I know I don’t need to tell you this, but we are in a drought.

And I’m sure you have thought…

How Will The Drought Affect Food Prices?

At the moment it is unclear, but most industry leaders say to expect a 4% increase on everything from cereal to steak. (Think…if it depends on corn, the price will raise.) With the main increases in dairy, eggs, poultry, pork and beef.

In fact, some leaders are reporting the average American family can expect to spend an additional $600 next year (or $50 per month) on the same items.

So how can you insulate your grocery budget from higher food prices?

Buy meat now. And buy a lot.
Most likely we will see the price of beef, chicken and pork on the decline as ranchers cull their herds and sell off stock before winter approaches before a significant increase long-term. If your budget can afford it, purchase a stockpile of meat now to use through out the winter and spring months.

Learn some vegetarian recipes.
Because beans, quinoa, lentils, and other legumes aren’t dependent on corn, their prices should stay pretty consistent to today’s prices. (You may see an increase, but it will only be slight in comparison.) Don’t know any vegetarian recipes? Check out my Vegetarian Recipes Database for ideas that will keep your meat loving family happy.

Cut down on portions.
If you are used to meat being the main focus of your meal, you may want to look vegetables and grains being the main portion and meat being more like a side item.

Look at other ways to save.
Now is the time to make adjustments to your budget and look for other ways to save. For example, strive to save more on your health and beauty items or cleaning supplies, in order to free money up for meat and dairy.

Continue to use your price book.
One sure fire way to make sure you aren’t paying too much is to make sure your price book is up to date. Being an educated consumer always means you will pay the lowest price.

Buy Local.
If possible support our farmers, cut out the transportation costs, eat a better quality item, and purchase locally. There are great deals to be found with local farmers and ranchers in our area.

What about you? Are you doing anything special to help insulate your budget from the “drought affect”? Leave me a comment and share with other readers.

Just a quick reminder that Missouri’s Tax Free Weekend is August 3 – 5, 2012.

Here is the guidelines for the items:

• Clothing under $100
• School supplies under $50
• Computer software under $350
• Computers/computer equipment under $3,500

Remember, not all cities participate. Be sure to check here to see if you local area is participating.

Unfortunately, Kansas DOES NOT have a Tax Free Weekend. So you’ll have to cross the border to take advantage of these deals.

And here are some Back To School Savings Tips.

It’s inevitable.

There are just times when you don’t want to clip a coupon in order to score a deal.

It may be because of “deal fatigue” or “coupon burnout” or it may be a busy season in your life (summer vacation or holiday season).

Regardless, it is bound to happen, so I wanted to provide you tips and tricks for…

How To Save Money Without Using Coupons

Create a Meal Plan – When you create a meal plan, you have less “OMG – It’s 5:00 and I have no idea what to cook!” moments, you have less waste, and you are more productive with your purchases.

Utilize Your Stockpile – Contrary to Extreme Couponing, you are suppose to USE your stockpile. The best thing to do is to make a meal plan from items you have already purchased, thus saving you time and money. You can also see a You Tube Video about my stockpile.

Use Your Price Book – I say this in every coupon class I teach, “The number one way to save money is having an effective price book.” 60% of your savings comes from knowing when to purchase an item and how many to purchase. Yes, it’s nice when you have a coupon to go with it, but the main savings comes from the retail discount when an item is on sale and the only way you will know that is with a price book.

Commit to Only Buying What You Need – When you make a list and stick to it, you are more likely to save money because you no longer have “unplanned purchases” that jump into your cart and ruin your budget. Also, evaluate if you really need something or are just buying it out of habit.

Choose Alternative Stores (like ALDI or a Farmer’s Market) – Sometimes choosing an alternative means for purchasing groceries means greater savings. ALDI, Farmer’s Markets, Bakery Stores, and Warehouse Clubs all have great deals that don’t require a coupon (and in fact, most don’t take them).

Store Your Produce Correctly – Produce is one of the greatest expenses in a grocery budget. Learning how to store produce and make it last longer can mean an additional three to five days of use, which corresponds into less waste. Also learning how to can and freeze is a great way to save on premium produce.

Go Vegetarian – Meat is the single greatest expense for any meal. Eliminate it and you’ve saved 40% without having to do a thing. And believe me, I understand the need for your man to have meat in his diet, but check out some of the vegetarian recipes that have worked for my family. They are filling, flavorful, and Midwestern – and may have your man asking for more.

Save on Other Things – One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned through couponing is the value of $20.00. In fact, coupons changed my financial life. There are many ways to save on other things like entertainment, insurance, cable, clothes, home decor and more. Sometimes just being mindful and executing on the opportunity to save, creates a great windfall than a coupon alone.

As for me, I using this strategy of How To Save Money Without Using Coupons during the months of July and December.

Will I still use a coupon or two? Absolutely.

But I will grant myself some grace because I know I need a break, time to enjoy my family and friends, and to be able to take a trip of two without worrying about missing a deal.

How about you? What ways do you save money without using coupons? Leave a comment and let me know.

Earlier this week I talked about How To Shop at Aldi and why I think ALDI rocks.

Now, I’m going to give you my Top 20 items to Buy at ALDI.

But before I get to that, there are a couple of things I need to point out.

• ALDI doesn’t take coupons. So the price is the price. Period.
• If it isn’t an ALDI store brand, you are better off buying it at a grocery store with a coupon.
• Not everything at ALDI is a deal. This is why a price book and knowing your prices is important. It’s possible to overspend at ALDI too.
• Prices are representative of Summer 2012. Sometimes they go up and sometimes they go down.
• Some of the items I’ve listed may be cheaper in a grocery store, but I because I think the quality is better at ALDI, I’ll pay extra.
• I haven’t tried every item in ALDI. So I may not have listed your favorite item. The list below is what I buy month-in-and-month-out at ALDI.

Kelly’s Top 20 Items To Buy At ALDI

1. Pretzels ($1.30ish). I only purchase two kinds of pretzels Rold Gold and ALDI brand. They are crisp with the right amount of salt to bread flavor.

2. Tortilla Chips ($1.20). Again, I buy these and Snyder’s Grande. I think their taste is awesome.

3. Cheesey Puffs and Curls ($1.00). These have a little different cheese flavor than Cheetos, but they are also 60% of the retail price.

4. Graham Crackers ($1.50). I buy these and Honey Maid. Unfortunately, Honey Maid is never on sale or has a coupon..and at $1.50 a box, we eat them as a snack all of the time.

5. Saltine Crackers ($1.00). I only buy these and Zesta crackers and ALDI is consistently 60% less than Zesta’s retail price.

6. Flour – 5 lbs ($1.50). Flour can be cheaper at the grocery stores during holiday seasons, but if I’m in a pinch this is my go-to place.

7. Shortening – 3 lbs ($3.50). We use shortening is several recipes and for greasing baking pans…this tub allows us to never be without.

8. Spices ($1.00). It’s a limited selection, but is great for oregano, cumin, paprika, basil, garlic salt, etc.

9. Milk – Gallon ($2.00). Milk has been on sale (in Kansas) for $2.00 for the last year. Which is almost $2.00 less than the grocery stores.

10. Produce ($1.00 per pound). Everything from bananas to potatoes to watermelon to strawberries to carrots to garlic can be found at ALDI.

11. Bread ($1.00 – $1.70) Wheat Sandwich Bread is $1.00 and Whole Wheat Bread is $1.70…even Costco can’t compete with those prices.

12. Buns ($1.00) White Hot Dog and Hamburger Buns are always this price and freeze really well.

13. Garden Salad Mix ($1.00). Great way to ensure you will always have a salad on hand.

14. Dried White Northern Beans – 2 lbs ($2.30). You won’t find a better quality bean for $1.15 per pound anywhere.

15. Dried Pinto Beans – 2 lbs ($2.00). You won’t find a better pinto bean for $1.00 per pound anywhere.

16. Flour Tortillas – 10 count ($1.00). I love these tortillas. They can hold a whole taco and enchilada, but aren’t too thick.

17. Corn Tortillas – 30 count ($1.20). Again a great corn tortilla and make wonderful tostados.

18. Dry Ranch Mix ($.70). Just like Hidden Valley for 50% less.

19. Onion Soup Mix ($.80). Just like Lipton for 50% less.

20. Gravy Mix ($.35). Just like McCormicks for 60% less.

Now it is your turn? What are some of your favorite items to buy at ALDI? Leave a comment and let us know.

Very early in my “how coupons changed my financial life” timeframe, I decided to step foot and learn how to shop at ALDI.

I had noticed the ALDI sign several times as I drove by, but to be honest shopping at ALDI scared me.

The utilitarian building with the weird blue and orange sign screamed “Discount Warehouse of Second Hand Food”.

But I knew I had a budget I had to stick to and I wanted the cheap produce I had seen in the circular, so I decided to be brave and venture in through the sliding glass doors.

And THANK GOD I ventured in through the sliding glass doors because I make a once (if not twice) a month trip to my local store.

Why? Because ALDI rocks.

But be advised, it isn’t like every other grocery store on the planet. While it isn’t the ”Discount Warehouse of Second Hand Food”, it also has a few quirks. But once you get used to the quirks, you will become an ALDI pro in no time.

My Top 10 Reasons Why ALDI Rocks

1. They don’t take credit cards (but can take debit cards). Since I use a cash envelope system for my groceries, I love that I have to stay in budget when I shop at ALDI.

2. Weekly produce specials. Most specials are a $1.00 or less per pound.

3. Pork specials. During the holiday season (and after), you are able to get hams for almost $.50 per pound less than the best deal at the grocery store.

4. Seasonal Products. ALDI has different non-grocery items they bring in every week. I’ve purchased bath mats, electric food scales, cast-iron pans, garden trellis and more. The prices and quality are great.

5. Standard selection. The chances of having an impulse buy at ALDI are close to zero because their selection in consistent and minimalistic. Need Mozzarella cheese – they have it. Need Guyere cheese – not so much.

6. Small store. If you spend an hour in ALDI, you may have gotten lost in the storage room. You can truly be in and out in 15 minutes or less if you have planned your shopping trip ahead of time.

7. Wine. If you live on the Missouri side, you can take part in Winking Owl or other ALDI brand wine for $3.99 a bottle. Is it amazing? No. Is it drinkable and then some? Absolutely.

8. Carts For A Quarter. Need a cart? It will cost you a quarter. Return the cart? You get your quarter back. It is strange, but it keeps the parking lot neat and my kids entertained.

9. Fast cashiers. These are the fastest cashiers you will ever experience in your entire life. Period.

10. ALDI store brand. It is awesome. I’ve only had one item (lemon juice) that I thought was not great. Even better, if you don’t like an ALDI store brand item, they will give you double your money back.

Stay tuned…because later this week I’ll let you know What to Buy At Aldi.

What about you? Why do you think ALDI rocks? Did you have a misconception before your first store trip?

Here are some ways to save on Back To School items as we come to the last days of school.

Get Next Year’s School Supply List

In most schools, the items needed for the next grade have already been established. Get the list from the school secretary so that you can prepare over the summer.

Go Through Any Supplies Sent Home

Before the kids claim all of the “past year’s school supplies” as “new art supplies”, pull out any items you can use for the following year. This includes (but is not limited to) erasers, pencils, pencil boxes, binders, rulers, back packs, or lunchboxes. Don’t be too stingy, though. No one likes going back to school with a used box of crayons.

Make a List of Items Needed For Next Year

Now compare the school supply list to the items you have on hand and make a list of items still needed. Start shopping the sales and clearance aisles from now till the start of school. There is no reason to buy antibacterial wipes in August at full price, if you can buy them in June at 50% off.

Place School Supplies in a Special Place

It isn’t enough to make a mental note or a list. Create a special place (even just a brown paper bag in your stockpile area) and place each school supply in the bag after it is bought or found. Nothing is worse than KNOWING you have a ruler around the house somewhere and not being able to find it when you need it.

Enjoy The Savings

I know the last thing most of us want to do is think about “Back to School” when we just got out of school. But using just a few simple steps, you can save 75% on your school supplies for the upcoming year. Plus, having it organized ahead of time saves time and stress around the dreaded “Back To School” time.

What about you? Do you have any End Of The Year savings tips? Share them in the comments.