Food / Groceries

Saving Money on Groceries

March 30, 2020 By Susan Paige Leave a Comment

With the Coronavirus pandemic affecting our daily lives, some homebuyers are deciding to push the pause button on their home search and understandably so. If your immune system is compromised in any way, it’s probably not worth the risk to view properties.

If you’re planning to buy a home in Toronto or Vancouver, homes don’t come cheap there. If you’re struggling to save a down payment, cutting costs is a good place to start. For many Canadians, groceries is the second or third highest household expense.

Here are some simple ways to save money on groceries. With all the money you save while you’re waiting for the Coronavirus situation to improve, you can reach your down payment goal sooner.

Shop at Discount Grocers

How would you like to buy your groceries for less? Have you considered shopping at discount grocers? At premium stores, you’ll be nickel and dimed on everything from breakfast cereal to coffee. The savings at discount supermarkets can really add up to be a lot. By buying no-name brands you can save a pretty penny—usually 25% or more off the premium brands. By saving $20 on your grocery bill each week, it will add up to savings of over $1,000 a year.

In case you’re wondering, discounts supermarkets will often have produce and meat that is just as good quality as the so-called premium stores. You don’t have to stop shopping at your local supermarket altogether; rather, consider your other more affordable options.

Price Matching

Why pay full price for your food you enjoy when you don’t need to? You can save even more money by price matching. This is when grocers match a competitor grocer’s lower price on identical items if you point it out to them (you’ll need to show the competitor’s paper or digital flyer as proof ).

Most discount grocers price match. Price matching is something I do each week. Every week before heading to the supermarket I make a shopping list. I go through my fridge, freezer and cupboards to see what items I’m running out of. Once I have my list, I’ll look for these products in store flyers. I’ll then circle them in pen. That way when I head to the supermarket, it’s nice and easy to point out to the cashier to price match.

Buying Items on Sale in Bulk

When you see a grocery item you regularly use at a discount, take advantage of it and stock up. But before loading your cart with Kraft Dinner, remember that not all sales are the same. Look at how much money you’re really saving to figure out if it’s worth stocking up. Plus, some items that appear in the flyer might not really be on sale, so don’t get tricked. Usually items go on sale every two to three months at a particular store, so stock up so you have enough to last until the next sale and try to never pay full price.

This post brought to you bySean Cooper

Growing My Income Without Making More Money

February 27, 2020 By Trey LaRocca 1 Comment

This will be my first entry of the diary-style variety, and it is for a good reason. As a 21-year-old with no degree, a full time-job, and all of his very own bills, I think it is important to shine a light on one thing: I’m doing okay! As much as the media wants to tell you that young people are dying without free college or major social safety nets, it just isn’t true. You don’t have to game the system, milk any welfare, or strike it big to live happily in the US as a 20-something. With that said, there are some efforts I am making to ensure that I stay comfortable without finding a whole new job, or adding a side hustle to my already busy schedule. So this is about the two main ways I am growing my income in ways that any of you can replicate today!

I’m Selling My Car

I know, a scary first step. No, I’m not saying you all need to go carless to save money. In fact, that isn’t even what I’m doing. When I was 18, I had focused hard on working instead of going to school, and I had a full-time $13/hr job while still living with my parents. Up to this point, my family could never afford to get me a car– I didn’t even have my license. So once I could do it myself I got a used BMW 3 series for $10k that stuck me with a $190 car payment. This isn’t too bad a payment, but the insurance for someone my age makes my current car expenses ring in at around $380. So, to increase my usable income, I’m selling the car and buying a $2000 1990 Lincoln Town Car. No payment, and $70 liability insurance gives me around $310 more to play with each month.

Better Grocery Shopping

Today I had a little bit of time at the end of my work day, and I used it to check out my bank account. Specifically, I was looking at every time I bought food outside of my grocery shopping. Between a night out with my friend, a date with my girlfriend, the vending machine at work, and some “forgot my lunch at home” days at fast food spots, I managed to rack up about $300 in extra food expense. Noticing that the most common and preventable scenario was forgetting my lunch, my next grocery trip will be focused on good sandwich makings, meat, rice, and other packables that I can bring to work without much extra effort. Date night is important, and so is blowing off some steam with friends, but there is room to cut down. My goal for next month is to cut it down to $150, giving me the same amount in extra income to save or invest.

I hope you enjoyed this inside look into how I am bettering my situation. To all the young folks out there like me: You don’t need to have a degree or a high paying job to make it. I live in southern California, splitting rent with my girlfriend in a beautiful beach city I grew up in. No degree, no six-figure income (not even close), and no crazy internet fame. Just a reliable job and some good habits! As long as you stay smart, you can improve your situation and grow your income today!

5 Tips for Hosting a Cheap Super Bowl Party on a Budget

January 30, 2020 By Amanda Blankenship Leave a Comment

Millions of people around the country are preparing to kick back and enjoy one of the biggest sporting events of the year – the Super Bowl. In some cases, Super Bowl parties are massive affairs involving dozens of partygoers, full food spreads, décor, and more. Whether your party is going to be big or small, finding ways to save money is always a wise move. If you need to host a cheap Super Bowl party on a budget, here are five tips to help you get started.

1. Consider a Potluck

Since food can be one of the largest expenses for any Super Bowl gathering, hosting the event as a potluck can help you stretch your budget. Plus, most partygoers will be happy to bring a dish, as it is a small thing to do to enjoy time with friends, family, and the big game.

Now, if you want your potluck to go smoothly, you may either want to assign dishes or have people announce what they want to bring in advance. This can help ensure that you don’t end up with half-a-dozen veggie platters or every attendee just bringing chips, as you can intervene if there is not enough variety or keep all of the items aligned with a theme.

Not only is a potluck cost-effective, but it can also reduce the amount of stress you experience. After all, not having to create every dish yourself is a huge weight off your shoulders.

2. Make It BYOB

If you want to have a party with adult beverages, making your Super Bowl party BYOB (bring your own booze) may be your best option. Alcohol can great incredibly expensive, so requesting that everyone bring their own can be a gamechanger for your budget.

Plus, you get the added bonus of not hearing any complaints about what kind of drinks are or are not available. You do not have to worry about anyone’s taste but your own, as they can bring what they want to drink.

However, do make a few conveniences available. For example, make sure you have plenty of ice, cups, stir sticks, corkscrews, bottle openers, and similar items on-hand and highly accessible. If you have a cocktail shaker or other barware, consider making it available as well if you are okay with the items being used during a party.

Additionally, clear out your fridge as much as possible or have a cooler filled with ice at the ready. That way, your guests can cool their drinks easily once they arrive. You may also want to give attendees a way to mark their drinks, such as a Sharpie, so they can identify which ones belong to them with greater ease.

3. Figure Out What You Have

Instead of heading straight to the store, take a moment and see what you may already own. Go through your cupboards to see what food and drink items are there and plan your menu around what you’ve already bought. Then, check closets or storage areas for decorations you may have kept from other events or a previous Super Bowl party.

Any time that you can use an item you already own is an opportunity to save money. Do not plan your shopping list until you take full stock of what you have on-hand. Otherwise, you might buy something you did not actually need.

4. Seek Out Coupons and Sales

Certain foods are incredibly popular during the Super Bowl, so stores and manufacturers offer deals to entice you to buy specific options. Before you shop, take some time to review sales flyers and find coupons. Go through your mail, get the Sunday paper, or get online to see what may be available and then plan your purchase from there.

Additionally, if you have a rewards club or other members at your supermarket, make sure to check for any unique deals that may be available. If you aren’t a member, then signing up may be wise, as it really can help you save all year-round.

5. Consider Delivery or Takeout

If you are hosting a large party, sometimes opting for delivery or takeout is actually a smart choice. Many pizza places and similar restaurants that offer takeout or delivery may run specials in conjunction with the big game, so you could actually score a pretty great deal if you compare your options.

Plus, by going with delivery or takeout, you do not have to dedicate any time to cooking. Instead, you can spend time with friends and family or handle other tasks you need to finish.

If ordering out doesn’t seem like your thing, check out these easy, cheap Super Bowl recipes.

Bonus Tip: Get An Accurate Headcount

Just make sure that, before you order, you get a fairly accurate headcount. That way, you can estimate how much food you will need so you can find a deal that best suits your needs. Otherwise, if you order too much food, not only are you spending more than you needed to, but the leftovers may go to waste if you can’t finish them in a timely manner. If you didn’t order enough, you would risk needing to make an emergency food run during the game or disappointing your guests, both of which are not ideal.

Ultimately, all of the five tips above can help you host a great Super Bowl party on a budget. Consider giving one, a few, or all of them a try and see which options are best for you.

Do you have any tips for hosting an amazing Super Bowl party on a budget? Share them in the comments below.

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.

How to Spot Counterfeit Coupons

January 21, 2020 By Trey LaRocca Leave a Comment

Everybody wants to save money when they are out shopping. One way to get this done is the use of coupons, and apps like Honey have made a killing off of it. Honey’s website even boasts that it has saved $1 billion for consumers thus far, so its safe to say coupons are effective. With that said, there are many scams and counterfeit coupons out on the market, and many ask for your information in order to access them. This is where things get dangerous, and we at Savingadvice are here to help. So, to keep you safe on your journey to frugality, here are the best ways to spot counterfeit coupons.

Date of Expiration

This one is pretty easy. Many consumers will try to use or sell coupons they found online or in the mail. Oftentimes, these coupons have already expired. Make sure you double-check the date on the coupon, especially the year. You’ll tend to see a lot of holiday coupons from previous years, so don’t fall for the trap.

The Company Involved

Always check a company site before giving any information (or money) for coupons. If a coupon isn’t verifiable on a company website, it (most likely) isn’t legit. This isn’t always the case, but if the coupon requires anything from you aside from entering a code or scanning at the store, don’t take the risk. Coupons are usually a way for companies to get more customers in the door, and they often run in tandem with marketing campaigns. As counter-intuitive as it may seem, companies are going to want you to know if they are having a killer sale.

The Coupon Information Center

The CIC is a convenient resource, and keeps an updated list of scam online coupons. It isn’t updated so frequently that it is perfect, but it can still be a helpful first check when deciding whether to trust something. This whole process should be multi-step, and start with the CIC during your evaluation.

Use Your Common Sense

Just like anything else, you need to trust your instinct with counterfeit coupons. Crude pictures on google images, for example, aren’t going to be the most reliable resources. Weird stipulations or the lack of a company logo are also some good red flags. The biggest red flag is the word “free”. If a coupon offers something for free without the need to purchase anything else, odds are it isn’t real. If it is, it is usually something everybody knows about, and is being publicized pretty widely. If these boxes aren’t checked, avoid the random “freebies”. This is especially true if you don’t really have a good idea of the source of the coupon.

Healthy Grocery Shopping Tips: Keep You (And Your Wallet) Lean!

January 15, 2020 By Trey LaRocca Leave a Comment

There is a popular myth floating around this country that you cannot eat healthy on a budget. Well, I’m here to bust that myth. Good news for some, bad news for those who needed an excuse to keep buying dry ramen and sugary cereal. Don’t worry, this list isn’t going to take away all flavor from your diet. Quite the contrary, these grocery shopping tips are going to help you make delicious and nutritious food without breaking the bank. For those with alternative diets, things get a little tougher. This guide, though, should fit the bill for the majority of readers.

Hunt for Meat Deals

This one doesn’t apply to a few of you, but for the rest, it is vital. Meat is one of the best and most efficient sources of vitamins and macronutrients, and really helps shape the meals you’re cooking. Wit that said, you aren’t going to be shooting for ribeye and New York strips every trip to Walmart. Chicken is a great starting point, as deals can get as low as $2/lb on chicken breast. With very little inedible tissue, chicken breasts are the cheapest and most versatile cuts in the meat section. With beef, you’ll want to keep your eyes out for cheap-yet-flavorful cuts like top round and tri-tip. If your grocer or butcher has a butcher’s cut or “hanger steak,” that is about the best value you can find. As far as pork goes, it is all pretty cheap.

Rice and Beans, Beans and Rice

Universal staples, rice and beans are always cheap and always a bulk-buy favorite. Snag a 10-pound bag of rice and use it often. Black and red beans are my favorite, and playing with the seasoning can make these two ingredients feel new every time. Make sure you keep that spice cupboard a little varied, and make sure to include some veggies as well. Throw in whatever protein you purchased, and you’ve got a great full meal already!

Don’t Buy Veggies/Fruit Without a Plan

We have all done it. Maybe you had one killer beef and broccoli recipe, and got a little ambitious with how much of that mini-tree you’d actually eat. Maybe you were super determined to start eating more salad, and now you’re staring at a bag of sticky, brown romaine lettuce. The point here is this: If you don’t have a specific meal plan for every bit of veg you buy, don’t buy it. You are on a budget, and you can’t afford to have fresh food going to waste. Choose wisely, and make sure any extras you purchase are things you’d eat alone (and even raw) so you can snack through the excess. Choices like this include carrots, bananas, apples, and other snackables that you can toss into a lunch bag with confidence.

In Summary

This isn’t at all meant to be a complete guide to healthy shopping. Rather, incorporating these tips into a legitimate meal plan will keep your costs down without reaching for the junk. Following these rules exactly will keep you full, but you will want to throw in other ideas to keep it fresh. Know what your needs are, and if you have kids, make some concessions to make sure they eat enough. The main idea here is to give you confidence that your thin budget doesn’t have to harm your health.

Free Turkey: 8 Ways to Get One for Thanksgiving

November 21, 2019 By Tamila McDonald Leave a Comment

When it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, a turkey is usually the star of the show. It’s also commonly the most expensive part of the meal. While the average cost for a meal for 10 is just shy of $49, not everyone can afford to spend that much on a single dinner. But, by scoring a free turkey, the total amount you have to spend can decrease dramatically, making Thanksgiving dinner substantially more affordable. If you want to find a free turkey this year, here are a few places to check.

Grocery Stores Free Turkey Promotion

One of the easiest ways to get your hands on a free turkey is through grocery store promotions. Typically, these are made available to loyalty cardholders. Since signing up is free and the cards give you access to more deals, it’s just another good reason to participate.

Usually, to qualify for a free turkey through these promotions, you need to spend a certain amount on groceries. For example, it might require a $100 minimum purchase to be eligible for the free turkey deal.

While the spending requirement can sound high, it usually isn’t unmanageable. If you buy your other Thanksgiving items and regular weekly groceries in one visit, hitting that mark shouldn’t be too challenging. Just understand that certain categories might be excluded when it comes to reaching the needed minimum total. For example, alcohol and gift card purchases might not qualify.

Additionally, you commonly have to buy a specific brand of turkey. Sometimes, you are limited to the store-brand or particular name-brand. When this happens, make sure you are selecting a qualifying turkey if you want to get it for free.

Buy 1, Get 1 Free Turkey Deals

BOGO turkey promotions are another popular deal you’ll find around Thanksgiving. Sometimes, you need to buy a turkey to qualify for a second free one. In some cases, you’ll have to buy another kind of product (like a ham) to be eligible for the free turkey.

These deals can be great if you also generally host a Christmas dinner. You can freeze the ham or other turkey for another holiday meal, allowing you to have the main course handled for both Thanksgiving and Christmas.

If the sale is buy one turkey, get one turkey free, you could split the deal with a friend. After making the purchase, divide the cost in half. Then, you both essentially get a half-price turkey, which is still a solid discount.

Local Sweepstakes and Contests

In some cases, radio stations, television stations, or area retailers hold sweepstakes or contests where the prize is a free turkey. For example, radio call-in contests aren’t uncommon.

The trick with these free turkeys is you can’t count on winning. If the sweepstakes or contest isn’t happening until close to Thanksgiving, you need a backup plan in case you don’t win.

Unique Local Promotions

Once Thanksgiving is on the horizon, a variety of businesses might offer free turkeys to boost their marketing efforts and attract customers. For instance, a car dealership might give out a free turkey with every test drive.

Finding these deals isn’t necessarily difficult. You might hear about them through radio or television commercials. In some cases, they will be advertised in local newspapers or on business websites. If you don’t learn about one through an ad, you could try an internet search. Put in your city’s name and the phrase “free turkey” and see if anything pops up.

Catalina Coupons and Rewards Points

When you shop at a grocery store, you might receive a Catalina coupon. These are the ones that print out at the register when you make a purchase and could include discounts on specific items or a certain amount of cash off your next purchase. While you might not get a free turkey coupon, you might get enough savings to offset the cost of a turkey, making it effectively free.

Similarly, if you are part of a loyalty program and have rewards points available, you might be able to convert those into the equivalent of a free turkey. For example, Safeway rewards members can turn their points into a range of discounts, including a specific amount of dollars off of your next purchase. If you haven’t used your points recently, see what you have available; it might amount to a free turkey.

Your Area Food Bank For A Free Turkey

If you are a low-income household, you might be able to get a free turkey from your area food bank. Many local grocery stores give their excess food to local food banks, and other organizations and people provide donations as well. While this isn’t a guarantee, if you qualify to use the food bank, it’s worth checking out.

Local Non-Profits and Religious Organizations

Other resources that might provide free turkeys to low-income families are non-profits and religious organizations, such as churches. If they don’t have any available, it’s possible they can connect you with groups that can help instead, ensuring you are able to have an amazing Thanksgiving.

If you are a member of a church, synagogue, or something similar, that’s a great place to start. You could also reach out to your local United Way as they have connections in most communities.

Friends and Family

In most cases, your friends and family want you to be happy. If they know that you are in need, they might be willing to help you get a turkey, or may even cover the cost entirely.

You could also potentially split the cost of Thanksgiving by having dinner together. By making Thanksgiving a group affair, everyone gets to save. Consider seeing if anyone would like to participate in a potluck, then separate out the cooking duties. Otherwise, everyone could contribute to the cost even if one person does the shopping and cooking, making it more affordable.

Do you plan on tracking down a free turkey this Thanksgiving? Do you know of other ways families can get a free turkey for the holiday? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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