Latest Blog Posts
Welcome to the my blog! Your resource for saving money in all areas that involve food! I share tips on gardening, preserving, shopping, cooking, and getting cash back, all complementing "The Budget Bites Bible."
Big Lots is Back Folks! If your location of the popular discount store closed due don't fret, they are reopening 219 stores! I loved Big Lots, because of discounts for every area of your life. Groceries to automotive needs. Furniture to pets they have you covered! Perfect timing too!
There are a total of 219 Big Lots stores that will reopen, according to Variety Wholesalers in a recent press release. Previously, the company had released the full list of approximately 200 locations that will reopen. The first wave of reopenings begins this week on April 10, 2025.
First Wave Locations:
- KENTUCKY: 1342 Indian Mound Dr, Mount Sterling, KY
- LOUISIANA: 755 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie, LA
- MISSISSIPPI: 2605 W Main St, Tupelo, MS; 5778 Hwy 80 E, Pearl, MS
- NORTH CAROLINA: 1432 E Dixie Dr, Asheboro, NC
- TENNESSEE: 1041 S Riverside Dr, Clarksville, TN; 744 Nashville Pike, Gallatin, TN; 220 Dickson Plaza Dr, Dickson, TN
- VIRGINIA: 2911 Hershberger Rd NW, Roanoke, VA
In addition to the initial nine locations, Variety Wholesalers plans to reopen Big Lots! stores in North Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and West Virginia, among other states.
Double Coupons! Where did they Go?
I am going to make my age apparent here I remember double coupons on Wednesdays... I was always looking for a deal, a ways to save some money on groceries. A cheaper cut of meat, I bought it. I cooked from scratch instead of using convenience meals to save even more. So, now looking back I decided to find out what stores now still offer double coupons.
Harris Teeter: They double coupons up to $2, with a limit of 20 coupons per day per customer.
ShopRite: This store doubles manufacturer coupons up to $0.99, depending on the location.
Fred's: On Saturdays, Fred's doubles coupons valued at $0.70 or less, but only one coupon per customer per Saturday.
Acme: Coupons under $0.99 are doubled, but they won’t double coupons marked “Do Not Double.”
Safeway: Some Safeway locations still offer double coupons, but policies vary by region.
Thriftway: Select locations may double coupons, but it’s best to check with your local store.
Piggly Wiggly: Certain locations offer double coupon days, typically for coupons under $0.50.
Stop & Shop: Select stores have been known to double coupons, especially for amounts under $1.
Albertsons: Some locations double coupons, but it’s often limited to specific days or promotions.
Ingles Markets: Select stores double coupons up to $0.50, though policies vary by region.
Food Giant: Certain locations may double coupons, but it’s best to check with your local store.
Winn-Dixie: Some stores double coupons up to $0.50, though this is not universal.
Hy-Vee: Some locations may double coupons on specific days, though this varies by region.
Meijer: Select stores have been known to double coupons, but it’s best to check with your local location.
King Soopers: In certain areas, King Soopers may double coupons up to $1.
Giant Eagle: Some stores double coupons up to $0.99, depending on the location.
Shaw's: Coupons under $0.99 may be doubled at certain locations.
Market Basket: Some stores offer double coupon days, depending on the location.
Price Chopper: Certain locations may double coupons, but it's best to check with your local store.
Kmart: While not as common, some Kmart stores have offered double coupon events in the past. Very few stores remain but offer double coupons.
Financial Stress
We take pride in our adaptability and determination to manage our finances. But life doesn’t always go as planned. A job loss, unexpected bills, or a lack of savings can bring emotional stress to the surface. In those moments, we have a choice: treat ourselves with the kindness of a best friend or let self-criticism take over.
What does the voice in your head sound like? Is it replaying your perceived failures, or is it encouraging you to see challenges as opportunities, urging you to explore all the possibilities for change?
When stress hits, do you take deep breaths to calm yourself, or do you find it overwhelming? Do you seek out life lessons in the moment, or do you feel like life is just happening to you? These are critical questions that shape how we face financial stress.
Let’s start by asking: What does money mean to you? For me, it’s a tool—a way to barter and trade for the things I need and desire. But money is never just money. It can symbolize power, joy, love, motivation, and more. If it were purely about numbers, financial struggles would be easy to solve—just spend less than you earn! But money’s emotional weight complicates things.
How you were raised around money doesn’t define your future. You have the power to create your own financial habits. Instead of blaming yourself for past choices, focus on tackling the financial issues—not tearing yourself down. Mistakes are lessons, not lifelong sentences. Start small, take manageable steps, and build momentum toward financial freedom. Quick, decisive actions may also be necessary during a crunch.
Be your own cheerleader. Treat yourself with the patience and support you’d offer a dear friend. Acknowledge that financial stress doesn’t vanish overnight—that’s okay. Breathe through it. Trust your plan and know it’s working. When doubts creep in, remind yourself: You’re not alone. Millions face similar struggles.
If you veer off course, it’s never too late to correct your path. Revisit your plan, make adjustments, and keep moving forward.
Remember you're not alone. Small steps mean you are still moving forward on your plan.
What is a good buy at the store?
Know your product
When reviewing multiple store flyers, always take the time to compare what’s being offered. Not all hamburger meat is the same—70/30 is very different from 90/10, not just in fat content but also in quality. Is it single-source beef? Is it grass-fed, free-range, or imported from various sources? These are all key factors to consider when judging value.
Rotisserie Chicken at Walmart:
On April 2, 2025, I picked up six rotisserie chickens on clearance for just $2.26 each. You can’t even buy a raw whole chicken for that price, let alone cook one! I deboned all of them and packed the meat into freezer bags. This makes it super convenient for quick meals like salads, soups, dumplings, sandwiches, or as an easy backup when I’m running low on chicken for a recipe.
I found these chickens at Walmart, where I often come across great deals. Typically, I have the best luck early Sunday morning, but sometimes I find clearance items during the week, especially on Tuesdays. If you’re on the hunt for discounted meat, aim to shop before 8 a.m. Just be sure to cook it right away or store it in the freezer to keep it fresh.
Individual or Larger Size
For general groceries, always check the cost per ounce. Family-sized packages are almost always more economical. On the other hand, individually wrapped portions within a larger bag are often a poor value for your money. Speaking of unnecessary spending, let’s talk about Keurig coffee pods. (I was once gilty of buying the individual pods myself). They’re one of the priciest and least sustainable options out there. Ten cups of coffee for $15? Compare that with a large canister of coffee for the same price, which can last you for months when paired with a reusable filter. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also reduce waste—fewer single-use plastics in landfills and fewer cardboard boxes mean a small but impactful contribution to the planet. Great choice for you and the environment!
Aldi for Meat
For affordable meat, Aldi is a hidden gem. I often find chicken at 50% off and stock up. The same goes for beef roasts, lamb, sausage, and occasionally hamburger. Here’s a tip: check the freezer section for hamburger meat. It’s often the same quality but sold at a lower price. As always, compare the price per ounce and ensure you’re getting the best value.
Multiple ways to look at savings:
If you're a fan of online shopping and pickup services, here's something to keep in mind: Aldi charges extra per item and does not accept coupons. However, there’s still potential to save big with a little strategy. Take breakfast bowls, for example one of my personal favorites. At Aldi, they’re $0.15 cheaper than Walmart for the exact same product. So, I decided to buy 12, saving $1.80 right off the bat. But I didn’t stop there. By combining 4 receipt apps, a cashback card, and available rebates, I cut my costs even further. This small shift in mindset helped me save significantly on a simple purchase. Now, imagine how much more you could save with a few tweaks to your shopping habits.
Let’s break it down and uncover all the ways to maximize your savings.
-
Each breakfast bowl includes:
- 1-2 scrambled eggs
- 1/4 cup of finely shredded cheese
- 1 strip of cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 sausage link, chopped
- 1 potato, diced
All of this for just $1.85 per bowl.
But what if you made these bowls at home using ingredients from Aldi? Let’s break it down:
- Potatoes (5-pound bag): Around $3, yielding approximately 20 servings (3-4 ounces of diced potato per bowl).
- Eggs (1 dozen): Roughly $3, enough for 6-12 servings (1-2 eggs per bowl).
- Sausage Links (12-pack): About $4.50. With 1 link per bowl, that’s 12 servings.
- Shredded Cheese (8-ounce bag): Approximately $2.50, enough for 8 servings (up to 1 ounce per bowl).
- Bacon: At $0.21 per slice, you’ll only spend $0.21 per bowl for bacon.
This brings the total cost per homemade bowl to just $1.62—significantly cheaper than Aldi’s $1.85 bowl!
Even better, you’ll have leftover ingredients like sausage links and potatoes for future meals. By making these bowls yourself, you save $0.23 per bowl compared to Aldi and $0.38 per bowl compared to Walmart’s $2.00 option. Over a 12-bowl batch, that’s a total savings of $2.76 and $4.56 respectively.
If you want to stretch your budget even further, you can bulk up the bowls by adding more potato and reducing the amount of cheese per serving. In this case, you could make 12 breakfast bowls at home for just $13.00. Compare this to Aldi’s 12 bowls costing $22.20 or Walmart’s 12 bowls at $24.00—it’s clear that homemade is the way to go! (Instantly saving $9.20 -$11.00) Don't stop there to save, use receipt apps, and cashback card, to save even more.
Ultimately, it all comes down to convenience versus cost. By making these simple adjustments, you can prioritize savings without sacrificing a hearty and delicious breakfast!
How to Quickly Save
Lately shopping has begun to be a challenge for even the thriftiest shoppers so here are some basic rules I find that save me hundreds of dollars shopping!
1. DON'T SHOP HUNGRY!
One study found that hungry shoppers spend up to 60% more — and not just on food. You'd be better off grabbing a couple bananas first it gives you some energy for all the shopping and your full.
2. SHOP WITH A LIST
Stick to it as much as humanly possible but be flexible enough to swap items if a better deal pops up.
3. PLAN YOUR LIST BASED ON SALES, & YOUR MEAL PLAN
Check your store's weekly ad (flyer or website) and build your meal plan around what's on sale.
4. GO FOR THE LOSS LEADERS
These are the deeply discounted items designed to lure you into the store. When they're that cheap, stock up! Go early in the morning for deep discounts on meat (before 9 am!)
5. TIME YOUR TRIP WISELY
Avoid shopping at the beginning of the month and right before holidays. Stores tend to raise prices when they know the crowds — especially seniors and other who get monthly checks — are coming. (Know your store discounts some still have double coupons and senior discounts!) Meat departments of larger stores clearance meat towards the end of the month too!
6. KNOW YOUR PRICES (online vs instore can be different!)
Keep a written record of the regular price per unit for items you buy most often. That way, you'll know whether a sale is actually a bargain or just clever marketing. Aldi is known for increasing the online per item prices)
7. BUY IN SEASON
Fruits and veggies are at their best quality — and lowest price — when they're in season.
8. SHOP WITH CASH
Bring only what you've budgeted for this trip. If you stumble across a fabulous bargain and don't have enough, you can always go back. Shopping with cash keeps you from overspending — studies show that when you use plastic, you spend 30% more. (I always check my cart before checkout and see what I actually need vs want it has saved me hundreds of dollars!)
9. TRACK YOUR SPENDING AS YOU SHOP
Use your phone or a pocket calculator to keep a running total of what's in your cart. No surprises at checkout!
10. BE A CHERRY PICKER! I grab the bargains of multiple stores and leave. I don't need to shop for other bargains. I know what I want and get out; especially if the stores are all within two miles of each other it makes sense! I'm saving over $100.+ Rotating between your cheapest local stores lets you grab real bargains.
11. SHOP AT LARGER STORES
Bigger stores can have lower prices thanks to volume discounts but thanks to competition like Aldi and Lidl prices are starting to come down for consumers.
12. FIND A BAKERY OUTLET
These discount stores can have amazing deals — if you don't like baking. Actually, making them yourself is still cheaper buying in bulk and using substitution can cut costs down even more!
13. CHECK OUT SALVAGE STORES
Dented cans and mislabels can mean major savings. Just inspect items carefully. (I shop here first!)
16. DO THE MATH ON COUPONS
A sale price without a coupon is often cheaper than the regular price with one. Try the store brand that is the name brand, and you don't need the coupon it's already cheaper and the same quality.
17. BE SELECTIVE WITH COUPONS AND SALES
Only buy it if you actually need it, not just because it's on sale.
18. ALWAYS CHECK EXPIRATION DATES
Grab the freshest option whenever possible.
19. CONSIDER STORE BRANDS
Most of the time, they're identical to the name brands — just with a lower price tag. (Aldi has Tyson but it's known as Kirkwood chicken tenders and its $3-$4 a bag cheaper than Walmart!) Same product! No coupon needed. That is making your money work for you!
20. SHOP SOLO or with a friend (Know yourself)
Distractions (kids, spouses, friends) can cost you. (I take longer by myself I shop faster with someone so be honest with yourself)
21. MAKE FRIENDS IN THE STORE
Your regular presence could mean early markdowns from the produce, bakery or meat department.
22. LOOK HIGH AND LOW
Expensive brands are placed at eye level on purpose. Check the top and bottom shelves for better deals.
23. SKIP NONFOOD ITEMS AT THE GROCERY STORE
Cleaning supplies, paper goods and greeting cards are usually cheaper elsewhere. The dollar store or all natural make it yourself from your pantry!
24. AVOID INDIVIDUAL-SIZE PACKAGES
Buy the bigger size and divide portions at home. Family size is cheaper than individual size you're paying for convenience and getting less. Buy the family size bag!
25. AVOID CONVENIENCE FOODS
Pre-cut fruit, shredded cheese and pre-mixed seasoning blends cost way more than their whole counterparts. You're paying 150% mark up for someone to touch your produce! Do it yourself and save! Plus, you could be planting a garden with the seeds and the tops of the produce! Stop giving your money away!
26. BUY WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD
A national brand OR a store brand is the same product buy what you can afford if you want to wait to use the coupons that's fine but stack coupons, manufacture, digital, then add receipt rebates, multiple and debit cash back add as many as you can to get the most back, I use 8 to get the most back.
27. LEARN YOUR STORE'S SALE CYCLES
Most grocery stores operate on a 12-week sale cycle. I have a calendar of holiday sales, clearance shopping, gardening planting, and preserving so I know exactly what is coming for my budget and what I should be looking for.
28. If you love fast food but don't want to spend $10. on a cheeseburger. Buy them already made in the freezer section. Depending on your budget I have found amazing deals! I have a found the Dollar Tree has cheeseburgers that are great! Grilled Chicken sandwiches, Rib sandwiches, all for $1.25! I stock up! They are great for a quick on the go when I don't have time, and I need to fly out the door. Or you can buy other brands like White Castle makes boxes of sliders, that are tasty, Tyson makes delicious chicken breaded patties!
Tariffs: What does it mean to your Budget?
As we all know tariffs are taxes applies to goods based on the geographic location that they came from. The tax is imposed as a percentage of the total cost of the product (including freight and insurance). Which gets passed down to the consumer. With each increase in tariffs the consumer pays more. If we are in a recession (A common rule of thumb is that two consecutive quarters of negative gross domestic product (GDP) growth indicate a recession).
Some indicators are:
- A recession is a significant, pervasive, and persistent decline in economic activity.
- Economists measure a recession's length from the prior expansion's peak to the downturn's trough.
- Recessions may last as little as two quarters, but the economy may not recover to its former peak for years.
- An inverted yield curve has predicted the last 10 recessions, although some predicted recessions never materialized.
- Unemployment often remains high well into an economic recovery, so the early stages of a rebound can feel like a continuing recession for many.
- Nations use fiscal and monetary policies to limit the risks of a recession.
Our Last recession was the start of Covid-19 where we all experienced the economic shock and experienced the recession in 2020 and we are starting to wonder and we going to have another recession now.
With the unemployment rising and businesses cutting back on employees and consumers cutting their cash purchasing and charging more the indications are saying yes, we are heading towards another recession. With debt the highest in every age group currently.
The stock market is dropping consistently and depending on who you listen to and their political party preference you could be hearing the wrong information. I try to stay neutral to show you only facts.
Avoiding a Great Depression:
During the Great Depression, U.S. economic output fell 33%, stocks plunged 80%, and unemployment hit 25%.
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. "The Great Depression: An Overview."
During the 1937-38 recession, real GDP fell 10% while unemployment jumped to 20%.
So, how do we avoid having another great depression?
- Minimizing our debt
- Having a strong workforce with a fair wage
- Bringing back Manufacturing in America
- Having American consumers choose to buy American goods.
Today, April 2, 2025 the Tariffs took effect, and the stock market dropped dramatically over 1600 points.
With multiple countries deciding to unite and retaliate with counter-tariffs on American goods and not allow American tourist in the countries. I personally felt a great sadness because I would love to see the other countries and experience their rich history and culture. I understand it is nothing personal nor is it forever.
Can companies quickly manufacture in the United States because of new Tariffs?
Transitioning manufacturing back to the U.S. is not an overnight process. It requires significant time and investment. Buildings need to be purchased or constructed, which involves sourcing materials and navigating logistical challenges. Once the facilities are ready, specialized equipment for manufacturing—like that used to produce cars—must be designed and installed. This equipment cannot simply be relocated from one factory to another; instead, it must be tailored for American workers, whose primary language is English, and comply with OSHA standards, as well as state and county regulations.
Additionally, materials required to produce each component must be sourced and delivered. Modern vehicle production, for example, often involves assembling sections that are custom-made for specific models on an assembly line. Each of these steps requires careful planning and execution, which takes time.
While automakers have mastered the production process, the idea of "bringing back manufacturing" within a 1–3-year timeframe is unrealistic. The cost to corporations of reshoring production would likely be passed on to consumers. To offset these higher costs, corporations may offer incentives to encourage purchases. Even so, production may slow, and fewer vehicles may be sold. The financial impact doesn't fall on billionaire executives—they adapt by producing only what is ordered, ensuring they don't lose money. Instead, it’s the workers who bear the brunt of these changes. Reduced demand could result in fewer overtime opportunities, layoffs, and even plant closures.
Meanwhile, the corporation may report financial losses compared to previous years, allowing them to claim tax breaks. However, the reality is that these losses rarely affect the financial security of the billionaires at the top.
What's in my food?
The food industry profits from your dependency on products filled with sugar and unrecognizable ingredients—substances your body cannot process. Over time, this leads to autoimmune diseases and chronic illnesses, which are often treated with pharmaceuticals. Doctors frequently prescribe these medications because there's financial incentive for them to do so. The cycle continues: you end up relying on medications, undergoing surgeries, or battling conditions like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, or poor gut health—all rooted in the food we consume.
Let’s be clear: food is not your friend. Food is simply fuel—energy to sustain your body—and it’s time we start looking at it through a completely different lens. Think about this: how often did we hear about 1,000-pound individuals needing a team of EMTs or firefighters to carry them out of their homes in the early 1900s? Almost never. Back then, food was viewed as sustenance, a necessity, not a source of emotional comfort or indulgence. Obesity at that scale was practically unheard of and often considered a rare spectacle, even used as a circus attraction. Today, it’s a reality for far too many.
I can speak openly about this because I’ve lived it. At my heaviest, I weighed 236 pounds. I was prediabetic, had high cholesterol, sleep apnea, battled depression, and anxiety. I used food as a coping mechanism to mask how miserable I felt. My wake-up call came when my doctor warned me after being in the hospital for weeks from severe pancreatitis that if I didn’t make drastic changes, my children could lose their mother. My kids are my world, and that same week, I made the life-altering decision to undergo gastric bypass surgery. I didn’t hesitate because I knew my life was on the line.
Over 20 years ago, I had the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery—a decision I don’t regret but one that I wish had been preceded by a better understanding of food and my relationship with it. The surgery taught me a valuable lesson: food is just energy. It’s not an emotional crutch or a friend. The procedure gave me a second chance and served as a tool to learn how to eat properly and take control of my health. While I can’t change the past, I’ve learned to stop punishing myself for it and focus on moving forward. I learned to read food labels, ingredients, and how manufactures get away with food labeling & marketing that is false. If the consumer is not aware of the ingredients, they are harming their body instead of purchasing a product they thought was healthy.
I learned that corn syrup is a type of sugar that tricks your body. It doesn’t send the signal to your brain that you’ve had enough, which can lead to overconsumption. Over time, your intestines become addicted to it, causing you to crave it without understanding why. Many people don’t realize this because corn syrup is hidden in a vast number of everyday foods. As a result, you’re unknowingly fueling issues like "leaky gut," losing vital nutrients, and increasing inflammation in your body. What makes it even more concerning is how it's labeled. Corn syrup is often disguised under various names and marketed in products claiming to be "SUGAR FREE," making it difficult to recognize its harmful effects—especially if you’re already dealing with stress poor diet, or perhaps an undiagnosed auto immune disease such as diabetes. Here are common names of Corn Syrup:
Inverted Sugar
Rice Syrup
High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)
Glucose-Fructose Syrup
Corn Sugar
Fructose Syrup
Dextrose
Maltodextrin
Glucose Syrup
Modified Corn Starch
Maize Syrup
Fructose Syrup
Corn Sweetener
Glucose-Fructose
Crystalline Fructose
HFCS-42 or HFCS-55 (specific types of high-fructose corn syrup
Sorbitol (a derivative sometimes linked to corn syrup)
Create Your Own Website With Webador