Location, loca…, well you know the rest. It’s the realtor’s mantra. Buy the nicest house in the neighborhood and watch your property values decrease because of proximity. Buy in an improving area, and your house’s value increases. Location is a factor for everyday purchases, too. Here is Gildshire’s most sage advice for what NOT to buy at your grocery store. We’ll throw in some ideas for where else to buy the things you really need to buy, and drop some DIY knowledge on you, as well. Come on, this will be fun!
Spices: Your favorite recipe out of the old brown box calls for “a dash of Grains of Paradise.” Well, that’s great! The store sells it in the spice section for $14 for three ounces. That’s enough for this recipe ten times over, and some left over for your heirs. Here is a better idea. Whole Foods and other gourmet stores sell bulk spices. You can purchase that “dash” for about a buck! Look, we’ve already saved you some money.
Marinara Sauce: If you shop where Gildshire shops, a jar of marinara will set you back about $5.00. But, crushed tomatoes are right around $2.00 per can. Add garlic, salt, olive oil, and your favorite Italian seasonings. A little pepper and cayenne finish the task. Pace e Bene! You’ve prepared homemade marinara for way less money than the jarred pasta sauce costs. Better yet, yours will taste better because it is a reflection of your family’s preference when it comes to Italian cuisine.
Pet Food: Pet foods from most grocery stores is low-to-medium end stuff, with added corn and meat meal, (whatever that is, don’t tell me, I don’t want to know.) Yet, the store sells it as a premium item. Why can they do this? Because you’re already in the store and don’t want to make a special trip. Instead, go to Tractor Supply or your pet store and find a way better product for a price no higher than that stuff you could have purchased at the grocery store. Okay, we didn’t save money this time, but we brought back the shine to your dog Buster Posey’s coat.
Lunch Packs: Kids love their Lunchables. They like the compartments, the little cookie and even the cheese inside the easy-open package. Have you really priced them with an eye to value per dollar? Let your child select a reusable sectioned plastic container at the dollar store. Then prepare the luncheon pack yourself with fresh ingredients. In a week you’ll save money, including the price of the reusable container.
Frozen French Fries: Everyone likes french fries, and the ones who don’t can’t be trusted. But frozen fries can be disappointing. Instead of lowering your expectations, thinly slice a potato and dip it in oil. Carefully place it in a preheated 425-degree oven. Tell us that isn’t a far better taste for half the price.
Salad Dressing: Bottled salad dressings aren’t too pricey, but they have additives you might not want in your system. A dressing you make will be cheaper and better for your body. You probably already have oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, garlic, honey and mustard in your possession. And you know that Thousand Island is just ketchup, mayo, and a few other things added in. Mix and match. With just a little experimentation you’ll make the finest dressing your salad has ever worn.
Energy Bars: We all love a 2 pm boost. The problem is this: Those pick-me-ups end up being too expensive to keep stocked. Skip the grocer’s snacks and purchase a variety of nuts, dark (and white if you like) chocolate chips and some chopped dried fruit. It is a cheaper snack that’s healthier, too.
There you go with fresh and healthy foods that are less expensive than what you have been spending. Humbly, Gildshire did it again. Enjoy your savings and the way you feel eating better foods. Say “hi” to Buster. He’s feeling better, too.
