Top 4 Stores Where Frugal Living Experts Go Shopping Weekly

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The average American household spends about $1,000 a month on groceries, but this number may vary depending on location, how many people live in the household and whether there are children in the household. Purchases on food, household items and clothes are necessary to live comfortably, but living comfortably may be difficult when the costs of these items are increasing.

Since the pandemic, grocery prices have increased by 25%. While wholesale food prices have come down since 2023, they’re at the second-highest level they’ve been at in the last 15 years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ producer price index.

Although the cost of groceries has gone up, frugal shopping experts say there are several stores to visit regularly if you want to save money and live a more frugal lifestyle.

Costco

A members-only warehouse retailer, Costco is a gold mine for frugal families. Costco allows shoppers to buy grocery items in bulk quantities so that they last a long time. According to Consumers’ Checkbook, warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club “offer significant savings for most shoppers.”

“Buying in bulk on frequently used items like paper products, cleaning supplies and frozen foods can lead to significant savings in the long run,” said Abid Salahi, co-founder of credit card recommendation platform FinlyWealth. “Just be mindful of storage space and ensure you’ll use everything before it expires.”

Walmart

With a worldwide revenue of $611 billion, Walmart is the largest retailer in the world. Because it offers a large variety of products at cheaper prices, the chain brings in many shoppers.

“Walmart has tons of frugal items to shop, but what makes it one of the best frugal stores is its loyalty program, known as Walmart Rewards,” said Anish Agarwal, founder of frugal home design blog FME Articles. “Through this rewards program, you can purchase budget products weekly while building up your rewards.”

Dollar General

Shopping at discount stores like Dollar General not only gives shoppers a wide range of products to choose from but also prevents them from having to drive to multiple stores, saving both time and money.

“I consider frugal shopping to include everything from driving to actually purchasing, which is why saving gas would go a long way for helping your wallet,” Agarwal said.

Salahi also recommended shopping at a dollar store.

“While not everything at a dollar store is a steal, they can be a great resource for stocking up on basic household items, party supplies and seasonal decor,” he said.

Aldi

Discount grocers like Aldi are praised for their incredibly cheap prices and good-quality staple items. With everything from groceries to household items, Aldi offers a lot of quality despite the smaller size of its stores.

“Their private-label brands pack a punch in terms of taste and value, often saving you up to 50% compared to national brands,” Salahi said. “Plus, their limited selection encourages you to focus on essentials and avoid impulse buys.”

Other Places Frugal Shoppers Frequent

Discount grocers, warehouse clubs and dollar stores are where frugal living experts shop regularly. Additionally, places like thrift stores as well as ethnic, family-owned or small business grocery stores are great places that frugal shoppers will go to save money on select items.

“Frugal shopping isn’t just about finding the lowest price,” Salahi said. “It’s about strategic planning, maximizing value and avoiding impulse purchases. By incorporating these stores into your routine, you can become a seasoned savings ninja, stretching your budget further and freeing up resources for other priorities.”

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