Cha-Ching on a Shoestring™

Living Large on a Limited Budget

Six Ways to Save Even More Money Shopping at ALDI

By
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will make a small commission if you click and make a purchase.

Save-Even-More-at-Aldi (731x1024)

I confessed last week that I only coupon at one store now, which is one reason I have a 20 minute couponing system that works for me and still saves me thousands each year.

The main reason I can still maintain my grocery budget without being an extreme couponer? ALDI. They are my secret weapon.

Since ALDI does not accept coupons and their prices are already so low, I’ve discovered that I need to get a little creative when it comes to finding ways to save even more. But believe it or not, it is possible to score even greater savings at ALDI. So, grab a notepad, and look up Aldi openings, because here are six simple secrets to help you score rock-bottom deals at ALDI Food Stores:

1. Save extra with receipt-scanning apps:

Checkout 51: I was just tickled when I realized that I could use Checkout 51 to score even better prices at ALDI. (It’s how I scored blueberries for $0.74 and a dozen eggs for $0.39.) Even better, a smartphone is not required! Not all Checkout 51 offers will work at ALDI since they don’t carry many brand name items. But look for Checkout 51 offers for ANY brand to slash your savings even more.

Receipt Hog: Receipt Hog is another fun way to save by scanning your receipt – and they allow receipts from any store!

2. Look for In-Store Price reductions:

Ways to Save More Money Shopping at Aldi

I get all a-flutter, when I spot signs like this in the store. Sometimes I find them in the Special Buys section, and sometimes they just pop up out of nowhere. Either way, keep your eyes open for that lovely little “Lower Price” sign.

3. Look for In-Store Coupons:

Does Shopping at Aldi really save you Money?

Occasionally, ALDI breaks their own “No Coupon” rule and slaps a coupon on something. Typically you can find these in the meat section, when a product is nearing its Sell-By date. Grab it up and your discount will come off at the cash register.

4. Shop the Seasonal Clearance section:

Can you really save money shopping at aldi?

Typically there is a seasonal clearance section at ALDI. These deals are usually super low – and who says you can’t eat Red Velvet cake even after Valentine’s Day?

5. Look for unadvertised limited time promotional offers in store:

Can you really save money shopping at Aldi?

Again, I get a little giddy when I spot limited-time promotions in store like this Buy One Get One Free bread deal which scored me loaves of bread for just $0.65 each – no coupons involved! Keep your eyes open for these offers – you just never know when they will pop up.

6. Bring Your Own Bags.

I’m throwing this one in for ALDI newbies. Be sure to bring your own bags. One way ALDI keeps their prices so low is by charging a few cents per bag. Bring your own bags and you’ll keep your savings in your pocket! (You’ll also want to read my ALDI 101 post to find out why you should bring a quarter and a couple other important details.)

Of course, the best way to score great deals at ALDI is by shopping their sales. I post the ALDI Weekly Ad each Wednesday for my local ALDI chain. (Be sure to check your ad to see if your store offers the same deals.) Their regular prices are pretty awesome, so you can imagine how amazing their sale prices are!

How about you? Can you think of any other ways to get the most bang for your buck at ALDI?

I linked up to Thrifty Thursday.

ALDI: Broccoli for just $0.74 (Checkout 51 Offer)

By
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will make a small commission if you click and make a purchase.

broccoli

If your ALDI has broccoli on sale for $0.99 this week like mine does, you can actually score it for just $0.74 after Checkout 51 offer.  Here’s how:

ALDI through 2/18:

Broccoli Crowns, $0.99
Submit for $0.25 Checkout 51 offer
$0.74 after Checkout 51 rebate!

Check out more ALDI deals before you head to the store.  (You can check your local ALDI ad here.)

Not familiar with Checkout 51?  Head over here to learn more about this new money-saving app that doesn’t require a Smartphone!

My Couponing Adventures: My CVS Fail Today

By
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will make a small commission if you click and make a purchase.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

I mentioned over on Facebook that I planned to score some great deals over at CVS today.  Turns out great deals are hard to find when you forget your coupons.  Ask me how I know…

Anyway, it wasn’t a total loss.  I did score a dozen eggs for $0.39 and a package of blueberries for just $0.74 over at ALDI.  (You can find out how here.)

ALDI’s ad and prices can vary by region, so you may find a different deal.  With ALDI’s prices, it’s sure to be a good one anyway though!

Just a little glimpse into my couponing adventures.  Not every day is as exciting as my CVS haul last week.  And that’s okay!

But guess who’s going to remember her coupons tomorrow: this girl!

ALDI: $0.74 Blueberries and Eggs as low as $0.39!

By
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will make a small commission if you click and make a purchase.

Aldi-Blueberries

Check out this HOT deal on blueberries this week at ALDI. Blueberries are on sale for as low as $0.99 plus there is a Checkout 51 offer to save $0.25 on your purchase, making them just $0.74!

ALDI through 2/11:

Blueberries, $0.99 – $1.39
$0.25/1 Fresh Blueberries (Checkout 51 Deposit)
As low as $0.74 after rebate!

There is also a $0.50/1 Dozen Eggs, any brand offer on Checkout 51. The regular price on a dozen eggs at my local ALDI is $0.89, making them just $0.39 after deposit!  I just love that we’ve actually found a way to make prices even lower at ALDI!

Please note that the ALDI ad varies by region.  Be sure to check your local ad before heading to the store

Not familiar with Checkout 51?  Head over here to learn more about this new money-saving app that doesn’t require a Smartphone!

Check out more ALDI deals before you head to the store.

Summer Fun: Dirt Cake Recipe

By
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will make a small commission if you click and make a purchase.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

What’s more fun than Dirt Cake?  So when the awesome folks at ALDI sent me a recipe to try, I jumped on it, of course.

Besides – it never hurts to collect a few extra Cool Mom Points, right?

I found this adorable ceramic planter at ALDI  on Special Buy and I think it makes a fantastic finishing touch.   My four year old not only loved helping me create our masterpiece, but he took great delight in telling his older brother that “We are going to have DIRT for dessert!”

I had a few clear plastic cups from the dollar store that I used for the extra dirt.  I’m sure they won’t stay full for long though – this stuff is YUMMY.

Here’s the recipe in case you need a few cool points too – ENJOY! 🙂

Shopping List:

  • 1 packages Benton’s Chocolate Sandwich Cookies
  • 2 packages Baker’s Corner Instant Chocolate Pudding
  • 1 package Crazy Candy Co. Sour Neon Worms
  • Gardenline 5″ Ceramic Planter (only $2.29)
  • 1 package Happy Farms Cream Cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup Countryside Creamery Unsalted Butter
  • 1 cup Baker’s Corner Powdered Sugar
  • 1 tsp. Stonemill Essentials Pure Vanilla Extract
  • 3 cups Friendly Farms Milk (1%, 2%, or Skim)
  • 1 carton Friendly Farms Whipped Dairy Topping, thawed
  • Boulder Aluminum Foil (optional)

Recipe:

Step 1: Wash the planter with dish soap and let dry.  Optional: Line the planter with Aluminum Foil.

Step 2: Crush Benton’s Chocolate Sandwich Cookies until they resemble potting soil.  Place half of the crumbs in the planter and set remaining crumbs aside.

Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.  In another bowl, whisk milk and chocolate pudding mix for 2 minutes. Fold in Whipped Dairy Topping.  Gently fold in cream cheese mixture until blended.

Step 4: Add filling to the planter and top with remaining crumbs.  Cover and refrigerate until chilled.

Step 5: Decorate with Crazy Candy Co. Sour Neon Worms.

 

Disclosure: ALDI provided me with a $10 Gift Certificate to purchase the ingredients for this recipe.

Easter Brunch Idea: Crust-less Mini Quiche Recipe

By
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will make a small commission if you click and make a purchase.

crustless mini quiche

Growing up, I used to make a huge and delicious Easter brunch for my family – complete with festive breads, muffins and casseroles.  It was a labor of love and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

These days, although I still love to celebrate, I also value simplicity  as I consider how to make holidays special.

So these Crustless Mini-Quiche fit the bill perfectly.  They are delicious, a special treat, and easy to whip up in advance to make Easter morning stress-free and enjoyable.

ingredients

I purchased all of the ingredients at ALDI for under $10.  (When ALDI’s eggs are only $0.78/dozen it’s pretty easy to make this a frugal dish!)

Shopping List:

  • 8 Goldhen Large Eggs
  • 1 cup Happy Farms Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
  • 20 grape tomatoes (I used Roma)
  • 1/2 cup mushrooms
  • 1/2 cup onion
  • 1/2 tsp. Stonemill Essentials Salt
  • 1/2 tsp. Stonemill Essentials Black Pepper
  • Little Salad Bar Premium Salsa (optional)

Recipe:

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Step 2: Saute chopped onion and mushrooms until onions are translucent and mushrooms are juicy.  Set aside.

Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk eggs together and add salt and pepper.

Step 4: Add in cheese, onion and mushroom mixture and diced grape tomatoes.

Step 5: Grease a muffin pan and scoop the mixture into the pan. (Grease generously.)

Step 6: Bake for 10-20 minutes or until firm and slightly brown on top.

Step 7: Serve with a side of salsa or diced tomatoes.

How about you?  What dishes do you like to serve to celebrate Easter?

Disclosure: ALDI provided me with a $10 Gift Certificate to purchase the ingredients for this recipe.  

Breakfast Heart-Shaped Strawberry Muffins

By
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will make a small commission if you click and make a purchase.

Valentine Muffins 2

Love the idea of a special breakfast on Valentine’s Day?  (So do I!) How about this simple, frugal and ‘heart-warming idea’ with ALDI ingredients?  I had so much fun making mine!

Currently ALDI has a special buy on the Kitchen Living Heart Muffin Pan.  (Note:  I’m not sure ALDI still has this available, but you can find this Wilton Heart Mold Pan on Amazon.)  As a fan of Valentine’s Day and all-things-sentimental, this pan just makes me smile.

Valentine Muffins

A one pound package of Strawberries was just $1.99 at my store.  Score!

Valentine Muffin 3

By replacing the blueberries in the Baker’s Corner Muffin Mix with fresh strawberries, I was able to make this simple, special and yummy treat for my kiddos – all for under $10.

Ingredients: 

  • 1 package of Baker’s Corner Blueberry Muffin Mix
  • 1 Goldhen Egg
  • 1 cup of water
  • 3 tbsp. Carlini vegetable oil
  • 1 container of fresh strawberries or 1 package of Season’s Choice Frozen Strawberries (thawed)
  • Berryhill Strawberry Preserves (to taste)
  • Baker’s Corner Sugar (to taste)
  • Baker’s Corner Cream Cheese Frosting (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Baker’s Corner Blueberry Muffin Mix, per the recommended instructions. For Valentine’s Day themed muffins, set aside blueberries and add fresh strawberries.  (You will not need the blueberries for this recipe, but use them as a topper on your favorite Belmont ice cream for another sweet treat.)  Add sugar to strawberries to desired taste.

Step 2: Serve with a side of Berryhill Strawberry Preserves.

Optional: Top the muffins with Baker’s Corner Cream Cheese Frosting.

Valentine Muffins 3

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Get FREE updates from my email newsletter or on Facebook.

Disclaimer: This recipe idea was created by Janice Stahl, loyal ALDI shopper and food stylist to celeb chefs.  As an ALDI Super Fan, I received a $10 gift certificate to cover all my costs.  The rest is all me!

I shared this post on Thrifty Thursday. 

Aldi Week of 12/13/09

By
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will make a small commission if you click and make a purchase.

If you aren’t familiar with Aldi, you will want to check out my Aldi 101 post here.  It’s full of tips to help guide you through your shopping experience there.

Sharon at Good, True, and Beautiful has the scoop on some great special purchases at Aldi this week.  Check it out here.

Use the map below to determine when sale dates will begin in your region.