General Tips

Express Your Opinion - Don’t be shy! When you love a product or even hate it, let your opinion be known. All food manufacturers list a customer service number, on their labels. Many of these companies are more than willing to send out manufacturers coupons, just for the asking… especially if you have a complaint.

Inventory – Take a few minutes to take inventory of your pantry cupboards, refrigerator and freezer. Attach corresponding inventory sheets to each. (The side of your fridge and the inside of your cupboards is recommended.) As you use products, cross them off the list. You'll always know what you have on hand and what you need.

Go Generic – If you've never tried generic products, I encourage you to do so. You may be pleasantly surprised. The overall quality of store brands has improved a great deal, in the last few years. Many times the store brand variety of a product is made by a name brand manufacturer. The only difference is the packaging. You really have nothing to lose. If you don't care for the generic brand, simply switch back to what you purchased previously.

Paper Products – If you use a lot of napkins and paper towels, the cost can add up quickly. Buying cloth napkins is a suitable solution. They last for months (or longer) and save trees in the process.

Pay With Cash - Take a pre-determined amount of cash with you to the grocery store. Add up your purchases, as you shop. When you’ve reached your spending limit, you’ll know it’s time to check out. (This way, you won’t have your credit cards or checkbook, to fall back on.)

Recipe Cards – To keep a recipe card or small cookbook spatter-free (when baking) place it on the counter and cover it with an upside-down glass pie pan. Not only with it keep the card clean, the glass will automatically magnify the text.