Inflation has soared in the past two years, and families are struggling to meet housing costs, rent, gas, groceries, and basic necessities. Our family has been conscious about how to save money where we can, and can offer some ideas of where to shop for deals.
Groceries
There are new apps out to alert shoppers for deals on perishables that are close to expiration date. Easy to order and easy to pick up.
Many cities have big liquidation warehouses where shoppers can stock up on non-perishables, such as lunchbox snacks, where one can purchase a whole box of granola bars for less than two dollars. These stores do a good job explaining the difference between expiration date and best-before date. The safety and quality of the products are not affected.
Produce markets offer nutritious, high-quality vegetables that are misshapen for much less cost than “perfectly” shaped vegetables. Who cares if your green pepper looks like a bulldog’s face when it will get cut up for salad anyways?
When we had five kids living at home who all loved toast, we would purchase day-old bread. Nobody missed the lack of same-day freshness because it all got toasted anyway.
We have a fridge clean-out twice a week, using all the leftovers for dinner. Eating leftovers is better for the environment and it saves money. Don’t keep leftovers for more than five days, though. Many leftovers can be incorporated into soup for an easy, nutritious meal.
Technical-training post-secondary schools that offer meat-cutting education usually provide the public with the opportunity to buy a side or part side of beef, pork, and other meats. This gives the students a chance to practice and shoppers a really good deal on the price of meat.
Learn how to cook lentils. This will keep you healthy and save the environment. They are an excellent source of protein and can be added to soups and broths for a hearty meal.
Community Kitchens offers a Good Food Box monthly that is full of fruits and vegetables for a low cost.
Household
Check out large high schools in your area. Some have auto-body, cosmetology, and food studies departments that train kids in household services and offer those services to the public at very reduced rates. It may take longer to have a car serviced and your hair highlights done, but you are saving money and benefiting the students by providing practice. Also consider barber and stylist training academies as well. Dental schools provide services that are much cheaper if a family doesn’t have a dental plan.
Need appliances? Consider purchasing from the “Scratch and Dent” section or “floor model” of your favorite stores. If you have kids, you know it’ll be dented within the week anyway, so why not save money and purchase the item after the store’s first dent?
Ask your doctor to prescribe generic medications and also ask for the longest time period possible. This saves prescription filling costs if you’re not on insurance plans.
Consignment stores are great for purchasing formal grad wear and clothing. Most thrift shops only sell about 20 percent of the clothing they receive, so it is in great shape and economical.
Many communities now have “Buy Nothing” groups on Facebook to give away nearly-new items.
Amazon (Super Binz) and Costco have discount stores where new returns can be purchased for a deal.
Consider buying gender-neutral grooming items, such as shampoo, razors, lotions, and deodorant, to avoid paying the “pink” tax. Many items marketed to women are either more expensive or in smaller quantities because companies perceive that women will pay more.
Also, shop in the men’s or boy’s departments to purchase socks, t-shirts, and other items where color or style doesn’t really matter.
You do not have to sacrifice quality to save money. Most products in stores are new and considered premium. Just consider where and how you can find the same item for cheaper.
Happy shopping!
Judy is a certified brain and child development specialist and master of non-punitive, gentle parenting and education practices. She is the bestselling author of five print books. She can be reached for consultations at professionalparenting.ca or judyarnall.com
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