By Eric Schoen
Despite what all the economists say, the economy is not booming. Have you been to the supermarket lately? Have you seen the insane increases in prices? First tip of the day. Don’t go shopping without the examining the current week’s flyer before you hit the store. You want to know what’s on sale and stock up cause you never know when your items will be on sale again.
The flyers usually take effect on Friday so it’s a good idea to plan ahead four next Tuesday’s meal. Most items you buy at the store on Friday or over the weekend will stay fresh for several days and planning gives you one less chore you have to do.
Plus you can give your family a good selection of appetizing meals. Increase the use of ground chicken in meals versus beaf and veal prices which have gone up considerably. Make Thursday a Pantry cooking night using anything still fresh and left over from the week.
I use self check outs as I want to make sure items are ringing correctly. It’s amazing how many mistakes the computers make. Check out websites like Cardrates and Nerdwallets to make sure you are using credit cards that give you the most back at checkout. If your state has reusuable back laws make sure you are not getting charged for a paper bag, most of which are flimsy and have no handles. People are so fed up with filthy reusuable bags that stores have put out paper bags that no store is checking on whether you use or not.
Many people order food online. There is usually no extra charge for this, and most places give you the sale prices. The advantage of ordering online is that you don’t do ‘impulse’ buying you would do at the store. Pick up or look for the least expensive delivery time.
Don’t be afraid to buy bread products like hot dog rolls at the thrift corner at your store. With hot dog and hamburger rolls you are going to grill the buns. Most packed back goods will last for several dates after the expiration date. And packed ‘near perfect’ fruits and vegetable can be good buys for the grill or to cut up for snacking while saving you some money. And if you hit your local farmers market at the end of the day you never know what the farmer is looking to get rid of cheap.
Dollar stores food selection can be a goldmine for fresh foods. In fact there is a store in Getty Square in Yonkers which is the only place I can get the Mountain Dew energy drinks I enjoy before sports. Always check the Best Buy dates in dollar stores, particularly ones that are not national chains. They might have signs up that their items are good past the expiration date but I will usually give them one week for a packaged good that is not perishable.
Most stores have a rack where they put items out of season or low stocked or crushed packages and cans. These items sell quickly and you never know what you will find. My best find was a 500 piece of plastic utensils at 75% off because the box had a few indentations.
If it’s not one it’s a half a dozen people who have complained to me about Bed, Bath and Beyond’s (BBB) coupon policy. Let’s face it. If your have coupons that expired in 2007 and you want to use them you really need psychological support. I can see the 2020’s, but even they are no good anymore.
Let’s face it. The prices at your Bed Bath and Beyond on most items without a coupon are better than most stores. Add the coupon and you have a real deal. Add a manufacturers coupon and you have a steal.
So BBB is now excepting only coupons that have not expired. A lot of unhappy campers out there. But if you look at the app on your phone as I per chance did the other day, I found 2 coupons I did not expect. And a $5 off rewards coupon. So make sure your email and phone number are up to date in the BBB system. And a lot of people don’t go to BBB. Or they don’t use their coupons. Be not afraid of asking your neighbors for their coupons and scouring your garbage room where people throw away a lot of BBB coupons, or you will find coupons from deceased neighbors or folks who don’t live there anymore.
If you are Living in WESTCHESTER one of the best movie ticket programs is the Showcase Cinemas (Yonkers Cross County and Ridge Hill and White Plains City Center theaters) discount programs. I don’t know if you have been to the movies lately but this program brings the cost of a movie down to a little over $5 a movie versus the $14+ price for a movie. If the movie is lousy like so many are I’d rather pay $5 vs. $14 with no black out dates, another stress off your shoulder.
If you are near Panera in Yonkers or Florida (yes we have readers there) they have unlimited sips club for $10.99 for all you can drink, teas, energy drinks, most beverages which is still the best deal. They have supplemented for sips members it with half price specials on sandwiches and 20% off gift cards giving you an even better deal.
Our schools don’t open up until Labor Day but don’t miss the back to school sales most stores are running now. You see we go back to school late as opposed to most schools that start before Labor Day when a lot of the sales are over and it’s picked though merchandise that is left. Staples always has good sales on notebooks, folders, pens and pencils.
As an aside, sometimes when you have the kids in tow you forget to lock the car. Or you leave expensive items in full view in the car. In this economy the thieves are out there, so Lock your cars and take your keys. Don’t go shopping by yourself particularly at night or early morning when thieves are out and about.
While we are back to school, check your child’s school lunch menu and talk to your child about what he or she wants for lunch. Nothing worse when a school lunch tray with half the food discarded. Children need nourishment so make sure your kids are eating what they are being served. Thrown a low sugar, good tasting protein bar or two in with lunch for that midday or afternoon pick me up. The bars I prefer that are low in sugar and high in protein are the Atkins meal bars or the Think bars. They give your student energy to carry on until the next meal.
Many stations including a new one on Bronx River Road give discounts on gasoline to customers with their loyalty credit cards. By the way, gas is gas and don’t use a higher, more expensive grade if your auto manual says no need for it. Make sure your tires are properly inflated.
After you have saved, it’s time for go, relax and spend some of those savings at a happy hour which are back in town. Use the site happable.com to find one near you. It’s fun to head out early before the crowds when the weather is nice. Some happy hours start at 4 or earlier so you can have dunch, a combination of dinner and lunch!
Enjoy these savings and let me know what bargains you find!
Reach Eric Schoen at thistooisyonkers@aol.com. Follow him on Twitter @ericyonkers. Listen to Eric Schoen on the Westchester Rising Radio Show alternating Thursday’s from 10-11 a.m. On WVOX 1460 AM, WVOX.com click listen or download the WVOX app from the App Store free of charge.
