I have noticed, over the past 6 months food prices in Tx have gone up 50-60%, but they did it a consistent 10% a month so no one could really pinpoint when the increase happened, it was gradual. In Jan I could get a cart full of groceries for $100.00, now those same items cost $150-160. They have raised prices in 2 different main ways.
A) A flat out price increase, items that used to cost $1.00 now cost anywhere from $1.50- $1.60.
B) Less content in a larger/same size container. The box of cereal That I paid $3.00 for in Jan had 20 servings, that same size box is still $3.00 but now has 16 servings. I just came back from a video store & the box of chocolate covered raisins that used to be fairly full, now contains a small cello bag inside that bounces around the box, same price as before.
What I am doing to cut costs:
I have been purchasing all of my fruits, veggies & eggs local. Cucumbers at the grocers are $1.00 ea, at farmers market they are 3 for $1.00.
I have been buying store brands on *some* items. There are some items I won't skimp on like cookies, bread, crackers, cereal, etc. but for pasta, rice, soups, and more, store brand works for me.
I have also been paying attention to inshote sales. I went in w/ the intention of buying 3 cans of Pillsbury crescent rolls, they are $2.29, but cans of Pillsbury french bread sticks were on sale for $1.00.
We have been baking our own snacks rather than buying snack cakes, etc & that both saves money & is for the kids.
Doing a quick inventory of the pantry before shopping helps too.
Just doing the above has knocked my bill down to between $80-100.
I have also found I can purchase the coupons that I will really use, on ebay in bulk. I just bought (20) $1.00 off per box of morningstar products. I paid $3.00, which will save $17.00 when I use them ($20.00 minus the $3.00 I paid).
I am wondering what tricks everyone uses to cut costs.
A) A flat out price increase, items that used to cost $1.00 now cost anywhere from $1.50- $1.60.
B) Less content in a larger/same size container. The box of cereal That I paid $3.00 for in Jan had 20 servings, that same size box is still $3.00 but now has 16 servings. I just came back from a video store & the box of chocolate covered raisins that used to be fairly full, now contains a small cello bag inside that bounces around the box, same price as before.
What I am doing to cut costs:
I have been purchasing all of my fruits, veggies & eggs local. Cucumbers at the grocers are $1.00 ea, at farmers market they are 3 for $1.00.
I have been buying store brands on *some* items. There are some items I won't skimp on like cookies, bread, crackers, cereal, etc. but for pasta, rice, soups, and more, store brand works for me.
I have also been paying attention to inshote sales. I went in w/ the intention of buying 3 cans of Pillsbury crescent rolls, they are $2.29, but cans of Pillsbury french bread sticks were on sale for $1.00.
We have been baking our own snacks rather than buying snack cakes, etc & that both saves money & is for the kids.
Doing a quick inventory of the pantry before shopping helps too.
Just doing the above has knocked my bill down to between $80-100.
I have also found I can purchase the coupons that I will really use, on ebay in bulk. I just bought (20) $1.00 off per box of morningstar products. I paid $3.00, which will save $17.00 when I use them ($20.00 minus the $3.00 I paid).
I am wondering what tricks everyone uses to cut costs.
