LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Even though the president has been touting Bidenomics, most people would disagree that it’s been a good thing for their wallets. What is Bidenomics? According to Nerd Wallet, it’s the nickname for the economic vision of President Joe Biden. While the Republicans use the term in a derogatory way, the Democrats have embraced the word and use it to spin what they think are the presidential administration’s positive economic gains, policies and plans.

However, since Biden took office in 2021, a vast majority of Americans have said that their economic situation has gown downhill. A CNN poll conducted in September said that 58% of Americans say that Biden’s policies are making the economy worse. And although the White House admits to inflation, they’re not admitting that it is actually higher than they say. According to rollcall.com, since President Biden took office, prices have increased cumulatively by 17.4-percent, while hourly wages have increased only 13-percent.

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With inflation outpacing wage growth, out here in the real world, most Americans can see the inflation number as being much higher than 17.4-percent every time they pay for their groceries. Personally, a grocery bill that cost me $110 or $120 during the Trump administration now costs $150+ for the same amount of food, an increase of more than 25%. And every month, it seems like the bill keeps getting higher and higher.

Also, in addition to spending more, we are getting less for our money, thanks to shrinkflation, the combination of the terms “shrink” and “inflation” and the downsizing of items by shrinking size and/or quantities.

Companies seem to be finding more and more creative ways to give consumers less for their money and Americans are not a fan of the strategy. An Ipsos poll done this summer shows that more than eight in ten (83%) of Americans have noticed that they’re getting less but paying the same amount or more – and almost as many (79%) say that they feel cheated when it happens.

So what can you do about it all? What creative strategies can YOU come up with to make things easier on your wallet when you’re out grocery shopping? My tips are a combination of personal advice and research I found on the internet. Good luck and happy shopping…

Plan Ahead

This means that you need to figure out your weekly meals ahead of time (possibly matching the sales in your local grocery circular) and make a good list. The list should include the needs and wants for the week and you should take the time to look through your fridge and cupboards to make sure you don’t already have that bottle of ketchup in the back of your shelf or a can of tuna hidden away somewhere. Good Housekeeping has a list of apps that you can use to make your grocery lists if you don’t want to do it the old-fashioned way.

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You can also research recipes on websites like My Fridge Food and Super Cook. These are sites where you can input the food/ingredients you have and they will come up with a recipe for you.

Another tip is to do something called “batch” cooking where you cook large amounts of food with the ingredients that you have and store the extra for later. This is especially a great idea for stews, soups and casseroles.

Set a Budget
Yes, I know that this is easier said than done. The hard part is adding things up while you are shopping so that you know what you’re going to pay when you leave the store. Some of you are old enough (like me) to remember those red hand-held grocery calculators that people used to use. I looked them up and they were called “Add-a-Matic.” The new version of this would be the grocery apps that you can put on your phone – something like CartCalc or Total Plus if you have an iPhone.

Since prices in grocery stores keep going up and up and up, this is a great way to keep track of your purchases as you galavant around the store. You can also save some money by buying generic label food. Many of you are brand loyal and don’t like doing this but there are actually some boxed and canned food items which is usually pretty comparable to the named brands as far as flavor goes.

Use a Delivery App
I know this might sound counterintuitive since you have to pay for added fees, tips and delivery charges, but I tested out this theory a few weeks ago. Even though I use Door Dash to order food a few times a month, I had never used it to order groceries. In doing so, I found out that it was not only convenient, it actually saved me money. Really. When I used the app, I was able to know exactly what my grocery bill was and could substitute other products or items. Plus I wasn’t physically at the store to impulse buy a can of Pringles or chocolate donuts. I actually saved about $25 on my grocery bill that week and was still able to get everything that I needed.

Buy in Bulk – and Freeze Things that are on Sale

Many of you are already doing this – shopping at places like Sam’s Club or Costco where you can get more for your money. You can do that at the grocery store as well. Maybe you hadn’t noticed but if you look at the price tag on the shelves, there is an “item cost” or price per unit – that’s where you can see which deals are the best. The other thing that can help you out is to buy a LOT of something that is on sale – like chicken or hamburger. Throw them in plastic bags or other freezer-safe containers while they are at a lower price. This comes in handy during holidays too when turkeys, stuffing or other things are discounted. Buy extra for the rest of the year – or for the next holiday.

Coupons and Store Discount Cards

I know that many of you don’t buy a local newspaper anymore. But for those of you who do, couponing is still a way to help you with your grocery bills if you want to go out and pick up a Sunday paper. There are also programs with the grocery stores (Kroger membership, Meijer perks, etc.) that can offer you discounts and rewards when you shop at their stores.

Look for Local Assistance

Most communities have food pantries and food assistance programs, some that you don’t even have to qualify for with an income statement. And be generous as well. If you garden and have a zillion tomatoes left over, take them to your church or a local community outlet (or put them in your yard) so that you can help others in need.