June 22, 2025

Greetings Thrifty Friends,

Greetings!

Last Sunday, after doing my grocery shopping for the week, I took a moment before leaving the store to study my receipt. This is an excellent habit that I strongly encourage. It only takes a minute or two, and 9 times out of 10 there is nothing to find, but on Sunday I found 2 mistakes! I had bought 2 tubes of toothpaste for a 'buy-one-get-one-free' offer and was charged for both, and a bottle of coconut water that I never bought had mysteriously appeared on the receipt.

The coconut water was $3.99 and the toothpaste was $4.99.

Mistakes happen, but if I had not taken the 90 seconds to review my receipt I would have 'donated' nine bucks to the grocery store!

Reviewing receipts is only one good habit to have while grocery shopping... scroll down for a few more.

Be Well,
Anisa

Please add [*FROM*] to your address book or visit here.

1. Don't Skip the Receipt Check

Even if the line is behind you or you're tired, glance at your receipt before you leave the store. Pricing mistakes, missed promotions, or mystery items show up more often than you think.

2. Give Yourself Time to Adjust

Yes, those chopped onions are convenient, but you're paying a big premium for someone else's knife work. Whole veggies stay fresher, cost less, and give you more flexibility.

3. Keep a Grocery Price List

Whether it's a notebook, a notes app, or your brain, knowing your baseline prices helps you spot real deals. I've seen creamed corn go from 99 cents to $1.79. Same can of corn, much higher price.

4. Buy Foods That Work Hard

Pasta, rice, oats, potatoes — these are pantry MVPs. They're affordable, filling, and easy to dress up in a hundred different ways. A simple bag of rice can be breakfast, lunch, or dinner with the right add-ins.

5. Shop Less Often

The more often you go, the more you spend. Try to stick to one big trip a week. You'll be more likely to use up what's in your fridge and avoid those midweek temptations that somehow turn into $60 hauls.

6. Download Your Store's App

Most stores offer digital coupons, loyalty deals, and special promos right in their apps. You don't need scissors, just a few taps. I've saved $20 in one trip by clicking the right offers.

7. Do a Pantry Inventory Before You Go

Before heading to the store, take a peek in your pantry and freezer. You might already have the beans, broth, or pasta for tonight's dinner. No need to buy it again.

In Closing...

The grocery store is full of ways to accidentally overspend, whether it's pricing errors or impulse buys. But a few mindful habits like checking your receipt, planning ahead, and being a little picky about convenience can help you stay on track.

Got a grocery tip you swear by? I'd love to hear it — just reply to this email!

Reader Tips Worth Every Penny

After the newsletter on Costco vs. Sam's Club:
"Thanks for the tip about discounted gift cards! I picked up two $50 restaurant cards for $80 total. Perfect for summer dinners out." – Matt, TX

"I started using just a tablespoon of detergent per load in my high-efficiency machine. Works great and my detergent lasts for months!" – Carla B.

"I refill a smaller bottle with the correct measurement line marked. Keeps me from overpouring every time." – Sam D.

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