Miscellaneous Monday: Honeyville Grain Sale

"Honeyville's 20% Off Cyber Monday Sale Starts Monday, Dec. 2nd, 2013 and ends onFriday, Dec. 5th 2013. That's 5 days of holiday savings just for you. To claim your 20% savings, shop online at store.honeyvillegrain.com before the sale ends. Then simply enter the coupon code "GIFT" during checkout and enjoy. Remember to tell your friends and family, before they miss out!"

Also, there are other awesome deals for food storage and emergency preparedness.  See http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net/, http://beprepared.com and other sites you like for these types of items.  Start saving now for next year's deals!

Some things on sale:  sun oven (both at honeyville and foodstoragemadeeasy), bosch mixer (foodstoragemadeeasy and beprepared), water storage, gamma bucket lids and more.

Wednesday Why: Researching Products

Wednesday Why:  How do I research a product to determine if I want to buy it or not?

My first choice is to always try the product firsthand.  Whether it is an appliance, a book for homeschool, an item of clothing or a garden tool, I like to be able to see, hold, try the product before deciding to buy it.  This allows me to see if it fits, if it will work in the way I want & hope, if it seems durable, if it will be usable, etc.

But, there are many times I am not able to actually try the product--how often does [store name] let you actually use a blender before buying it, not likely.  Clothing can generally be tried on, but most appliances, tools, and anything else aren't likely to be allowed a test-run before you buy it.  So what do you do then?

If you have friends that have used and recommend a product, that is always helpful.  But on your own, you can read customer reviews, read trouble-shooting guides to get an idea of what possible problems the product may have, try to see if there are any recalls or known defects that are common for that product--some of these pop up in customer reviews--like when many customer reviews mention the same kind of problem they had with the product (like a certain type of TV that has issues with the remote that comes with it within a short time period, or a washer that develops problems agitating after only a year, or an MP3 player that stops working after a few months).

Also, besides the actual reviews and such of the product, I try to think about the actual usage of the product.  Is it something I will use often, occasionally or really only once or twice a year?  Is it something that will make life easier with its use, or more complicated--finding space for it, safety issues, increasing expenditures, etc?  Is it something worth storing for the few times it may be used?  Is it going to pay for itself in usage, time saved, sanity saved--some items may not literally pay for themselves like some energy efficient products compared to non-energy efficient products, but because they make life easier or more manageable they pay for themselves in sanity.  An example of this for me is the gamma lid for buckets--more expensive compared to the regular lids that go with buckets, but oh so much easier to use!!!  Many times over have I been happy I splurged on a gamma lid over a regular bucket lid for using to store food storage--I did wait for them to go on sale of course.

I hope these thoughts help to determine what the best value for you money, time, & sanity is when buying or not buying a product as the case may be.  It's true I may not do this thorough of research for every product, but have found it helpful when I do--it has saved me money as I've been able to either determine through the time, effort, and information I found I decided I didn't want the product or been able to find a better deal--meaning a better quality product sometimes for cheaper sometimes not.

Thrifty Thursday: Dining Out Tips

Thinking about dining out for Valentines day?  Here are some dining out tips to help the budget.

First, set a budget.  Determine what amount your budget for dining will be--whether it is $5 or $100 and stick to it!  You can stick to it by choosing restaurants and menu items based on the budget you have.  If you only have $5, then choose a place with menu items that are only $1 to $2 (remember to factor in any tax), most likely a fast food place.  If you have more to work with, again remember to factor in tax and tip.

Other tips:  lunch prices are generally cheaper than dinner prices, so go out for lunch instead of dinner.  Look for and use coupons.  Watch for deals like kids night where kids eat free, or buy one get one free deals, daily deals--by eating out on a different day and time than the actual Valentines Day holiday, you may save money.  Drink water and eat dessert at home.  Share the meal, order one entree and split it.

Happy Valentines Day!

Thrifty Thursday: Generic & Store Brands

Today I added to my low-country store deals tips & tricks.  I added a section about off-brand products because I was thinking about some of the name brand products on sale and how the prices compare to store brand or other brands.  I decided to add this section, because although many times getting a generic product will be cheaper than a name brand (at least at regular price); sometimes the generic product just doesn't perform as well or taste as well, so paying a little extra for something that will actually be used before it goes bad is worth it to me.  Many off brand products I have bought and used have performed/tasted as well or even better than the name brand, but occasionally I find an off brand that just doesn't hit the mark and therefore becomes a waste of money if not used-which if it doesn't do well I am less likely to use it.  So my suggestion is to always try the product before stocking up (at least a large amount).

Low-country store deals tip (any area shopping tip):

--Generic or store brands:  often generic and store brands are much cheaper than name brand products.  Depending on the type, the product can be almost the exact same as a name brand product, but it can also have a lot less likeness and quality.  Try the product before you stock up to be sure you will like it.  So, before stocking up on any product, name brand or generic, be sure you and your family will like it.  If your family can and will only eat a specific brand, then stock up on that kind--because let’s face it unless you are really in an emergency situation you probably won’t eat what you don’t like.

Thrifty Thursday: Hotel/Fun deals

Today I want to share some ideas on finding deals for hotels, attractions, and restaurants.

First off, there are many resources to find deals, online and otherwise.  Check local hotels and visitor centers for brochures for local attractions as these often have coupons.  The visitor center may be just a little desk/booth set inside or outside another building or store, or it may be a full-fledged visitor's center.  Check online for coupons or gift cards at discounted prices--simply put where you'd like to go and see if there are coupons available; many attractions/restaurants that have websites may have coupons available right on their own site.

If you live locally, you may have deals because of that:  some attractions have certain days or times that are discounted to locals, or discounted prices during the off-season.

Family Fare:  some attractions that allow you to purchase a family year pass can save you money if you plan to go more than once, plus many of these offer other discounts to other attractions or locations when you purchase a year pass.

Credit cards:  Some credit cards offer rewards, insurance and/or other incentives by reserving and using it to purchase airline tickets or for car rentals.  If your credit card offers insurance on a rental car, you won't have to add that onto the bill.  Also come credit cards offer cash or other rewards when you use it for eating out or other specific purchases.

Eating out:  many restaurants have kids eat free nights/times, find out when those are and plan your eating out for those nights.  Other restaurants offer specials during off-hours (not lunch or dinner rushes).  And if you have a favorite restaurant that is rather expensive, go during the usually less costly lunch time instead of dinner.  You may also find gift cards on-line or for a deal at the restaurant themselves--one instance I remember is a restaurant's Christmas deal that if you bought a $50 gift card you got a free $10 gift card--that's like being able to get 20% off a $50 meal--or free dessert:).

Be kind:  often you can ask for and receive a better price at hotels, car rentals, restaurants, etc. simply by asking for any specials or other discounts (perhaps you have a membership somewhere or insurances that offer discounts, sometimes hotels, stores, restaurants and other places also offer military, student, or elderly discounts).  Other times, simply by being kind, the manager or owner will reward you with a coupon for next time--it never hurts to be kind.

These are just a few ideas and examples that might help save some money when traveling and visiting attractions or eating out.

Low-country store deals

*Great pasta sale at Kroger this week--the Ronzoni pasta is only 49 cents when you buy 10--great time to stock up*

Sales items I will try to post here:  

--items that are good for 72 hour kits (like water and crackers)  

--home storage items (canned goods, shelf-stable items)

--Grocery/regular items (meats under $3/lb, produce under $2/lb, breads under $1.75, cereals under $2.50/box)

--other good or great deals to stock up on.

*please note that I haven't included all the sales/deals from each store, only those that fit the above criteria, if you want to know all the available deals, go to the stores' website and look at the weekly circular/ad. 

If/when shopping at Sams, compare price per unit/item of sale items to get the best deal--I go to Sams after I’ve already made note of the sales at other stores so I can be sure to get the best deal--sometimes Sams is still cheaper than the sale price, other times the sale price or generic brand prices at other stores are cheaper.

See below for more grocery shopping tips and tricks!

Kroger:  sales started on Sunday, runs till Saturday, customer card needed for deals.  Kroger’s sales on certain items often run for weeks at a time, look at the tag for sales dates listed to determine when a sale will end.  Kroger also often has many items on sale that are not listed in the sales ad.

B10/S5= Buy  of these 10 items save $5--price listed is when buy 10.

Meat	Produce	Shelf-stable	Dairy
boneless pork loin 2.49/lb	zukes/squash 10 lbs/10	Ronzoni pasta B10/S5 .49	Kraft or Sargento cheese 8 oz 2/4
kroger ground chuck 2.69/lb	mangos, avocado 10/10	chicken of the sea tuna .77
	peaches 10 lbs/10	Ramen noodles 6/1
		Kroger canned fruit 10/10
Hygeine/Other		Chef Boyardee 10/10
		Del monte tomatoes B10/S5 .75
	Breads/crackers	BC cake mix B10/S5 .99	Frozen
	Kroger bread/buns 10/10	Ragu pasta sauce B10/S5 1.27
	PF goldfish crackers 6-8 oz .99

Publix:  sales run Thursday to Wednesday.  No customer card needed.  Price in () is price shown as regular price.  Publix often has the “Publix Brand challenge” where when you buy a name brand product, you get the Publix brand free-so kind of like a buy one get one free deal.

Meat	Produce	Shelf-stable	Shelf-stable
Boston butt roast 2.29/lb	mangoes 10/10	Log cabin syrup B1G1 (3.89)
Hygeine/Other	red potatoes 5 lb 2.99	GM cereal B1G1 (3.79)
aquafresh toothpaste 10/10		Prego pasta sauce B1G1 (2.59)	Dairy
		Pompeian olive oil 16 oz B1G1 (6.59)	smart balance B1G1 (3.59)
	Frozen	Mt olive pickles B1G1 (3.02)
			Breads/snacks

Weekend only sale:  Quaker breakfast foods like oats, grits 50% off

Piggly Wiggly:  sales run Wednesday to Tuesday, customer card needed for deals.

Meat	Produce	Shelf-stable	Dairy
ground chuck 2.49/lb	cantaloupe 2/4	Jim Dandy grits 2 lb 5/5
assorted pork chops 1.79/lb	russets 5 lb 2/5	Mrs Butterworth syrup B1G1
boneless center cut chops B1G1	cukes 2/1	Ragu pasta sauce 3/5
	tomatoes 1.29/lb	PW 12 pk water 3/5	Breads
Frozen	plums .99/lb
PW frozen greens 5/5

Bi-Lo:  sales run Wednesday to Tuesday, customer card needed for deals.  Bi-Lo gives bag credit when you use your own bags--so you eventually pay off those fabric bags if using them at Bi-Lo--be sure to ask for bag credit if it isn’t automatically added--if using self-checkout it has to be added by the cashier before you begin scanning items.

Meat	Produce	Shelf-stable	Dairy
chicken leg quarters .69/lb	red cherries 1.99/lb	Cheerios B1G1 (4.31)	C.F. 8 oz cheese 1.99
boneless pork chops 1.99/lb		Prego pasta sauce 3/5
boneless chuck roast 2.99/lb		Barilla pasta sauce & pasta B1G1
boneless pork loin half 1.99/lb		Chef Boyardee 10/10	Hygeine/Other
boston butt pork steak 2.49/lb	Breads		Suave shamppoo B1G1 1.49
boston butt pork ribs 2.49/lb
drumsticks, thighs 1.39/lb

3 day sale (Fri, Sat):  SH butter quarters 1.99, white potatoes 5 lb 1.78, 

Food Lion:  sales run Wednesday to Tuesday, customer card needed for deals

Meat	Produce	Shelf-stable	Dairy
whole fryer .99/lb	peaches 1.27/lb	ME 24 pk water 2.99	ME cheese 8 oz 3/5
pork ribs 2.99/lb	navel oranges 3 lb 3.49	FL cereals 2/3
beef back ribs 2.99/lb	onions 3 lb 2.37	nutella 2.99	Hygeine/Other
Breads		Prego pasta sauce 3/5	Clorox bleach 2/4
		Chef boyardee 10/10

Grocery Shopping Tips:

--Go with a list.  I prefer to organize my list by category since most stores arrange  items by category.  See a post on grocery lists here.  Below is a blank example of a simple category list:

Meat	Produce	Shelf-stable	Dairy
			Hygeine/Other
Breads	Frozen

Possible categories:  meat, dairy, produce, frozen, breads, cereals, hygiene, paper products, canned goods, baking/seasonings, condiments, deli/bakery, non-food, snacks.  Use whatever works best for you, in the size/format that works for you.

--Basically the more you can stock up when things are on sale, the less over-time you will be spending on groceries.  Stock up ONLY on things your family will eat and be able to use before the items go bad.

--Know what the prices of products are at your favorite stores, so when you get the ads, you can compare the price.  Compare prices with Sams club, online prices, etc.  Stock up when the sale price is less than the cheapest price elsewhere.

--Write (or type) the prices down so you have them available.  Prices of produce can change quickly, but in general expect price changes every month or two on produce items that are seasonal.  Other products, the prices do change (and sometimes by quite a bit), but usually they stay close to the same price over a period of months.  As you keep a price list--both of regular prices and of sale prices, you’ll be able to see patterns in sales and prices--when things are cheapest, how often things come on sale, etc.  

--Sales ads:  some things are drastically on sale--called “loss leaders”--to get you in the store, other things aren’t necessarily marked down in price, they are simply “for sale” so just because it is in the ad does not mean it is on sale or even a good price.  Remember a bargain is only such if you can and will actually use the item, it still costs money, but less than full-price.

--Meats & produce:  set a per pound price that you are comfortable with paying and find deals that are at or below that price.  Example:  meats $2/lb or less; produce depends on the type, but in general $1.50/lb or less.  For some more examples of produce see this post.

--When produce or other perishable items are on sale for a great price, but you don’t think you’d be able to use all of it before it goes bad--try freezing, dehydrating, or otherwise preserving it; or find another family who would like to share the food and cost, or simply give it to a family or friend who could use it (even for non-perishable items like OTC meds or other things that have expiration dates).

--Cereals, breads:  set a price per unit (box, ounce, loaf) that you are willing to pay and then find the deals that are at or below that price.  Example:  cereal--$2/box or less; loaf of bread--$1.50/loaf or less.  More and more the price of cereal is increasing and so even with buy one get one free deals a box of cereal is  costing more than $2/box, but there are still some deals out there.  And if nothing else at least buying on sale isn’t paying full price.  Even with the sales, a different type of breakfast may actually be cheaper (like oatmeal, pancakes, etc.)

--Menu Shop:  In a previous post I mentioned how to save on grocery bills by making menus, see that post here.  But in general, when making a menu follow these steps:

• First:  what perishables do you have on hand that need to be used
• Second:  what sales are available
• Third:  Food Storage items to rotate into meals
• Fourth:  Special Occasions--birthdays, holidays, potlucks, etc.

--Using coupons?  For some things combining a coupon with the sale price at pharmacies and stores is a great deal.  Buy one get one free sales are a great way to use coupons!  So are stores that offer double coupons:  Kroger and some other stores offer double coupons up to 50 cents.  (ex.  if you have a 50 cent off coupon on a cereal, you get the 50 cents then Kroger takes off another 50 cents automatically--yeah!)  Not always is the product with a coupon the cheapest option, but combined with sales or with double coupon deals, often the price of the brand product is much nearer or even less than the generic brands.

--Online shopping for food storage items:  there are many online resources to buy food storage items.  When shopping around, compare both the cost of the item along with shipping costs because sometimes the product itself may not cost much, but the shipping may be a lot and cancel out any savings compared to another company/website.  Use only those companies and websites you feel safe doing so, either from recommendation or from your own research on the company.  Two companies I have used and been satisfied with both the product(s) and the service and therefore would recommend:  Emergency Essentials (www.beprepared.com) and Honeyville Grain (http://store.honeyvillegrain.com/).  They both have reasonable prices and shipping costs (in fact honeyvillegrain has a flat rate shipping fee--very nice!).  Every month, Emergency essentials has group specials that qualify for free shipping in addition to the savings on the product.  Honeyville Grain does periodical sales of 5-20% off an order (plus the flat rate shipping).  It may be worth it to sign up for the free emails/catalog to these companies or other sites so you know when sales are happening.

--non-food items:  follow some of the same rules as above--stock up when on sale, know where the best price for the items you buy is, set a price per item/ounce/lb/load/box (like for laundry detergent, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, cleaning supplies, etc.) you are willing to pay--to realistically do this you will need to know the cheapest price you already have to pay so you can find deals to decrease that amount (this is whether you prefer and use name brand or off brand products, find the cheapest normal (non-sale) price of the brand you would use)

--for fun/hobby items:  save money buy buying on sale or with coupons, or online.  Shop around for the best price.  Watch for these types of items at garage sales, thrift stores, on clearance, or online for new & used.  Be sure to only buy what you can use and will use, what you can fix up if it will need to be, and what you have a designated spot for already.