Love to cook? Score these Sun-Maid Recipes Books for free!
Grab a free Sun-Maid Healthy Living Recipe Booklet.
Thanks, Freebie Shark!
Get a FREE sample week of our brand new step-by-step guide!
Published: by Meagan on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Love to cook? Score these Sun-Maid Recipes Books for free!
Grab a free Sun-Maid Healthy Living Recipe Booklet.
Thanks, Freebie Shark!
Published: by Meagan on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Is it possible to afford organic foods on a tight budget? Yes! Keep reading for 20 ways to save money on organic food — even if you have a tight budget!
Many people have a misguided idea that eating healthfully requires a huge budget… but that’s just not the case.
Ok, well, if you live in Alaska or some remote part of the country, this might be true; but in most areas, you can feed your family natural, unprocessed, even organic foods without spending a fortune — especially if you’re willing to get creative and think outside the box!
Here are several ways to afford organic food on a tight budget:
If you want to feed your family on a budget, the first step is to have a plan for what you’ll eat. Regardless of your special diet or food preferences, meal planning will always save you money.
You’ll significantly reduce your grocery bill if you intentionally plan your menu around what’s on sale at the natural foods store, what’s in season at the Farmer’s Market, what organic foods are on sale at Aldi or your local grocery store, and/or what your garden is producing.
As an added bonus, you’ll reap the benefits of a balanced diet as you’ll constantly be rotating your produce based on what’s in season!
When you’re planning your menu, think about how much each recipe will cost. Cutting costs on a meal in general will create more wiggle room in your budget to prioritize organic items.
It doesn’t have to be a scientific, to-the-penny figure, but just having a good idea that there is a $10 difference between the price of making one meal as opposed to another meal can help with keeping your grocery budget down.
If your budget allows, stock up whenever you find an incredible sale on organic items. This could be organic tomatoes at the Farmer’s Market, markdown deals on organic produce/bread/meat at Kroger, reduced-price organic frozen veggies at the health food store, a super weekend sale at Sprouts, or if Aldi is offering a great deal on organic products.
Buying items you routinely use when they are at their lowest price is a surefire way to save more.
It is usually much more cost-effective to purchase meat and staple ingredients in bulk.
Call around to local farmers and see what they would charge you for purchasing half a cow. In many cases, this meat is at least $1 cheaper per pound to purchase in bulk. And the meat is a much higher quality.
Buying organic grains, beans, and other basic ingredients with long storage lives in large quantities will almost always save you at least 20%, if not more.
Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists are a great place to start when trying to prioritize organic purchases.
These lists will help you steer clear of the stuff with the most pesticides, and save money buying conventional when it comes to the cleanest fruits and veggies.
Produce is typically only pennies per item from your own backyard, it’s tremendously fresh and you know exactly what you did or didn’t spray on it. Plus, if you can or freeze your extras, you’ll be able to enjoy “fresh-from-the-garden” produce for much of the year.
Have a brown thumb? Find a friend who loves gardening and trade services (babysitting, bread-baking, car maintenance) in exchange for their garden excess.
If organic product is something you’d like to prioritize, you won’t find it at a better price than if you grow it on your own! It’s a fantastic option on a budget.
If gardening isn’t for you, you might look for a co-op or CSA in your area. They do usually have a fee to join the group, but it still might be a money-saving option on organic produce for your family.
And if you can’t find an affordable co-op in your area, you could consider starting your own co-op.
Serving meat in soup, on a salad, or as a pizza topping is going to be a lot less expensive than serving it as the main dish, especially if you’re buying high-quality organic and grass-fed meat.
Pre-packaged snacks are significantly more expensive than homemade snacks.
As a bonus, homemade snacks are often more nutritious as you can control exactly what ingredients you use.
It’s probably a better use of your cash to spend it on organic produce versus organic candy, fruit snacks, or other sweet treats that you don’t technically need to buy anyway!
You probably don’t really need Gruyere cheese… Swiss will do just fine!
And you likely don’t need that fancy (a.k.a. expensive) chocolate when store-brand chocolate chips will work.
If you’re using a recipe that requires a specialty ingredient you don’t already have in the house, do a quick Google search to see what you could substitute instead.
Repurposing leftover meals into lunches is a great way to save money on groceries and time in the kitchen. Not having to buy a lot of extras for additional meals can help save money — especially if you’re prioritizing organic items.
Although they are harder to come by, there are organic-based coupons available online. Also, take time to email your favorite companies, because they might just send you coupons by mail!
If you can’t find coupons for the organic food items you purchase, you can still use coupons to save on toilet paper, toothbrushes, and other non-food items — lowering your overall grocery costs.
Although they have great selections of unique items, you typically pay a lot more across the board.
Fruit and veggie smoothies are a great way to get your greens all year round. However, buying these ingredients organic 12 months a year isn’t always realistic.
Before abandoning organic produce all together, take a look in the frozen section and you may be surprised to find organic, frozen alternatives can mean fantastic savings.
And most frozen foods are frozen immediately after harvesting so they are packed with vitamins and nutrients that can sometimes be lost in fruits that sit on store shelves for a week.
They often sell lots of produce, breads, and cheese at reasonable prices — and they are almost always organic and homemade (and delicious!).
Most stores have their own brand of organic foods these days — saving you quite a bit on your overall bill without much difference in taste or quality.
Your local farmer’s market is a valuable resource! There are SO many local farmers who grow delicious, organic food for much lower prices than you’ll find at any store.
You can often find great deals on organic items at Costco, Aldi, or Trader Joe’s for great prices! You might also try Thrive Market for specific organic items you’re looking for.
If your family has allergies and has to stick to specialty diets, you might find some of these articles helpful:
Meal time just got so much easier!
Published: by Gretchen on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
We’re excited to roll out a brand new feature called What I Got Wednesday — where we share some of the best savings submitted to us by readers!
Check out the deal Kara scored on wallpaper!
“We bought a fixer upper four years ago. It is a very small house and I thought wallpaper would be excellent in the dining nook of the kitchen. The space needed something visually interesting that didn’t take up any space since the bench for the table touches this wall. I am part of a Buy Nothing group in my neighborhood (buynothingproject.org) where we give and receive items for free. One day someone offered five rolls of Serena & Lily wallpaper that they had bought and then decided not to use. She gave it to me and I couldn’t be more thrilled how it turned out. $640 saved!”
We had a couple of other great submissions from readers who scored great deals. Check them out below!
Ilana got cash back on gas:
“I have $29.65 in my Upside app from using it when I gas up! Sam’s Club is usually the cheapest around, but sometimes I can’t stop there, so I make sure to stop somewhere that will give me cash back. Sometimes it’s as much as 10 cents to the gallon!”
Psst! You can sign up for the Upside app here.
Sarah got some great savings on snacks:
“I got $15 off a $35 purchase through Amazon of General Mills snacks for my family!”
Thank you so much to these readers for sharing your savings with our community! How inspiring!!
Want to submit your savings for a chance to be featured? Simply go HERE and fill out the form! Each week, we’ll pick a few of the best submissions to be featured.
(And we might even throw in a fun little surprise for you if you’re picked! Free coffee, anyone?!)
Published: by Gretchen on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
If you love Hoka, be sure to check out this sale!
Right now, Nordstrom Rack has select Hoka Running Shoes on sale as low as $89.97 shipped!
This is a great time to grab a new pair. There are several styles and colors included.
Hurry – sizes are selling out quickly.
Published: by Sarah on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Love Tupperware? This is a great price on this classic bowl set.
As part of Target Circle week, Target has these Tupperware Wonderlier Plastic Classic Bowls 3 Piece Set for only $20.99! Choose from three colors!
Choose free in-store pickup to avoid shipping costs.
Published: by Gretchen on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Hurry and score this LEGO set for a great price!
Walmart has this LEGO City Stuntz Wheelie Stunt Bike Building Set for just $3.61 right now!
This is a great deal and won’t last long.
Choose free in-store pickup to avoid shipping costs. Or shipping is free on orders over $35 (or sign up with Walmart+ to get free shipping on all orders, no minimum!).
Published: by Meagan on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Score these Cuisinart Knife Sets for a great price today!
Macy’s has these Cuisinart 10 Piece Knife Set for just $12.99 right now (regularly $40)!
This is a fantastic price on these highly-rated knives!
Shipping is free for rewards members on orders over $25. Otherwise, choose free in-store pickup to avoid shipping costs.
Published: by Gretchen on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
This is a great deal on this food storage set!
Macy’s has this Anchor Hocking 20-Piece Glass Food Storage Set with SnugFit Lids for just $19.99 right now!
This is a great deal on this brand.
Shipping is free on orders over $25 for rewards members.
Published: by Meagan on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Wow! Lensmart is offering a HOT deal on their eyeglasses frames as part of their 4th anniversary sale right now! {Sponsored by Lensmart.}
Lensmart is celebrating its 4th anniversary with a HUGE sale! You can get many eyeglasses frames as low as $0.10 — yes, just TEN CENTS! They also have prescription lenses discounted as much as 50% off. Plus, our readers get an extra 20% off all orders with coupon code MSM20 at checkout.
If you’ve been needing to get a new pair of prescription eyeglasses, now is a great time to grab some at an affordable price!
Whether you need bifocals, multifocals, progressives, or sunglasses, Lensmartonline.com can help you score fantastic deals to help you save on a wide variety of eyewear! You can easily update yours from the comfort of your home on any budget!
Shipping is free on orders over $65. Lensmart has a 365-day warranty and products can be returned/replaced within 15 days of receipt.
Valid through May 26th, while supplies last.
Published: by Gretchen on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Wow! This is a great deal on this Kate Spade bag!
Kate Spade Outlet has this Kate Spade Leila Crossbody Bag for just $59 shipped!
This is regularly $299 and such a great deal. Choose from four colors.
Valid through April 11th, while supplies last.
Published: by Gretchen on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Wow! This is a great deal on these Saucony Kids’ Dash Running Shoes!
Right now, Dick’s Sporting Goods has these Saucony Kids’ Grade School Dash Running Shoes for just $16.96!
This is a really great deal on this brand. Hurry – sizes will sell out.
Choose free in-store pickup to avoid shipping costs.
Published: by Sarah on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Wow! Don’t miss this rare deal on the Barbie DreamCamper!
Walmart has this Barbie DreamCamper Vehicle Playset for only $62 shipped right now! Plus, you earn $12 Walmart cash with purchase! This is regularly $99.99 and a rare deal!
Note — you need to be logged into your Walmart account (it’s free to join) and be sure to check the Walmart Cash box before checking out (see image below). Redeem your Walmart Cash towards future Walmart purchases.
Shipping is free on orders over $35 (or sign up with Walmart+ to get free shipping on all orders, no minimum!).
Published: by Gretchen on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Wow!! These are such amazing deals on patio furniture at The Home Depot!
Right now, The Home Depot is offering HUGE savings on patio furniture during their Spring Black Friday sale! There are so many amazing deals!
Here are a few deals we spotted…
Get this StyleWell Sandpiper Beige Stationary 4-Piece Wicker Patio Sectional Seating Set for only $349 shipped (regularly $699)!
Get these StyleWell Sling Folding Outdoor Patio Dining Chair 2-Pack in Denim for only $49 shipped (regularly $129)!
Get this Hampton Bay Cambridge 5-Piece Brown Wicker Outdoor Patio Conversation Seating Set for only $199 shipped (regularly $499)!
Get these Hampton Bay Highland Point Black Pewter Aluminum Outdoor Patio Rocking Lounge Chair for only $249 shipped (regularly $749)!
Get this Hampton Bay Richmont Blonde Wicker Outdoor Patio Egg Lounge Chair for $249 shipped (regularly $499)!
Get this Hampton Bay Cunningham 3-Person Metal Outdoor Patio Swing with Canopy for only $179 shipped (regularly $299.99)!
Get this StyleWell Park Pointe 4-Piece Wicker Patio Conversation Set for only $399 shipped!
Get this Hampshire Place 5-Piece Steel Wicker Patio Fire Pit Set for only $599 shipped (regularly $1034.10)!
Get this Hampton Bay Grand Isle 4-Piece Wicker Outdoor Patio Sectional Seating Set for only $649 shipped (regularly $1299.99)!
Choose free in-store pickup to avoid shipping costs.
Valid for a limited time only.
Published: by Meagan on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Whoa! This is such a great deal on this highly-rated mascara!
Amazon has this Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara for just $3.32 shipped when you checkout through Subscribe & Save! This is an amazing deal and it has almost 300,000 amazing reviews.
This mascara is really popular in the Instagram Influencer world. Check out some of the reviews to see how amazingly well it lengthens and lifts your lashes! It’s pretty incredible for an inexpensive mascara!
Also, our readers LOVE this mascara! Here are just a few of the many great things our readers have to say about it:
“This is my absolute favorite go to mascara. It’s so inexpensive and works way better than any mascara I’ve ever used. It’s long lasting, doesn’t run nor gets messy. It really adds a lot of volume to the lashes and gives the impression that lash extensions are being worn. Hands down ” -Tara
“This stuff is REALLY GOOD! It is my teen’s favorite mascara. She doesn’t even have to wear false eyelashes anymore for dance competitions with this.” -Beth
“This is the only mascara I use! I buy it for my daughter and sister too.” -Jennifer
“This is totally my mascara! Works super well and way less expensive than others!” -Elizabeth
“By far my favorite mascara I won’t buy any other mascara!” -Darcy
“This has been my favorite one ever. I like it more than than Younique and other super expensive ones.” -Courtney
“I got 2 for myself on my birthday this year at Ulta…..wish I had known about this brand sooner. I always wait for a coupon to buy my mascara and now I do not have to. Best mascara yet and best price for sure!” – Shannon
“My sister gave me one to try because she got them on sale and I LOVE it! Had someone ask me if I was wearing fake lashes. I wasn’t. They didn’t believe me lol.” -Monique
“I love it! Used to spend $25+ on mascara until I found this!! My favorite.” -Stacey
“Yes! Love it. I also wear contacts and no problem wearing this ” -Mary
Published: by Gretchen on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Here are some great deals on Oakley sunglasses!
Proozy is having some great deals on Oakley Sunglasses!
Get these Oakley Men’s Holbrook Sunglasses for just $60.99 shipped when you use the promo code MSMHBS-FS at checkout!
Get these Oakley Men’s MPH Chainlink Polarized Sunglasses for just $66.99 shipped when you use the promo code MSMMPS-FS at checkout!
Choose from two colors.
Get these Oakley Women’s Caveat Polarized Sunglasses for just $67.99 shipped when you use the promo code MSMKC-FS at checkout!
Valid through April 11, 2024.
And I'll send you 1 to 2 daily emails with the best hand-picked hot deals as they become available!