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CarolP683856
Contributor ⭐
September 28, 2026

Grocery/Essentials Savings Tips....share yours!

  • September 28, 2026
  • 2 replies
  • 23 views

So, let me tell you a little bit about myself.  I’m a 68 year old widow, who is having a rough time just covering the basic expenses.  I don’t look like the people in the AARP  ads, who are happily going on vacations, and spoiling their grandchildren with gifts.  But...I make JUST enough that don’t qualify for any assistance.  I live on Social Security, and a very tiny (less than $200) retirement check from my husband.  I know I can’t be the only one stuck in the “in between” group...not comfortably retired, but not “poor” enough for government assistance.

I’ve gotten pretty good at saving money at the grocery store, but I’d love to hear what other people are doing.  Here are some things I do:

*I forgot to mention that I am allergic to meat, so I can’t help with any meat ideas.

​​​​​​​I bought a toaster oven, so that I don’t have to turn on the big oven for just one piece of fish, etc.  

When frozen pizza is on sale, I cut it into fourths before I put it in the freezer.  The personal size pizzas are so expensive, and rarely on sale, but if the full size one is $3.99, I can get 4 lunches out of one of them, without any waste.  

I’ve gotten really good at making soup.  I can eat 2 bowls for my dinner the first night.  Then have lunch for 2 or 3 days, usually for less than $10 total.  I buy the 2 lb bag of raw shrimp at Kroger when it’s on sale, then bring it home and divide  it into 8 plastic bags, each costing around $2 per serving

I’m sure there are more things, but those are off the top of my head.  Does anyone else have ideas to share?  Or...am I wrong, and I really am in this all alone?

      2 replies

      sandy
      sandy
      Community Manager
      September 28, 2026

      Hi ​@CarolP683856, you are definitely not alone and thank you for starting this conversation. I’m sure many others can relate to being in that “in-between” group you described.

      You’ve already shared some really creative ideas! I especially like the idea of dividing larger items into individual portions before freezing them—and homemade soup can go a long way.

      I’d love to hear what others are doing too. What are your best tips for stretching the grocery budget or saving on everyday essentials? Sometimes the simplest ideas can help someone else the most.

      Thanks for getting the conversation started!

      CarolP683856Author
      Contributor ⭐
      September 28, 2026

      Hi Sandy!  I can’t wait to see what other tips people post.  Last year, our library hosted several informative talks about different topics.  The woman who scheduled the talks asked if anyone had any ideas for more talks.  I suggested finding someone who was well-versed in frugal living.  She said she liked the idea, but nothing ever came from it.  I’ve also gone to some meetings at our local Council on Aging.  I’ve asked them if they could start holding a meeting where we could share our money saving ideas, but nothing has come of my requests. These are just two more reasons that I feel like we have gotten lost in the shuffle.

      I just finished making a pot of red lentil soup.  I doubled the recipe, and it still only cost about $6.50.  As soon as it cools, I’ll dip out one serving into a freezer container for a day when I don’t have time to cook.

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