We’re all looking for better value these days. I would have called myself a fairly savvy shopper but lately I’ve been drilling down even further on prices.
I listened to CBC’s The Current recently when a beef production expert was a guest. He explained why beef prices are up. It mainly has to do with a drought a few years ago and the sector’s attempts to catch up. However, that doesn’t explain why chicken costs so much more. The expert suggested chickens are riding on the backs of cows. In other words, a poultry price hike is opportunistic.
Understanding it is interesting but it doesn’t change the sticker price. I’ve been analyzing my shopping habits and trying to find ways to optimize every buck.
Some things are ordinary. Like, we’re not fans of onions but they do add a certain something to soups and other dishes. So, I puree them and put them into the mix. But that often means I’ve got half an onion rolling around the crisper, forgotten, until it shrivels up.
The solution? Frozen, diced onions. One 750 g bag at my local Superstore is $3.49. Onions are always at the ready and there’s no waste.
Coffee Talk
Sometimes, I’ll give the unbranded products a try. It took some courage to mess with our favourite coffee a while back. But I did it and it paid off.
I believe I know a secret about West Coast and No Name coffee pods. The dark roast ones are the same. We used to buy West Coast Dark Roast pods and one day I thought I’d try the No Name version.
West Coast Dark Roast. $39.99 for 72 = .55 each.
No Name Dark Roast. $40.99 for 102 = .40 each.
We are pretty picky about our coffee and couldn’t detect any difference. It’s almost $11 in savings over 72 cups. Worth it? I thought so.
Sunny Days
About a year ago, my fave sunscreen cost $46 for a small pump bottle. Elta MD is highly rated and recommended by dermatologists. Now it’s $65-75 dollars for the same little vessel. I wondered, does Elta MD make it in other sizes?
The formula is slightly different and the SPF is 41 instead of 46. But their “UV Physical” version has essentially the same ingredients as “UV Clear.” It’s also tinted. It’s a bit heavier and feels more like foundation, which I like. It’s meant for being active in the sun and that leads me to believe it will stay on better. The tube contains 3 oz. compared to the container’s 1.7 oz. It’s nearly double the size, and they cost the same.
I’m no coupon clipping maven or flyer scouring expert. I won’t be making my own cheese or yogurt. (Although I do clean with a white vinegar/water mix!) But I like to pass along a tip when I think it can help someone get past “the man.” Feel free to share yours below.
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On another note, I’m heading to Mexico on Monday to hang out with Erin Davis, Dottie, and Livi. If I post here over the next two weeks it might be random. And weird. And Mexican! Talk soon.
Thanks for your tips, Lisa, and good for you on taking that chance with the coffee.
I’m addicted to sourcing the best deal around for items before heading out to the store. Coupons, price matching and looking for items that may be priced wrong on the shelves. I got so many things for free using SCOP (Scanning Code Of Practice.) If the item that was incorrectly scanned costs $10.00 or less, you get the item for free. If it’s over $10.00, you get a ten dollar discount.
I always check out the reduced section of my grocery store as well. Veggies that are marked down get turned into a nice pot of soup.
Best way to clean your mirrors and windows? A bit of dish soap and water in a container, dip your sponge into that, go over the glass and then use a squeegee. Use a clean cloth to catch any drips. Sparkling windows in no time. Way better than spending money on Windex and paper towels.
I was raised with a Mom who often used the saying, “waste not, want not.”
Have a most wonderful time with Erin and the pups. Safe travels to you, Lisa.
That’s great stuff, Claire. I didn’t know that about the SCOP. Much appreciated!
Have fun with Erin and the girls!!
Thanks, Maureen!
Hi Lisa
Thanks for the savings info. Food costs are increasing on the daily.
Time with your bestie and her fur babies. The best! Enjoy every moment and be in the moment. Fun, laughter, exploring and lots of chats.
Thanks, Nancy!
One of my neighbours uses an App which does your flyer shopping for you in that you enter items your looking for and it will track the best price and let you know where and when it’s on sale. I don’t know the name of the App and she’s in Mexico but I’ll investigate and post it here when i find out.
Being on a fixed and limited budget food prices have been a challenge and even dog food has seen a increase.
Would it be Flipp?
It’s a very good App.
I’ll bet that’s the one.
I think Claire, above, is right and it’s Flipp. It’s a great thing. I don’t have the patience for it yet but I will get there one day, I’m sure.
I was at a SDM & picked up a loaf of bread – supposed to be $2.49, but rang up $3.49. I didn’t realize it at first. When I went back, the cashier said it wasn’t on sale. I told her the sticker on the shelf had the price & so did the flyer. She got the manager & he said the Scanning Code of Practice is for regular price items only, so he gave me my $1.00 back. I took a photo of the sign they have in the window & nothing is mentioned about regular or sale prices, only a price that scans differently than the price on the shelf. Ironically, SDM is part of the Loblaw company that is part of the bread price fixing debacle. I looked up the Retail Council of Canada & there is no mention of sale prices there either. I am considering contacting a consumer show to see if the SCOP is for regular prices only or if a store can decide what items qualify for the SCOP.
Pam, yes, SCOP applies to sale and clearance items as well, as long as the item has only the UPC code when being scanned. Anything with a physical price sticker attached to the item does not qualify. Hope that helps.