Thank you for your response. I think some people do consider Trader Joe's stuff cheaper than even regular supermarket chains, as evidenced by this quick google search.

I hope that link works, but if it doesn't, it is a link to a Google search for "trader joe's * cheaper than".

As for the other tips, well, I asked the woman who brushes my teeth every morning what she thought of them and she said they were very helpful. So there.

I'm sorry you didn't like this article, but perhaps you might enjoy our other reader responses.

I hadn't seen this posting or BellaLinda's (sarcastic and unhelful) comments.

Trader Joe's is WAY cheaper than your average grocery store, but it depends on what items you get. I'm sure you can find cheaper dumplings in an Asian foods store than the ones carried at Trader Joe's. But you can't beat them for things like Spaghetti sauce (great stuff for only $2), wine (again, Charles Shaw), and cheese.

thanks for your tips Windy...i love to check out what others are doing to save. there usually is something new i haven't heard of to consider.

as for BellaLinda: i am challenging you to submit your own list of tips for us. (someone didn't take their cranky medicine this morning and i think their initials are Y.O.U.)

People are absolutely allowed to criticise. It's just that BellaLinda seems to think that

1. Trader Joe's isn't cheaper than Safeway
2. The advice was meant to apply universally to everyone in any situtation

She was wrong on both counts.

Advice is advice. You can use it or you can't. It applies to your life, or it doesn't. Just because BellaLinda has to drive her three kids around, and her library is too far away to walk to, and she likes her eggs au natural, doesn't make advice useless. That's all.

Mind you, I'm overly sensitive and don't take criticism well. Don't JUDGE ME!

I don't go the library. I loathe the library with all my being (I know, this makes me very unWisebready, but so bet it), so I buy my books used. I add pure cream to my eggs, and they are fluffy and light and delicious and no amount of saved money would change my eggy ways. I drive two blocks to Burger King. I used to save my wrapping paper, but gave up long ago after realizing that you can buy warpping paper at the dollar store. Very little of this advice applies to me, but it still applies to plenty of people.

And Trader Joe my man, you know? We tight. Can't let people diss him like that, yo.

First... buy 2 of all non-refrigerated consumeables... As long as you have a backup, you can eliminate that panic trip to the store for toilet paper, milk (backup with powsered milk), and bread (frozen bread keeps infinitely)... all can goods should have a back up. Since we did this, we never get caught short.

Second... Find that store in your area that sells for 30% less than the higher price National Chain. Smaller state or regional store chains work kinda like co-ops with offbrand basics. Some that we like: Save-A-Lot, Aldi's, Centrella, Fox... If you look around, you'll find one or more. Some comparisons, from recent buying expeditions first from smaller stores then comparable from national chain (with recognizeable national brands)

baked beans: $.49 $.79
bananas: $.37 $.48
no-name steaks (4ea6.0z) $6.99 $11.99
8 oz. yogurt $.42 $.59
3lbs. red delicious $1.59 $2.39
16 .oz artificial cheese slices $1.09 $2.19
6 raisin bagels $.99 $2.39
1 lb. frozen shrimp (50's) $3.49 $6.39
Frozen Butterball Turkey $.89 $1.59
24 sugarfree popsicles $1.79 $2.99

These are not cherry picked prices, but apply almost across the board... Other items are even more disparate in their prices... Dishwasher liquid generic (and works the same too) $2.79... Calgon $5.49.

Yeah, when there are sales, the "buy one get one free" is cheaper at the large chains.
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Downside...
You get one brand. Not the 10 or more from the big chains. Actually, for us, it's a benefit... saving time and aggravation, looking for the lowest prices.

If you're not a "generic" person... don't bother. Frankly, we don't have the luxury, so our $.99 corn flakes will have to do... nice thing is, that we don't know the taste of Kelloggs, (@ $.2.19). Oh! and one more thing... the canned green beans are not filled with stems and leaves as some will tell you, and the peas may be a little less shiny, but they're pretty good , anyway.

Also... foods are not "presented" attractively... All are in self displaying brown cartons.
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The next thing is "Farmer's Markets"... We live part time in Florida, and they are everywhere... We buy for several neighbors as a kind of home co-op... taking turns weekly. Big savings here. While in Illinois, we have to drive a little farther, but there are three within 20 miles... and worth the drive.

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We're older folks... and consider food as a variable/controllable expense. General observation tells me that many younger families who shop at the chains, buy without price comparisons... ie. case of Pepsi @ $6.49, without blinking an eye. Even younger people who are not affluent, seem to buy brand over price. Dunno if others would agree, but it's a part of the younger generation that we don't understand. :) ....as well as paying $80 for standing room only at a rock concert.

Frugal yes... but have been retired for 19 years, being that way.

Life is GOOD!