People have been asking me for months to make a Shopping Secrets for ALL retailers, so if you enjoyed this video, please give it a THUMBS UP as it helps me in the UA-cam algorithm! 😀 What are some of your shopping secrets?? Comment Below 👇
Walmart used to mark the rotisserie chicken down at about 9 p.m. To my knowledge the local Walmart still marks the fried Chicken and wings down about.50-2.50 an hour or two before closing.
Milk isn't alawys the same across brand. Store brands often have their own testing facilities for incoming milk, and the producers start with the store brands who pay the most, then work their way down the list if they get rejected. The milk is tested, visually inspected for color, and the scent is checked. I had a friend who worked for one of the grocery testing facilities and she said she often had producers try and bring milk where the cows had been grazing on alliums, and you could smell it in the milk.
I just have to say one of the things I absolutely love about watching your videos is not only that you want to help everyone save money which is huge especially in The Times we're living in, but it's the fact that after every video you say I love you bye bye. I know that that's simple and it might be missed by lots of people. But that might be the only time someone hears "I love you," today. And I just have to say that every time I watch your videos it just makes me smile from ear to ear when I hear it. In case you don't hear it from anyone other than your wife and daughter, I love you too, and thank you for what you do.
Years ago, I worked as a stock boy in an independent grocer and the owner wanted me to build a display for Campbells Soup since someone over ordered that week. This was back when items had to be priced with stickers. He had me price the cans as ‘3 for $1’ - the display was at the end of the soup aisle where the regular price was 25 cents a can. We struggled to keep the display filled - we sold a boatload of soup! Very important to think about what you’re buying…thanks for the great video, Matt!
Too many people aren't good at math. I work for Mondelez International, parent company of Nabisco, and frequently see this happen. I have actually pointed out to customers in store what the "best deal is" and it is 50/50 if they take my advice. A few summers ago Pepsi and Coke were alternating how much two liter bottles cost. They would run 4 for $5.00 or $.99 each max purchase ten units. Both companies sold more units locally that summer under the 4 for $5.00.
Mexican stores are undefeated when it comes to produce, something I discovered 2 years ago. They have weekly deals like 7 lbs for a dollar sweet onion, 4 lbs for a dollar tomato, 8 cucumbers for a dollar, 30 cents green pepper, 4 corns for a dollar, $7 for 60 eggs and even 0.50 cents per pound drumsticks, etc. They are my go to for produce and even chicken and some meat.
@Tamar Hannah Whipkey I live in Henderson, NV a suburb in Vegas. La Bonita is the only Mexican place in our area which opened 2 years ago. Not only they have the best deals on produce and meat, they also have a restaurant inside and my favorite, a good sized bakery where bread are made fresh everyday. Right now they also offer free delivery with minimum purchase of 5 dollars online through their website. It's really a great deal.
@Tamar Hannah Whipkey Try to find a decent size Mexican store if you can. Not sure if a mom and pop would have the same deals as the Mexican stores here in Vegas but who knows. Over here their groceries are decent size.
Called Amazon for a price adjustment when an item went on sale 50% off two days after purchasing. They gave me a hard time and wouldn't adjust the price. I finally said "Fine. I'll return this one and then re-buy it so I can get the sale price." Only then, they finally gave me a credit.
My experience has been not that. I bought something on Amazon, only for the price to go down by 20% a week later. I TRUDGED through the options to get a hold of a customer service chat rep, and even though it was sold and fulfilled by Amazon, they said they couldn't do a price match. I told them I'll just buy it again at the discounted price and return it at the original price, and they said that that was the way to go. Since then, I have done just that on several items, instead of wasting my time trying to get a hold of a rep. I'm all for reducing carbon footprint, but I blame Amazon for ignoring this low-hanging fruit. Seems like they'd rather make it difficult to price match than to rebuy and return, which just seems fiscally irresponsible. It's a love-hate thing. One caveat -- make sure you read the return policies specific to the items, even if it's free returns. Some electronics are subject to a 20% restocking fee, even if unopened. I didn't realize this until I noticed that I wasn't refunded for the full amount on one item and looked at the fine print. So the end result for that was: I didn't get the discount, and Amazon lost shipping and return costs. And we all lose, LOL.
You don't call, do it through the app like a return then in the comments put price change, requesting refund for price difference. It's only a 7 day policy and most things have 30 day return policy so there ya go. I buy those snack boxes and check the price on Amazon every day for those 7 days because that's how often the price changes! I was able to get a 40 piece snack box for $20 then the next day the price went down so I quickly requested a refund for the price difference. I got my refund for more than half the original price! Keep an eye out people! I noticed at least on this particular item the price was changing everyday!
I bought a new blade for my Cricut at Michaels for $35. Found it a week later on Amazon for $16. I took my receipt to Michaels and was refunded the difference. Worth hanging on to those receipts and checking price match policies!
When I'm with my wife at Michael's I always scan the bar codes in the Amazon app, we saved $40 on a cutting mat because it was just that much cheaper on Amazon.
Yeah, always check Amazon before buying at Michels/JoAnn/Hobby Lobby. Don't trust JoAnn's at all. I got a Mini Heat Press, their website said 49.99, they were selling it in the store for 69.99. If you didn't look at their website and know about the price difference, you would have just cost yourself some money. It really does pay to shop around before buying.
I got an eye drop RX for my pet using Good RX and found his med at Costco. Many dont know many Costco's sell pet medications. My vet was selling it for $75. I asked for the prescription instead of buying it there. Costco and using Good RX, I got it for like $17!!!
Matt- As an employee of a small town pharmacy- I want to point out 2 things. Generic medications are not the exact same ingredients. They are the same active ingredients and will work the same, but the fillers could be different. For instance, one pill may have a yellow dye and the other be white. Some people might be sensitive to the dye. I personally feel generics are the way to go- but this is also governed by your insurance company and your physician. Some insurance companies may require you to use the generic, but your experience has been it doesn't work as well as the name brand samples your doctor gave you. Conversely, there are some insurance companies that do not allow you to use generic for specific drugs- weird but true. AND- worse yet- not all drugs have a generic. As far as good Rx, it doesn't work with all insurance companies. It works very well for people with no prescription drug coverage, but not necessarily for those who are insured. Please do not yell at the pharmacy staff when you try to use Good Rx. They really aren't stupid and do know what they are talking about. Just because the celebrity in the commercial says it works, doesn't mean it will work for your situation. Remember you get more bees with honey- don't be rude!!!!!
I use to work at a supermarket bakery. We would put out discount cakes on the discount rack first thing in the morning. A lot of the cakes were only 3-5 days since being put out. Usually the icing of a fully covered cake will keep it fresh for at least a week. There were so many days I had to put out 1/2 sheet cakes (feeds around 20-30 1.5inch slices) for $11 when buying it the night before would be $30. Also, if you want to pick up a cake for a date in a week or two, you can just wrap it in cling-wrap(the container it came in could help protect it) and put it in the freezer and some can last up to a month that way.
Hey Matt!! Just to let everyone know when a store reduces their prices that is for items that are expiring that day. They will leave them out the next day after expiring also just to try to make quotas. The mark-up on groceries is INCREDIBLE & they do not care how they make their quotas! !! I very worked at different grocery stores for the last 15 years.
@@deborahtucker7022 Which unfortunately doesn't matter with how much they probably stand to make. Meanwhile they refuse to give stuff away due to liability. Funny how that works.
I worked in a Walmart in their dairy department several years ago. we carried 3 brands of milk in my store. 2 from local dairies and the great value. great value was delivered to us on the same day, same pallets & crates from one of those local dairies. the only difference was the local dairy had white plastic jugs and the gv was clear plastic. used to tell people this any time they complained about the price of the local brand but only about half of them listened to me! also, if there are local dairies in your area that supply the grocery stores and you go through quite a bit of any of their products, try calling their number that is listed on the label. sometimes they will let you purchase the product directly from them at a cost closer to what the store paid! you'll probably just have to go to their warehouse or whatever to pick it up. EXAMPLE: one of our local dairies also sells iced tea products. most everyone in the area is addicted to their tea. local walmart price (when i worked there) 2.62/gallon. but, if you were willing to go to the warehouse and buy 4 gallons at once they'd sell it to you for $1/gallon.
Matt, one thing I always do, is I make sure I go thru the check-outs where they have a live person. This helps to keep live people working and earning money. I have even waited for the one cashier at Wal-Mart. Thanks for the cool videos!
I understand the thought there, but look at walmart as the main example. Years ago they had 30 part time cashiers that would work 4 hour shifts each day. Have to deal with doing breaks and lunchs for the full time ones that had been there. You hardly ever found workers on aisles to help find products. Nowadays, you will find 30 workers shopping for the curbside or delivery orders and are able to ask them for assistance as you are on the aisles needing help. If you have 1 worker watching and helping for 6 self check outs, this allows more labor hours to be used for day time stocking and the online curbside orders that are the best consumer friendly service that the company has came out with.
@@Bamapride1985 That scenario would be great at my local Walmart, but I haven't noticed any increase in floor personnel. The only local supermarket with self-checkout (that I can recall) is Ralphs. I oftentimes say to the cashier, "Sorry for interrupting your impromptu break, but I need you to ring up my beer." LOL. Otherwise I'm going in the fastest line, whether it's self-checkout or cashier. Seems to be an even split, though I prefer a live person because chatting with myself at the self-checkout gets weird looks.
FYI: sticking to the the outside aisles of the store is also good for when trying to lose weight or eat healthier, because as he said, the middle aisles are where most processed package and high sugar foods are and outer aisles contain mostly whole single ingredient items 👍
Being a pharmacy tech every pharmacist I’ve worked for has told me that there are a few drugs that if the doctor tells you to get brand name only you need to. Some of the generics don’t work as well even though most do. Just go by what your doctor tells you. Also when it comes to generics they are allowed to contain up to 10% less of the medication than the brand name. I’ve personally never been able to tell the difference. This is just what the pharmacists I’ve worked for have told me.
I agree; the only thing in the video I would discredit. I work in Pharmacy, and it is true that some generics just do NOT work for some patients, and the Brand produces an effect. At the same time, it could be just the provider believing the patient subjectively and prescribing the Brand just because the patient believes psychologically Brands works while generics are knock-offs. Otherwise, he's definitely right about GoodRx - big time money saver
I agree also, was a CPhT for 10 years. Also, the inactive ingredients in a generic can be different from the brand and cause side effects, so definitely be wary.
Generics are allowed to contain different inactive ingredients, which can sometimes mean a person absorbs them differently....and that can either mean slightly better or lesser absorption. They have to contain the same active ingredient and be of the same quality. I question the notion thaat generics can contain up to 10% less active ingredient, *unless* its been confirmed it gives the same therapeutic efficacy. (also pharm tech)
Wellbutrin XL vs. Buproprion HCL or whatever it's called is the only one I've needed the name brand because the generic was not working for my depression.
I’m definitely a store brand shopper after working in a grocery store and two drugstores- the only thing I’ll differ on is due to food allergies. I also eat raw cane sugar instead of regular sugar and you’re right about stores changing units between tags/brands/sizes. I always do the math!! It’s been hard to convince my husband to shop more than just “deals,” as some things are already cheaper, like at aldi or a few dollar stores with the same brand. You’ve definitely helped a lot with my shopping. Thank you!
Thanks Matt, really love these hacks. My wife has had good luck with Walmart bakery deserts on Saturday morning, which is why I turn sideways to go through the door.
When shopping I've stopped my niece from just grabbing any item that she likes the look of. I've always stopped her and pointed out the unit pricing for different sizes or if genetic might be just as good. She would roll her eyes and day we are barely saving money. Literally yesterday we were shopping and I was having a hard time concentrating to check which size was cheaper. She stopped me and said, woah check the unit price first, this one is a better deal! I never felt prouder. Lol
@@sarah8579 The unit price is the price per item. Whatever the measurement may be. Maybe the product is measured in ounces and the unit price is $0.10 per oz for a 64oz package. They may have a package that is 32oz and the unit price is $0.14 per oz. This happens sometimes and the smaller item may be cheaper, but if you look at the unit price it is costing you more per ounce. So depending on whether a larger size makes sense for you, you may want to get the larger size because it costs less per ounce.
Great ideas! Thanks. I reluctantly took my daughter's advice to start grocery shopping by curbside pickup. I have found I'm saving lots of money by not impulse buying. It also saves my time and effort of shopping, loading items through checkout and back into car. I encourage all to try it once.
I totally agree! I love the order pick up because I don't add that extra $50+ to my cart. I go in every few weeks to check out clearances and availability but not often.
One hack I learned while trucking. Walmart/Sam's spiral cut hams in the PURPLE foil comes from a Smithfield planting Tar Heel, NC. It's half the price of a Smithfield labeled ham. Same product! I buy one or 2 every year around Easter.
Learned about these things before you tube , always make a list stick to it never go to hungry to store. I get deli food later in the evening 72 years old my son is 45 shops the same way . Agree with you about milk, salt, bleach, cookies etc between store brands and name brands.
The 2optical stores you mentioned, Target, Lenscrafters are owned and operated by Luxottica. Walmart isn't yet. As a retired optician, I can say if the prescription is simple it is possible to order eyeglasses on line BUT progressive no line lenses or complex prescriptions are best to avoid on line.
Brilliant! Hack #5 is for me from right now! And all the price matching hacks are wonderful. You are such a consumer advocate and deserve all your success.
I do enjoy that Walmart Lemon Pepper Rotisserie Chicken from time to time. My amateur tip is don't go to a grocery store when you're hungry lol. Good for you in stating not to dismiss shopping at mom & pop stores.
I look at the unit price all the time. I’ve found at times it’s cheaper to buy 2 of the smaller size then 1 of the larger size! I will respectfully however, disagree about the Sunday newspaper. I used to get them all the time but after a few weeks of paying over $5 for a newspaper and cutting out only a couple of coupons, I stopped buying the paper. Maybe the price of the paper varies by region. 🤷🏻♀️ Love your videos! 💚
My biggest money saver has been doing the "pick up" at Walmart, Sam's, and HEB. By making my list and not going into the store I am not tempted by things I do not need. The down side is not getting to choose my produce and meats but the savings have made up for it. HEB allows you to leave a message for your shopper which is helpful.
Thanks Matt for letting folks know that store brands of certain items are "the same" and cost much less! Sugar is sugar, salt is salt etc! Keep up the great work💯. Best wishes always, Lori
Shopping by price per oz (or whatever unit) is HUGE. I've found this change frequently - so some days the smaller package is actually a better value than the bulk size. Once we found organic brand-name chicken was cheaper than even the nameless, super cheap chicken. We stocked up!
I bought my car the last day of the month. I bought my car at a loss to the dealership (I worked there so I was able to look at the numbers), my sales guy was 1 unit away from hitting his bonus so he was desperately seeking one more deal. I planned on buying the car the next weekend so it wasn’t a big deal to me but I got a huge discount of nearly 2k off the car so I was able to purchase in cash vs financing. Worth it
Hey Matt, I've been watching you for a while now and I would like to point out that generic drugs are NOT the *exact same thing* as the name brands. I, myself, cannot take the generic version of certain pharmaceuticals because they add ingredients or slightly change the amounts of inert ingredients, that cause an allergic type reaction. I have to pay (a very steep price, I might add!) for the name brand drug, because of this. Not all generic pharmaceuticals are created equal to their name brand counterparts. I know from this experience!
This is true. A few years ago I had a bad cold and purchased the generic version of Mucinex to save some $$. It did nothing for me. I ended up grabbing the brand name and it cleared me right up.
This! Generics have to have the same *active* ingredient but the inactive ingredients are allowed to be up to 20% different by FDA regulations and this variance is what can change efficacy and side effects. Likewise, generics can vary from one manufacturer to another causing further issue. And all milk is NOT created equal. Dairy products rely on the quality of the diet of the cow, factory farm milk is nothing like local pastured milk. But otherwise lots of good tips in this video!
Generics are a mixed bag. I take a branded drug for which the active ingredient is the same as a very cheap generic. About once a year my doctor has to write a letter explaining why I need to have the brand name product. The generic is a tablet, and I do not absorb it. The brand name is an oil in a small capsule, and I respond very well to it. On the other hand,there is another drug for which generics are just fine. However,one gen
Generic is a very large rather rough round tablet. Another brand of the generic is a small coated caplet. I almost always choke on the big rough tablet m and easily swallow all three caplets at once. The pharmacist made a note on my record to always give me the ]right brand of generic. Thank heavens for a true professional.
@@rachelcoleman4327 100% true. I liked the video otherwise, but that entire section really irked me. I now buy generic for food and medicine more than name brand, but I'm not going to pretend that there's no difference, because there often is - it just isn't a big enough difference for me to pay extra for name brand. And with different kinds of milk - both cow and plant-based - I can absolutely taste the difference in quality based on a variety of factors.
As a misanthrope, who prefers to shop in person (the irony isn't lost on me), I really appreciate those who use Curbside Pickup, as it reduces the number of people I have to deal with. Thank you.
Wowzer!!!! I love ALL of these hacks but the one about chatting with a rep to find a coupon or discount is AMAZING!!! Man, I wish I would have thought or known that a month ago because I have done a TON of online shopping this past month. I also love the idea of shopping after 7pm to get the discounts on the reduced grocery, and the idea of abandoning my online cart and waiting for a discount or coupon on that item for the company to persuade me to purchase it! You best believe I am going to be trying these on all my future purchases!! Thanks a million!!
One thing I would inform your viewers of is the importance of noticing "shrinkflation" and how it effects the quantity you are getting and sometimes not the price
Great ideas. Changing the volume at the self check at Walmart also lowers the noise to let you know you scan an item. This can cause you to scan the item multiple times. Plus it stays low or off till an associate changes it back.
Thanks for the great info, Matt! One more for your sweet tooth: Stores with bakeries will often put yesterday's items on clearance, anywhere from 25 to 75% off. They can be found at various locations around the store on a rack or table. Also, kosher salt isn't made the same. The granules from Morton's are larger than those from Diamond Kosher Salt. I found out the hard way 😝 We love you too!
As kind of an added bonus to the bonus hack, I like to add manufacturer's coupon with store coupons and even online savings apps like Ibotta. I have done so before with a bottle of Irish Spring body wash (I believe 28 0z size). I used both store and manufacture coupons and then scanned the receipt to Ibotta. The final cost was about $1 when I was done.
I work as a designer at a mom and pop florist shop. The thing about 1-800-Flowers, or some other majorly discounted floral websites is that it is basically just a third party order gatherer. They entice you with super low prices when you buy through them. Then send the order to florists in the area, which many won't accept for that low of a price. The few that do will definitely give you your $30 worth of flowers. But it will be exactly your dollar amount worth of flowers, not the actual picture. Just be wary a deal may be too good to be true, realistically.
Hey Matt - just an FYI - All purpose flour varies quite a bit from brand to brand. King Arthur AP flour is 11.7% protein, while Gold Medal is 10.5. Doesn’t matter to most folks, but to a serious baker, it’s important to know. LOVE YOUR STUFF! (How about reviewing Stapless, or Harbor Freight Tools, or….?
These videos are GREAT!!👍🏻Placing your child inside the cart to take up space in order to stay on budget is a SUPER idea! I wonder if my 6’2 285 pound 17 yr old son would work? 😂🤣Thanks, Matt 😊👍🏻❤️
Thank you so much for all of your research and your posting with everything the way it is right now every penny counts thank you again love to you and your beautiful family
I just found you here. I am absolutely loving your vid’s! I find them informative, refreshing and am laughing and smiling! Thank you!!!! Have an awesome day!
Whenever I get a text message that you’ve posted another video I stop everything that I’m doing and watch. Thank you for posting all of your helpful hints and deal information! I love your sense of humor and find myself laughing out loud at least once every time!
If you don’t use much milk, buy half and half instead; it lasts much much longer. Much better on cereal. Or: Kefir not only has a lot of health benefits ( probiotics) but lasts for months.
Regarding Hack #5, shopping carts, my wife and I use the child seat portion of the cart for everything we possibly can rather than the main body of the cart (which we use only for really big things like cases of bathroom tissue). Easier than a basket both to carry and to unload, and holds about the same. Thanks for this and all your videos!
I do the same thing! The Walmart I shop at doesn't even have the hand baskets anymore. They claim the baskets keep getting stolen, but the Dollar Tree next door doesn't seem to have any trouble keeping them.
Thank you Matt, With everything going up lately it helps tremendously saving as many areas as we can. Also Some grocery stares give points for shopping with them that you can in turn use for lowering your gas $. BTW, have you seen the price of gas lately??
I raised 2 children using newspaper store coupons. A subscription is now way too expensive for what it provides. Some pages of coupons are randomly delivered via USPS and ecoupons are helpful. I don't shop at night, but have found Walmart discounts early in the morning. Look for the yellow tags. I must remember end of month shopping. Thanks for the tips. It's all love!!!
We sure need your hacks and tips NOW! Gas and oil are already skyrocketing (again) today due to the new sanctions, its insane. (They should reopen American drilling!! Yes there are leases, but my oil guy just now told me the Fed Govt won't give them the permits to drill!) I am very grateful for your money saving tips Matt, now more than *ever* . God bless you!!
Thank you for another excellent video Matt! With fuel costs being a hot topic right now, Gas Buddy is my favorite fuel hack. Not only does the app allow a quick overview sorted to your preferences (location, fuel grade, price, etc) but obtaining a Pay With Gas Buddy card (linked card, NOT a credit card) offers fuel discounts of at least 5 cents a gallon and special deals beyond that at times-I have saved $245 in 4 years with this card and I’m a single driver home. Other cool aspect is you can purchase at most stations instead of being locked to one brand like with some loyalty programs. Hope this helps someone out there if they’re not already on board with Gas Buddy!
Happy Humpday everyone!!! It's Washing Wednesday here. I do my little girl's laundry on Wednesdays. LOL I get excited when I get that text alert I made for you, Matt!!!
Thank you, Matt, especially for the reminder of price matching! I caution, however, that I found stores would NOT match Black Friday prices. I haven't tried for a couple of years since, so perhaps that's changed!
If within return window, I would return item and rebuy. I've seen most stores reverse the decision not to price match due to people returning and rebuying.
@@thedealguy Matt, I bought a watch oh so many years ago and later saw the same watch advertised for much less just a few days later. I figured like you mention here, if they refused my lower price, I would return the watch and buy a different one at the lower price. I was happy when they gave me money back on the watch I bought a few days earlier so I didn't have to go through the "return and re-buy" process.
They don't. Most stores state it that they don't price match on that day. Look at the receipt and what is posted on their website about returns and what they call "special deal days" (Black Friday, Christmas specials).
Matt this was another great video! However, I have to disagree about the baking flour. I bake a lot for my family and want to provide them with the best that I can afford. I believe that unbleached flour is much better for us and for the environment. My son and I had done an experiment where we made 10 batches of chocolate chip cookies and just changed one ingredient to see if there were any differences. The King Arthur or another local mill made a slightly chewier cookie (which we love, but I know is not everyone's perference) But in the long run, you are right Matt - most bleached flours will perform equally in most of your baking needs. Thanks for putting our such great videos. I really do enjoy all of them! I am also thrilled that you commented on Kathryn Do it on a Dime! Your both are Great!
My local grocery store marks down meat early in the morning that was not sold yesterday. I get there about 7 am and stock up. The food is perfectly good and I freeze what I don't need at the time.
These are excellent tips, Matt! Especially nowadays with this inflation... you're providing an invaluable service! You, my friend, rock!! PS: We love you back! ❤
Easy prescription hack- Buy ALL of your prescriptions from Costco if you have one nearby. I have found every prescription I've ever gotten at least 25%, sometimes 60% cheaper. The best part is you don't have to be a Costco member to use their pharmacy. If you do have a membership, you save 10% on top of it.
OMG the promo deals and live chat deals is a game changer!!! Why didn’t I know this, and thanks a million for all these tips and Deals. I did notice the tags do have different measurements on.them making comparison in the spur of the moment difficult especially when kids are begging to go home! I also experienced a drop in my online grocery shopping at Walmart and at pick up I questioned the total price and they said some of the items had dropped price so wow bonus there. It was a late in the evening order too! More than ever we need your expertise not only on hacks which I love but really all purchases as we will all be tightening our budgets! Great job Matt for all your help!!! You rock! Love 💕 and hugs 🤗 to you and the family!🤩
True, but I have to say I do not like some brands of milk. Like Clover Valley from Dollar General just doesn’t have a good flavor. I’d rather pay convenient store prices for a name brand than drink dollar store milk. Great video though! I’m amazed with some of the the things he points out that I would never think about.
When my girls were growing up, I always bought OTC generic meds. Only thing I found different was Benadryl vs. off brand. The off brand had 3x more ALCOHOL. Rest of the ingredients were the same. I opted to buy name brand Benedryl. Ingredients may have changed in 30 yrs. just a heads up if your daughter would need Benadryl. Please read the alcohol content.
@@thedealguy My husband worked for Dow Chemical in their pharmaceutical division for a while and the fillers are often completely different in the generic brands to make them more affordable. Often people can have reactions or allergies to medications because of this.
@@kg3095 I sold pharmaceuticals for 25 years. This is 100% true. It may be why most people do better with brand name vs generic. It made me sad, as most people were forced to buy generic by their insurance - I saw this often with psychotropic drugs like antidepressants & dermatology products also. Please understand - Pharma wants you to believe the cheaper generic is just as good - I saw many time it simply was not.
I must say, your videos have shown me quite a bit on how to shop. Being a Veteran, I had to learn how to shop while I was active for the best deals wherever I was stationed for me and my family. I thought I was pretty good at sniffing out a deal. My Friend...Thank you so much for doing this channel. At times I say yup..yup..and then WOA! Really!? Thank you Thank you! Please keep up the content!! I've learned so much.
I would add a very important hack! Always and only buy groceries that are on sale! All grocery stores have a weekly ad. Buy 2 or 3 of the things you want and that are on sale. Then you won’t run out and have to buy them at full price. Cycles run 4-6 weeks. Items will always go back on sale. Also, I beg to differ with you about bleach. They are not all the same! I find that Clorox is way better.
Bleach at Dollar General is $2 for a full gallon.. if you have a swimming pool (my sympathies for the mx headaches), you can use bleach instead of chlorine or shock to treat it, but must use twice as much. Pool shock had risen about 40% in a yr..
I really like the idea of putting in a small cart in the larger cart because I do have a hard time carrying a hand cart around a store. This idea will help me keep on budget.
If only my family would want to go in the evening time, I knew that it may have some best deals around this time of the day and I'd love to go see what they have.
Hi Matt, I wanted to thank you for always putting a smile on my face when I watch your videos. I am a huge crafter when I am not working. Is it possible for you to make any recommendations for Michael's, Joanne's or Hobby Lobby? Any way to save a buck would make my husband really happy!👍👍
Last time I went to Starbucks, I took your advice. I got 2 shots over ice and added cream. The end was only 2.45 and it was definitely worth it. Thanks!!
Hi Matt! As always, you have some awesome tips. The one that really got me laughing is "there is no such thing as a name brand cow," LOL!!! You crack me up!🤣 Thank you for all of your hard work making these videos. We sure need you given today's economy, plus we just love you!💗
Good job! I knew many of these but always happy to learn more! Sam’s often marks their meat down too! We found going early in the morning you can find meat marked down at local grocery and Sams at times!
I did this price adjustment with Kroger during that sick extreme record heat wave June 21’. A rep. for Kroger let me know that the fans were going to sell out. So she told me to grab it for one price and in less than 20 days it will be adjusted by $5-$15 dollars. It was 12 days later! Not a bunch of dollars. But glad I did it, because we were sold out of fans for a month. And we do not believe in a.c. in the pnw 😂
Your videos are always awesome Matt! I'm a neat/perfectionist/OCD-type of guy. One day I was comparing ingredients between the branded loratadine (Claritin) and the generic loratadine. While they both have the same active ingredient and perform exactly the same way, the inactive ingredients seem to be slightly different. So...not quite "exactly the same." I will still buy generic though 😁 With flour... my mom, once in a while, makes pasties and she usually buys the Gold brand flour. One time she bought Sam Club's in-house branded flour. When she used it, her pastries tasted almost dry. She didn't change anything except the brand of flour. Even the customer reviews all said their baking goods tasted dry. So... while some in-house brand may be the same as branded, Sam's Club flour is DEFINITELY, not made the same as the branded one.
I just love your energy! Not to mention the good info you provide. The price match policy and using it before Black Friday is just brilliant! God Bless.
As a disabled, I use two baskets inside cart esp for the smaller items. So much easier to lift out a basket vs individuals items such as fruit, cheese, soups, makeup, etc.
Matt, I love watching your videos! Very informative and I love your energy level & your little jokes along the way! Thank you for sharing your deals with me! Blessings to you and your family! ❤️✝️👍
your videos are great... the good rx is awesome, and their monthly membership is amazing if you do not have insurance... when out of work for a year and no insurance, it saved me over 12k...
Thanks for making these videos for people like me, I really appreciate the inside scoop as I get easily overwhelmed while shopping and need to just get it done, lol I'm saving lots because of you! :D
I love your videos even though I'm in the UK, some of these things apply anywhere. My tip is that there's a store over here called Poundland (our Dollar Tree) and if you go in first thing in the morning when the doors open, especially on a Sunday, they often have sandwiches at half price! That's just 50p and all because the expiry date is up but they last for days in a fridge. Great for if you're going on a picnic and want pre-packed food.
I agree with you, Matt, and a lot of your little tricks except for one. Flour is different if you're going from gold medal. Great value. They're the same but if you're going from gold medal to King Arthur or White Lily there difference consistency and much better for baking. I've been down this road a few times because it is cheaper for gold medal but you don't get as good of a product as far as when you bake like I do😉. Just wanted to let you know that you can feel the difference in the flour.
Great list. We have been sharing about hack number 3 for a while on our channel and we are even focusing on a Do The Math Challenge this month. I was so excited to see that you shared this tip. Hopefully, it will help everyone to make wiser shopping choices. Thanks for sharing.
People have been asking me for months to make a Shopping Secrets for ALL retailers, so if you enjoyed this video, please give it a THUMBS UP as it helps me in the UA-cam algorithm! 😀 What are some of your shopping secrets?? Comment Below 👇
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Walmart used to mark the rotisserie chicken down at about 9 p.m. To my knowledge the local Walmart still marks the fried Chicken and wings down about.50-2.50 an hour or two before closing.
Milk isn't alawys the same across brand. Store brands often have their own testing facilities for incoming milk, and the producers start with the store brands who pay the most, then work their way down the list if they get rejected. The milk is tested, visually inspected for color, and the scent is checked. I had a friend who worked for one of the grocery testing facilities and she said she often had producers try and bring milk where the cows had been grazing on alliums, and you could smell it in the milk.
Actually the diaries Walmart uses arent always as ethical as other local diaries regarding animal welfare
Thank you for your research and videos!!!
I just have to say one of the things I absolutely love about watching your videos is not only that you want to help everyone save money which is huge especially in The Times we're living in, but it's the fact that after every video you say I love you bye bye. I know that that's simple and it might be missed by lots of people. But that might be the only time someone hears "I love you," today. And I just have to say that every time I watch your videos it just makes me smile from ear to ear when I hear it. In case you don't hear it from anyone other than your wife and daughter, I love you too, and thank you for what you do.
Thank you for such a nice comment Malia! I think everyone deserves to hear I love you, even if its just from a friend like me :)
Excellent observation
@Malia Brown Williams, After the savings (some pertain to me, some don't), the end is my favorite part of the video
Absolutely agree! You’re the best and I love You too!
I promise you Matt...there is lots of love out here for you and your family and your sign off brightens many of our days😊😊😊❤
Years ago, I worked as a stock boy in an independent grocer and the owner wanted me to build a display for Campbells Soup since someone over ordered that week. This was back when items had to be priced with stickers. He had me price the cans as ‘3 for $1’ - the display was at the end of the soup aisle where the regular price was 25 cents a can. We struggled to keep the display filled - we sold a boatload of soup! Very important to think about what you’re buying…thanks for the great video, Matt!
Too many people aren't good at math. I work for Mondelez International, parent company of Nabisco, and frequently see this happen. I have actually pointed out to customers in store what the "best deal is" and it is 50/50 if they take my advice. A few summers ago Pepsi and Coke were alternating how much two liter bottles cost. They would run 4 for $5.00 or $.99 each max purchase ten units. Both companies sold more units locally that summer under the 4 for $5.00.
Mexican stores are undefeated when it comes to produce, something I discovered 2 years ago. They have weekly deals like 7 lbs for a dollar sweet onion, 4 lbs for a dollar tomato, 8 cucumbers for a dollar, 30 cents green pepper, 4 corns for a dollar, $7 for 60 eggs and even 0.50 cents per pound drumsticks, etc. They are my go to for produce and even chicken and some meat.
@Tamar Hannah Whipkey
I live in Henderson, NV a suburb in Vegas. La Bonita is the only Mexican place in our area which opened 2 years ago. Not only they have the best deals on produce and meat, they also have a restaurant inside and my favorite, a good sized bakery where bread are made fresh everyday. Right now they also offer free delivery with minimum purchase of 5 dollars online through their website. It's really a great deal.
@Tamar Hannah Whipkey Try to find a decent size Mexican store if you can. Not sure if a mom and pop would have the same deals as the Mexican stores here in Vegas but who knows. Over here their groceries are decent size.
Called Amazon for a price adjustment when an item went on sale 50% off two days after purchasing. They gave me a hard time and wouldn't adjust the price. I finally said "Fine. I'll return this one and then re-buy it so I can get the sale price." Only then, they finally gave me a credit.
My experience has been not that. I bought something on Amazon, only for the price to go down by 20% a week later. I TRUDGED through the options to get a hold of a customer service chat rep, and even though it was sold and fulfilled by Amazon, they said they couldn't do a price match. I told them I'll just buy it again at the discounted price and return it at the original price, and they said that that was the way to go.
Since then, I have done just that on several items, instead of wasting my time trying to get a hold of a rep. I'm all for reducing carbon footprint, but I blame Amazon for ignoring this low-hanging fruit. Seems like they'd rather make it difficult to price match than to rebuy and return, which just seems fiscally irresponsible. It's a love-hate thing.
One caveat -- make sure you read the return policies specific to the items, even if it's free returns. Some electronics are subject to a 20% restocking fee, even if unopened. I didn't realize this until I noticed that I wasn't refunded for the full amount on one item and looked at the fine print. So the end result for that was: I didn't get the discount, and Amazon lost shipping and return costs. And we all lose, LOL.
I called later the same day and they wouldn’t change it.
Same happened to me they won’t adjust my price. I told them returning it & repurchasing is the same thing just less customer friendly.
Amazon absolutely refused to adjust my price
You don't call, do it through the app like a return then in the comments put price change, requesting refund for price difference. It's only a 7 day policy and most things have 30 day return policy so there ya go. I buy those snack boxes and check the price on Amazon every day for those 7 days because that's how often the price changes! I was able to get a 40 piece snack box for $20 then the next day the price went down so I quickly requested a refund for the price difference. I got my refund for more than half the original price! Keep an eye out people! I noticed at least on this particular item the price was changing everyday!
Also, appreciate the attention you paid to local, small business. You’re very thoughtful. And someone noticed.
I will try and shop at a small business any time I get the chance!
I bought a new blade for my Cricut at Michaels for $35. Found it a week later on Amazon for $16. I took my receipt to Michaels and was refunded the difference. Worth hanging on to those receipts and checking price match policies!
Yes! So smart
When I'm with my wife at Michael's I always scan the bar codes in the Amazon app, we saved $40 on a cutting mat because it was just that much cheaper on Amazon.
Good info. I thought Michaels stopped price matching.
@@MomHarper as of six months ago they still did, but they may have changed since then.
Yeah, always check Amazon before buying at Michels/JoAnn/Hobby Lobby. Don't trust JoAnn's at all. I got a Mini Heat Press, their website said 49.99, they were selling it in the store for 69.99. If you didn't look at their website and know about the price difference, you would have just cost yourself some money. It really does pay to shop around before buying.
I got an eye drop RX for my pet using Good RX and found his med at Costco. Many dont know many Costco's sell pet medications. My vet was selling it for $75. I asked for the prescription instead of buying it there. Costco and using Good RX, I got it for like $17!!!
Good for you! Walgreens will do it also!
Matt- As an employee of a small town pharmacy- I want to point out 2 things.
Generic medications are not the exact same ingredients. They are the same active ingredients and will work the same, but the fillers could be different. For instance, one pill may have a yellow dye and the other be white. Some people might be sensitive to the dye. I personally feel generics are the way to go- but this is also governed by your insurance company and your physician. Some insurance companies may require you to use the generic, but your experience has been it doesn't work as well as the name brand samples your doctor gave you. Conversely, there are some insurance companies that do not allow you to use generic for specific drugs- weird but true. AND- worse yet- not all drugs have a generic.
As far as good Rx, it doesn't work with all insurance companies. It works very well for people with no prescription drug coverage, but not necessarily for those who are insured. Please do not yell at the pharmacy staff when you try to use Good Rx. They really aren't stupid and do know what they are talking about. Just because the celebrity in the commercial says it works, doesn't mean it will work for your situation. Remember you get more bees with honey- don't be rude!!!!!
I use to work at a supermarket bakery.
We would put out discount cakes on the discount rack first thing in the morning.
A lot of the cakes were only 3-5 days since being put out.
Usually the icing of a fully covered cake will keep it fresh for at least a week.
There were so many days I had to put out 1/2 sheet cakes (feeds around 20-30 1.5inch slices) for $11 when buying it the night before would be $30.
Also, if you want to pick up a cake for a date in a week or two, you can just wrap it in cling-wrap(the container it came in could help protect it) and put it in the freezer and some can last up to a month that way.
Thanku!
Matt, you’ve saved my family so much money over the years. Helped us during hard times. Thank you!
Thanks so much for sticking with me over the years. I'm glad I've been as helpful to you as your loyal friendship means to me!
Yes you have saved me money! Too lol. I also spend too much. Lol! Haha 😄 please luxury item deals!
You have helped more than this old lady save some social security dollars as well...THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH❤❤❤
Hey Matt!! Just to let everyone know when a store reduces their prices that is for items that are expiring that day. They will leave them out the next day after expiring also just to try to make quotas. The mark-up on groceries is INCREDIBLE & they do not care how they make their quotas! !! I very worked at different grocery stores for the last 15 years.
Thank you!!
Walmart scanner often charges full price on Dell food so check for discount prices
If food is sold or left on the shelf after expiring, the store can be charged $10 thousand.
@@deborahtucker7022
Which unfortunately doesn't matter with how much they probably stand to make. Meanwhile they refuse to give stuff away due to liability. Funny how that works.
They just relabel 😩 I know someone that worked at Publix who says what they don't sell they relabel and put back out.
I worked in a Walmart in their dairy department several years ago. we carried 3 brands of milk in my store. 2 from local dairies and the great value. great value was delivered to us on the same day, same pallets & crates from one of those local dairies. the only difference was the local dairy had white plastic jugs and the gv was clear plastic. used to tell people this any time they complained about the price of the local brand but only about half of them listened to me!
also, if there are local dairies in your area that supply the grocery stores and you go through quite a bit of any of their products, try calling their number that is listed on the label. sometimes they will let you purchase the product directly from them at a cost closer to what the store paid! you'll probably just have to go to their warehouse or whatever to pick it up. EXAMPLE: one of our local dairies also sells iced tea products. most everyone in the area is addicted to their tea. local walmart price (when i worked there) 2.62/gallon. but, if you were willing to go to the warehouse and buy 4 gallons at once they'd sell it to you for $1/gallon.
Matt, one thing I always do, is I make sure I go thru the check-outs where they have a live person. This helps to keep live people working and earning money. I have even waited for the one cashier at Wal-Mart. Thanks for the cool videos!
Great point!!
Me too!
Never thought of this I’m gonna do the same now!
I understand the thought there, but look at walmart as the main example. Years ago they had 30 part time cashiers that would work 4 hour shifts each day. Have to deal with doing breaks and lunchs for the full time ones that had been there. You hardly ever found workers on aisles to help find products. Nowadays, you will find 30 workers shopping for the curbside or delivery orders and are able to ask them for assistance as you are on the aisles needing help. If you have 1 worker watching and helping for 6 self check outs, this allows more labor hours to be used for day time stocking and the online curbside orders that are the best consumer friendly service that the company has came out with.
@@Bamapride1985 That scenario would be great at my local Walmart, but I haven't noticed any increase in floor personnel.
The only local supermarket with self-checkout (that I can recall) is Ralphs. I oftentimes say to the cashier, "Sorry for interrupting your impromptu break, but I need you to ring up my beer." LOL. Otherwise I'm going in the fastest line, whether it's self-checkout or cashier. Seems to be an even split, though I prefer a live person because chatting with myself at the self-checkout gets weird looks.
Not all heroes wear capes. Thank you so much for your videos! My mom and I greatly appreciate them!
FYI: sticking to the the outside aisles of the store is also good for when trying to lose weight or eat healthier, because as he said, the middle aisles are where most processed package and high sugar foods are and outer aisles contain mostly whole single ingredient items 👍
Being a pharmacy tech every pharmacist I’ve worked for has told me that there are a few drugs that if the doctor tells you to get brand name only you need to. Some of the generics don’t work as well even though most do. Just go by what your doctor tells you. Also when it comes to generics they are allowed to contain up to 10% less of the medication than the brand name. I’ve personally never been able to tell the difference. This is just what the pharmacists I’ve worked for have told me.
I agree; the only thing in the video I would discredit. I work in Pharmacy, and it is true that some generics just do NOT work for some patients, and the Brand produces an effect. At the same time, it could be just the provider believing the patient subjectively and prescribing the Brand just because the patient believes psychologically Brands works while generics are knock-offs. Otherwise, he's definitely right about GoodRx - big time money saver
I agree also, was a CPhT for 10 years. Also, the inactive ingredients in a generic can be different from the brand and cause side effects, so definitely be wary.
Generics are allowed to contain different inactive ingredients, which can sometimes mean a person absorbs them differently....and that can either mean slightly better or lesser absorption. They have to contain the same active ingredient and be of the same quality. I question the notion thaat generics can contain up
to 10% less active ingredient, *unless* its been confirmed it gives the same therapeutic efficacy. (also pharm tech)
Wellbutrin XL vs. Buproprion HCL or whatever it's called is the only one I've needed the name brand because the generic was not working for my depression.
@@jackireese7387 There you go, thanks for sharing!
I’m definitely a store brand shopper after working in a grocery store and two drugstores- the only thing I’ll differ on is due to food allergies. I also eat raw cane sugar instead of regular sugar and you’re right about stores changing units between tags/brands/sizes. I always do the math!! It’s been hard to convince my husband to shop more than just “deals,” as some things are already cheaper, like at aldi or a few dollar stores with the same brand. You’ve definitely helped a lot with my shopping. Thank you!
Prices per unit of measure: You're right. When you look at your hourly wage versus what you save, that extra minute of math makes up for your time!
Yes! I had no idea that the stores changed units of measure on their shelf tags!!
Most Kroger brand food is really good, and usually cheaper. Avoid Dollar General Clover Valley brand, most of it sucks.
Thanks Matt, really love these hacks. My wife has had good luck with Walmart bakery deserts on Saturday morning, which is why I turn sideways to go through the door.
😂😂😂
If you eat out of the trunk of your car, the calories don't count!
@@robertcrabtree8835 😂😂
What time Saturday morning?
@@kaybonette She said she has to be there before 9:00 am or everything is gone.
When shopping I've stopped my niece from just grabbing any item that she likes the look of. I've always stopped her and pointed out the unit pricing for different sizes or if genetic might be just as good. She would roll her eyes and day we are barely saving money.
Literally yesterday we were shopping and I was having a hard time concentrating to check which size was cheaper. She stopped me and said, woah check the unit price first, this one is a better deal!
I never felt prouder. Lol
Hi Robyn! Can you explain/go into detail what this means? I have never looked at unit prices.
@@sarah8579 The unit price is the price per item. Whatever the measurement may be. Maybe the product is measured in ounces and the unit price is $0.10 per oz for a 64oz package. They may have a package that is 32oz and the unit price is $0.14 per oz. This happens sometimes and the smaller item may be cheaper, but if you look at the unit price it is costing you more per ounce. So depending on whether a larger size makes sense for you, you may want to get the larger size because it costs less per ounce.
Great ideas! Thanks. I reluctantly took my daughter's advice to start grocery shopping by curbside pickup. I have found I'm saving lots of money by not impulse buying. It also saves my time and effort of shopping, loading items through checkout and back into car. I encourage all to try it once.
I don't think I've actually gone in the store to shop for groceries since this whole mess started
I totally agree! I love the order pick up because I don't add that extra $50+ to my cart. I go in every few weeks to check out clearances and availability but not often.
One hack I learned while trucking. Walmart/Sam's spiral cut hams in the PURPLE foil comes from a Smithfield planting Tar Heel, NC. It's half the price of a Smithfield labeled ham. Same product! I buy one or 2 every year around Easter.
Learned about these things before you tube , always make a list stick to it never go to hungry to store. I get deli food later in the evening 72 years old my son is 45 shops the same way . Agree with you about milk, salt, bleach, cookies etc between store brands and name brands.
The 2optical stores you mentioned, Target, Lenscrafters are owned and operated by Luxottica. Walmart isn't yet. As a retired optician, I can say if the prescription is simple it is possible to order eyeglasses on line BUT progressive no line lenses or complex prescriptions are best to avoid on line.
Brilliant! Hack #5 is for me from right now! And all the price matching hacks are wonderful. You are such a consumer advocate and deserve all your success.
I do enjoy that Walmart Lemon Pepper Rotisserie Chicken from time to time. My amateur tip is don't go to a grocery store when you're hungry lol. Good for you in stating not to dismiss shopping at mom & pop stores.
I look at the unit price all the time. I’ve found at times it’s cheaper to buy 2 of the smaller size then 1 of the larger size! I will respectfully however, disagree about the Sunday newspaper. I used to get them all the time but after a few weeks of paying over $5 for a newspaper and cutting out only a couple of coupons, I stopped buying the paper. Maybe the price of the paper varies by region. 🤷🏻♀️
Love your videos! 💚
My biggest money saver has been doing the "pick up" at Walmart, Sam's, and HEB. By making my list and not going into the store I am not tempted by things I do not need. The down side is not getting to choose my produce and meats but the savings have made up for it. HEB allows you to leave a message for your shopper which is helpful.
Thanks Matt for letting folks know that store brands of certain items are "the same" and cost much less! Sugar is sugar, salt is salt etc! Keep up the great work💯. Best wishes always, Lori
Shopping by price per oz (or whatever unit) is HUGE. I've found this change frequently - so some days the smaller package is actually a better value than the bulk size. Once we found organic brand-name chicken was cheaper than even the nameless, super cheap chicken. We stocked up!
Also Deli Product have a shelf life on them that is why they are marked down so look for expiration dates. They have short sell by dates.
Thanks for all the work you put into these! It is appreciated! ❤️
Thanks for watching Cara!
I bought my car the last day of the month. I bought my car at a loss to the dealership (I worked there so I was able to look at the numbers), my sales guy was 1 unit away from hitting his bonus so he was desperately seeking one more deal. I planned on buying the car the next weekend so it wasn’t a big deal to me but I got a huge discount of nearly 2k off the car so I was able to purchase in cash vs financing. Worth it
Hack #11. Before I pick up a food item, I ask myself "Would I eat this out of my car trunk like The Deal Guy?". If not, I put it back on the shelf.
😂😂😂
Hey Matt, I've been watching you for a while now and I would like to point out that generic drugs are NOT the *exact same thing* as the name brands. I, myself, cannot take the generic version of certain pharmaceuticals because they add ingredients or slightly change the amounts of inert ingredients, that cause an allergic type reaction. I have to pay (a very steep price, I might add!) for the name brand drug, because of this. Not all generic pharmaceuticals are created equal to their name brand counterparts. I know from this experience!
This is true. A few years ago I had a bad cold and purchased the generic version of Mucinex to save some $$. It did nothing for me. I ended up grabbing the brand name and it cleared me right up.
This! Generics have to have the same *active* ingredient but the inactive ingredients are allowed to be up to 20% different by FDA regulations and this variance is what can change efficacy and side effects. Likewise, generics can vary from one manufacturer to another causing further issue. And all milk is NOT created equal. Dairy products rely on the quality of the diet of the cow, factory farm milk is nothing like local pastured milk. But otherwise lots of good tips in this video!
Generics are a mixed bag. I take a branded drug for which the active ingredient is the same as a very cheap generic. About once a year my doctor has to write a letter explaining why I need to have the brand name product. The generic is a tablet, and I do not absorb it. The brand name is an oil in a small capsule, and I respond very well to it. On the other hand,there is another drug for which generics are just fine. However,one gen
Generic is a very large rather rough round tablet. Another brand of the generic is a small coated caplet. I almost always choke on the big rough tablet m and easily swallow all three caplets at once. The pharmacist made a note on my record to always give me the ]right brand of generic. Thank heavens for a true professional.
@@rachelcoleman4327 100% true. I liked the video otherwise, but that entire section really irked me. I now buy generic for food and medicine more than name brand, but I'm not going to pretend that there's no difference, because there often is - it just isn't a big enough difference for me to pay extra for name brand. And with different kinds of milk - both cow and plant-based - I can absolutely taste the difference in quality based on a variety of factors.
As a misanthrope, who prefers to shop in person (the irony isn't lost on me), I really appreciate those who use Curbside Pickup, as it reduces the number of people I have to deal with. Thank you.
Wowzer!!!! I love ALL of these hacks but the one about chatting with a rep to find a coupon or discount is AMAZING!!! Man, I wish I would have thought or known that a month ago because I have done a TON of online shopping this past month. I also love the idea of shopping after 7pm to get the discounts on the reduced grocery, and the idea of abandoning my online cart and waiting for a discount or coupon on that item for the company to persuade me to purchase it! You best believe I am going to be trying these on all my future purchases!! Thanks a million!!
One thing I would inform your viewers of is the importance of noticing "shrinkflation" and how it effects the quantity you are getting and sometimes not the price
96oz is the new gallon. Same price
Boggles the mind that the sizes of products is getting smaller and we have an obesity problem in this country.
Sometimes a prescription company that produces the brand name will also produce the generic. I think you just agreed a me. You always do a great job.
Great ideas. Changing the volume at the self check at Walmart also lowers the noise to let you know you scan an item. This can cause you to scan the item multiple times. Plus it stays low or off till an associate changes it back.
Or don’t scan it 😳
Thanks for the great info, Matt! One more for your sweet tooth: Stores with bakeries will often put yesterday's items on clearance, anywhere from 25 to 75% off. They can be found at various locations around the store on a rack or table. Also, kosher salt isn't made the same. The granules from Morton's are larger than those from Diamond Kosher Salt. I found out the hard way 😝 We love you too!
Thank you!!!
Lol, my WalMart puts the discount cakes, muffins n cookies near the milk, total back of the store compared to the bakery lol
@@lisabishop6266 my store does the same, I never thought much of it until now! Lol
I love the bakery bargain bins!
Some put em out early am, some late night. The discount Danishes stay good for days if in an airtight container.
As kind of an added bonus to the bonus hack, I like to add manufacturer's coupon with store coupons and even online savings apps like Ibotta. I have done so before with a bottle of Irish Spring body wash (I believe 28 0z size). I used both store and manufacture coupons and then scanned the receipt to Ibotta. The final cost was about $1 when I was done.
Wow!
I work as a designer at a mom and pop florist shop. The thing about 1-800-Flowers, or some other majorly discounted floral websites is that it is basically just a third party order gatherer. They entice you with super low prices when you buy through them. Then send the order to florists in the area, which many won't accept for that low of a price. The few that do will definitely give you your $30 worth of flowers. But it will be exactly your dollar amount worth of flowers, not the actual picture. Just be wary a deal may be too good to be true, realistically.
Hey Matt - just an FYI - All purpose flour varies quite a bit from brand to brand. King Arthur AP flour is 11.7% protein, while Gold Medal is 10.5. Doesn’t matter to most folks, but to a serious baker, it’s important to know. LOVE YOUR STUFF! (How about reviewing Stapless, or Harbor Freight Tools, or….?
These videos are GREAT!!👍🏻Placing your child inside the cart to take up space in order to stay on budget is a SUPER idea! I wonder if my 6’2 285 pound 17 yr old son would work? 😂🤣Thanks, Matt 😊👍🏻❤️
😂😂😂
Thank you so much for all of your research and your posting with everything the way it is right now every penny counts thank you again love to you and your beautiful family
It sure does! Thanks for watching!
I just found you here. I am absolutely loving your vid’s! I find them informative, refreshing and am laughing and smiling! Thank you!!!! Have an awesome day!
Whenever I get a text message that you’ve posted another video I stop everything that I’m doing and watch. Thank you for posting all of your helpful hints and deal information! I love your sense of humor and find myself laughing out loud at least once every time!
That is so nice of you Kristina! I know your day is probably very busy so that means a lot
If you don’t use much milk, buy half and half instead; it lasts much much longer. Much better on cereal. Or: Kefir not only has a lot of health benefits ( probiotics) but lasts for months.
Regarding Hack #5, shopping carts, my wife and I use the child seat portion of the cart for everything we possibly can rather than the main body of the cart (which we use only for really big things like cases of bathroom tissue). Easier than a basket both to carry and to unload, and holds about the same. Thanks for this and all your videos!
I do the same thing!
I do the same thing! The Walmart I shop at doesn't even have the hand baskets anymore. They claim the baskets keep getting stolen, but the Dollar Tree next door doesn't seem to have any trouble keeping them.
@@mrkraemer77722 - Use one from the Dollar Tree (just joking!)
Awesome videos. I'm an Aldi's, Dollar Store and Dollar Tree fanatic!!!
Thank you Matt,
With everything going up lately it helps tremendously saving as many areas as we can. Also Some grocery stares give points for shopping with them that you can in turn use for lowering your gas $. BTW, have you seen the price of gas lately??
I raised 2 children using newspaper store coupons. A subscription is now way too expensive for what it provides. Some pages of coupons are randomly delivered via USPS and ecoupons are helpful. I don't shop at night, but have found Walmart discounts early in the morning. Look for the yellow tags. I must remember end of month shopping. Thanks for the tips. It's all love!!!
We sure need your hacks and tips NOW! Gas and oil are already skyrocketing (again) today due to the new sanctions, its insane. (They should reopen American drilling!! Yes there are leases, but my oil guy just now told me the Fed Govt won't give them the permits to drill!) I am very grateful for your money saving tips Matt, now more than *ever* . God bless you!!
I agree with you 💯💯
@@apriljones4436 We need all the help we can get! 🙏
@@HisLove4You yes we sure do I pray and pray i
Thank you so much. With gas prices we have to save where we can. So appreciated.
Thank you for another excellent video Matt! With fuel costs being a hot topic right now, Gas Buddy is my favorite fuel hack. Not only does the app allow a quick overview sorted to your preferences (location, fuel grade, price, etc) but obtaining a Pay With Gas Buddy card (linked card, NOT a credit card) offers fuel discounts of at least 5 cents a gallon and special deals beyond that at times-I have saved $245 in 4 years with this card and I’m a single driver home. Other cool aspect is you can purchase at most stations instead of being locked to one brand like with some loyalty programs. Hope this helps someone out there if they’re not already on board with Gas Buddy!
Thank you for telling that to the audience! I’ve spoken about Gas Buddy before a while back, but did not think to put in this video! Great tip
Happy Humpday everyone!!! It's Washing Wednesday here. I do my little girl's laundry on Wednesdays. LOL I get excited when I get that text alert I made for you, Matt!!!
Happy Humpday Kaycee!
Thank you, Matt, especially for the reminder of price matching! I caution, however, that I found stores would NOT match Black Friday prices. I haven't tried for a couple of years since, so perhaps that's changed!
If within return window, I would return item and rebuy. I've seen most stores reverse the decision not to price match due to people returning and rebuying.
@@thedealguy Matt, I bought a watch oh so many years ago and later saw the same watch advertised for much less just a few days later. I figured like you mention here, if they refused my lower price, I would return the watch and buy a different one at the lower price. I was happy when they gave me money back on the watch I bought a few days earlier so I didn't have to go through the "return and re-buy" process.
They don't. Most stores state it that they don't price match on that day. Look at the receipt and what is posted on their website about returns and what they call "special deal days" (Black Friday, Christmas specials).
Matt this was another great video! However, I have to disagree about the baking flour. I bake a lot for my family and want to provide them with the best that I can afford. I believe that unbleached flour is much better for us and for the environment. My son and I had done an experiment where we made 10 batches of chocolate chip cookies and just changed one ingredient to see if there were any differences. The King Arthur or another local mill made a slightly chewier cookie (which we love, but I know is not everyone's perference) But in the long run, you are right Matt - most bleached flours will perform equally in most of your baking needs. Thanks for putting our such great videos. I really do enjoy all of them! I am also thrilled that you commented on Kathryn Do it on a Dime! Your both are Great!
Thank you for such valuable advice! I am not a pro baker so I’ll take any feeedback I can get!
10 batches of chocolate chip cookies?!? Wish I’d been part of the family that day! Lol
It's not about the PERFORMANCE OF baking flour! CHLORINE BEACH IS USED TO BLEACH IT! DO YOU REALLY WANT TO EAT CHLORINE BLEACH?
My local grocery store marks down meat early in the morning that was not sold yesterday. I get there about 7 am and stock up. The food is perfectly good and I freeze what I don't need at the time.
These are excellent tips, Matt! Especially nowadays with this inflation... you're providing an invaluable service! You, my friend, rock!!
PS: We love you back! ❤
Thanks as always Marcia. Love you friend
Timing is perfect! So many are having a hard time and can use a break in prices! Thank you thank you!! Xo we love you Mr. Granite!!
Thanks for watching!
This is RADICAL advice. Love it. Going to watch again and take notes. As always, appreciate you!
Thanks for watching!!
Matt your getting close to 2 million 🎉
You always have the best deals...Thank you for all your hard work😊. Blessings to you and your sweet family ❤🙏🕊
I just ordered 3 pair of glasses from Zenni. 🤞🤞 Thanks for the awesome tips as always. Ur the best Matt! 🏆🏆
Easy prescription hack- Buy ALL of your prescriptions from Costco if you have one nearby. I have found every prescription I've ever gotten at least 25%, sometimes 60% cheaper. The best part is you don't have to be a Costco member to use their pharmacy. If you do have a membership, you save 10% on top of it.
OMG the promo deals and live chat deals is a game changer!!! Why didn’t I know this, and thanks a million for all these tips and Deals. I did notice the tags do have different measurements on.them making comparison in the spur of the moment difficult especially when kids are begging to go home! I also experienced a drop in my online grocery shopping at Walmart and at pick up I questioned the total price and they said some of the items had dropped price so wow bonus there. It was a late in the evening order too!
More than ever we need your expertise not only on hacks which I love but really all purchases as we will all be tightening our budgets!
Great job Matt for all your help!!!
You rock! Love 💕 and hugs 🤗 to you and the family!🤩
Thanks for the amazing valuable comment as always Ellen. Good catch on the groceries! Love you!
Hi
“There’s no such thing as a generic cow.” 😂🤣🤣I literally laughed out loud!!
And oh, how I miss Trader Joe’s! Exceptional house brand products!!
True, but I have to say I do not like some brands of milk. Like Clover Valley from Dollar General just doesn’t have a good flavor. I’d rather pay convenient store prices for a name brand than drink dollar store milk. Great video though! I’m amazed with some of the the things he points out that I would never think about.
Yes.
When my girls were growing up, I always bought OTC generic meds. Only thing I found different was Benadryl vs. off brand. The off brand had 3x more ALCOHOL. Rest of the ingredients were the same. I opted to buy name brand Benedryl. Ingredients may have changed in 30 yrs. just a heads up if your daughter would need Benadryl. Please read the alcohol content.
Thanks for the heads up Kimberly!!!
@@thedealguy My husband worked for Dow Chemical in their pharmaceutical division for a while and the fillers are often completely different in the generic brands to make them more affordable. Often people can have reactions or allergies to medications because of this.
@@kg3095 I sold pharmaceuticals for 25 years. This is 100% true. It may be why most people do better with brand name vs generic. It made me sad, as most people were forced to buy generic by their insurance - I saw this often with psychotropic drugs like antidepressants & dermatology products also. Please understand - Pharma wants you to believe the cheaper generic is just as good - I saw many time it simply was not.
What great advice when concerning a child!❤
I must say, your videos have shown me quite a bit on how to shop. Being a Veteran, I had to learn how to shop while I was active for the best deals wherever I was stationed for me and my family. I thought I was pretty good at sniffing out a deal. My Friend...Thank you so much for doing this channel. At times I say yup..yup..and then WOA! Really!? Thank you Thank you! Please keep up the content!! I've learned so much.
I would add a very important hack! Always and only buy groceries that are on sale! All grocery stores have a weekly ad. Buy 2 or 3 of the things you want and that are on sale. Then you won’t run out and have to buy them at full price. Cycles run 4-6 weeks. Items will always go back on sale.
Also, I beg to differ with you about bleach. They are not all the same! I find that Clorox is way better.
Bleach at Dollar General is $2 for a full gallon.. if you have a swimming pool (my sympathies for the mx headaches), you can use bleach instead of chlorine or shock to treat it, but must use twice as much. Pool shock had risen about 40% in a yr..
I really like the idea of putting in a small cart in the larger cart because I do have a hard time carrying a hand cart around a store. This idea will help me keep on budget.
Yes, I do this trick all the time
If only my family would want to go in the evening time, I knew that it may have some best deals around this time of the day and I'd love to go see what they have.
Man you're making me feel better about buying lower priced products saying there is no difference in them! I always go for low prices anyways!
Excellent ideas! Thank you for your positive and uplifting videos in these crazy times! Blessings to you and your family ❤
You too!
I love channels like these that actually help people! Thanks for the tips!
Hi Matt, I wanted to thank you for always putting a smile on my face when I watch your videos. I am a huge crafter when I am not working. Is it possible for you to make any recommendations for Michael's, Joanne's or Hobby Lobby? Any way to save a buck would make my husband really happy!👍👍
You got it!
Even before living in the US I watched your videos because of your energy! Now that I live in Florida I use your hacks every week 🥳 Thank you!!!
Thanks for following me all over your living journey Catherine! That’s so cool
Matt. Thank you for all the great information. Your videos are always so helpful and I appreciate all the work you put into them.
Thanks Linda :) you're always so nice to me
I always hit the thumbs up button as soon as I open your channel. I know I am going to get great information every time. Thanks Matt!
Great tips, I always appreciate all of your videos but especially appreciated this one. Thanks 👍
Thanks Lori!!
Last time I went to Starbucks, I took your advice. I got 2 shots over ice and added cream. The end was only 2.45 and it was definitely worth it. Thanks!!
Hi Matt! As always, you have some awesome tips. The one that really got me laughing is "there is no such thing as a name brand cow," LOL!!! You crack me up!🤣 Thank you for all of your hard work making these videos. We sure need you given today's economy, plus we just love you!💗
Good job! I knew many of these but always happy to learn more! Sam’s often marks their meat down too! We found going early in the morning you can find meat marked down at local grocery and Sams at times!
I did this price adjustment with Kroger during that sick extreme record heat wave June 21’. A rep. for Kroger let me know that the fans were going to sell out. So she told me to grab it for one price and in less than 20 days it will be adjusted by $5-$15 dollars.
It was 12 days later!
Not a bunch of dollars. But glad I did it, because we were sold out of fans for a month. And we do not believe in a.c. in the pnw 😂
How do you now believe in ac, but buy a fan to cool off? 😏🤔
Your videos are always awesome Matt!
I'm a neat/perfectionist/OCD-type of guy. One day I was comparing ingredients between the branded loratadine (Claritin) and the generic loratadine. While they both have the same active ingredient and perform exactly the same way, the inactive ingredients seem to be slightly different. So...not quite "exactly the same." I will still buy generic though 😁
With flour... my mom, once in a while, makes pasties and she usually buys the Gold brand flour. One time she bought Sam Club's in-house branded flour. When she used it, her pastries tasted almost dry. She didn't change anything except the brand of flour. Even the customer reviews all said their baking goods tasted dry. So... while some in-house brand may be the same as branded, Sam's Club flour is DEFINITELY, not made the same as the branded one.
Thank you so much for ALL your time and knowledge that you pack into these videos for us! ❤️
Thanks Carol! You are too good to me
I just love your energy! Not to mention the good info you provide. The price match policy and using it before Black Friday is just brilliant! God Bless.
Do you think we should get an employee discount if we use the self checkout?
Moving around the grocery items is such a mind game in bigger stores.
Hi Matt! We always analyze hack 3 and try and figure out the cost by unit or however they state it.
Very smart!
As a disabled, I use two baskets inside cart esp for the smaller items. So much easier to lift out a basket vs individuals items such as fruit, cheese, soups, makeup, etc.
Matt, I love watching your videos! Very informative and I love your energy level & your little jokes along the way! Thank you for sharing your deals with me! Blessings to you and your family! ❤️✝️👍
Thanks Betty!
@@thedealguy You’re welcome Matt!
your videos are great... the good rx is awesome, and their monthly membership is amazing if you do not have insurance... when out of work for a year and no insurance, it saved me over 12k...
Thanks for making these videos for people like me, I really appreciate the inside scoop as I get easily overwhelmed while shopping and need to just get it done, lol I'm saving lots because of you! :D
So glad to hear that Lyndsay! Appreciate you watching
I love your videos even though I'm in the UK, some of these things apply anywhere. My tip is that there's a store over here called Poundland (our Dollar Tree) and if you go in first thing in the morning when the doors open, especially on a Sunday, they often have sandwiches at half price! That's just 50p and all because the expiry date is up but they last for days in a fridge. Great for if you're going on a picnic and want pre-packed food.
Amazing hacks, as usual Matt!! Thanks for all your hard work providing outstanding content!!🔥🔥🔥
I agree with you, Matt, and a lot of your little tricks except for one. Flour is different if you're going from gold medal. Great value. They're the same but if you're going from gold medal to King Arthur or White Lily there difference consistency and much better for baking. I've been down this road a few times because it is cheaper for gold medal but you don't get as good of a product as far as when you bake like I do😉. Just wanted to let you know that you can feel the difference in the flour.
I always do the almost check out one, works almost every time. It at least saves me shipping or taxes or both.
Great list. We have been sharing about hack number 3 for a while on our channel and we are even focusing on a Do The Math Challenge this month. I was so excited to see that you shared this tip. Hopefully, it will help everyone to make wiser shopping choices. Thanks for sharing.