Save Money On Groceries In North Carolina Even As Prices Remain High

Grocery shopping is a necessary chore for all families.  And, for those of us fighting the good fight each week in the checkout lines we know the prices are enough to cause stress.  But, as prices remain high there are ways to save money on groceries at North Carolina based Harris Teeter or any chains you choose.

First of all, make sure you sign up for Harris Teeter's VIC card or your preferred store's savings program.  Many stores suggest downloading their app to have access to deals on the go.  Plus, I am a firm believer in taking advantage of those fuel points.  With my weekly trips I rack them up pretty quickly.  And, then we just pop into the fueling stations in the store parking lot.  Last time I saved around 30 cents per gallon.  So, not only do you save money on groceries, your fill up is a little lighter.

And, I know it seems tedious and a lost art.  But, coupons are your friend.  And Harris Teeter accepts manufacturer, competitor and digital coupons.  There are restrictions.  So, check the rules.  Plus, they double coupons with a face value up to 99 cents or less, with the exception of those forbidding doubling.  I must admit I don't always coupon.  But, it's a good practice anyway.

Furthermore, as we watched The Today Show this morning one of their business reporters offered up other suggestions for savings amid high grocery prices.  Some of these are no brainers.  However, it's good to be reminded.  He offered up the advice of always making a list.  Personally, this one's a biggie for me.  I put the list on my phone's notes.  Then, I just delete each item as I put it in the basket.  This keeps you from putting impulse buys in the cart.  I add that you need a menu for the week,  too.  Then, you know exactly what you need for your dishes based on what's in or missing from your pantry.

Also, he suggested another tip for saving money while shopping your grocery store.  Be flexible and willing to swap out items based on current pricing.  If ham is cheaper than bacon this week consider putting ham sandwiches on the menu rather than BLTs.  And, don't be afraid to choose the store brand over the national brand.  That's been a suggestion for years.  But, these days store brands are really just as good or better than some well known names.  And, it might surprise you to learn that salad dressings are up right now due to expensive ingredients to make them.  So, maybe make a simple one of fresh squeezed lemon juice or vinegar and a little oil with dried herbs you already have.

Finally, I always start my shopping trip around the produce and the perimeter of the store.  Items in those locations tend to be less and better for you.  And, avoid convenience foods or processed ones.  Plus, look up and down.  Items at eye level tend to be more expensive.  That gets you started hopefully. Happy saving!

We've all been there. Those days when time seems to slip away, and the idea of cooking a meal feels overwhelming. But no need to worry. There are some workarounds when you're too busy to cook and don't want to order takeout.

Cheap meals on the fly are saviors of busy days and tight budgets. When you're pressed for time and need something delicious without breaking the bank, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Cooking on a budget doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or settling for bland meals. In fact, it's an opportunity to get creative, explore new ingredients, and find hidden gems in your pantry. What's great about these recipes is their versatility. They're perfect for any occasion, like a casual weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. You can even whip them up faster than your delivery would arrive at your doorstep. With quick and budget-friendly meals, you won't have to wait long to satisfy your hunger and enjoy a delicious homemade feast.

Whether it's scrambling eggs, assembling tacos, or indulging in a PB&J. These cheap meals on the fly prove that you don't need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen to enjoy a delicious and affordable feast.

Cook up some spaghetti noodles and top them with a simple tomato sauce made from canned tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs. Add grated cheese if desired. Another option is to prepare spaghetti squash noodles and pair them with a flavorful pesto sauce made from basil or spinach, as an alternative to traditional spaghetti with tomato sauce. Cook the spaghetti squash and scrape out the noodle-like strands. Then, toss them with a homemade pesto sauce consisting of fresh herbs, garlic, nuts, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese.

Serve it over rice or noodles for a delicious budget-friendly meal. Simply stir-fry a mix of bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, and onions with soy sauce and a touch of honey or brown sugar.

Bean burritos are a fantastic and budget-friendly option for a quick meal. Just fill tortillas with canned beans like black beans or pinto beans, rice, cheese, salsa, and any other desired toppings. Roll them up and heat them in the oven or on a stovetop skillet for a delicious treat. The best part is that tortillas, beans, rice, cheese, and salsa can be used for multiple meals, making it both convenient and economical.

Remember those extra ingredients from the bean burritos? Well, take the beans, rice, cheese, and salsa and make a nacho. Just grab a bag of tortilla chips and spread them on a baking sheet. Sprinkle on shredded cheese, canned beans, sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, and chopped green onions. Pop them in the oven until the cheese melts and the nachos are heated through. Top with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole if you like.

This meal is super easy to put together when you're in a time and budget crunch. Bake some potatoes and top them with your favorite ingredients like sour cream, grated cheese, bacon bits, chives, or any other toppings you love.

Start with your favorite bread slices and spread butter on one side. On the other side, spread a thin layer of mayo. Sprinkle shredded cheese on the mayo side and add any extras like caramelized onions, spinach, peppers, bacon, or your other favorite toppings. Sandwich it all together and grill it up until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden.

Many grocery stores offer affordable and delicious pre-made flatbreads that you can use. Just look for brands that fit in your budget. You typically can find these in the bread or bakery section of the store, or even the freezer section. Get creative with your toppings to transform your store-bought flatbread into a delicious and affordable meal! Whether it's sautéed mushrooms, colorful peppers, or a variety of cheeses, the choice is yours. You can also experiment with different sauces like tomato sauce, white sauce, or even a drizzle of olive oil to enhance the flavors.