Trader Joe's offers some popular shopping hacks to save you money, from the store’s Mandarin Orange Chicken to its tasty treats like chocolate-covered banana slices.
But there are some mistakes you could be making when you wander the aisles of your local Trader Joe’s that could put a dent in your wallet.
If you're looking for the best bargains in the store, check out these mistakes that could cost you.
Trader Joe's Secrets: 7 genius hacks all Trader Joe's shoppers should know
1. You skip the wine section
Trader Joe’s was once the home of Two Buck Chuck, the nickname customers gave to the store’s Charles Shaw wine label that cost around $2 a bottle.
Although the price has gone up since then, you can still find good wine at a deep discount, so don’t be afraid to try some Charles Shaw wine at a low price.
Own a car? Here's 7 warning signs you're paying too much for car insurance. 2. You forget the seasonal stuff
Trader Joe’s has some good staples that are easy to grab on every visit, but don’t forget about the seasonal items.
The retailer may have fancy fall finds and winter holiday treats you won’t want to miss out on. Shoppers also clamor for the best Trader Joe’s Christmas decorations each year.
3. You don’t have recipe ideas
Trader Joe’s has a wide selection of dinner options if you want something easy to make after a long day.
However, the retailer’s website also has some delicious recipes that use Trader Joe’s ingredients. You can cook up something special for yourself or make something new to share with friends and family.
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4. You buy the produce
Trader Joe’s has plenty of great products to add to your cart, but one thing you may want to skip is the produce.
It’s a good idea to compare produce prices with your local grocery store and check on spoilage as well as Trader Joe’s might go bad quicker than produce from another store.
5. You shop on the wrong days
Trader Joe’s is a popular destination for shoppers, but some days are more popular than others, which could mean more time in line or crowded stores.
If you can, go on a weekday and try to get there early in the morning, as the store gets busier later in the day.
6. You’re waiting for sales
Trader Joe’s doesn’t have traditional sales, so you won’t need to wait to find great deals. Instead, the store consistently offers low prices on a wide variety of products.
Whether you’re looking for savings or unique items, it’s always a good time to explore Trader Joe’s.
Make Money: 8 things to do if you’re barely scraping by financially 7. You don’t take advantage of allergy-free options
It can be hard to shop for food when you have people in your home who have specific allergies or need items to be gluten-free.
But skip the other grocery stores and check out the options at Trader Joe’s. The store carries a wide variety of gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options.
8. You skip the beauty aisle
Trader Joe’s isn’t just about food. You can find items perfect for your home, including beauty and bathroom items.
When you stop by for snacks, dinner, and other food items, you can check out items like body butter, sunscreen, and soap from the store’s shelves.
9. You don’t buy yourself flowers
Trader Joe’s stores have some beautiful plants and flowers that change from season to season.
So treat yourself and buy some flowers for your home or desk at work to add some color and joy. The store’s flowers are affordable so it’s a cheap splurge that can make you happy and boost your mood.
Are you a homeowner? Discover 8 savvy money moves to stretch your budget 10. You don’t bring your bags
Trader Joe’s tries to reduce the cost of bags by encouraging shoppers to bring their own rather than use the brown paper bags the store has at its check-out lines.
Trader Joe’s usually charges a small fee for using its paper bags, and bringing your own could also get you entered in raffles to win prizes at the store.
11. You try to get everything at Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s is a great store with unique items and frugal finds, making it a good spot to shop sometimes. But the stores may not have everything you need to pack your pantry or stock your fridge, especially on a budget
Instead, it’s a good idea to supplement your Trader Joe’s trips with stops to a local grocery store or a trip to a bulk retailer like Costco or Sam’s Club to get everything you need for home.
Bottom line
Trader Joe’s can be a great place to shop and stock up on special finds and unique items or to save money on essentials like cleaning supplies, food, and more.
If you’re on a budget, it’s also a good idea to take a shopping list with you to Trader Joe’s, as it can be easy to impulse buy as you wander the aisles of your local store.
Money tips that can work for everyone
No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.
Focus on paying off your debt. Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.
Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.
Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).
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