I just returned from the grocery store in Florida, US and I am shocked! I often buy blackberries for myself - expensive, but a healthy & nice treat. Today? The price has more than DOUBLED! Yep, I checked the price and then mourned throughout the rest of the store.

I checked all the other of my favorites and well, it looks like I will be losing weight as my favorite items have all gone up quite a bit in price. I would rather go without than endanger my monthly budget. I have a good 20 lbs I could live without anyway. :-(

The darndest thing is that I planted a blackberry bush about 7 years ago and killed it. Those things can take over a garden space quickly... then I gave up. Stupid me.

I have been sketching out my Victory Garden for my yard... ho hum.

Okay, so I did a small experiment at home recently. Mosquitoes have always been an issue, and we usually keep those liquid repellents plugged in 24x7. Realized the bottle was emptying every 5-6 days. Crazy inefficient, right?

So I bought a cheap ₹700 smart plug. Scheduled it to run exactly one hour at sunrise and sunset—basically peak mosquito time. Result?

• Repellent now lasts almost 20 days instead of 5 days.
• The house no longer smells like a chemical factory 24/7.

But here’s something interesting that happened: my parents, who usually aren't impressed by any "tech stuff," actually got curious about this setup. Mom asked me yesterday, "Beta, can this kind of thing also automatically switch off the geyser? We always forget and leave it on."

Funny how small tech experiments spark bigger family discussions.

Curious if others here have tried similar "unusual" automations at home? And did it lead to unexpected conversations or solutions?

Been unemployed for a while and I don't want to get that Groundhog Day feel just from staying indoors in my apartment most days. I have no routine. Local coffee shops (usually Dunkin) are some of the most common place I choose to chill out but the costs of drinks add up.

Just want to break unemployed boredom from indoors things to sit somewhere else without having to constantly break out my wallet. Best third place I can think of is a public library. Are there other places to suggest?

If a Kohl’s near you is closing, it’s 100% worth a stop -- especially in the final days. I popped into mine on the last day just to see what was left and ended up scoring insane deals. Think 80-90% off everything. Clothes, home goods, shoes, accessories -- I walked out with multiple bags for less than the price of one full-priced hoodie. Name-brand activewear for under $10, cookware for $12, and even seasonal decor marked down to $1.

It was a bit of a mess (sizes were all over, and the checkout line was wild), but if you’re patient and willing to dig, you can seriously clean up. Pro tip: the deepest discounts hit in the last 24–48 hours, so timing your visit is key.

I've been focused on paying bills and getting my car etc paid off the last few years. My car is 2 months from being paid off and I only have 55k miles on it so I'll be keeping the car for quiet a while.

My issue is that I live somewhere that I'm not happy with. The move itself is going to cost around 2,500 for the move and it will cost me around 600 more a month to live month to month. I will still be at 24% of my income after this move.

I am financially comfortable here and I will be able to save a bit more money obviously. My question is do you think it's worth sacrificing the money to be somewhere with a lot more opportunity to live life?

I'm waiting for car oil change and this couple next to me is just enjoying this time together. They appear to be a married couple talking about life, enjoying each other. Almost feels like a date.
Ever run an errand and have the best time with your partner, better than a deliberate/purposeful date night. Just taking time together, maybe grab a coffee, split a donut, and savor that little pocket of time together.

I did everything right. I researched, read reviews, even laid on this Sealy mattress in a showroom for 15 minutes while the salesperson awkwardly hovered. It felt amazing... until it didn't. After spending the last THREE YEARS on a mattress that cost me $850 and developed a body-shaped crater within 8 months, I'm super skeptical and literally trust no one.

The first 90 days were great, then it started freaking sinking in the middle. By the time I tried to use the warranty, they hit me with "normal wear and tear isn't covered" and "body impressions under ‘x’ inches aren't considered defects." EXCUSE ME?

Anyway. I'm now mattress shopping again, but THIS time, I want a simple, well-made mattress under $1000 that won't become a hammock within a year.

I'm looking at some online brands, but also considering going back to basics with something more traditional.

Has anyone found a good mattress under $1000 that's actually held up over time? What's your experience with hybrid vs all-foam designs? Any brands to absolutely avoid? (I’ve read that a lot of those trial periods often have ridiculous return processes and that most mattress reviews online are paid.)

I was told by someone over in r/vegetablegardening that there was a discussion about growing potatoes in fabric growbags, images above are my first attempt that I harvested today. I used leftover potting soil mixed with some kinda iffy compost and leftover potting soil for the grow medium and used I think 4 potatoes per type/bag as the starter. I grew them off season, meaning over the winter, and didn't really do a great job of tending to them. Only harvested because the above ground part got decimated by some bugs or something similar.

I am trying a low spend 2025 and as part of that, I decided to be more intentional about my grocery shopping. I’ve always wanted to try to completely use up all of my food before shopping for more and I am proud to say I am almost there. It’s amazing how creative you can get with your dishes when you are forced to work with what you have. It’s surprisingly gratifying to do this challenge! An added bonus is that I have come up with new and very tasty recipes that I can now repeat. I will say I live alone and cook for one so that makes this much easier Im sure.

Has anyone else tried this successfully?

Ever since I heard the phrase “going outside costs minimum $100” I can’t unhear it and it factors into many of my everyday decisions. Personally, I’ve cut out a lot of socializing for the sake of saving money. I hate that I assign value to invitations to hang out. Last year for example I only attended a handful of birthday parties, one retirement party (which was covered by the company may I add). On the weekends I rarely go out for fun, I feel that every outing has to have a purpose.

I’ve started to think about some pantry items like canned foods. I am vegan and my local store has a sale on almond milk, but I’m not sure if it’s practical to stock up on that for example. Beyond food - I am also wondering if there are other things to look out for if they come on sale. Are there other items on your radar to purchase as we brace ourselves for some likely price hikes?

I've been using gel deodorant for years to minimize damage to my clothes. It's been getting more and more expensive, and now the formula seems to have changed resulting in a worse consistency. I'm trying to find a deodorant that's affordable and won't wreck my clothes. Does anyone have any recommendations? Alternatively, if anyone knows any hacks to keep normal stick deodorant from trashing the pits of my nice shirts, that would be great. Pit stains feel like one of the stupidest reasons to have to buy new clothes.

I was paying $25 a month for Netflix, and I started to feel it wasn't worth it... A Discord user showed me a way to get a premium account for as little as $7. I've been using it for three months and haven't been banned once.

For those interested, I can explain in a private message.

I forgot some grapes that were in the back of the fridge. They aren't spoiled, but less plump if that makes sense. Would these be OK to make raisins with?

They taste OK but I don't prefer them this way. I just hate to waste food and my dehydrator popped into my head as a potential solution. It is a basic model with no temperature settings. Just ON/OFF. But the booklet that came with it does list raisins in the guidelines.

Down here in California the hot weather comes early. The forecast expects a high of 90 F/32 C next week. We've been taking advantage of the last days of cool weather to do plenty of baking.

Many baked goods stay good when they're frozen for as long as 3 months.

Our list of DIY this week for the freezer has included:

• Homemade pizza
• Croutes (the toasted bread that goes into French onion soup)
• Carrot bread
• Banana muffins
• Oatmeal cookies
• Lemon cookies
• Chocolate chip cookies
• Ginger snaps
• Pumpkin pie
• Soft pretzels
• Garlic knots
• Mini chicken pot pies

Also, although this isn't quite baking, we've batch cooked buckwheat pancakes for savory crêpes and frozen a stack. A minute in the microwave, a few minutes of cooking a filling on the stove, and those become quick inexpensive meals.

A lot of this is batch baking more than one recipe at a time. We prep several pie crusts at once, we make several cookie doughs and refrigerate them--taking them out and baking assembly line style. With the way the economy is looking, we don't want to overspend on groceries we could make at home--so we're putting out deep freezer to good use.

So does anyone else do this? We've been looking at the weather report and thinking we'd better get ready while the mild weather is still with us.

So I usually buy managers special meat (mostly steak). Sometimes, however, the meat is discolored in that is more brown than red. Either it's being sold at a discount on the "best by" date or his has a few more days.

What are your thoughts on buying brown red meat within on on the "best by" date? Safe or not worth it?

I'm concerned about getting sick, but I also understand that it doesn't have to be pristine to eat.

I'm a sophomore in college. I'm at a tough spot in my life. But I need to find a way to budget $48 until early May when I get start working at my internship. Is there anyway of budgeting the $48 for the next 4 weeks for food? Anything I should buy in bulk? I don't mind skipping a meal every other day if that works since my body can use some fat instead..

I've also looked at the food banks near me and I got 500 grams of pasta and small snacks. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

It's always listed as one of the first frugal grocery tips. So hit me with your favorite ways to eat beans and rice. I need ideas!

Pretty much the only way I eat beans is refried or I'll make pinto beans with a bag of frozen fajita veggies. I can't stand black beans. Yuck!

That says it all, but apparently I have to have three hundred characters to post so here I am, still typing. I can't wait to read everybody's ideas/recipes!

I am getting serious about saving time, and money when it comes to cooking, preparing, storing, and freezing.

I have found I’d rather do up a lot of onions at once so I can make quick use of them on demand. I bought a countertop dicer chopper from that big online place that begins with an A, and the blade part is the size of a yellow Post-It. 3”x3”. I’d have to ¼ an onion to put it onto the dicer to have it fit so I could press down. Don’t get me started on dicing potatoes.

I’m looking to take advantage of sales and do a bag when I can and store the diced in the freezer. I already do it with bell peppers and green onions. It makes it worthwhile when it goes on sale or I find some good quality fresh at a farmer’s market.

Anyone have a suggestion for a brand of dicer that isn’t the size of two Triscuits? Links can’t hurt the helping if it is in your good nature.

I also don’t mind if it has other added features. I’m likely to see if one has a mandolin option. The brand I picked up was Fullstar and it really seems well-made. It just didn’t have a big enough blade for my purposes.

A wise man doubles his money by folding it over and putting it back in his pocket.

I’ve been donating to Goodwill for years but honestly never stopped long enough to look at the racks! Now that I’m embracing a low-spend lifestyle for 2025, I’m looking for some pointers as someone new to thrifting and focused on high quality pieces.

I live in an affluent neighborhood and I noticed the nicer the neighborhood, the better the donations. It makes so much sense but honestly, I never really stopped to connect the dots. Lots of quality pieces, even some brand new with tags. Now, instead of just donating, I am starting to browse the racks as well.

One thing I’m still figuring out is their 50% off color tag system. The stuff I actually want never seems to be on sale. Any tips on how to time it right or make the most of the discounts?

Given my location, I feel like my nearby Goodwill has just as good of items as some more higher end secondhand where I feel like most of their stuff is overpriced.

My local supermarket had 4 of these yesterday. I was intrigued and 70% off certainly caught my why. Today I googled what to do with Creme Fraiche. Why did I only buy one? 🤦🏼‍♀️

Ten minutes of whipping with a hand mixer and I have such yummy cultured butter and an even half cup of buttermilk. I'm going to run out this afternoon and see if they're still there. Wish me luck!

For my wife and I, we spend more time together through the production of our own food. We make our own taco seasoning which is better tasting/cheaper/less environmentally impactful than the packaged stuff, we make our own bread (i don't need to explain why that's better) with homemade garlic butter, and we are soon going to start learning how to make jam and start canning.

We've grown closer through being frugal, which we started doing because we were poor, but it's become something that we genuinely enjoy.

Edit:

Taco seasoning

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

½ teaspoon ground paprika

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon onion powder

¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

¼ teaspoon dried oregano

What meals do you prep that have saved the most money while maintaining some sort of nutritional value? Is there anything that made it easier to do or helped maintain consistency?

I have recently been buying premade rice, frozen veggies mixed, fresh peppers/onions, and meat= cost probably around 20$ which spans over 5-6 meals. This has helped me over the last two weeks be more consistent but I would like other ideas so I don’t become bored! (I know pre made rice costs more but saving some time out of the kitchen helps my constancy personally)

Amana drier stopped heating, but everything else works. I already replaced the thermal fuses and heating coil (which fixed it last time it broke). Should I drop the $75 to replace the timer too, or put that towards a new/used drier? I hate to NOT keep it going since they are relatively easy to fix, but I’m tired of not being to dry laundry. How much luck have ya’ll had with things like this?

Hi, I don’t really cook a lot so my monthly food bill is rather high. I’m just one person and I typically spend about 300-400€ a month of food. To make up for this, I cut back on any “miscellaneous” expenses like new clothing and accessories.

This seems like too high a monthly expense for me to spend on food. A lot of internet forums seem to suggest people in 2+ person households typically spend as much as I do.

So, to any single person household folks out there, what is your grocery budget per month (including groceries, eating out, drinks, everything)??

And do you have any suggestions on how I can manage my expenses better without cooking at home (number one, my living situation doesn’t really make cooking all that easy and number two, I’m a shite cook)?

Thank you!