SavvySugar -- It Makes Sense.

Have You Noticed That Restaurants Are Less Busy?

SavvySugar — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 09:30:15 -0800

San Francisco is a foodie city with more than enough restaurants to satisfy any craving. The last few times I've made reservations at places that usually require them, I've looked around thinking that I didn't need to bother calling ahead. The one exception was when I dined at the Italian restaurant that changed its pricing scheme to offer cheaper portions of the same quality dishes. Have you noticed that restaurants aren't as busy they used to be?
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Have You Noticed That Restaurants Are Less Busy?

Yes, I've noticed restaurants aren't as busy.

Not really, but I rarely eat out.

No, I haven't noticed a slowdown in restaurant business.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below.

Cheaper Priced Portions Taste Just as Good

SavvySugar — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 11:30:01 -0800

This weekend I ate at one of my favorite Italian restaurants in San Francisco, where the food is predictably good and the menu selection and prices haven't changed in the four years I've been eating there. As I skimmed the menu for the familiar descriptions of my two most loved dishes, I happened to notice that something was different.

Instead of just listing one usual price, two numbers appeared side-by-side under each entree option. My rigatoni melanzane was to cost either $16 or $11, but on all of my previous experiences it was simply $16. The only dishes offered at one price point were the nightly specials, but even the appetizers were available for a lower price. The smaller, cheaper portions are the restaurant's way of adapting to diners who want to eat out but can't afford to pay the old prices, and as an independent business it can be flexible in adapting to the economic climate. I think it's a fantastic solution to keep the business alive — there may be a new pricing scheme, but as always, every table was full.

Have you seen this concept in any of the restaurants you've been to lately?

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Guess How Much: Cost of Americans' Daily Food Intake

SavvySugar — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 04:30:40 -0800

Food prices have been noticeably increasing and we've all been feeling the pain at the checkout line. The World Bank's data shows that a billion people worldwide spend a dollar a day or less on food; can you guess how much the average American's daily food intake costs?

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November Must Have Tips

SavvySugar — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 08:30:55 -0800

The telling chill in the air means there's no denying we're in the final stretch of 2008. There may only be eight weeks until the ball drops, but there's a whole lot packed in to two months time and we must start preparing. November has me thinking about how to stay on track with my finances when Thanksgiving dinner, traveling, gift buying, and a rising heating bill are happening at once. Check out my must have tips for this month!

Three Tips For Getting Grocery Coupons Online

SavvySugar — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 06:45:32 -0700

Coupon clipping has become less popular since its peak in 1992, but 2007 was the first year usage did not decline. Expectantly, the change of heart is attributed to more expensive groceries and less discretionary income. Resistant shoppers claim the time and money trade isn't worth it, but there are new online tools that are perfect for busy people that want to save money.

TheGroceryGame.com: The site will send a weekly list of the lowest-priced products at your supermarket along with manufacturers' coupons and specials.
AOL Shortcuts: Register your store loyalty cards with AOL Shortcuts and then search online offers. When you find deals that fit your product needs, click on coupons you want and they'll be added to your loyalty cards. Swipe your card when you check out at the store — no paper involved!
Manufacturer websites: Some manufacturers, like Pillsbury and General Mills, offer coupon galleries on their websites.

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Do You Know How Much You Spend on Food?

SavvySugar — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 14:50:36 -0700

Do You Know How Much You Spend on Food? Earlier this week the San Francisco Chronicle published an interesting article about food spending. In the story, author Rob Baedeker unscientifically asks grocery store goers if they know how much they spend on food each month.

Ivanka Trump Wants You to Save Money on Lunch

SavvySugar — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 04:00:17 -0700

It's difficult to imagine the always-polished Ivanka Trump packing up leftovers for lunch, but she recently blogged about sympathizing with the monotony of brown-bagging it.

With gas and food prices on the rise, more and more people are skipping the deli line and bringing lunch to work to save money. This is great, but all I hear is how boring a brown bag lunch can get and how people want something different, especially when they are stuck at their desks — something I completely relate to.

Today kicks off an advertising campaign that pairs Ivanka with ConAgra Foods to promote a new line of microwave meals called Healthy Choice Fresh Mixers. Because the meals will last up to a year without refrigeration, the company is targeting busy young office workers that may be looking for an inexpensive and healthy lunchtime solution. If you are in New York or Chicago, samples of the meals will be available today at the Grace Building on 42nd Street in New York, and 1 South Wacker Drive in Chicago.

ConAgra Vice President Michael Locascio explained the company's reasoning for selecting Ivanka as the spokesperson and said, “We wanted somebody who would appeal to a younger office worker who’s technology-savvy.” Do you think she was a smart choice considering the company is trying to promote the lines as budget-friendly?

How Money Are You: Trip to the Grocery Store, Safeway

SavvySugar — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:00:21 -0700

My trip to Safeway this weekend taught me that I need to pay better attention while I'm shopping. I ended up taking home a jar of rotten pickles because I was rushing through the trip and had to go back to the store, wasting both time and gas. Other than the pickle incident it was a successful trip to the grocery store. Can you guess how much I paid for some of the items I purchased?

How Many Meals Did You Eat Out This Weekend?

SavvySugar — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 11:00:30 -0700

More often than not, eating out is more expensive than eating at home, but weekends make me weak for meals out. Including Friday night, how many times did you enjoy food that didn't come from your kitchen this weekend?
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Ironic Indulgence: Credit Crunch Chocolate

SavvySugar — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:30:29 -0700

The UK has been experiencing a credit crunch of its own, and The Chocolate Society has shown a sense of humor in its creation of a Credit Crunch line of chocolate, made exclusively for Selfridges department store. With its clever play in delivering a timely product, the company anticipates the item to be a strong seller.

The Credit Crunch offers a sweet fix, featuring a satisfying combination of Valrhona chocolate and honeycomb pieces. Selfridges reports that sales of luxury chocolates remains strong because people are seeking cheap indulgences amid a stormy economy. Ewan Venters, Selfridges's director of food and restaurants, explains: "Quality chocolate is the ultimate solution, being relatively inexpensive, instantly satisfying and really helps lift your mood. We expect our new Credit Crunch to be a big seller."

Chocoholics, are you still allowing room in your budget for your luxury chocolate of choice?

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Value Is Hot Right Now: Food Companies Fighting For Profit

SavvySugar — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 15:30:40 -0700

Convenience items like canned soup and frozen meals were the focus of millions of advertising dollars spent trying to portray the products as premium compared to fast food, but new campaigns show that certain brands now want consumers to see their products as value choices. Campbell's has particularly taken a renewed interest in value marketing, and has gone so far as dubbing its line of five condensed soups "the original dollar menu."

Look for other Campbell's soup ads paired with Kraft Singles cheese, calling grilled cheese and tomato soup the "wallet-friendly meal your family will love." Food marketers know that popularity of these items can pay off by increasing profit margins, because the products don't cost much to produce. These big brands can't help but notice the boost in sales of store-brand items, and these new value-focused ads are meant to help the big names stay competitive. Even the milk industry is feeling the pinch and has signed Suze Orman as the face of its new campaign that claims, "Even at today's prices, a glass of milk only costs about a quarter . . . "

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Do You Stock Up When Something Is on Sale?

SavvySugar — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 14:00:19 -0700

Locking in the sale price for future use can be a great way to save on groceries. For those of you that have kitchen space to spare, do you stock up on non-perishables and frozen or freezable items when they are on sale?
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Do You Stock Up When Something Is on Sale?

Yes, I stock up on things I know I'll use when they're on sale.

I would do this if I had the storage space.

No, I don't stock up on any food items.

Something else. See my comments below.

The Latest Trend in Grocery: Bigger Is Not Always Better

SavvySugar — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 08:00:26 -0700

Grocery store fads aren't limited to the items stocked on shelves or the three-for-the-price-of-one special in aisle five. The latest trend in grocery has to do with the size of the stores: There's a shift of chain stores creating more compact versions of their original supermarket selves.

The large grocery chains aren't closing their existing behemoth stores, and their move to gain market share by opening smaller stores with less choices is a statement in choice itself. When we're making a quick trip to the store to buy a couple of items or maybe something for a meal, entering a store with thousands of options is more time-consuming than it needs to be and often leads to spending more money than we intended.

If you're thinking what I was thinking — that these stores are simply channeling 7-11 — the smaller locations will focus on prepared meals and fresh produce and not the traditional convenience store taquitos. Would smaller markets with known names appeal to you?

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Crime TV Shows Make Us Spend More?

SavvySugar — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 08:00:18 -0700

It's easy to connect the dots between sadness and spending more, but a new report in the Journal of Consumer Research shows we can do just as much damage from watching crime TV shows like Law and Order. I wouldn't intuitively make that association, but according to the study "consumers who have been recently reminded of their own impending mortality" spend more on groceries.

So, the reminder of our mortal state makes us shop more? It seems like a reach, but the study (called The Sweet Escape) argues the link between over-consumption and the concept of death. One woman admits she's inclined to shop online or eat more after watching the evening news; more than crime shows, the news conjures real fear of death for her.

What do you think of the study? Do crime shows (or the evening news) make you want to go out and spend?

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I'm Asking: What Brands Command Your Undying Loyalty?

SavvySugar — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 11:00:48 -0700

We know that buying store brands will usually save us money at the grocery store, but let's face it, there are some brands that just do it for us more than others.

Are there any brands that will get your devoted dollars for the unforeseeable future, food-and-otherwise?

Restaurants Overbooking to Compensate For Weak Economy

SavvySugar — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 04:00:53 -0700

You may be more apt to call and confirm your Friday night reservation now that restaurants are taking steps to stay afloat in the current weak economy. Taking a cue from struggling airlines, your favorite dining establishment may be adopting the old trick of overbooking to better guarantee a full house.

Turning tables is even more of a priority than it used to be: Because restaurants can't pass on their increased expenses to equally cash-strapped customers, they need to rely on traffic to keep revenues up. While your reservation time may actually mean you'll still end up waiting for a table, The New York Times dishes out a pretty shiny silver lining — this Fall we can expect more deals like cheaper happy-hour snacks and lunchtime specials.

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How Money Are You: Trip to the Grocery Store, Safeway

SavvySugar — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:00:10 -0700

My trip to Safeway in San Francisco this weekend showed me that even grocery stores get in on classic Labor Day sales. I got some great deals on everything from cleaning products to snacks, but some items haven't been on sale all Summer and the holiday was no exception.

Let's see if you can guess the prices for the items I purchased this weekend. How money are you?

Do You Share Meals Out to Save Money?

SavvySugar — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:00:05 -0700

Splitting an entree when dining out can be a good way to save money, especially if the restaurant is known for dishing out large portions. Do you try and encourage plate sharing when you're out with your beau or girlfriends, or would you rather find other ways to save outside the restaurant? Source

Do You Share Meals Out to Save Money?

Yes, I often share meals to save money.

Occasionally I'll share when dining out to save money.

No, I don't share one entree as a saving tactic.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below.

How to Inspire a Love For Leftovers (and Save Money!)

SavvySugar — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 09:30:11 -0700

Even though we know eating at home is cheaper than eating out, the effort it takes to cook after a long work day often does not outweigh the thought of money saved by eating-in. Some people cook a few dishes on Sunday to be eaten throughout the week, but when there's someone who simply despises leftovers you may find some of this food going to waste.

I've always enjoyed leftovers (cold spaghetti, anyone?) but my better half had always been staunchly against them. His life-long protest to next-day food was broken by cooking some dishes that actually taste better the day after they're made.

Requests for those dishes are frequent, and I'm happy to cook things we both love and know that nothing will be wasted. A special black bean chili and family soup recipes are to thank for inspiring a positive change that surely saves us some money. Food in the fridge waiting for me after work and conserved cash is a delicious, double win!

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Do You Sneak Snacks Into the Movies to Save Money?

SavvySugar — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 06:30:37 -0700

It's Friday (score!), which means many of us will head out for a weekend flick. Sitting in the theater without a salty or sweet treat is simply not favorable, but neither are concession stand prices. Paying premium prices for a movie ticket and snacks pushes a relaxed evening into expensive territory, and smuggling treats is a much cheaper alternative. Source

Do You Sneak Snacks Into the Movies to Save Money?

Yes! I always bring my own snacks to the theater.

No. I prefer to treat myself with concession stand goodies.

Sometimes I bring my own, sometimes I buy at the theater.

I don't like eating at the movies.

Whole Foods Trying to Shed Whole Paycheck Image

SavvySugar — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:20:29 -0700

Whole Foods received a warm welcome when it entered the grocery scene, with its emphasis on organic and high-end goods, but the tough economy's effect on the chain's performance has caused it to rethink some of its strategies. Namely, the pricing that earned it the not-so-endearing nickname Whole Paycheck.

Bargains are hardly synonymous with the store's image, but it's thinking hard about how to change that. The New York Times calls Whole Foods's efforts to offer discounts and lower-priced store brands a sign of the times, and the company's co-president Walter Robb is confident they can be competitive. He told the Times, "I’m getting a little tired of that tag around our neck. We are a lot more competitive than people give us credit for. We challenge anyone on like items."

I appreciate the store's efforts to focus more on value, but it will take a lot for the company to change its image in the eyes of a public who has become accustomed to the store's reputation. I'll certainly be taking advantage of the newly introduced Value Tours led by store employees — will you do the same?

Source and Source

Should More College Towns Offer Food Banks?

SavvySugar — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 06:30:40 -0700

The University District food bank near the University of Washington typically caters to the needs of the working poor and single parents, but recently it has seen more college students coming in for food because they can't afford to eat. A food bank across the country from University District is finding a similar pattern, and the director of the Cornucopia Food Pantry at the University of New Hampshire says:

There is a stereotype that well, if they're in college, they can afford to eat. But there are some students who have hardly any disposable income, and because of that, the food budget suffers. They either eat really badly, or they just don't eat enough.

Most community food banks simply require identification that someone lives in the area to gain access to their services. Do you think more college towns should have food banks or would too many students take advantage of them?

Should More College Towns Offer Food Banks?

Yes, more colleges should help students by offering food banks.

Maybe, but they'd have to carefully monitor things so students don't abuse the gesture.

No, too many students would take advantage of free food.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below.

Money Tip: Keep Empty Tupperware at Your Desk

SavvySugar — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 09:33:51 -0700

When I read this suggestion in US News, it served as a reminder to finally follow through with my weekly thoughts to bring Tupperware to the office. Storing a few containers at your desk to take home leftovers from company-sponsored lunches in the office is a smart idea — around here we're constantly getting emails to scoop up leftovers before they're trashed. If nobody takes the food, it will be thrown away anyway, and it's a simple matter of remembering to bring the Tupperware in the first place.

You'll save money by getting another meal out of an already free lunch. You might be self-conscious in taking home leftovers and think your co-workers are judging you, but there's nothing shameful about wasting and spending less. If it's not implied that it's OK to take food home, simply ask the person in charge of cleaning up if you can pack up a doggie bag. Now, time to set a calendar reminder to bring empty containers to the office!

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Do You Make Judgments About Co-Workers' Food Choices?

SavvySugar — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:00:20 -0700

The majority of you admitted to judging co-workers by the way they dress and after reading a recent article in the Guardian called "How to . . . eat at your desk," I'm wondering if your judgments stop at outward appearances. The article's author is of the opinion that "the food you consume, rather like the clothes you wear, says a lot about you."He says anything with the following characteristics is off-limits when eating at our desks: smelly food like burgers and kebabs, kiddy foods like sugary cereal, and noisy food like ripe fruit. And because eating is generally messy, he recommends simply stepping away from our desks for lunch. Source

Do You Make Judgments About Co-Workers' Food Choices?

No, I don't judge others by their lunch choices.

Sometimes, if the food has a particularly invasive odor or is especially loud.

Yes, I often judge my co-workers by their food choices.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments below.

How Often Do You Bring Lunch to Work?

SavvySugar — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:07:39 -0700

Many restauranteurs are reporting a decrease in lunch-time traffic, and say that customers are bringing their lunch to the office more often or selecting $5 Subway over a more expensive deli sandwich. Workers opting to bring their lunch usually spend a fraction of what they would eating out. How often do you bring a bagged lunch?Source

How Often Do You Bring Lunch to Work?

I bring lunch every day.

Four out of five days.

I usually bring lunch two or three days a week.

I bring lunch at least once a week.

Never.

Something to Consider When You're Weekend Grocery Shopping

SavvySugar — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 09:35:01 -0700

Most people save their grocery shopping for the weekend because it's the only free time they have to accomplish errands. Because everyone has the same agendas, the supermarket easily becomes a frenzy of excuse-mes and darting carts into an empty space at just the right time.

Instead of simply grabbing your go-to brands this weekend to cut down on frustration, consider narrowing the price comparison process to your favorite brand and its store brand equivalent.

When you've discovered the store brand to be lower in price, take it home for a taste test! Better yet, if you haven't completely run out of an item, taste the brands side by side. The worst that can happen is you'll like it less than your preferred brand, but it may be such a subtle difference that you're willing to make a permanent switch.

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Do You Check Grocery Receipts For Errors?

SavvySugar — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:29:36 -0700

It's an automatic reaction to dissect receipts for more big-ticket items or when our shopping trips are limited to a few items. When we make serious grocery store runs, involving dozens of items, it might seem like more of a hassle to scan through the receipt for errors, and besides we watch every item as it properly scans, right? Checking the receipt on the spot may be out of the question with the next person in line breathing down your neck, and once you leave the store it's difficult to prove that you've been charged for two of an item when you only walked out with one. Do you check your receipt for errors, or do you think it's a waste of time? Source

Do You Check Grocery Receipts For Errors?

Yes, I usually scan my receipts for mistakes.

Sometimes, but I'm not consistent about it.

No, I don't check my receipts.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments below.

How Money Are You: Trip to the Grocery Store, Safeway

SavvySugar — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 11:02:01 -0700

It's been a couple of weeks since we've played Trip to the Grocery Store because I've been terrible about eating at home lately. Busy days lead to unmotivated evenings, but now that my fridge is full of goodies I have no excuse for ordering in.

My trip to Safeway this weekend was surprisingly pleasant and it seemed as though everything I touched was discounted — love that! Let's see if you can guess the original prices for the items I purchased on sale. How money are you?

Eco-Friendly Goods That Are Worth Your Money

SavvySugar — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:34:18 -0700

Even the most indecisive shopper may find herself on a decision making whim while grocery shopping these days: the cheapest item wins, right? Well, it shouldn't always, unless of course you really can't afford to consider how green are the items in your shopping cart. The quality of certain eco-friendly goods can promote better health — something that could save you money in the long run.

About 20 percent of you said that you're willing to pay more for earth-friendly products, and there are some good arguments why more of us may consider doing the same. Here's something to consider — you don't always need to choose the eco-item. Knowing which ones are worth the extra cost will grant you some better decision making power in the grocery store. Learn which green goods are a go when you

Obesity and Decline in Savings Could be Connected

SavvySugar — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 06:34:39 -0700

Australia has taken over as the most obese country, but the US isn't far behind and we have dwindling savings accounts to go along with our gluttonous reputation. Slate writer Rob Cyran asks whether the two are related and brings up some interesting points to support his hypothesis.

From 1980 to 2003, obesity rates rose remarkably, consumption as a percentage of the country's gross domestic product rose, and the U.S. savings rate plummeted.
According to economists from the University of Miami, obesity took off when women started earning more and restaurant portion sizes grew. Families started eating out more often as women spent more hours away from home and restaurants increased portions to stay competitive.
Researchers from New York University claim the number of new products introduced in restaurants bragging of huge portions increased sevenfold during the '80s and '90s.

What do you make of his findings? Do you think that as we get control of our eating habits wiser savings habits will follow?

Source

Your Two Cents: Do You Use Grocery Coupons?

SavvySugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 06:31:23 -0700

In the age of everything costing more, many of us are trying to figure out how to pay for more expensive goods while our salaries stay the same. Using coupons for items you'd normally buy is one way to save on groceries, but it seems rare that I see a shopper give the cashier coupons when checking out. Do you use coupons for groceries? Source

Your Two Cents: Do You Use Grocery Coupons?

Yes, I've been using grocery coupons for a while now.

Yes, I recently started using coupons.

Once in a while, but I often forget.

No, I don't use grocery coupons.

Other. See my comments below.

How Money Are You: Hawaiian Grocery Prices

SavvySugar — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 11:27:10 -0700

Hawaii has a plethora of beautiful attractions, but the colossal cost of groceries puts an ugly dent on the island's nearly perfect image. Basic items have always been more expensive because the majority of goods are imported from the mainland, and now outrageous gas prices have inflated grocery costs even more. My trips to the grocery store don't seem so painful compared to what some Hawaiians are shelling out. How money are you?

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How Money Are You: Trip to the Grocery Store, Whole Foods

SavvySugar — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 12:35:37 -0700

Trip to the Grocery Store is a fun way to see how prices vary around the country, the differences between similar offerings at various grocery stores, and a rough way of tracking grocery prices.

This week's questions come from my trip to a Whole Foods Market in Mill Valley, which is just outside San Francisco. I like to shop at Whole Foods for some of the fresh produce and staples I can't find at stores like Trader Joes. It can be pricey, (my best friend calls it Whole Paycheck), but I usually end up pleased with the quality of my goods. How money are you?

Do You Split the Grocery Store Bills?

SavvySugar — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 08:02:58 -0700

The ever increasing cost of living means it's getting harder and harder to shave grocery store bills and families are turning to drastic measures like stockpiling food in an effort to save money. Do you divide up your grocery store bills with your roommates or fella or do you pay for your own stash of snacks, staples and treats?Source

Do You Split the Grocery Store Bills?

No. I pay for all my own food or the items I will eat.

Yes. I split food costs down the middle with my honey, family or roommates.

Not really. We rotate. Whoever goes to the store pays.

Something else. See my comment below.

Look Out For Shrinkage in the Freezer Aisle

SavvySugar — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 09:34:28 -0700

Nothing says Summer like delicious spoonfuls of ice cream, but you might notice that your carton isn't as full this summer as it was last June (and not just because you've started eating ice cream for dinner on the hottest nights). Aside from gasoline, milk is another expense that has been getting consumers' goats and ice cream makers have been struggling to keep costs at bay while the price of milk continues to rise.

Ice cream cartons are likely to be about a cup lighter than before as many brands have reduced their standard 1.75 quart containers to 1.5 quarts, but have continued to charge the same price. Why not just raise the price on the normal size? It's all about consumer psychology. Consumers aren't exactly flush with cash these days and any increase in price could make them turn to another brand. Find out which products beyond ice cream have used this strategy when you

How Money Are You: Trip to the Grocery Store, Trader Joe's

SavvySugar — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 11:32:30 -0700

"Trip to the grocery store" is a fun way to see how prices vary around the country, the differences between similar offerings at various grocery stores, and a rough way of tracking grocery prices. The questions come from a receipt from a recent trip to the store, and this one is from Trader Joe's in San Francisco. I love TJ's because it usually has much cheaper prices than other mainstream stores in the city and it offers good-quality items. How money are you?

Source

Let's Make a Deal Restaurant

SavvySugar — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 11:13:53 -0700

While most of you weren't sure that customers could accurately price menu items at pay-what-you-like restaurants, one restaurant owner has come up with a solution that helps customers and keeps her in business. Customers at most pay-what-you-like restaurants place their money in a box secretly, but the patrons at Dan's in Maine tell the waitress how much they'd like to pay for a dish and the cook makes a portion according to the named price.

The family business started in 1952 and Dan's daughter, Danielle, took over after her parents passed away. She noticed that fewer customers were coming in because of having less money to eat out due to higher gas and supermarket prices. In order to help her customers and keep her business going, she created a let's make a deal policy that has been a hit with the community. The Today Show visited Dan's to learn how she runs her restaurant, and you can see for yourself in the video below.

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How Much Do You Tip For Food Delivery?

SavvySugar — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 08:02:40 -0700

There's no question that you should tip the guy or gal who delivers your dinner, but I've run into different opinions about how much should be given. Some of those dining-in have a general amount they tip in appreciation, and others vary what they give according to the total bill. How do you determine tips for delivery? Source

How Much Do You Tip For Food Delivery?

I generally give the same amount no matter what.

My tips are based on a percentage of the total.

My tips change based on speed of delivery / quality of service.

Other. See my comments below.

Should This Woman Feel Stiffed by Her Boyfriend?

SavvySugar — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 06:29:54 -0700

Aside from getting my daily dose of DearSugar, I also like to read Dear Prudence's column on Slate that's published every Thursday. Readers submit questions to her and she provides her advice in a witty, straightforward way, and one of yesterday's questions especially caught my eye.

The reader, who calls herself "Stiffed," is a stay-at-home single parent and her boyfriend is employed. They usually go dutch when out to eat, but lately he's been going to her home for dinner a few nights a week and she cooks "nice dinners and serves beer, wine, chocolates, etc." She says normally it wouldn't occur to her to ask for anything in return, but the day after she provided a $70 - $80 dinner for two they went out to a $42 lunch where he put $20 toward the bill. She brings up the point that it's probably cheaper for her when the two of them eat out because they're splitting the bill instead of having to foot the entire thing, and wants to know how she can approach the topic without being demanding.

Would you feel as bitter and frustrated as Stiffed if you were in her position? Would you say anything to your boyfriend?

Source

How Money Are You: Trip to the Grocery Store, Safeway

SavvySugar — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 09:27:38 -0700

Did you ever get frustrated at the contestants on The Price is Right for their inaccurate estimates? Then you'll love getting competitive with yourself in my new feature, "Trip to The Grocery Store." I'll test your knowledge about what items cost at the grocery store according to a receipt from my most recent trip. It will be interesting to see how prices change over time and how cost-aware we really are. In this case, the store was Safeway in San Francisco and the trip was just yesterday. How money are you?

Source

News Flash: Hungry Consumers Are Scooping Up Spam and Ramen

SavvySugar — Fri, 30 May 2008 06:31:39 -0700

I've never eaten Spam, but I don't think Hormel is missing my business. The company reported that strong sales pushed their profits up 14 percent last quarter, and the Associated Press reports that more people are buying cans of Spam and packages of ramen in an effort to combat rising food prices. The canned meat is actually more expensive than it was the same time last year (an average 12 oz. can costs about $2.62), but consumers are resorting to it as a substitute for other types of meat in their weekly meals. At about $3.49, per pound Spam doesn't seem like it's that much cheaper than buying meat on sale and freezing it.

This Lady Has a Black Belt in Shopping: Watch Her Shop

SavvySugar — Fri, 23 May 2008 09:48:52 -0700

Stephanie Nelson, founder of CouponMom.com, was featured in a segment on The Early Show and led correspondent Priya David through her "strategic" shopping tips and tricks. Priya asked questions about saving time versus clipping coupons, and why should a shopper buy an item she doesn't like as much as another just because it costs less. They performed a challenge where they started with identical lists, but Stephanie's bill came out to be $73.35 while Priya's cost $232.60. Watch the Coupon Mom in action:

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One Woman's Shop-Smart Strategy

SavvySugar — Sun, 18 May 2008 11:06:46 -0700

Admittedly, I'm not a coupon clipper. I rarely have time to make full grocery store runs, and when I do, it's usually impromptu — I'll be out already and realize that I have a free hour that could be used to pick up some much needed items at the supermarket. Just because my store runs aren't always planned doesn't mean I don't make an effort to save, but I'm hardly meticulous in my methods and couldn't give this woman a run for her money. Chrissy Thompson, wife and mom of three kids, spends an hour each week preparing for a three to four hour long shopping trip that covers anywhere from three to seven stores. So how does this woman manage to sometimes spend $10 a week on groceries for her family and get $140 worth of CVS goods for $5? A news crew followed this smart-shopper around, so to see her story just

News Flash: Food Prices Affecting School Cafeterias

SavvySugar — Tue, 13 May 2008 06:31:21 -0700

We already heard about gas prices affecting the quality of schools and it was only a matter of time before the other bane of our existence, sky-rocketing food prices, started to affect schools as well. The cost of staples like milk, eggs, and flour has risen so much that school cafeterias are struggling to maintain both nutritious meals and full staffs. Because schools have to meet weekly requirements for protein, starch, calories and specific food groups in order to qualify for federal reimbursement, more likely than not personnel will be scaled back to accommodate rising prices.

Source

Real Simple's Tips For Saving on Your Grocery Bill

SavvySugar — Thu, 08 May 2008 06:43:23 -0700

In its May issue, Real Simple introduced a new feature called Moneywise that mostly included little tidbits that you Savvy gals would consider old news, but I thought their gathered tips on saving at the grocery store were worth sharing with you. Grocery savings is one area that doesn't get old for me and I like hearing refresher tips to keep in mind while I'm at the store. Markets can be overwhelming at times — they're crowded, too bright, and there's stuff everywhere — it's enough to make me want to grab the first items I see, no matter the price, and go. Because those store trips can be frustrating at times, it's important to be armed with savings strategies that become simple habits. To see Real Simple's tricks to filling up your cart without emptying your wallet just

Savvy ATM: Take This Two-Week Challenge

SavvySugar — Thu, 01 May 2008 12:56:36 -0700

Aside from being a shoe junkie, something else I'm guilty of is buying ingredients without actually having a corresponding recipe. I love jarred items in particular, like marinated artichoke hearts and varieties of olives, pearl onions, and baby dill pickles. Eventually I end up with shelves of lovely ingredients with just a few random basics, and I'll spontaneously commit to two weeks of creating meals with primarily what I have on hand. Instead of spending money on additional groceries or eating out, I'll rely only on what I create in the kitchen.

During the two weeks the only food-related items I'll allow myself to purchase are fresh fruits and vegetables to make the pantry crafted meals more healthy and colorful, and I'll only buy them when I have a specific meal in mind so that they don't end up going bad before I get around to using them. I also give myself a budget for these items so that I don't go crazy at the farmers' market. Week one of the challenge is usually pretty easy and it's fun creating my own dishes, but toward the end of the challenge my drawer full of takeout menus starts to taunt me.

This challenge is always satisfying in the end — it's a great way to use random items you have lying around save money by restraining yourself from buying unneeded groceries and eating out. And, hey, depending on how stocked your kitchen you could always extend the challenge another week.

Source

Should You Start Stockpiling Food?

SavvySugar — Thu, 01 May 2008 06:49:46 -0700

Between last week and today there's been plenty of media chatter about food hoarding and evidence that some consumers are stockpiling non-perishables, particularly bags of rice. If your local Costco is taking measures against this type of behavior and preventing you from clearing their rice stock, it's just one tiny piece of a more serious food crisis that many parts of the world are facing. The threats to this country's food supply and shortages that could be in the future have caused opinions surrounding the issue to surface left and right.

Economics Professor Bill Knudson suggests that stockpiling hurts everyone and commented, "The thing about stockpiling is that it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. The easiest way to raise food prices is if everybody went out and stockpiled food." On the other hand, Wall Street Journal columnist Brett Arends figures that because food prices are rising faster than your savings account is growing due to low interest rates, you're better off buying "non-perishable foods like pasta and canned foods ahead of time and in bulk."

While socking away multiple 20-pound bags of rice isn't necessarily productive, there are certain items the Department of Homeland Security says you should have on hand in case of an emergency like a natural disaster. To see their list just

Would a Fast Food Sin Tax Be Discriminatory?

SavvySugar — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 04:21:27 -0700

New Jersey, home to Atlantic City's gambling and boardwalk, also has a governor who's considering introducing a "sin tax" on fast food as a way to raise money for struggling hospitals. The suggestion, though not a new one as Detroit talked about it in 2005, was conceptualized by Amy Mansue Children's Specialized Hospital. Her idea made a good impression on NJ Gov. Jon S. Corzine but Senate President Richard J. Codey said he'd be against this type of tax and said, "That's a tax on poorer people and people with kids." Consider how this type of tax would affect your lifestyle if it were introduced in your state — whose side would you be on?Source

Would a Fast Food Sin Tax Be Discriminatory?

No, it's not discriminatory because fast food is sold in all types of neighborhoods.

It's not necessarily discriminatory, but they should tax other "sins" first.

Yes, this tax would surely hurt those who depend on the dollar menu.

Other. See my comments below.