When the hubby and I are grocery shopping around Valentines Day, we stop at the card aisle and each read through the cards, pick one out for each other, exchange them right there and then put them back. We've been doing this for more than 20 years. By the way, it's also our anniversary!

I agree on everything. My other thing I do is not go in the grocery store every time!! Curbside pick up MAKES me stay on my list and therefore save money with impulse buys. I do go in about every other week to look for clearance items!!!!! 😁

I have a great tip for everyone, never eat anything from a box or packet unless it is dry pasta, rice or beans. Cook your own food.

I see savings and frugality in layers. And which layer I'm on directly depends on where I'm at with time and mental health. I agree about the baby food being expensive but it was a "worth it" buy for me when I was struggling postpartum. Same for pre-made meals and such. Now that I'm doing better, I can be more frugal and make almost everything from scratch.

I've made my own Reese's before. Very easy. My family was surprised. And they tasted better than store bought Reese's. Melt chocolate chips, mix peanut butter with some powdered sugar and layer in cup cake liners. Let set. A lot less sugar and cheaper. ❤

Stuffing mix is the biggest gimmick ever. Some genius came up with a way to sell stale bread at exorbitant prices. Stuffing is so cheap and easy to make. You rip up some stale bread, throw in some sauteed onions and celery, a few herbs, add some broth, bake, done.

💖💙"SUPER BABY FOOD" by RUTH YARON is the baby food making Bible. I fed three kids with it and I am not a chef by any means. Steam it, blend it, serve it, freeze the uneaten portions in ice cube trays and then pop them out into freezer bags. Start with one batch of food, and see how EASY it is. Only buy those jars if you are going out to a restaurant or traveling. You get way more food for way less money.💖💙

Another great replacement for baby food is canned veggies! They are already cooked, so you can just open the can and give them to the kid if they're old enough to pick stuff up, or give it a quick mash if you're still spoon feeding. I've used this for all 4 of my kids and it was so much cheaper than jarred baby food, but also so much faster/more convenient than making my own baby food. Biggest hits in my household were always canned green beans, carrots, peas, black beans, and pumpkin.

Did a grocery store experiment- hungry for Chinese food, I knew a spin through the drive through would run me about 30 bucks for the two of us, so went to frozen food section and found the same items in bags, just heat and serve at home ran us about 14. For the win! We eat 95% of meals at home, saving us so much money!

I shop sorta opposite. I don’t make a meal plan beforehand. I buy whatever is discounted, and work with that. Well that’s what I used to do before I had a deep pantry. Now that I do, I strictly go to the store to clearance shop for savings on future meals. 😊

One big problem with pre-cut veg and fruit is the increased risk of contamination. If you hear about ecoli or salmonella outbreaks (like the current one on cantaloupe that's killed 14 people in Canada and the US) it's usually on pre-cuts.

Your last tip can be amended. I have an always list. I might not need the item now but I will eventually. Some always items are toilet paper, coffee, canned goods, meats. If the sale is right I'm buying these regardless of budget, and if money is that tight I will return something else I did come to buy for the deal.

My "impulse " buy at the grocery store is an unexpected reduced price or sale on an item I always buy or is on my list. Example:bacon is something I always have at home, I recently found thick cut bacon reduced by $5.. This is why I believe another tip is to build a margin into your weekly/ monthly grocery budget.

Lots of great suggestions! As a disabled/chronically ill person, I have found that not all pre-cut food is a bad deal! Particularly broccoli. I don't use the stems, so if I buy stalks, I spend just as much as buying the pre-cut, plus have a lot more work to do. Bulk celery sticks at Costco also work out as a better option for me compared to buying the whole celery.

I Breast fed, used cloth diapers, made my own baby food I saved a bundle and that was the late 70’s.

As someone with pretty severe depression and anxiety during certain times of the year, I do buy convenience food options, but only when they are on an amazing sale or give me some great points. Planning ahead for these moments helps me still feed myself, and I don't suffer from low blood sugar as often because I did plan ahead. I also buy clearance and big sales on pricier items such as meat. I'll then bulk, cook things like stews, chili, chicken of all sorts, and freeze what I don't eat right away for those depression days. That way, I am still eating healthy foods that I can thaw and reheat. I also choose store brand unless again there's a huge sale or major points given. Having those points has helped a great deal on days when I need items I can't get on ebt such as household items and dog food. Right now I have chicken and ground beef frozen from some amazing deals and, of course, tater tots and fries. Again, both bought on great sales. Nothing full price hits my cart or gets on my list unless it's on amazing sale, and it has great extra points or clearance. I have coffee for the rest of the year, thanks to clearance on Amazon fresh and amazing grocery store deals. I'm talking a big can of coffee for 6 bucks as opposed to almost 13. Plus, I got 200 points for that purchase, which translates into 2 dollars I can use on nonfood items.

About a month ago, pineapple were on super sale just about everywhere in my area of Washington state--69 cents EACH!! If you've never dehydrated pineapple, you must try it. It saves SO much money versus the dried pineapple from the store and it is like eating candy!!

I have been making my own granola for many years. I was concerned recently because the price of all the nuts seems to have gone up so much! But then.... I realized that I could buy a package of "trail mix" at our dollar store for $3.75. It was enough to make 2 batches of my granola recipe! Dollar store for the win!

As someone with ADHD, prep is a step that is sometimes just beyond me. Limited focus and massive executive dysfunction means that pre-prepped is the difference between eating the food and throwing away spoiled food. You're not wrong, but it's also important to recognize that pre-prepped foods have a place for a number of reasons.

Pineapple core + large bottle of water = delicious hydrating elixir of life 😂 ❤ from Iowa

My husband I write each other letters instead of doing cards. They are free. Also, for family members our kids always draw them cards for birthdays or Christmas. Way more special, and way cheaper. We love it!

I actually bought a head of cauliflower and riced it myself. Walmart band was over $2.50 for a 10 ounce bag. I got a organic head of cauliflower for $3.30. I was able to get 3, 3 cup bags. We also picked up a bag of unsalted mixed nuts at Costco for around $10. I can put together a nut and cheese snack pack ad save money.

Grocery pick up would cost us more because discounted manager specials aren't available and that's where we save the most money. My only impulse purchase *might* be a discounted bag of fresh green beans, broocoli or brussel sprouts that I'll blanche, ice, portion and freeze but it can't be outside the budget. We're very diligent about sticking to the grocery budget and use the online cart to get a total before we leave the house. I'm glad Christine advised checking unit prices because those can vary so much.

Great tips, but I just wanna throw in here: Time and energy have to be on the scale with money for convenience foods like pre-cut fruit. I have wombo combo ADHD + Major Depressive Disorder, and if the fruit isn't already cut and in my line of sight, I am not going to eat it. I need the lowest possible barrier for healthy foods to compete with carb-y things. And 99% of the time I don't have the energy and/or executive function to spare cutting the fruit myself. It'll just rot in my fridge and make me feel bad. All this to say, don't feel bad about paying extra for pre-cut fruits and veggies as an accommodation.

I love this! I heard a tip one time to put all of your impulse (not on list items) in a separate part of the shopping cart or basket and after you are done. You can choose from there. Usually you end up putting them back.

I agree i have been doing chemo since August and have to go in to town twice a week.. i have found the best mark down deals are between 9am and 930 am... Then i just plan my meals around the mark downs... 😊

I went to Kroger yesterday with my dad and showed him the wonderful world of reduced price stickers!! As well as looking for sales!! He was happy to find all the reduced prices!

I agree so much with this whole video. We always shop at Aldi first because so many of their products are cheaper than the regular grocery store. Not always, but 95% of the time. We are total Dollar Tree addicts. We get everything we can there, like gift wrap/bows/cards (and so much more!) before going elsewhere. We're not rich people, so we try to be as frugal as possible. Thanks for another great video!

Crazy! 1 apple is $1. Crazier is that this is the cheaper option. I am now using up my pandemic pantry items before they expire so there will be lots of pasta & bean recipes til summer! Great info!

Precut fruit and veggies are a game changer for my 93 year old mother who lives independently. She no longer has the hand strength to cut through melons or broccoli. My biggest complaint with them is the packaging! Not only is it a challenge to get open, but the plastic container?! Just not good!

I live in Canada and laughed out loud when you complained that the price of eggs was going up. Our present price of eggs ranges from 5-8 dollars a dozen.

Great tips! I keep assorted nuts in jars on the counter so those leaving the house (or snacking at home) have them ready anytime. A string cheese and a piece of fruit - and it's a really easy option that actually has nutritional value

I agree with all your tips. I live in Canada and we don’t get those kinds of bargains. One of our major grocery chains just announced that they were eliminating the 50% off sticker. They’d rather throw it out and contribute to the food waste issue I guess. Or hope people don’t check best before dates.

I love your videos, Christine! My birthday is February 18th. My mom always bought me clearance Valentine's candy for my birthday!❤ I save the core of pineapple, chop in small pieces and freeze it to add to smoothies. I also add it when I'm making applesauce from scratch. It softens up nicely and I immersion blend the whole thing and it's yummy!

Homemade granola is amazing. I once took some of my granola as a hostess gift when we were visiting relatives and it vanished almost at once. Everyone raved about it. Try making granola at least once, and choose a sweeter recipe if your family has never had a homemade version before. I assure you they will love it.

Had a list to shop @ Walmart but spotted a grill (to replace my rusted out one) for more than half off. Looks like this the time to get one. Budget took a hit today but will be happy this Spring/Summer.

OK! So my biggest take away is do not buy pre-cut/pre- packaged produce! And this was even based on previous videos of yours! I know..buy in season, best price, best quality produce, and use it or preserve it. I love, love, LOVE your videos! TY!

My schnucks had General Mills cereals on sale for $1.99, plus $1 off 2 store coupons, I had $1 off each paper coupons, and ibotta had $1 off 2, and I had fetch points that equaled $5. So even with taxes I made a couple bucks and got all 12 boxes of cereal for free! The kids were pretty happy because they had Cinnamon Toast Crunch, honey graham’s, and lucky charms, all favorites.

I buy the Christmas candy. After Christmas marked down. Like the kisses, peanut butter cups etc.. Candy that isn't passively Christmas. Pick out the red and silver. Use it for valentine's day. A friend taught me that years ago. Get a jar or basket at a dollar store.

When asking people how much they spend on groceries, what if you asked instead, “How much do you spend to feed your family every month?” Some people get EVERYTHING at the grocery store, especially if they shop at Walmart, so they might consider all their Walmart shopping as a “grocery” bill. In a recent video, you shared $1200 a month as a high budget for groceries. Personally I agree and spend about $700 a month on groceries, BUT I buy my pet food and cleaning supplies online and budget those separately. Many people also get makeup, body wash, and other personal care items at the grocery store. $1200 for all of those expenses isn’t so bad compared to $1200 for groceries (food) alone. Another helpful question to add might be, “How much do you spend eating out?” It’d just be nice to have some stats that give the whole picture. Love what you are doing and all your helpful tips!!!

This was so helpful. Thank you so much, Christine! I was terminated on medical leave and trying to get a remote job to be home due to my job injury. You give me hope! Thank You!

Such a good video to show comparisons between food costs. Some other are cake mixes, homemade bread, pancakes, mac n cheese made with your own gooey cheese, homemade noodles, flavor coffee with extract instead of creamers, and pork n beans for refried beans. These are the ways to really cut costs as well as sales imo.

Agreed! Watch your prices and compare with the larger sizes. It’s cheaper to make juice from concentrate than buy the jug of already made juice. Also, if I have leftover taco meat, I mix in a can of refried beans and roll them into burritos for the freezer. A quick snack using leftovers coating $0 vs $6 at the local market for the same thing made who knows when.

I do buy some convenience foods because I have to be careful with my time as a disabled mom of 3. There are some times that the cost to effort ratio leans toward convenience, even though I'd prefer not to spend the dollar bucks. A dozen eggs in my area is $1.99/carton - IF you can find them. A week ago, they were $2.59 and still oos.

Love this video! I do splurge on sparkling water. I substituted sparkling water for sodas, so while they are not free (like tap water) they are cheaper (when you shop sales) and healthier than soda. Eggs are $1.60 in my area of Georgia. I have chickens so I don't have to buy often but sometimes I must supplement.

Amazing - I don't buy what you do not buy. It's been frugal living for years for me.

I stopped by a Hallmark store the other day and got a bunch of their ornaments on sale for 80% off!!! I'm talking $25 ornaments for only $5. I scooped up quite a few.

I live by these tips myself! Always gotta look at the price per pound/ounce as well as consider if you can just make xyz product yourself at home. Every 2 weeks I make a grocery list included with the breakfasts and lunches we can have, and the dinners we will have. I always stick to my list; we generally do not buy ANY snacks, unless you count fruit, and we rarely get cereal. I only go to the grocery store on grocery day, unless I forgot something, but otherwise we’re set for 2 weeks!

Cristine, your list is 100% spot on. I will be learning to make my own spice mixes. Gluten-free spice mixs are insanely priced.

Precut veggies and fruits are the devil!! Christine, you've got me scanning the outer aisles of my Kroger for clearance stickers every time I go in. I now know where every store in my vicinity places their bakery markdowns (hint: it's usually over by the milk!) and the snack/dip/appetizer areas are always on my radar. One item I noticed was way too expensive in the grocery store (Kroger) was the refill bottles for Dial foaming hand soap. I kept checking but it was always $10.99 and never went on sale. Stopped by Target and the same bottle was $6.60 but on sale for $5.60.

I wnjoyed Watching how you compared a homemade version to store bought. It really puts it into perspective!

I only occasionally buy pre-made stir-fry. This one is quite good, but I also sometimes just spend some time to make a few small bags of this myself at home and freeze it. The problem is now that I don't have that much freezer space so it makes more sense for me to buy a smaller amount and pay more but the prices difference of pre-chopped vs raw veg is insane so I avoid that as much as possible.

Sticking to my grocery list is my biggest savings goal for groceries this year. Those impulse purchases can really get me.

I feel called out on the drink situation and pre-cut foods. Being a college student, I don't have a lot of space so I tend to get the pre-cut foods for certain foods, such as pineapple, if I were to buy it, or fruit salad. I don't have a big fridge to store a lot fo things in. Or, I have chronic pain so on my very bad days, where it is almost impossible to even do the most basic task, having something already prepared and cut for me is something that makes sure I eat that day. But, I also remember you mention that do what is best for you in one of your grocery audit videos. That is one thing that I extremely like. There are some bigger sized creators that outright bash people for buying anything pre-cut even if is one of the biggest things that keep them from not going hungry.

Water is the only thing we drink!!! Filtered water in our fridge is the best way we save so much money. Of course we have flavors to put in the water, coffee and tea. That's it. Pop/soda is so expensive and really not good for you to drink every day. Love your videos!!

I do have to say I did get a great clearance buy at the grocery store. I got a Ninja blender for 20 dollars.

I find it funny that Christine is telling us not to buy baby food, but she's being sponsored by Gerber Life. 😂 At least she used a different brand as an example. Love ya Christine! 😁

I also try to remember to think outside the box. At a gas station/ convenience store up in Minnesota they usually have monthly specials. Like this week its bacon for 2.49, one month it was eggs for .99 cents. Sometimes stores that you aren't thinking of will have deals to get you in.

Thanks again, Christine! You're the best! And a lot of fun, too. Thanks for reminding me about making granola. I don't buy it, but sometimes I get stuck in eat the same foods. Going to make some soon. Thanks for the reminder. Perfect timing. . .Ha ha ha!

Wow! I love the comparisons!! The comparing the cards/bags to the dollar store price and also the cut up food versus the whole fruit and do it yourself was great to see

Thanks Christine!! Awesome video and wonderful “science facts” on the cost of convenience items. And that is why I never buy them😊😊😊 hope things well with you and all of yours.

impulse buying is what does it for me as far as blowing the budget. Thank you for continuing to share your tips which have become your habits. I learn lots from you

You make the most boring daily living tasks so exciting!!! Thanks for being education and entertaining!

Great video, Christine. I so look forward to seeing you. Love 💕 and Hugs ❤❤❤

So right on! Way to put things into perspective!

I don't buy any of these products at the grocery store. Like you, I either make my own or head to the local Dollarama (in Canada) or Dollar Tree. Very good advice for all of us though. You keep us on our toes. Thanks Christine.

Lots of great suggestions. I buy my gift bags at Ross you can get 3-6 bags depending on what you pick for about 4.99

Love these recommendations! I am trying to not buy premade breakfast foods.

Never thought about using the pineapple core in smoothies - great idea - thanks!

Christine, love your energy and your common sense. Have done all these things and watched my mother do these things. A note about KZfaq commercials. Gerber insurance is a money saver IF YOU ARE IN THE MARKET FOR INSURANCE. Hard to believe watchers can discount the recommendation. Ads are not my favorite addition to my favorite subscriptions. KZfaq itself made that change a reality for viewers for their own reason.

Loved your video today. I pretty much shop the same way.

Thank you for a wonderfull channel. Makes me so happy to listen to so much common sence stuffed in to your videos. :) Besides saving money, you are also saving the planet a truck load of packaging! I'm honestly blow away by how much plastic is unnessecarily used in some of the products you show!

Hello, love your videos. A LaCroix fan here.👋 I enjoyed the bubbles and flavor from soda, but not the syrup-y feeling that lingered. So I would blend mostly seltzer water with a little 100% juice instead. For convenience on the go and a no sugar or calorie option, LaCroix worked as time went on. I personally enjoy the taste. Coconut is my favorite. Adding a bit of lime juice or as an addition to a mixed drink is delightful as well on occasion.

Love la croix BUT have NEVER bought it. We used to buy generic but we got a seltzer water "machine" for our anniversary last year and the 15$ canister lasts my whole family two months. Other than coffee and tea, we don't buy any other drinks. Worth it.

I was making baby food in the 80's for my son.

I never buy boxed frozen meals, for years I've weaned myself off salt and anything frozen in a box is so salty I can't eat it, same with chips, I don't buy cookies because I have absolutely no portion control with it comes to cookies, if I have a sweet tooth I usually go for a piece of toast with apple butter I can manage to stop at one slice of bread, but cookies are addictive.

OH MY WORD! I can't imagine being in that situation! Glad you made it to the wedding!

I felt so validated on the muffins 😂😂😂 I do exactly what you said-I buy muffin mixes and make them! 💪

Omg, thank you for saying La Croix is gross!! All my friends drink it, but I think it tastes like rank water. Now I'm not alone!

Good Video! I don't normally buy most of those items at the grocery store unless it's on a really good sale/clearance. If the precut pineapple is cheaper than buying an entire pineapple, then I might purchase the precut fruit. I'll confess I do buy the riced cauliflower at Walmart. We are debt free, and I try to watch the carbs so buying the frozen is much easier for me since I don't use it very often. It's easier to have it in my freezer and have it when I need it. I buy a lot of frozen veggies.

Love the orange monster card, it’s so cute! Fav energy drink ‘MONSTER’ delish ❤

Loving this style of video Christine !

Wonderful video as always! I do impulse buy when it’s a great deal and my family will love it and sometimes I do treat myself at the grocery store for all the hard work I put in to feeding my family of 6 homemade meals three times a day plus snacks and desserts. 😂

Thanks for the info, i will rethink what i buy now.

One more hint that most people know, but I'm saying it anyway. NEVER go grocery shopping when you're hungry!

We mix the sparking flavored water with juice.. buy the kroger brand any flavor and about 3 oz of whatever juice is on sale.

This was such a refreshing video, i needed this ❤

Love watching your shopping skills. You are sooooo entertaining…. Love you❤

Amazing tips as always! Super entertaining too!

I found those pizza’s for $2.65 at my Kroger a couple of weeks ago. I bought all that I could and stuck them in the freezer. They freeze great!

Pineapple cores are great for infusing water. I slice them into skinny rods and freeze them, then just pop one into a water bottle... saves time in the morning, too.

thank you for helping me save money. love your videos

Same same. I do the same. I also make my lotion. No junk in it. I use vinegar to clean with arm and hammer. Penny’s compared to dollars. ❤❤.

I Love Lacroix!! Lemonchello is my favorite. I am a huge diet coke drinker and really bad about getting water in, so the Lacroix gives me that carbonation without all the bad stuff and im getting some water in.

For my nephews graduation I used Christmas cards and marked out anywhere it said “holidays” or “Christmas” and wrote “graduation.” They thought it was hilarious. Now I only use clearance Christmas paper, bags, and cards no matter the occasion.

Thx for your ideas it is so true to make your own ❤

Gidday FFM. I would add to your list…. Pancake mix, cake mix, stuffing mix, biscuits, cakes, pancakes. If you have a bag of flour, eggs, milk and butter, you don’t need any of them. I would usually say precut salads and veggies; however, if you live alone, or need healthy convenience items, then you can do those but getting them reduced is even better. Shopping around can save big bucks. Same for frozen convenience meals. If they save you time and money, stop you spending on takeaways, are healthy and half price, then by all means, buy them. If you can buy a healthy frozen meal for the same price as a packet of chips, or half the price of delivery, then do it.

Lacroix passionfruit and key lime are my favorites. The beach plum isn't bad either. But I only buy on super sale or clearance. ($1.99 per case or less.) Grape flavored waterloo is pretty good too. I rarely buy cereal (4-8 boxes a year).

👌🏾Fantastic Italian Job reference...one of my faves🤗 Great list!❤🙏🏾

re: the frozen cauliflower, I love that stuff and have shopped around for the best price on frozen. sometimes it does go on sale too. Why do I buy it instead of making it? because I live alone and work full time, and find that a few simple conveniences go a long way. cauli rice in particular blends in really well with lots of dishes, so I throw it into stuff all the time. And I'm okay with a couple of conveniences that encourage me to eat more veggies. not so much for the frozen appetizer things... I also buy and enjoy seltzer waters. I stock up whenever they're 0.33/can or less. I used to feel guilty about this but I realized that often times I come home from work and I reach for a seltzer instead of a beer. and beer does NOT cost 0.33/can. I decided not to worry so much about it haha. I still run a frugal household overall, including in my kitchen.