I do the same thing with meats, I buy on sale, family packs, break it down into 1b packs or individual servings. The only thing I have a little trouble with is corned beef. I only buy it after St. Pattys day, they always mark them down. I freeze them in the pack they come in. When I pull one out, I call the son and have him come pick up the whole package to make ruebens, the meat, cheese, sauerkraut and rye. That way I get to enjoy ruebens for a few days, so does his family and nothing is wasted. I am lucky I do have 2 fridges, so extra freezer space. It sure makes a difference doesn't it?
I'm Giving Inflation A Run For Its Money. How Are You Doing It?
- Thread starter OneEyedDiva
- Start date
Muskrat
Senior Member
- Location
- Mainly arizona
I do not think I am winning at all this last year. I have been hemorrhaging money for months…and really can not see where it went. Yes…i know i need to wright it all down and add it up…just have not yet. I am not used to this feeling. I have saved and invested my little heart out for the last 25 years…and do not like the feeling that i have lost control.
Yes, you need to pay attention. You need to learn to shop the sales, when meat is on sale buy extra. Then next week it will be a different meat on sale, buy it and freeze. If you live alone break it down to a couple of serving sizes and put in freezer bags. If you do this you will have a freezer full of all kinds of meat at the best price, don't forget to bacon and suasage if you eat them. I buy bacon in 3lb packs when on sale and them separate in to 1lb packs for the freezer.
Do this with everything you eat, cereals, canned goods, pasta, rice, dry beans, chips, cookies, and anything else that is shelf stable. Buy when on sale, get 2 or 3 of each item to build your pantry at the best prices. Once you start you will be surprised how much you save. Now when I shop, I am just building my pantry, replacing what I have used, when it comes on sale again. I can go to the freezer pull out a protein I want, then go to the pantry for the rest. Of course you will have to buy fresh produce, I try to buy what is on sale or in season to keep the cost down. I also buy my dairy on sale as much as I can. That is how I beat inflation without going without.
Murrmurr
SF VIP
- Location
- Sacramento, California
Experts are having a lot of trouble predicting the exact number for inflation in 2023 because unemployment is the lowest it's been in almost 60 years and no one is sure why. That uncertainty effects predictions, but most agree that inflation will continue to gradually slide downward.
So, it would be a good idea to go ahead and start writing it all down and adding it up...it's not too late to start keeping track when it looks like change will be steady but gradual. (at least until June or July).
Nosy Bee-54
Senior Member
I really haven't changed a thing due to inflation. I eat mostly plant based meals with a small piece of wild caught fish or chicken. I prepare simple meals and have no need or desire for local restaurant food. I shop several times a week, buying small quantities. It doesn't cost me any additional gas because when I visit the gym 6 times a week, I pass 4 different supermarkets.
The only time I eat outside prepared foods is when I'm travelling which is about 4 times a year.
I have one fridge with limited quantities of food. I like my food items to turnover as often as possible. Limited items in my pantry like nuts and cereals (oatmeal, muesli, All Bran). Like someone else mentioned, I read labels to minimize "added sugar" among other things.
The only time I eat outside prepared foods is when I'm travelling which is about 4 times a year.
I have one fridge with limited quantities of food. I like my food items to turnover as often as possible. Limited items in my pantry like nuts and cereals (oatmeal, muesli, All Bran). Like someone else mentioned, I read labels to minimize "added sugar" among other things.
Food
My lady gets all the good buys, and bases meals around them
Then there's the garden
Utilities
They are what they are
Gas
We just pot around town
High prices not much impact
Entertainment
We entertain each other
Toiletries
I buy TP by the case
96 rolls of 500 shts 2 ply around $50
I'm sure there's other stuff, but just being frugal without pain seems to be working
jujube
SF VIP
I was raised by a woman who could squeeze a nickel until the buffalo's nose bled. The apple didn't fall far from the tree.
OneEyedDiva
SF VIP
- Location
- New Jersey
What brand of TP Gary? That's great price! Where do you order from?
Feelslikefar
Senior Member
- Location
- Nashville, TN
I'm glad to hear folks on the Forum are doing things to fight inflation.
Probably an Age thing, seems we were taught how to save and watch for deals.
Now, if we can just get the younger folks to rein in their spending on non-essential junk,
things will get better.
One of many ways to curb inflation, in my opinion.
Probably an Age thing, seems we were taught how to save and watch for deals.
Now, if we can just get the younger folks to rein in their spending on non-essential junk,
things will get better.
One of many ways to curb inflation, in my opinion.
ULTRA SOFT PLUS BATH TISSUE 2-PLY WHITE 500 SHEETS - US Foods CHEF'STORE (chefstore.com)
I get it at a restaurant supply house now called US Foods Chef's Store (was Cash and Carry)
CHEF'STORE® | Wholesale Foods | Kitchen Supply Store (chefstore.com)
Locations | US Foods
Looks like it's now over $60
still a very good buy
They don't have the best prices on everything, but it's where we get our TP
....and popcorn
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I buy all my toiletries including toilet paper, in bulk from Amazon, not only great prices but delivered to my door
Buy 500 ml Bath Soak instead of 250ml Shower Gel, twice as much for the same price, (the only difference is the wording, perfectly ok to use in the shower)
When I’m out and about at various times, I wander through supermarkets I happen to be passing and nearly always pick up something, for instance today a half price large corn fed chicken, this will give me two roast dinners, a large pot of stew and a couple of sandwiches, not bad for under £4.00 (4,55 USD)
Buy 500 ml Bath Soak instead of 250ml Shower Gel, twice as much for the same price, (the only difference is the wording, perfectly ok to use in the shower)
When I’m out and about at various times, I wander through supermarkets I happen to be passing and nearly always pick up something, for instance today a half price large corn fed chicken, this will give me two roast dinners, a large pot of stew and a couple of sandwiches, not bad for under £4.00 (4,55 USD)
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katlupe
SF VIP
- Location
- Norwich, NY
I write out my budget every month and if there is anything I need or want I include it in the budget. If it is more expensive, I put money aside each month until I can purchase it. I like to cook so have no problem with making homemade meals. I rarely buy food out. I use store brands as well as buying meats that have been marked down. Since I eat low carbs I do not buy a lot of typical products. Mainly meat, dairy and low carb vegetables.
StarSong
Awkward is my Superpower
- Location
- Los Angeles Suburbs
I don't eat meat, but do the above with everything else. When following this practice, a well-stocked pantry slowly builds before you know it, and at a reasonable cost.
It's so aggravating to run of staples that go on sale every 6 weeks or so, but you have to buy at full price because you didn't snag an extra couple during one of those sales.
Another trick - if buying an order from Walmart that includes items they need to ship, I add some of the staples they sell at great prices so my overall purchase meets their free shipping minimum. Right now I have an online order holding in my cart (mostly retro foods like Triscuits and Wheat Thins for my 70s party next week). I'll pull the trigger today. Some will be pickup, some they'll ship, but I'll be darned if I'll pay their a shipping fee of $6.99 shipping fee.
An extra few cans of diced tomatoes and box of shredded wheat won't go bad before I get to them.
OneEyedDiva
SF VIP
- Location
- New Jersey
I'm a diehard Kirkland (Costco brand) TP person, but being yours is Ultra Soft and 2 ply, I wouldn't mind giving it a try if I can find a regular 4 or 6 pack to start with. I'll check it out though. Thank you Gary.
StarSong
Awkward is my Superpower
- Location
- Los Angeles Suburbs
Disgustedman
Senior Member
Just got back from Safeway, I cried as I don't have a freezer. These will be dinner for the next 4 days. If I had a freezer, 8 days Being a member is awesome when sales like this hit
Brookswood
Senior Member
I’m no longer going out to eat except when away from home. the last straw for me was those pay screens that virtually demand a tip. they make me uncomfortable so I no longer go to those places.
msincogneato
New Member
What a fun (and educational) topic! I was paying a flippin fortune for the maple chicken breakfast links I love and wondered if I could make sausage myself in patty form. So I researched how to make sausage seasoning, hit the dollar store for cheap & plentiful spices, mixed it all up with ground chicken meat and it worked GREAT. I used to pay $11.92 for a bag with I think it was 30 frozen links, now I can make at least a dozen patties for about $5. I was eating 2 links (so, 15ish servings per bag) and I get the same amount of satisfaction out of one patty than I did two links. So less money, less calories and less preservatives = win win win.
msincogneato
New Member
Oh, I have another couple to share. First, I learned a few weeks ago that my bank (Sagewell) gives discounts at what seems like all the big retailers (at least the ones I shop like Walmart and Walgreens for example). Also cashback on gas. So I make it a point to use their card when I shop and it is definitely helping.
Secondly, for the past 2 seasons instead of buying new clothes my closest girlfriends and I get together with 1 - 2 bags of clothing we no longer want to wear and we swap! Last time I left with six new (to me) shirts and three pairs of pants and a pair of shorts. I would have easily spent over $100 - $200 for that even at an outlet store. Then we take turns donating the left over clothing and getting the little tax break for it. Fun AND thrifty!!!
Secondly, for the past 2 seasons instead of buying new clothes my closest girlfriends and I get together with 1 - 2 bags of clothing we no longer want to wear and we swap! Last time I left with six new (to me) shirts and three pairs of pants and a pair of shorts. I would have easily spent over $100 - $200 for that even at an outlet store. Then we take turns donating the left over clothing and getting the little tax break for it. Fun AND thrifty!!!
OneEyedDiva
SF VIP
- Location
- New Jersey
Fantastic way to save MS I ! Eliminating a lot of preservatives is definitely a good thing. I used to say, if I had to read ingredients for more than 3 seconds, or had trouble pronouncing them, I didn't need to eat that product. I substituted Jenny-O turkey burgers cut into strips for sausage. Also a great idea to swap with your friends. You must all be the same size.
@Disgustedman Even though I don't buy beef, I realize how expensive meats are getting just from seeing Costco prices. Your find was also a fantastic bargain!
As always we tend to shop wisely on all fronts. Our grocery shopping is done at Aldi, Lidl, or Food Lion and Kroger. Typically any product that is on a weekly savings flyer is considered. At times I’ll see something on sale that we don’t typically buy and I will get it and give it a try. I can always find a recipe for it and next thing you know we are loving it and putting it in our dinner rotation. All meat that may be on sale will be bought in reasonable bulk and portioned and then vacuum packed. When I can find ribeye steaks, strip steaks or filets on sale I will jump on it. Especially when I can get it whole and cut it up myself.
Any purchase is put on a credit card with cash back rewards. 5% on groceries, 5% on gas, and 3% on dining out, 3% on travel. ***Always paid on time*** is the key. On balance we typically see cash back rewards no less than $500.00 to $800.00 per year across all cards. We consider it a game
Any purchase is put on a credit card with cash back rewards. 5% on groceries, 5% on gas, and 3% on dining out, 3% on travel. ***Always paid on time*** is the key. On balance we typically see cash back rewards no less than $500.00 to $800.00 per year across all cards. We consider it a game
Teacher Terry
Well-known Member
Over the past year my grocery bill has went from 200/month to 300. I shop at Winco which is the cheapest. Everything has increased here a lot. I now only eat out a few times a month because of the cost.
I am on the condo board and all our expenses have risen. We have not raised the fees in 4 years but now we are raising them 50/month. I have eliminated or replaced with a cheaper option most of my discretionary expenses.
Travel is important to me and I am going to Europe in 2 weeks. I have 2 more trips planned through 2025 and then I may be done because of the cost.
I am on the condo board and all our expenses have risen. We have not raised the fees in 4 years but now we are raising them 50/month. I have eliminated or replaced with a cheaper option most of my discretionary expenses.
Travel is important to me and I am going to Europe in 2 weeks. I have 2 more trips planned through 2025 and then I may be done because of the cost.
katlupe
SF VIP
- Location
- Norwich, NY
I have cut my expenses as much as I can. There are a couple of things that are considered luxuries but I will not give them up. One being my hair appointments at a local salon. The other is having my water delivered for the month. The water is difficult for me to handle (getting it to the car and then upstairs to my apartment) when I purchase it at the store and I kept running out.
My rent was lowered in January by about twelve dollars but expect it to go up since I am in subsidized housing and having my annual re-certification right now. This happens every year, lowered in January and goes back up in June.
My rent was lowered in January by about twelve dollars but expect it to go up since I am in subsidized housing and having my annual re-certification right now. This happens every year, lowered in January and goes back up in June.
OneEyedDiva
SF VIP
- Location
- New Jersey
TT..I hope you will have a very enjoyable vacation and of course, safe travels. I live in a co-op and a little more than a year ago, they added an assessment of $50. This year we wre notificed that that amount is now an official increase in our carrying charges (HOA fees). I don't mind because honestly, I think they should have raised it by $100. They didn't because some people complained. Yet, if we can't afford to maintain the property properly or default on our taxes and have to move out, they'd be paying at least three times (or more) what we pay for a comparable apartment. The complainers are so clueless that they don't know how the rental market is these days.