I want to retire. I want to retire as quickly and comfortably as possible. Retirement requires money. Lots of it. Unfortunately, I do not have it. When it comes to retirement savings, I got a late start (divorce is an ugly thing). The economic downturn of 2008-2009 didn’t help things either. Most people simply don’t get pedicures or facials when the stock market crashes and/or they or their husbands get laid off. Back then saving money just to pay everyday expenses was crucial. Now that my kids are on own, money isn’t so tight but my financial goals and life plans have changed. I want to retire but I want to live, too. I want to resume my violin lessons, I want to participate in half marathons, again. I want to start renovating my house! Now I have all new reasons to look for ways to pinch pennies and increase my savings.
ALDI
I was a fan of ALDI long before I was a fan of Clark Howard. I started shopping there when one of my very first nail clients 
recommended it to me 20 some years ago. Aldi is the fastest growing grocery chain in the U.S. and has over 10,000 stores worldwide. This German based company offers an ultra efficient, no frills approach to grocery shopping that allows the consumer to save tons of money on food, household products and more.
When I started shopping at this chain it was way more no-frills than it is today. The stores were plain and warehouse-like, aesthetics were simply not part of the business plan, but food was cheap, Cheap, CHEAP!!! I could turn my kids loose and they could get, not only anything, but everything, they wanted and I could still stick to my budget. Way back then they only accepted cash, I was so excited when they started taking credit cards!
For the most part ALDI only carries their own products so the selection is limited. I don’t mind this because, while I am brand specific
about some things, I really like most of the products offered at this grocery. Their Priano 4 Cheese Spaghetti Sauce is my absolute favorite! Also, the selection of organic and gluten free products available at ALDI is expanding like crazy.
It costs a quarter to “rent” a grocery cart but you get it back when you return your it to the corral. That saves the store money because they don’t need to pay an employee to go out and collect them. I find it interesting that someone will pay $5 for Starbucks but go to the extra effort of returning their cart to get their $.25 back!
Brown paper grocery bags cost $.05 each but, rather than pay for bags, I keep a thermal shopping bag packed with plastic Walmart shopping bags in the back seat of my car. This keeps food costs lower because ALDI doesn’t have to build the cost of grocery bags into their prices.
I will tell you what my client told me. Give it a try. The next time you need milk, pick up a gallon at ALDI. Unless you prefer organic, milk is milk. While you’re there pick up a couple of other things that look interesting. ALDI isn’t for everyone but, you never know, you might like it!
Dollar Tree
Dollar Tree stores are an excellent option for saving money. If you haven’t been to a Dollar Tree store, you should check it out. They sell tons of items that most of us use every day, and everything is $1! This is a partial list of things I buy at Dollar tree on a regular basis.
- Toothpaste
- Cotton balls and swabs
- Batteries
- Smoothie Cups-(I make smoothies for breakfast almost every morning so we go through a lot of these. I can’t see paying $5-$7 for the same container at another store).
- Storage containers- (at 4/$1.00 you simply can’t beat it, especially since we pack our lunches most days. I also use the 5/$1 containers to sort my beads).
- Cleaning Products- (Because we have a well, I clean primarily with vinegar, baking soda and water, but I keep a bottle of Spic-n-Span handy for emergencies).
- Greeting cards- (I refuse to pay $5-$7 for a card that someone is only going to open to see what gift card it contains).
- OTC medication- (A generic form of Zyrtec, Cetirizine, at Dollar Tree costs $1 for 14 tablets or $.07 a tablet. Zyrtec at costs $.44 per tablet, and Walmart’s generic form of Cetirizine costs $.16 per tablet. For someone who takes it everyday like I do, this is a huge savings, and I feel it works just as well).
Ibotta and Checkout51
Ibotta and Checkout 51 are free apps that give you access to rebates right on your smart phone. It takes a little extra time when you shop but the process is easy. Simply check the rebates you want, find the products at the store, take a picture of your receipt and then scan the UPC code on the product. Voila! Money magically appears in your account! When you have $20 in your account you can use your saving toward gift cards or have the money directly paypal-ed into your bank account. I’m going to let my account build up and then put the money toward my Christmas budget!
Both apps allow you to pick from different stores and typically have rebates for a wide variety of products. I have even gotten rebates for motor oil and men’s underwear at Walmart as well as 10% cash back from Joann Fabrics on Ibotta. Both apps also occasionally offer rebates for any purchase. Sometimes I get lucky and receive rebates for the same product on both apps. Whoo-hoo! Extra money! Yes, I’m a dork.
A word of warning when using these apps: Don’t get carried away! Getting rebates for the sake of getting rebates doesn’t necessarily lead to savings. I still try to price check and comparative shop. Unless the rebate really is a deal or offering me savings on a brand-specific purchase I will pass…..or try to.
Kroger App
I love the Kroger App. It also takes a little time to use but I feel its worth it. the While the Kroger Plus Card gets you the sale price in the store, selecting items on the app can get you added savings through download coupon deals that are added to your Kroger Plus discounts . The coupon section on the app also includes a Free Friday download that gives you a little something extra for your trouble! I also love fuel points. Scott and I both have a two hour commute so any way we can save money on gas is appreciated. At certain times of the year they offer 3x or even 4x the fuel points with the purchase of gift cards. I’m trying to get into the habit of picking up a gift card to use when we go out for date night just to get the fuel points!
Walmart Savings Catcher
I’m surprised by the number of people who aren’t familiar with this feature found on the Walmart App. You simply scan the QR code on your receipt. The app then compares the prices found in the ads of Walmart’s competitors. If another store has advertised a lower price for any of the products you purchased, you receive a refund of the difference in the form of a gift card that can be used at Walmart. This is another little stash I’m building that I’m saving for my Christmas shopping!
Gift Card Bonus Offers
Many restaurants will offer a $5 gift card free with the purchase of a $25 gift card. My parents buy the gift card when they walk in, use it to pay for their dinner and walk out with a free $5 gift card to use next time they eat there. I’m ashamed that I didn’t think of that, myself!
Do Your Own Prep
Unless I have some type of a serious time crunch I try to cut up and freeze fresh fruits and vegetables myself. The amount of money you pay to have someone at the store cut it for you is ridiculous. I also buy the big package of hamburger and make my own patties and meatballs, etc.
There are plenty of opportunities out there to save money on food. Many of them take a little time and effort to learn and use but, over time, watching the savings add up definitely makes it worth it!
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