Grocery Store Items with the Highest Markups

 

Photo source:  Readers Digest

"If you’re trying to figure out how to save money on groceries, you need to shop smart. Start by avoiding shrinkflation—when product sizes decrease, but their prices don’t—a sneaky tactic brands hope you don’t notice. You can avoid shrinkflation with the help of websites like Mouse Print, that advocate for consumers. Get familiar with grocery store secrets and supermarket tricks to conserve cash. And finally, save up to half off your total bill by simply avoiding the steep markup on certain items, including the ones listed below."  Comment from Readers Digest

I need to pay more attention to this article because I am doing everything wrong.  Not a good frugalista thing to do!

Click here to go to the Readers Digest article.

Understanding Food Expiration Date Labels Made Simple UPDATE

 

Photo Source:  Everyday Cheapskate

"Ever tossed out milk the second it hit its “Sell By” date, only to later wonder if you just poured money down the drain? You’re not alone. Food expiration date labels are confusing on purpose (well, almost). The truth is, most dates are about quality, not safety. And knowing the difference between “Best By,” “Use By,” and “Sell By” can save you a small fortune over time. Let’s decode the mystery so you can waste less, save more, and maybe even brag about your grocery smarts."  Comment from Everyday Cheapskate

That is exactly what I was thinking yesterday when I threw away almost a full bottle of milk.  I'd love to get educated on this since I throw away so much.  Could this be a food industry ploy to get you to spend more money?

Click here to go to the Everyday Cheapskate article.

And here is another article . . .

What Best-By Dates Really Mean, According to Food Scientists 
Click here to go to the Martha Stewart.com article.

12 Foods You Must Toss After Their Expiration Date

Click here to go to the Readers Digest article.

Things You Should Always Wash In Cold Water

 

Photo source:  Southern Living

"On laundry day, it may be tempting to lump whites and darks into two big piles to make quick work of the overwhelming mound of dirty clothes in your laundry room. But besides color and fabric type, the temperature of the water you wash your laundry in matters too. Hot water can damage delicate fabrics like wool or silk, or cause them to shrink. Your new satin blouse may be clean, but you don’t want it to come out of the washing machine a size smaller. Cold water is safer for washing these items. Before you separate your laundry, check this list for things to always wash in cold water."  Comment from Southern Living

Click here to go to the Southern Living article and learn how to prevent having to spend money on more clothes by taking proper care of what you have.

Tricks For Unclogging Your Kitchen Sink You Need To Know

 

Photo source:  Chowhound.com

"When it comes to kitchen maintenance issues, nothing is quite as frustrating as a blocked kitchen sink. But before you go calling a plumber at those expensive premiums, there are many ways you can try solving this issue yourself. Whether it's a combination of the best natural ingredients, a heavy-duty chemical solution, or another hack for clearing a drain, there are many ways to resolve a stubborn clog."  Comment from chowhound.com 

I've used some of these tricks and they do work.

Click here to go to the Chowhound.com article. 

Appliance Maintenance

 

Photo source:  Everyday Cheapskate

"It was Christmas Eve, and our refrigerator decided to play the ultimate prank by hitting 70°F. With guests due any minute, I was in full-on panic mode. That’s when I discovered the lifesaving power of DIY appliance service. A little quick maintenance, and we narrowly avoided a holiday disaster. This experience drove home the importance of regular appliance upkeep—something that can save you a lot of headaches and money down the road."  Comment from Everyday Cheapskate

Be prepared to take of these appliance maintenance tasks and save a lot of money.

Click here to go to the Everyday Cheapskate article.

Safely Wash Dry-Clean-Only Clothes at Home

 

Photo source:  Martha Stewart

"The dreaded "dry clean only" tag may have you skipping over that boutique item even though it would make a gorgeous addition to your wardrobe. But is there a way to wash dry-clean-only items at home? 

Below, garment care experts and laundry professionals share how to wash dry-clean-only clothes at home—and when a professional dry cleaner is absolutely necessary."  Comment from Martha Stewart.com

Back in my working days, I would go to the dry cleaners once a week and spent way too much money.  Not now!

Click here to go to the Martha Stewart.com article and find out how you can save money on dry cleaning.

Easy Ways to Make Your Jeans Last Much Longer

 

Photo source:  Everyday Cheapskate

"Ever feel like your jeans give up on you way too soon? Turns out, most of us are literally washing them to death. The fix is surprisingly simple and it doesn’t require fancy detergents or expensive denim care kits. A few small changes to your laundry routine can keep your jeans looking brand-new for years."  Comment from Everyday Cheapskate

Since I have made some of these changes, I have noticed a big difference.  With the price of jeans these, I really appreciate all that I have learned.

Click here to go to the Everyday Cheapskate article.

The Frugal Habits That Never Go Out of Style

 

Photo source:  Everyday Cheapskate

"Anyone who’s spent real time testing what actually saves money knows the truth: It’s not the flashy stuff. It’s the quiet, repeatable habits, the ones that work whether the economy is booming, sputtering, or doing something in between."  Comment from Everyday Cheapskate

I've written about some of my frugal habits.  They are little things that adapt to my lifestyle.  If you are serious about being sensible with your spending habits, you will find a way since you know your needs.  Check out Mary's article and it may inspire ways that will conform with your routine.

Click here to go to the Everyday Cheapskate article for some inspiration.

What Happens To Your Fridge Food When The Power Goes Out

 

Photo source:  Family Handyman

"A power outage can spoil more than your day—it can ruin what’s in your fridge, too. Our friends at Reader’s Digest break down how long food actually stays safe in a powerless fridge and share practical tips to keep your home running smoothly when outages strike. "  Comment from Family Handyman

Since I live in Florida, it is quite a concern with daily storms and threats of hurricanes in the summertime.  I've learned to make an attempt to not keep too much in the fridge, especially when there is a threat of a hurricane.  It is heartbreaking to lose everything in a fully stocked refrigerator.  I've gone through it many times. 

This article from Readers Digest is very thorough in giving facts about food safety, what foods spoil the fastest, how long it takes for certain foods to spoil, etc.  Excellent article and a must read, especially if you live in a climate like mine.

Click here to go to Readers Digest's article to learn how to deal with this problem.

Ways To Use Christmas Decor Basics Year After Year

 

Instead of buying new Christmas decor every year, wouldn't it be nice to learn how to use what you already have every year? 

When I was a kid, I remember having the same Christmas stuff year after year that was so special and I looked forward to them coming out of the boxes so I could enjoy them again.  They were more of a tradition than decorations, more like little treasures.

What has changed since then?

Perhaps the featured article from Thrifty Decor Chick holds the key to that question.  Click here to go to the article.

How To Save Money on Black Friday

 

Photo Source:  Positively Frugal

Black Friday is creeping up on us!  

Sarah at Positively Frugal has posted an article to help you frugally spend on Black Friday and other holiday sales.

It is not too late to plan your spending so you won't be swept away by all the hype of the sales season.

Click here to go to the article!

While you are there, subscribe to her newsletter and get a FREE Budget Worksheet.

Holiday Shopping Mistakes to Avoid This Season

 

It is coming next Friday!  Beware the allure of Black Friday with all the advertising trying to coax you into buying things you or your loved ones don't need.  Research and plan before you run off with the influence of all the hype of the day.

You know a little about my past life before the frugalista mentality hit me . . . work like a dog so I could spend, spend, spend on stuff I didn't need that now clutter my house.  My biggest vice was the Home Shopping Club.  Oh my God . . . that was instant in your face hype.  They wanted to make you think you could not live without the item they were trying to sell at the moment.  I really didn't have time to think about making the purchase, like do I need this.  It got me into big trouble!

Don't fall for the hype!  My best advice to you is to check out the article Mary from Everyday Cheapskate has posted on advise for not making holiday spending mistakes.

Click here to go to the article that will help you save money this holiday season!