Today’s Financial Message Just for you, {{ first name | friend}}

When it comes to groceries, we're overpaying for simple prep work.

Pre-shredded cheese can cost twice what a block costs—and takes thirty seconds to grate.
Bottled salad dressing? $4 for what costs pennies in oil, vinegar, and spices.
Café smoothies run at $8; homemade versions cost under $2.

And brand names don't equate to better quality any more.

Blind taste tests repeatedly show minimal difference from name brands. Switching even a few staple items can save you… Continue Reading

We know you also don't have extra time - but a few bucks here and there adds up - and it changes the way you think about shopping.

Gen X Are Label Snobs

When it comes to groceries, there are a few things I just will not switch to no name brand for: Oreos, Kraft Dinner and Glad Bags. Not the same. And apparently, I’m not alone.

According to a NIQ report on generational spending, 72% of Gen X usually chooses name brand products over store-brand private label products. (Source: NIQ and World Data Lab)

And this is despite a CNET study that found that buying store brand on grocery staples like chicken broth, Honey Nut Cheerios, spaghetti, bread and peanut butter could save you about 40% on your bill.

So…how much are we spending on groceries every week?

Gen X is Spending Almost Double the National Average on Groceries Every Week

Data from Empower Personal Dashboard says that the average Gen X spends about $807 monthly on groceries, or $201.75 per week, which is the most of any generation.

It’s also almost double the national average of $118 per week.

According to a study by GoBankingRates, the state that spends the most overall is Hawaii, clocking in at $157 per week. Oklahoma comes in at the lowest cost at $111 per week.

We know we’re spending more at least in part because we likely have some kids and/or parents living with us who need to eat too…so where can we save money if we want to get a little more frugal?

What’s the average annual grocery spend in your state?

Check out this very cool visual from Voronai by Visual Capitalist:

15 Foods You Can Make at Home to Save Money

I can hear the lament now: “Dude, you think I have time to make all this stuff at home? I pay more for the convenience.”

And okay, fair enough, I also don’t have time to make homemade bread every day, nor do I want to. But - I bet you can tackle some of these ideas to save some bucks.

$2 here and there may not seem like much. But even swapping to a mindset of: ‘Hey, I’m going to be more aware of what I’m buying and how much it costs,’ is worth it, because you’ll start to find more opportunities every day to do it more.

1. Shredded Cheese 🧀

Store-bought cost: Around $4-$6 for an 8-ounce bag

Homemade cost: $2-$3 for an 8-ounce block

Equipment Needed: A cheese grater

Savings: Up to $3 per 8 ounces

Buying a block of cheese and grating it yourself can cut the cost in half. A typical cheese grater costs about $10, and you'll break even after just a few uses. (Fun fact: You’ll get more cheese from buying a block, because even though it weighs the same as the bag, the block is denser.)

2. Spices Mixes 🧂

Store-bought cost: $3-$6 per jar

Homemade cost: Less than $1 per jar

Equipment Needed: Small jars and mixing spoons

Savings: Up to $5 per jar

Commercial spice mixes often have added salt and preservatives. By buying whole spices and grinding them at home, you not only save money, but also avoid unnecessary additives.

*Save time bonus - keep the old jars and buy the refills from bulk.

3. Pasta Sauce 🥫

Store-bought cost: $3-$5 per jar

Homemade cost: $1-$2 per jar

Equipment Needed: Stove, pot, blender (optional)

Savings: Up to $3 per jar

Jarred pasta sauces often contain added sugars and preservatives.

Make at home pasta sauce is not only more cost-effective, but also healthier. Even if you invest in a hand blender for smooth sauces, costing around $30, you'll break even after 10-15 jars.

4. Salad Dressing 🥗

Store-bought cost: $2-$5 per bottle

Homemade cost: $1-$2 per bottle

Equipment Needed: Whisk, bowl, storage bottle

Savings: Up to $4 per bottle

Most salad dressings are simple to make, requiring only a few ingredients. Homemade versions are often healthier, containing fewer additives and preservatives.

5. Iced Tea 🧋

Store-bought cost: $1-$3 per bottle

Homemade cost: $0.20-$0.50 per bottle

Equipment Needed: Pitcher, boiling kettle

Savings: Up to $2.50 per bottle

Iced tea is refreshing, but can be expensive when bought by the bottle. The make at home version is extremely cost-effective and allows you to control the sweetness and flavor profile.

Pro tip: Buy flavored tea bags to play with taste profiles.

6. Granola

Store-bought cost: $5-$8 per bag

Homemade cost: $2-$4 per bag

Equipment Needed: Oven, baking sheet

Savings: Up to $4 per bag

Homemade granola is customizable, healthier, and far cheaper than what you find in stores. And you can make it in large batches, saving time and money in the long run.

7. Smoothies

Store-bought cost: $5-$8 per smoothie

Homemade cost: $1-$3 per smoothie

Equipment Needed: Blender

Savings: Up to $5 per smoothie

A decent blender may cost around $50, but considering the savings per smoothie, you'll break even quickly. You also get to control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier option.