project but one that you earns you a solid steady income. If you really love the work, it could even turn into a professional small business. That said, you want to make sure that you start slow, invest your time and money wisely, find easy food to sell, and then grow your market over time.

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If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started. If you want to be able to customize your blog on your own domain and need hosting service, we recommend trying BlueHost. They offer powerful hosting services for $3.95/month!

12 Ways to Save Money at Panera Bread

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panera bread
Panera Bread is a popular fast food establishment enjoyed by many people across the country. With a wide array of soups, salads, sandwiches, and pastries, it’s no wonder they have a large customer base. While it may be a fan favorite, it’s also known for being a little pricey in comparison with some of its competitors. However, Panera Bread offers several ways to save money at their locations. Plus there are some smart dining out tricks that you can implement to save even further. Here are twelve ways to save money at your local Panera Bread:

1. MyPanera Rewards Card

Like many restaurants or businesses, Panera Bread offers a customer loyalty card. It comes with many rewards that you can earn over the course of your visits to their stores. In fact, you get a free item upon registration. For example, in 2020, if you sign up for the card in the summer then you get unlimited free coffee with no fees through September 2020. (You can get any size, any flavor, once up to every two hours during this promotion.) And, of course, registration for the card is free. You don’t have to pay anything to be a member.

Additionally, the card offers various free items throughout the year, as well as for your birthday. It will also occasionally update you about special deals and promotions happening at your local store. This is one of the best ways to stay on top of your options to save money at Panera Bread.

That said, remember that rewards cards are designed to keep your loyalty. They want you coming back again and again. If you go there to get your free birthday reward, but then you buy other things when you weren’t planning to go there in the first place, then you’re spending money, not saving it. So be smart about taking advantage of the Rewards perks without caving to the pressure to buy more.

2. Tip: MyPanera Rewards Card Hack

You can earn more rewards using your Panera rewards card by separately ordering your purchases. The reward card gives rewards depending on the number of purchases you make, but doesn’t void purchases made on the same day.

So, if you buy five breads all at once, that counts as a single purchase toward your next reward. In contrast, if you buy those five breads separately, then you earn five purchases toward the next reward. Therefore, for those who want to earn faster rewards (and the discounts that come with them), splitting the purchases is a good option.

Of course, be respectful of the people who are working at the store and in the line behind you. Try to choose less-busy hours for such purchase.

3. Follow Panera Bread’s Social Media and App

If you’re an avid social media user, you should consider following, or at least routinely checking, Panera Bread’s Facebook and Twitter accounts. Social media sites are a great way to keep up to date on what businesses are doing, especially when it comes to new menu items, special discounts, or promotions that are happening. You never know what new or useful information you may find.

Make sure that you also sign up for the Panera Bread app. This is especially useful if you’ve signed up as a rewards member. It’s the number one place, other than their actual website, to get information about their latest deals, offers, new products, and more.

4. Gift Cards

In 2020, Panera Bread is offering a 20% discount on their gift cards, including eCards. The sale is only through September 7, 2020, but this is a great reminder that gift cards can be a way to save money at restaurants.

For example, another option would be to use your credit card rewards points to purchase Panera Bread gift cards. Then use those cards to treat yourself to Panera. You’re not spending any money since you used points to get those cards.

If you really love Panera, then you could also ask family members to give you gift cards there as presents rather than purchasing something for you that you might not want.

5. Special Deal Days

Panera does have special deal days on certain items. For example, you can currently get 13 bagels for $8.39 every Tuesday. That’s more than four dollars off the usual cost of a baker’s dozen of Panera Bread bagels.

Note that their deals change regularly. Moreover, they can be different from location to location. Ask the cashiers at your local store what the current deals are.

6. Panera Bread: Know The Menu

One of the best ways to save money at Panera is to know the menu. Sometimes the “double” deals they have are actually more expensive than if you had ordered the two items separately (and sometimes the opposite is true as well).

Also make sure that you know what “secret” menu items you can order, since these can be cheaper than the items stated on the menu. When in doubt, just ask the cashier about the secret menu options.

Most importantly, though, it’s good to know the menu because it will help you choose in advance what you want to buy. If you take the time to thoughtfully plan out your meals, then you’ll be better off. You’ll choose the most cost-effective options that are suitable for your diet. This helps you avoid impulse purchases, and therefore helps you save money.

7. Avoid Desserts

Speaking of planning ahead, make sure that you avoid the desserts. (Unless, of course, you’re going there specifically to purchase a dessert.) Most of the time, people buy them because they’re on display and look so tempting. If it wasn’t in your meal plan to begin with then save yourself the time and calories by skipping them.

8. Get Free Water Instead of Buying a Drink

Similar to avoiding desserts, buying a drink is something to be avoided not only because it’s expensive, but also because you don’t really need to buy a drink. Panera will give you a cup for water free of charge if you ask for it, so there’s really no reason to be spending money on a soda, iced coffee, or smoothie.

Of course, with the 2020 promotion, you can also get free coffee at Panera Bread. Look for the deals like that and splurge (without spending a dime) to get a nice beverage treat.

9. Don’t Order Sides

In most fast food or takeout places, adding sides to your order will only make it more expensive. There’s a cost for cream cheese for your bagel or salad dressing for your salad. Panera has an entire section of their menu devoted to sides, and even though the most expensive may be no more than a few dollars, it’s still smart to avoid ordering sides if you’re looking to save money. Again, knowing the menu and planning in advance will go a long way towards avoiding falling into such a trap.

10. Split Your Meal with Someone

Another great way to save money at Panera is to split your meal with a friend, coworker, or family member. Panera has a lot of deals that let you combine soups, salads, and sandwiches for under $10. If you’re grabbing a quick bite to eat, think about ordering with a friend and splitting the cost.

Alternatively, you can buy the cheap big meal and immediately put half of it in a to go box for later.

11. Panera Bread Coupons

Panera Bread is one of the few businesses in the fast food industry that does not have regularly recurring coupons. Since coupons are so rare, finding some is like hitting a goldmine. That said, it’s not impossible to find Panera Bread coupons. Check sites like Groupon. Do a quick online search before heading out to Panera. It’s always worth it to look.

12. Remember Panera Isn’t Your Only Option

Even if you love Panera Bread and want to go there regularly, don’t limit yourself to that one restaurant. Look for other deals in your area of comparable food options. If the prices are lower, or there’s a great coupon, then try something new.

And, of course, it’s almost always cheaper to make yourself a sandwich at home than to buy one at a restaurant. Ask yourself if you need to dine out at all. That’s truly the way to save money!

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If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started. If you want to be able to customize your blog on your own domain and need hosting service, we recommend trying BlueHost. They offer powerful hosting services for $3.95/month!

Energy Savings Tips for Your Refrigerator

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refrigerator energy savings tips

The more energy that you can save around the home the better. Reducing energy waste at home reduces energy bills which saves you money. Moreover, it’s good for the planet. Therefore, we wanted to share our best refrigerator energy savings tips with you today. Here they are:

1. Set the Correct Temperature

Many people mistakenly think that they should set the refrigerator to the coolest possible temperature. While you certainly want to keep the air in there cool, you don’t need to set it as low as it goes in order to keep your food fresh. In fact, it’s best for your food and your wallet if you know and utilize the correct refrigerator temperature settings.

Generally speaking, your refrigerator should be set between 36 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If your refrigerator is currently set at 40 degrees, then try setting it to 36. You might be surprised to discover that it significantly reduces energy waste in the home. The freezer has to be cooler of course; it should be set between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Let Hot Foods Cool Before They Go In The Fridge

I know that I’ve been guilty of this one. I order takeout. When I do, I portion out what I want and immediately put the rest of it away in the fridge. However, when you put hot food directly into the refrigerator, it makes the machine have to work harder to cool it all down. Therefore, you’re wasting energy. Instead, allow the food to cool on the counter first. When it’s room temperature, you can put it into the refrigerator.

Also, when you do put food away, make sure that you’ve properly covered it. Otherwise, the food will release moisture into the refrigerator. This, too, can make the refrigerator less efficient.

3. Cool the Fridge with Food from the Freezer

As you can see, many of the best refrigerator energy savings tips are about how to keep the refrigerator cool. It makes sense; the less the appliance has to work, the more energy you save using it. Here’s one more tip in that vein: thaw your frozen foods in the refrigerator.

Many people take frozen food directly out of the freezer and leave it out on the counter all day to thaw. If you plan ahead, you can let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator instead. This cools off the appliance so that it doesn’t have to do so much energy-wasting work.

4. Look Around the Refrigerator

Heat doesn’t just affect the refrigerator from the inside; it also causes problems when it’s hot around the refrigerator. Therefore, it’s important to look around and make sure that there’s enough space to allow the refrigerator to work efficiently.

First of all, make certain that you have at lest two inches of space around every side of the refrigerator. This provides proper heat-releasing space as well as circulation around the machine. That means the refrigerator can maximize its own efficiency.

Moreover, check that other heat sources aren’t too close to your refrigerator. For example, how close is your oven to your refrigerator? The further apart you’re able to move them, the better. Similarly, check lighting; does your refrigerator receive a lot of direct sunlight? If so then you might want to use drapes to reduce the amount of heat warming up the fridge from the outside each day.

5. But Stop Looking IN The Refrigerator

Every time that you open and close the refrigerator door, you make that machine work harder. This has become a particular problem since the COVID-19 pandemic means that more people are home all day. You get bored, restless, and just a tiny bit hungry and you go get a snack. Perhaps you stand in front of the refrigerator with the door open, trying to decide what you want. You don’t want anything and you’re wasting energy each time that you do this.

Set rules in your house for how often you open the fridge. If this is one of those refrigerator energy savings tips that annoys your family members, make it a game. Whoever opens it least during the day wins, for example. Plan out all snacks and meals in advance. This is good for your diet and your food budget and it means you’re using the refrigerator more efficiently.

6. Turn Off the Extras

Many modern refrigerators have a lot of fun features. Unfortunately, some of these aren’t necessary and end up wasting energy. You can usually switch them off, saving yourself some money on the electric bill each month. Check to see if you can turn these things off on your refrigerator:

  • Anti-sweat capabilities. If it’s very, very hot and humid then this can help prevent moisture from forming on the outside of your refrigerator door. However, most people don’t need or use this. Turn it off to save more than five percent of the machine’s energy.
  • Butter conditioner. Sure, it’s nice that this little heater inside of some refrigerators makes your butter soft. However, you’re spending extra energy (and money) to run that. Place the butter in a dish on the counter to soften it instead.

7. Reduce Your Refrigeration Needs

Hopefully, you only have one refrigerator. However, many people keep more than one in the house. Some homes have two small ones. It’s almost always more energy-efficient to have one large one. Even better: reduce your grocery purchases down so that you only need one small one!

Some homes have an extra old refrigerator or freezer in the garage for stockpiling. It might feel like you’re saving money by purchasing food in bulk. However, remember that you’re paying to operate that extra refrigerator. You could easily spend $100 or more per year running that extra fridge. Do you really need it?

In addition to reducing to a smaller refrigerator, pay attention to how much food you put in the refrigerator that you do have. Refrigerators work most efficiently when there is a lot of space for air to circulate around the food. Therefore, you don’t want to overpack the fridge. In contrast, freezers work best when they are full. Therefore, freeze as much as you can and simply thaw it out in the refrigerator as needed.

8. Refrigerator Energy Savings Tips: Cleaning and Maintenance

Keep you refrigerator in good working order to maximize its energy efficiency. Some of the things that you should do regularly include:

  • If you have a manual-defrost appliance then make sure to run that regularly. There shouldn’t be more than 1/4″ of frost buildup in either the refrigerator or the freezer.
  • Clean the refrigerator condenser coils. You should do this twice per year to keep the machine running as efficiently as possible.
  • Check annually that the refrigerator door seals properly. If it doesn’t, make sure to repair it. If the refrigerator is leaking air, then it’s not working well.

9. Buying a New Refrigerator

At some point in your life, you’re going to need to buy a new refrigerator. Making a smart choice at that time will allow you to maximize energy savings for years to come. Look for an Energy Star refrigerator. Choose the smallest size that you truly need. Skip the frills (such as the ice maker). Shop around with an eye towards long-term value, not just immediate price.

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How to Eat Well on $100 per Month

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grocery list for two under $100

Many couples and single parent households have tight budgets. Often, food is a major line item. While you can’t go completely without, it is possible to cut what you spend dramatically. Plus, you can lower this expense without eating poorly, as long as you plan it right. If you want to find out how to eat well on $100 a month, here’s what you need to know.

Eating Well on $100 Per Month

For most, eating well means handling your nutritional needs without too much junk. Usually, you want a bit of variety, as well as tasty meals.

Usually, the easiest way to begin is to find low-cost meal foundations. Traditionally, this means inexpensive whole grains purchased in bulk. This could include rice, couscous, quinoa, or even whole grain pasta.

Protein Options

When it comes to proteins, you have a few options. Both beans and eggs are great choices, and they can come with fairly small price tags when purchased the right way. For eggs, you want to get large bundles, such as a five-dozen pack, as you’ll pay less per egg. For beans, opt for dry over canned or frozen, as they give you the best bang for your buck.

However, if you consider yourself a meat-eater, you can add some in without busting your budget. Whole chickens can be used to create several meals and are reasonably affordable, making them a great place to start. Canned tuna can work, too. Additionally, you can always shop meat sales to add in some variety.

Fruits and Veggies

For fruits and veggies, frozen is usually your friend. Packages can be stored for a long time, so you can buy large bags if the price per ounce is better than small ones. Plus, frozen produce maintains its nutritional value.

However, certain fruits are fairly frugal, if you’d rather have fresh. For example, apples, oranges, and bananas may all work, especially if they are on sale.

Since a healthy diet doesn’t usually contain a ton of dairy, you can focus on low-cost options that you’ll use sparingly. Store brand shredded cheese, sour cream, or butter are examples. You can also go for milk, if you’d prefer.

Don’t waste money on beverages if you can avoid it, as tap water is usually enough to cover your needs. But, if you simply must have a caffeine fix, go for low-cost bulk coffee or tea bags.

Creating Grocery List for Two Under $100 a Month

Exactly what your grocery list will look like will depend on your eating preferences as well as prices in your local area. Additionally, sales can alter what you choose, as there may be a great deal that lets you get more for less.

However, certain staples should make nearly every monthly shopping list, including:

  • Eggs or Dried Beans (or both)
  • Rice, Couscous, Quinoa, or Whole Grain Pasta
  • Fruits (either frozen or frugal)
  • Frozen Veggies
  • Low-Cost Dairy

That approach covers all of your nutritional bases, ensuring you can eat well on just $100 a month.

Do you think a grocery list for two under $100 can work? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started. If you want to be able to customize your blog on your own domain and need hosting service, we recommend trying BlueHost. They offer powerful hosting services for $3.95/month!