The oils start losing their flavor and nutritional values after about year; longer than that, they start to go rancid. Keep oils in a darker place (like a pantry with a door) and away from warm and hot pipes (my hot water pipes go right through my pantry).

I used to buy mac and cheese boxes in bulk, but no more. I had no idea the cheese packets went bad! I had one two years old, and the dried cheese was getting moldy. A visual hint for those who like this stuff: if the powdery cheese becomes clumpy, or looks like large sand grains, it’s gone bad. You won’t have to taste it to find out. Most brands have a freshness date stamped on the box.

And, as always, check for cereal moths and larvae.

Bulk paper products can be stored under tables and in bureaus and closets. (I have a small place, too.)

When buying in bulk, don’t assume you’re getting the best prices. Use coupons religiously in stores that accept them.

Related to this and another entry, shop the perimeter of the store, so if you do use the dreaded shopping cart cited in the other blog, you’re sure to get the fresh foods first.

But don’t worry – we all need our indulgences

Food and money is a bit of a gray area so I see my diet as an investment in myself, so I’m often willing to pay more for good food since it may mean more years on my life and better health… in the end what good is money if you’re not healthy? One of the things that opened up my eyes to this was the documentary “super size me” which if you haven’t seen you can watch it for free on hulu.com.

To be honest I think everyone should actually splurge at the grocery store by buying fresh produce and healthy foods because they’d feel better and thus be more productive.
Ryan´s last blog ..Hiking Diamond Head and Snorkeling In Waikiki

I saw your site being featured over on Lisa’s blog.

I have to admit, I don’t have the most healthy eating habits so I’m going to take this concept a step further and say that eating out saves money for me too. I’m single so if I spend $5 at McDonald’s I save money, time and energy. I save on dish washing liquid, electricity, water, paper towels condiments…the list goes on.
When I actually go to the grocery store, I feel like I’m splurging.

I like it here, so I’ll look around some more.
Thank you.
Ileane´s last blog ..Twitter, Tweetmeme, and Your Retweets

We only buy what we need, and if we’re hungry, we make due what what we have.
Financial Samurai´s last blog ..The People Asked To Get ROCKED & A Boulder Drops On Their Heads