Community Chat

[Lucky Charm]

---

@september wrote:

For those of you who say you save money by buying food at dollar stores or other discount stores...I have to ask what you buy there, other than canned goods?  

---

Good question!  And I've seen it mentioned here that people can find good organic produce at these dollar stores.  I wish I knew where one was.  I don't even know where dollar stores are--except the one on the boardwalk---a 99 cent store and it's all 99 cent JUNK!

[ALRATIBA]

I take advantage of senior citizen shopping day (10% off on Tuesdays) at a local supermarket.  Most stores around here have senior citizen days.  Thos 10% offs really add up.   Both my supermarket and Walgreen's have loyalty programs - you accrue points you can turn in for credits.   Walgreen's is really generous with their coupons.   

I don't spend cash - I put everything on a credit card that gives me points, and pay off the card each month. One of my cards gives me 3% for online shopping.  I also use Ebates when shopping online. 

Maintain a minimum bank balance so I have no bank fees.  

[threecees]

Clean out your house, garage, etc. The weather is now getting nice.

Have a yard sale. A clean house and some extra cash for unwanted

things you dont need or use anymore. Just a tip.

[september]

---

@Lucky Charm wrote:

---

@september wrote:

For those of you who say you save money by buying food at dollar stores or other discount stores...I have to ask what you buy there, other than canned goods?  

---

Good question!  And I've seen it mentioned here that people can find good organic produce at these dollar stores.  I wish I knew where one was.  I don't even know where dollar stores are--except the one on the boardwalk---a 99 cent store and it's all 99 cent JUNK!

---

I know!  I had the same experience..went into one many years ago, and couldn’t get out fast enough. 

[homedecor1]

@buyornot 

I haven't read thru all the suggestions but you mention grandchildren.  Do you have them often -- if you are cooking for just 2 then yes I'd say $800/month for groceries maybe high.  On the other hand, when I moved here I had 2-3 friends for dinner at least twice a week.  This certainly impacted my grocery bills & of course, I baked more.

I cook almost every nite and I spend between $200-300/mth at the most.  I only buy my meats when on sale, (I decide my meals based on what's on sale), take advantage of BOGOs (only if we use them), coupons.  For paper products I look where the brand I use is on sale & will buy double if good price.

Since you didn't mention other areas that impact your monthly expenditures I can only offer you what I did.

One thing I got under control was "impulse" buying! whether Q or other places.  I love home decor & seasonal decorating going to these types of stores were my downfall😉.

  Being retired I don't spend on clothing, shoes, etc.  I only go to stores for specific needed items.  "Browsing" for me turned into buying🙄 excess things!

I'm surprised the excess $ I have at the end of the month.  I put it in a "travel/special account" and it allows me to go home more, help with gd special activities, go on beach vacation & more!  

Congrats on retiring & enjoying it!

[proudlyfromNJ]

---

@Lucky Charm wrote:

---

@september wrote:

For those of you who say you save money by buying food at dollar stores or other discount stores...I have to ask what you buy there, other than canned goods?  

---

Good question!  And I've seen it mentioned here that people can find good organic produce at these dollar stores.  I wish I knew where one was.  I don't even know where dollar stores are--except the one on the boardwalk---a 99 cent store and it's all 99 cent JUNK!

---

@Lucky Charm  I think there are a number of different Dollar stores. Ours is Dollar General and nothing is .99. Things are cheaper than the grocery store. No produce in ours. Kitchen supplies, canned goods, milk, clothes, wrapping paper, cards, etc.

[Group 5 minus 1]

Dollar Store purchases:

Laundry detergent

Dishwasher pods

Al disposable pans

Greeting cards

Watch batteries

3 ring binder

Soup

Paper towels

Crackers

Potato chips

Light bulbs

Soft drinks

Shampoo

Deodorant

Cleaning wipes

Garden seeds

Dog treats

Cat treats

Puzzle books:cross word,word seaches

And on and on

Bleach

[Group 5 minus 1]

Thanks Tansy. It is the one next door. That book changed my life. It told me I wasn't such a bad person by trying to save money.

[dex]

Search online for the best deals before purchasing.Wear out your stuff rather than replacing with the next greatest thing.

certain times of the day when energy costs peak and are the most expensive is not the time to do laundry or run dishwasher.

make your own soups and breads.We can make a loaf in our bread machine for less than  fifty cents.

[Group 5 minus 1]

Pay cash for your car and then drive it till it wears out.

Dave Ramsey says if you have to borrow money to buy a car you can't afford it.