I recently read this great article. It hit home for me, and is one I will share with all my young adults transferring into adulthood. Many of them will start off in minimum wage jobs and getting some type of benefits from the state. I grew up below the poverty line- that is no secret. It has scared me straight in adulthood, allowing me to live way below my means. This is none more obvious than when I grocery shop (I shop with  a list and coupons). Reading the section “Cutting Corners at the Grocery Store”, I found myself strongly shaking my head. I get it, life is busy, but we work hard for our money and time is often limited. So, let’s please stop giving it away. You can easily cut your own fruit at home or pack your snacks- here’s how. What are your money saving tips?

Cut the skin off of melon, cut into sections, and place into containers. This is five days’ worth of one cup servings and it only cost me $1.68. That’s 37 cents a day.

You can do the same with watermelon and jazz it up with mint and balsamic vinegar. This is four days’ worth of one cup servings and it only cost me $2.68. That’s 67 cents a day.

Grapes just wash and go.This is five days’ worth of one cup servings and it only cost me $2.08. That’s 44 cents a day.

I love that Nabisco always seems to have boxes of crackers on sale 3/$5. This is weeks’ worth of snacks and cheaper than a vending machine.

I love a good deal but it also pays to read the fine print. Look at this seeming great deals fine print “Excluding butter, Cannellini, Garbanzo or Seasoned Black Beans, Fire Roasted Tomatoes or Tomato Sauce” what the hell is left to purchase?