A Utopia Where We Can All Be Cheap Together

February 4, 2008 | Filed in: Happy Homemaking, Quirky Me, meijer

Now that I’ve outed myself as a cheapo, I’d like to discuss some of my other cheap tendencies. And also your cheap tendencies. Because you being cheap also makes my being cheap more acceptable.

Before I discuss being cheap, however, lets get a few things straight. I’m not cheap about everything. Tomato products MUST, I repeat MUST, be name brand. Store brands always seem so acidic. Also, I only buy premium brand ice creams because really, if I’m going to make my ass even fatter and muffin top even poofier, then by golly that ice cream is going to taste pretty spectacular. I don’t like generic Cool Whip. I also don’t like cheapy lunch meat. Carl Buddig lunch meats give me the heebie jeebies. Ham, turkey, chicken, and beef should not all be the same color and have flecks of mystery matter scattered throughout.

Now for cheap-o-rama discussions…Many of my beauty products are from the grocery store and are either Equate brand or Suave or Lip Smackers. I do have a few cosmetics from actual cosmetic counters where over painted, black smocked women convinced me that their $32 tube of lipstick is somehow superior to my C.O. Bigelow lip tint. While I covet those fancy schmancy expensive beauty products I just can’t bring myself to spend the money on a brand name.

Pretty much everything else that you could possibly buy at a grocery store or drug store, I buy their generic versions. Even if the store brand is only two cents cheaper, then I’ll buy it because that extra two cents is going to help put my children through Harvard! My new best friend Meijer has her own line of many store brands that have caused me to develop a leetle girl crush on her. Prettily packaged and tasty and GENERIC makes my heart go pitter pat.

Are there things that you are violently opposed to purchasing the generic version (like my aversion to generic canned tomatoes?)

What about diapers? I didn’t even mention diapers before! I’ve not had any trouble with the Parent’s Choice brand, but I just really like how soft the Pampers are for Ella. Carson used to wear Huggies, but they started leaking so now he’s also wearing Pampers and I’m wondering if I could skimp on their diapers and use the money saved to buy myself some fancy schmancy beauty products? Hmmm? (I’m only sort of joking.)

Discuss amongst yourselves. Let the cheap comments flow….

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It’s funny you mentioned diapers because that one of the things I won’t skimp on. I will only use Pampers Cruisers or Huggies Overnights (don’t like the regular ones). Luvs are not bad. but I just can’t go generic on diapers for some reason. It’s like a compulsion.

I will also not go generic on cream cheese - it just doesn’t taste the same as Philadelphia. Oh, and some cereals just do NOT compare - Nay, nay, to the Malt-O-Meal.

Most other stuff, I am pretty laid back about.

AndreAnna’s last blog post..Most important meal of the day

Generics: Gotta love the cheapies.
First, thanks for the tip… I’m off to check out Meijer’s site after this.
Diapers: For her it was Pampers for him it’s Huggies.
All my makeup is Wally or Walgreens or Heb. I just can’t spend that much on makeup
Boxed rices are okay generic.
Hamburger helper, not okay generic.
Generic Yogurt just doesn’t have the same oomph!
Generic Toilet Paper is a huge butt clenching N O!!!!
Real lunchmeat always!!
Generic condiments are alright.
NO generic Tampons. EVER! Tried those. HUGE mistake.
Okay, that’s all for now! I look forward to the other responses!!

rachel’s last blog post..Weekly Winners

I clip coupons like a little old lady. Saving 40 cents here, 25 cents there. My friends mock me until I tell them that I saved 40 DOLLARS at the grocery story last week. Yes, 40 US DOLLARS on what would have been $100 of grocery, and all with my little coupons.

I go store brand/generic on almost everything too, unless I have a coupon. I’m sure if I do the math, I’d find that name brand+coupon would still be more than store band, but I just like the satisfaction of telling everyone how much a “saved”

I also shop the “manager’s specials” in the meat department (much to my husband’s disgust). I make sure I use/freeze it that day and I swear we’ve never gotten sick from it…

I buy my son clothes, books, and toys from the second hand stores and will not buy anything for myself unless it’s on clearance.

GHD’s last blog post..Pointless Political Conversation with my Parents

I will not buy generic advil. Thats just promising myself that my headache will last forever. I know, the suckish. Probably all in my head too but…

As for diapers, dude, you gotta go luvs, all the cool folks do. I mean seriously, it’s just catching poop and piss, and being thrown away, it’s not like its something worth spending oodles of money on. It’s a diaper.

I did pampers thing for awhile with the first, and the 2nd i’ve done mostly cloth, which is wonderful, even if your lazy like me. Fuzzybuns rule in the diaper world. But if I’m particularly lazy, or we’re going out, it’s luvs.

Sara’s last blog post..This is picture heavy

Rachel’s comment about TP made me laugh!

I’m a generic girl, I don’t care about Hah-vahd, I care about ME! I need some pocket change. Can I get an Amen from the sisters in the crowd?

My favorite find of all time is Walmarts’s Equate version of the big tub of Eucerin. It is 3.88 as opposed to 15.00. ~Fussy Faints!~

Hey, you need to get on the Extrodinary bandwagon sister!

Love ya, Fussy

Mrs. Fussypants’s last blog post..Fussy’s Marriage Site Debuts!

Reminded me of this site http://thesimplefamily.com/?p=87

Like Rachel, I use only Charmin or Cottonelle TP. The Mighty Hunter calls cheap TP “John Wayne”.

“rough and tough and won’t take shit off anybody”

also, tampons must be Pearls

makeup must be Almay or Neutrogena (very sensitive and allergic skin here)

liquid Ivory soap for my bath

Tide for The MIghty Hunter’s delicate, easily-chafed skin. You don’t want your man with a rash between his legs, now do you?

Velveeta only for salsa/cheese dip and macaroni

Crown Royal for “medicine”

Huggies for diapers

BUT Parents Choice for wipes (you can buy them in a small case and they are just as strong and work GREAT)

Whenever possible, I buy store brands. I cut coupons for years (while in college -at Auburn of course) and was able to get them doubled at Kroger. But we have no coupon-doubling stores here. And WalMart’s brands are cheaper than the name brand WITH the coupon.

Sheesh, I need to shut up already.

But I’m totally gonna get some of your Equate NOT wrinkle cream.

Auburn Gal Always’s last blog post..a letter, a confession and a guilt trip

You all have brought up INCREDIBLY important points that I cannot believe I forgot….

TOILET PAPER! OMG, it’s so incredibly necessary that it be name brand. I don’t like to wipe my delicate girly parts with sandpaper.

Also generic yogurt tastes weird and has a more liquidy texture so I always buy the name brand. The words liquidy texture made me PIMMAL.

I also don’t really like generic condiments, my favorite mustard of all time is Plochman’s (I sure hope I can find here in Indiana…I bet my new bff carries it.) And ketchup also has a grainy texture if it’s generic.

I DO like generic maxi pads, but generic tampons are terrible! They DO NOT absorb…sorry if that’s TMI.

I also like generic meds (advil). It seems to work the same to me.

Maybe I don’t do as many generic brands as I thought….

I’m a Pampers Diaper Snob and a Huggies Good NIght snob but I will buy generic toddler flushable wipes.

I’m fine with generic dishwashing liquid but only name brand dishwashing and laundry detergents (Tide, Downy, and Spray n Wash).

I have very sensitive skin and rosacea so I stick to department store makeup. I don’t buy it often enough to feel too bad about the prices.

I’m a big coupon cutter and not a coffee drinker so I’m not a big Starbucks or Dunks spender.

I’ll buy the generic ziploc bags but only name brand kitchen trash bags.

tulipmom’s last blog post..Pregnancy/Baby Stuff

Cereal and ice cream MUST not be generic! We use Cloth Diapers during the day and Luvs at night. Liv wears the generic pullups. Ive started switching to all natural products for my hair and body from either Lush or people on Etsy. We shop at Aldi for as much as possible and buy generic at our grocery store as well.

Stephanie’s last blog post..Haiku Friday

I go generic with almost everything, simply because my local grocery has a fanTAStic generic brand with great flavour and quality. I heart them a lot.
However, I don’t buy grocery store meat (we have a good, local butcher) because it’s not as fresh or unchemicalized as I can get. I also buy only Pampers/Huggies and never from Walmart (theirs are lower quality).
I don’t buy clothes from The Children’s Place because they fall apart (even Walmart clothes stand up to my boys!).
I generally don’t buy beauty products, so if I do I don’t know what comparisons to make anyways. I’ve recently started making my own soap and I didn’t have it to hand this weekend and tried using my old brand again (Dove) and I’ll never use store-bought soap again. Ick!

I’m with you. Most things I buy frugally but some things really are worth the extra money.

Kelly’s last blog post..That Thing You Do - Support

I’m agreeing with everyone on the off brand stuff
Tampons for sure name brand
Equate brand baby wipes
I have to have name brand Syrup, off brand is just liquid sugar..blech
I do the off brand frozen waffles, 1 buck for a box of ten is worth it to me.
Name brand detergent and dryer sheets same for dishwasher detergent.
For sure name brand toilet paper. My parents use the cheap stuff and it’s just wrong. I always think about bringing a roll when we come to visit but I always forget.

Jean’s last blog post..MPM

Be jealous: my grandmother buys me Charmin and brand name Tampax! I must have MAC foundation, Heinz ketchup, and Blue Grass Meats (a local brand but better than Oscar Meyer) ham and sausage. Kraft cheese, coca-cola and the good Benadryl, the kind you have to go to the pharmacy and sign off on so they know you’re not making meth with it.

I’m BIG on the store brand diapers. Wal-Farts White Cloud brand are ALL I will buy for the girls. The pull ups fit my skinny-minny M like a glove. They all work as well, if not better, than the ‘name brand’. Huggies ALWAYS leaked for me…and the dye in Pampers made my girls get a big rash. So I’m all about the store brand there

Hmmm…what else am I cheap about? Well, I ALWAYS buy the cheapest of any item on the shelf. I buy the cheapest (i.e. store brand) cereals for my boys. I buy the cheapo paper towels, sour cream, bread…whatever I can. Oh, clothes, too. Wal-Fart was my savior…I used to be a Target girl until the WM Super-center opened nearby (the only other wal-fart previously was in the next town and very very very old…they have since built a new supercenter in that town and shut down the hell-hole). When WM Supercenter opened and I discovered how much THEIR baby clothes were! Well, I haven’t been back to the Target store since.

Exceptions? TOILET PAPER. Sorry, but it’s nothing but Charmin for my tush. NOTHING else beats it.

Sadie’s last blog post..Weekly Winners

I’ve always used the Parent’s Choice diapers, because they are CHEAPER and I like them BETTER than the other ones. I also buy only Heinz ketchup…if someone has generic I just won’t eat it! And american cheese slices…must be name brand! No generic soda either. Other than that, I’m all for the generic stuff!

Karly’s last blog post..Why Did The Meme Cross The Road? Because The Townspeople Were Chasing It With Pitchforks.

There’s not much I won’t buy generic, but feminine supplies are definitely where I draw the line. I think anything that you’re… um… inserting into your parts should really have the full power of years of torturous animal testing behind it, rather than a big yellow smiley face.

Great. Now I’m contemplating animals testing tampons for human safety.

Have a good Monday….

The Other Dawn’s last blog post..Better Late Than Hairy

Generics or Cheapies that I love:
CareOne - mostly drug items, but even their tampons are comparable to Tampax
Sauve Smooth and Sleek - The shampoo and conditioner is BETTER than the Matrix product that they’ve modeled the products after
V-05 heat protector - this spray works better than Nexxus and sister cheapy brand, Dove.
Wet ‘n Wild - They have a new line of skin cleansers that work nice. I bought the exfoliator and it reminds me a lot of Pevonia, which is really expensive.
Mascara - Cover Girl Remarkable. Best mascara I’ve ever used including expensive brands from Lancome, Clinique and Mary Kay
Hair spray - whatever is cheapest is fine with me
Food - except for prepared foods, which I don’t get much of anyway, I’m usually okay with generics.
*We also cut coupons and save at least $10 per grocery visit.

Splurges:
Foundation - either Clinique or Bare Minerals
TP - Cottonelle or Scott or Charmin is the way to go
Haircuts - I’ve been butchered and teased for the last time at a 12 dollar walk-in salon. No matter how desperate I am, I’m not doing it. I’m.Just.Not.Doing.It.
Diapers - I tried Especially for Baby, Huggies (except Overnights, which are great) and Luvs and I like Pampers better. I had leaking and fit problems with all but the Pampers.
I’ve been burnt on Dollar General cleaning supplies and trash / food storage bags, but have gotten grocery store / Walmart / Target brands that were fine.
Bottle liners - Target brand is the closest to Playtex. Stay away from the Rite Aid and Kmart brands, they smell chemically.
Skin care for baby - I only get organics (California Baby at Target or Wegmans). My sister-in-law the beautician scared me away from non-organic washes until The Baby is older. Meh… it makes me feel good.
Dishwasher liquid: Must be Cascade Complete. My dishwasher isn’t great and this does make a difference.

anne’s last blog post..Friday Haiku / Groundhog Day

I can’t make myself buy name brand cough syrup or other medications that are over the counter. Same exact product for twice as much, no thanks.

Cleaning supplies, I don’t care if it’s the generic one.

Shampoo, I’m a snob on that. Also canned anything, including soup. In fact I try to go organic on a ton of that stuff.

And cheetos, you will never find me eating generic cheetos, it’s just wrong.

Phoenix’s last blog post..Just call me Mrs. Sick

Oh, I told you you’d love Meijer!!! I’m so glad that I’m not the only one experiencing this love affair!!!
I’m also glad to see that I’m not the only *coughCHEAPcough* person out there.
Generic veggies - at Meijer - you will not be disappointed there. Fresh, frozen or canned….all good.
TP, oh no. As so many hilariously stated, I will NOT do generic. Or yogurt. Or tampons. Or lunch meat. So true. I also don’t do coupons as much as I wish I would, much to my husband’s chagrin. I just usually get store brand stuff, and on sale or clearance non-perishable stuff. They always put how much you saved at the bottom of the receipt, and I’m usually pretty happy with my results.
Oh, and Plochman’s mustard….yep. Lovely Meijer has it. That’s my favorite, too. Just bought it last week!

Mandy’s last blog post..Let there be light - from a new chandelier

I cannot bring myself to buy generic cereal. It is just not the same. I also can’t stand non brand name sodas. But most everything else I buy whatever is cheapest. The cheap milk approved by WIC? Check. Generic baby Ibuprofen? Check. Store brand chocolate chips? Check.

Someone Being Me’s last blog post..Required Eating

I will only buy meat at our bigger grocery store…and even then I prefer the name brand meat like Purdue. No ShopRite for me! Everytime I have gotten meat (or fresh veggies/fruit) there it has spoiled that day or the day after. I also don’t skimp on the kind of meat I get. I get the pork loin chops and boneless skinless chicken breasts. I don’t buy “chicken parts” (we don’t like them anyway) even though they are cheaper.

DH prefers Fruity Pebbles…not the generic kind…though I can eat almost any generic cereal. I tend to get only name brand canned corn and green beans as sometimes the cheaper brands have stalks and husks in there. I also only buy Campbell’s soup…it is just 10 times better…as well as Bush’s Baked beans.

Have to buy Dial hand soap and Dove body wash (feels soo good on dry skin) though most of the time we are open to cheap shampoos even if we do buy the expensive brands now and again.

Diapers…Huggies all the way. The few times we tried store brand they were horrid (people got us lots of diapers before Babyhead was born and many of them different store brands…so we were able to try most of them out and see before actually buying them). It was Pampers when he was little but when he got too big for Swaddlers we switched to Huggies and have been a Huggies fan ever since. I also only buy Huggies wipes…I like to be sure there are no dyes or perfumes to contribute to diaper rash and Huggies are thicker…and again we used Pampers newborn when he was tiny because they were nothing but glycerin…not extra stuff to make him all rashy down there.

OH and last but not least…I only buy Adidas sneakers. No more Wal-Mart or Payless for me! They are well worth the $80+ I pay for them for my little tootsies and I don’t have to replace them but every few years. I have also convinced DH to get expensive shoes as well (he didn’t believe me when I told him that el cheapo Wal-Mart special shoes are hard on your feet until I had him try on a pair of $80 shoes!) Babyhead gets Wal-Mart specials…but he doens’t really care at the moment and I am not spending as much for him a pair of shoes that he will grow out of before the end of the year. Maybe when he gets older and his feet aren’t growing so much we will get him some fancy shoes.

Sandy’s last blog post..Plagiarism

Generic meds all the way (I’m a pharmacist…I don’t believe in brand name drugs)

NOOOO on generic diapers - way too much leakage for my boys.

Otherwise I’m not too picky

(my husband is picky about brand name creamed corn … seems kinda odd to me…)

Teri’s last blog post..This Week in Knitting…

I actually use generic diapers. But only Target generic. We also used generic wipes. But I will not use anything but Johnson & Johnson for powder and lotion and shampoo. On the kids, I mean.

I mostly use generic stuff on things besides food. I’m the kind of girl who can taste the difference between real diet pepsi and caffeine free diet pepsi, so I’m afraid I’ll be able to taste the difference when I used generic foods.

Jerseygirl89’s last blog post..GIANTS!

I am ashamed but we don’t skimp on the soda when we buy it we have name brand….I agree on the tomato products though.
There are numerous things that we use nothing but the generic.
For my health Advil is a must though, no generic has done the same thing.
We even skimp on the toilet paper, Angel Soft is not as soft as say Cottonelle, but you have to make some choices.
When my kids were in diapers all the generic were junk….so each kid was a different brand name…Luvs, Huggies, and Pampers. Coupons were my saviour.

Penelope Anne’s last blog post..Monday ~ It’s a thinkin’ day

Generic meds-yes

I am not real picky, but I do like brand name ketchup, mayo and cereal. Something about generic cereal just doesn’t taste the same.

Hubby is big on name brands. Or atleast until he went grocery shopping for me last night. Now generic is wonderful! It is amazing what having to pay for grocries will do to you.

justmylife’s last blog post..We have a couple of new members….

I am a big coupon user…but only if it is something I would normally buy. I am not buying something just to save a buck. I have to use the dye and fragrance free laundry stuff…so no generic there.

tommie’s last blog post..weekly winners

I forgot about soda… I drink diet and it must be Pepsi or Coke! The other ones are nasty!

anne’s last blog post..Friday Haiku / Groundhog Day

Don’t even get me started on cheap lunch meat.

THE HORROR!

And the mayo either.

My cheapness….I buy the Target knock off of Olay facial cleansing cloths….then I CUT THEM IN HALF. That’s not really about saving an additional 25 cents. They are just too big for my dainty face. Hey look! It’s actually more about the environment than being cheap. See how I convince myself?

Queen of Shake Shake’s last blog post..Don’t Look At Me. I Don’t Know.

Target brand toilet paper is nice. Not scratchy! Promise!

I use Target brand diapers, too. I don’t like to spend big bucks on things that get peed and pooped on.

I buy only Contadina tomato products. Store-brand are gross.

I like store brand for things like the Target version of Oil of Olay body wash, but when I buy moisturizer for my face I like to get the brand name. Just, you know, BECAUSE.

I like brand-name ketchup and I like brand-name diet Coke—but I get all my other soda store-brand.

My recent realization is that brand-name candles are better-smelling than store-brand.

Fun topic!

Swistle’s last blog post..First Weigh-In, and Diet Treat/Dessert Recipes

Ice cream brand name is a must. The other stuff is too watery and it melts faster.

Cheese products are another one. I think that comes from my parents always buying imiation cheese growing up. It was always oily and it didn’t melt quite right.

My cheapness, tampons. I can’t spend the $7.99 for a 20 pack when I can get a store brand 40 pack for $3.99.

I buy most items store brand. My husband throws a fit at some of the cheap items I try to sneak in the basket. His name brand list is about 5 pages long!

Megan’s last blog post..When will he learn?

I CANNOT buy generic Cheerios. They just don’t taste the same.
I always got with the cheap diapers. Especially now that my almost 3 year old really needs to start potty training…

LifeAsIKnowIt’s last blog post..In Search of Peace (and Quiet)

I never used generic diapres. ONly the Pampers swaddlers. Then Pampers Crusiers. I had bad luck with huggies and everything else. Then, I found CVS brand Surpreme diapers. And oh my gosh! Those things are the best EVER!! They make Pampers look bad. For us anyways.

Ahh, a topic near and dear to my heart.

What I will NOT cheap on: Toilet paper (must be Charmin), feminine products, spaghettio’s, ice cream, pop tarts, paper towels (only because the name brands have the select-a-size feature i love so much), garbage bags (love the glad expandable bags), diapers for newborns (pampers swaddlers all the way), shampoo and conditioner (not meaning i buy salon brands, but i don’t buy generic either)

What I WILL cheap on: diapers for older kids (parent’s choice work great on my toddler), cereal, makeup (like you, love the fancy stuff but can’t bring myself to spend the money), baby wipes

Marilyn’s last blog post..My aches have aches

I’m pretty cheap, too, but tend to not skimp on paper products. We by Huggies, Viva paper towels - love my Viva! - Charmin tp. Oh and ketchup. Must be Hunts.

Other than that I am pretty flexible, ie. cheap. Thank got for Costso. Their Kirklands dishwasher powder? The best ever.

When we lived in Michigan Meijer had these HUGE tubs of deluxe mixed nuts for like $10. I lived off of those while I was pregnant. Buy some for me, ok? And enjoy that cold weather. I am really jealous.

And I have a great friend in Evansville if you are anywhere near there. Glad you got the hell out of Hellabama. (again, I’m jealous.).

Blue Momma’s last blog post..Lab Rats R Us

I’m pretty known for shopping the brands - I just shop less to cover it.

Dawn’s last blog post..NaNoWriMonday - 2:3

I’m in total agreement about the tampons. I recently tried the generic kind, and it will never happen again!

For everything else, luckily my local grocery chain, Hannaford’s, has the best store brand EVRYTHING. Even the TP, no joke. It’s soft and two-ply.

Just about everything I buy these days is generic, except for laundry detergent, make-up (hey, it takes a GOOD product to make this face socially acceptable) yogurt (I like the thick custard kind) mayonaise, and cheese.

I’m SUPER cheap. Ever since my DH lost his job, it’s not just a philosophy, but a way of life
Sarcasta-Mom’s last blog post..Maybe?

Here’s more than you ever wanted to learn about the Milk Maid: I used to ONLY buy name brand tampons, but now since NOTHING will contain the flow and my vajingo is not quite as in shape as it used to be, I feel really bad throwing away 3 times as many expensive tampoons. My hoohoo is flying cheep! As for everything else, I usually go name brand except on cleaning supplies. Why pay $5 for cleaner I’m not really ever going to use
aradia’s last blog post..The “Where Are We Going, And Why Am I In This Handbasket?” Friday Mish-Mash

GENERIC LUNCH MEAT SUCKS.

Gag.

I always buy generic medication. Love the generic skin care products as well. Was more iffy on hair care, except that I bought “Don’t go to the makeup counter and Hair care books” that review practically every drugstore and department store brand and so I feel much better about Sauve and Garnier.

Hear, hear on the maxi pads. I also buy the store brand of milk and prefer it.

One of my favorite generic finds is the generic spray bleach cleaner vs. Clorox. It’s only a buck vs. three and it rocks.

I HAD to have good diapers for the babies and I absolutely DESPISE generic soda pop. (Shudder)

Some generic cereals are ok (Like frosted mini-wheat knock offs and sugar puffs) but some are just not as good (Rice puffs and the lucky charms knock off)

Ok…That is more than enough rambling!

Loralee’s last blog post..Peep of the week

I’ve discovered Target brand is pretty darn good for just about everything!
LOVE generic/shop rite soda! SEriously!
No generic tooth paste!
Name brand tp only!

Alison’s last blog post..It’s a Beautiful Big Blue Thing!

[...] post for today is about being a cheapskate and her love of purchasing generic items. It started my brain spiraling in a million different directions so I thought I might as well dump it [...]

I will buy generic for just about everything with a few exceptions:
Saltines (the generic just taste weird.)
formula (the organic store brand smelled terrible and was clumpy. ew. It was half the price but oh well.)
organic things that don’t come in a store brand

Devan’s last blog post..EDD

I love me some generics! I know there are certain things I MUST buy name brand, but I can’t think of any right now. As for diapers…. we use White Cloud from Walmart and I <3 them. I actually think they are better than some of the name brand ones.

I generally try to buy organic stuff but luckily Kroger’s store brand comes in organic for most things. I buy brand name toilet paper for sure and I tend to buy brand name tissues as well, the kind with lotion. Oh and spaghetti sauce, Classico all the way.

I usually buy brand name paper towels too but only because they come in that select a size version where they are perforated at half towels and I find that less wasteful.

I love the lip tint which I ran out and bought after your review of course. I tend to skimp on things for myself though and maybe that’s a mistake.

We only use disposables at night but I pay a premium for the Huggies Overnights. Not only a brand name but the extra special overnight kind so I’m sure it’s a total rip. After Boog waking up several mornings soaking wet I decided it was worth it.

ImpostorMom’s last blog post..Alas, the man truck lives, Ugh.

I heart being cheap in a way that is almost unexplainable.

Yesterday I went to CVS - my total bill was 104.67. I paid $12….and got $36 of their extra care bucks for the next time I go. If you have CVS, you should look into it - you will never pay as much for things again!

I am a make up snob…I only wear MAC, except for mascara, which I am not too picky about. But when I can save majorly on groceries and things, I figure it is ok to splurge a little on make up, especially since their stuff lasts forever!

Maggie’s last blog post..Best Shot Monday - Shhhh…

I think I left a comment over at Swistle’s place recently about how Meijer love you long time. Meijer generics are awesome. I never bought generics or storebrands before when I mainly shopped at Kroger or Schnucks. We only buy Diet Coke, but if I’m buying root beer or orange soda for some reason, IGA brand SuperChill will do.

Henny Penny’s last blog post..Auction!

I’m totally with you on the diaper deal. Although I’ve tired the cheaper ones in the past, and they’re not bad, I just spend the extra money for the Huggies because I like the stretchiness so much more.

And for some reason, I can’t bring myself to buy generic canned vegetables….they freak me out — but I’ll buy a big bag of generic frozen vegetables. Weird. I also don’t buy generic ice cream or desserts. And I’m really stinkin’ picky about my laundry detergent. Everything else is okay in generic though! LOL

b’s last blog post..That new car smell

I used to buy almost everything generic….but now I clip coupons and buy everything name brand and save a LOT! My grocery/household budget has dropped in half. CVS and Target are THE BEST!

Christina’s last blog post..I’m back

Obviously, as almost everyone has concurred on, I must go brand name with toilet paper and tampons. No question. ALSO! I refuse to use generic cleaning supplies. It’s real WIndex and Pledge for me. I swear the cheapo stuff doesn’t work as well.
Diapers I can go either way on, same with makeup. If I find something I like I’ll stick with it- Cover Girl mascara, which is about four bucks, but for a long time I was all about Clinique foundation. Now I just hardly ever have time to mess with foundation, so I keep a powder compact around and that’s it.
I’m not too fussy about clothes for the kids, since they’ll outgrow or stain them SO FAST, but for myself I don’t really like to buy Target or Wal-Mart type clothes. It doesn’t even seem cheaper in the end- they wear out or unravel or shrink in about five washes.
Oh, and no generic dessert items- ice cream must be the real deal, chocolate must be Godiva or Ghiradelli or Lindt. Like you said, if you’re gonna get fat, make it worth it.

Sarah’s last blog post..How To Feel Like Crap

I try to buy a LOT of generic. But Parents’ Choice are horrible. My daughter who is special needs gets diapers through Medicaid. They were supplying Parent’s Choice and I would not believe how horrible they were. They literally leaked every single time. I did SO much more laundry. HORRIBLE. I have since found another supplier who uses a different brand. Also an off name, but a million times better.

Oh, I also save money on tampons…Diva cup! Great thing!

Irene’s last blog post..Doin’ the touristy thing in da Burgh!

I can’t buy generic medicine. It makes no sense, but when I’m feeling like crappola, the last thing I want to think is that it’s because my medicine is somehow substandard.

I’m also a fan of drugstore makeup. I have never purchased items from a department store. I know what my face looks like, and what it’s potential is. There is nothing miraculous that Clinique is going to do for me that Maybelline cannot.

Lastly, NUMBER ONE thing I cannot buy generic: Birth Control Pills.

all things bd’s last blog post..Good game. Good game. Good game.

Ketchup MUST be Heinz
Mayo Must be Best Foods
BBQ ssauce must be Sweet Baby Rays
Ranch Dressing must be Hidden Valley
TP cottonelle
Laundry soap has to be Tide, it’s the only one that gets the farmers clothes clean.
and DH deoderant must be Degree
Other than that I am not real brand loyal, generics serve me just fine.

Kiwi’s last blog post..Gifting You My Love

I am a Publix snob. I love their store brand products.

For the newborn baby tushies, I swear by Pampers Swaddlers, however once they get a little bigger I buy generic diapers (Kroger, WalHell or Publix). I’ve been buying generic Pull Ups, by thank GOD my nearly 3-year-old is now wearing big girl panties during the day. Woo hoo!

As far as makeup goes, I am a Walgreens cheapie girl all the way. Same with hair care products. I love Revlon Colorstay foundation and just about anything by L’Oreal or Almay or Neutrogena. Right now my favorite lipstick is Cover Girl’s Incredifull.

As far as food and paper products, I can’t stand generic cereal bars or PopTarts, but I don’t mind generic instant oatmeal or cereal. Paper products I’ll buy whatever is on sale. I ‘m with you on the tomato products, although I did just buy Kroger tomatoes for chili and they were OK!

I can’t do generic sodas. Only real fully leaded Coke.

I also buy a lot of cleaning products at Dollar General. I love their baby shampoo/lavender scent.

WalMart is generally too crowded/on the verge of redneck Armageddon for me. At least the one closest to my house!

There are definitely items where “cheap” just doesn’t cut it, and tomato products for sure fall in that category. Same with cheese products. I just can’t “do” cheap cheese. It isn’t worth it.

Loving your site, btw! I can’t believe I didn’t find you sooner, wish I had . . .

Carrie’s last blog post..Wyatt’s Blog

I’m a huge coupon clipper, and flyer follower. Since our grocery stores are close to each other, I’m able to go to each one for the better deal.
I’m so cheap, that there’s only one thing I refuse to buy generic — Coke products. Before I got pregnant, it was Diet Coke or nothing. I swore off Nutrisweet during my pregnancy, and since I’m still breastfeeding, I allow myself one can of Coke a day. Store brands will not do, and don’t even think of suggesting Pepsi.

I’ve been a bargain shopper from day one, but it was sealed when in my pre-baby days of actual CAREER (shocking, I know) I was in several processing/packaging plants where the same product would roll off the line and either get the generic or the name brand label…the same product…different label and I am not just talking food…WASHING MACHINES before my very eyes which translates to $150 difference in the store.

HRH’s last blog post..Monday morning potluck (if you dare)…

Umm, I can’t think of anything that I won’t try a generic of. I’m cheap like that. Also, I tried generic diapers (several kinds because of leftovers a friend had from her son) when my son was a newborn. I used them, but I mostly hated them. So when I ran out of those I only bought name brand diapers. Pampers Swaddlers for the itty bitty stage, then I liked Huggies after that. About the time my son turned 15-18 months I decided to try generics again. I now use Parent’s Choice. They work fine for us. Huggies are better, but these work fine. Generics leaked for a smaller baby, but not so bad for an older. That’s my 2 cents.

Mommy Daisy’s last blog post..Droppings

How funny. Mine was in Huggies until they leaked, too! Now we’re all Pampers. My hubby would love me to learn from you. I don’t do generic anything.

AnGlOpHiLe FoOtBaLl FaNaTiC’s last blog post..Break Out the Battering Rams!

You are speaking my language, girl! I am the number one cheapo of all time. On most things.

For name brand stuff that my husband will not compromise on, I clip coupons. If you match coupons with store sales, you can get some great deals!

He eats only Velveeta Shells & Cheese (although I did buy the GV brand once and put it in an old Velveeta box to see if he could tell the difference; he could)

I’ve found that pricier kid’s clothes and shoes last so much longer than the cheap ones. When you have 4 kids and expect the clothes to last through at least 3 of them, it makes a big difference.

I don’t like cheap tuna. It tastes far worse than the good brands.

I spend massive amounts of money each month on having organic milk and eggs delivered to us. It is by far the best $ we spend on groceries. My kids drink twice as much milk as they used too. It tastes that much better.

We buy beef in bulk from an organic farmer near us. It is actually cheaper than grocery store beef and tastes so, so, so much better.

Other than those, I buy store brand everything!

Jenni’s last blog post..Misinterpretation

I will use generics for many things, but I have a few things that I will never buy generic for. Generic cheese never tastes as good as the name brand stuff. Toilet paper should never, ever be generic - if it’s not Quilted Northern, it’s not touching my butt. Some soda can be good generic, but it’s hit and miss - different generics are good or bad.

For diapers, I used to be devoted to Pampers, but then they started leaking for Cordy, so she now uses Luvs. I tried just about every generic diaper out there, and Luvs was the only one that didn’t leak often. I still use Pampers for Mira, because like you, I like how soft they are.

Christina’s last blog post..Why Must Healthy Be So Hard?

I will only buy name brand diapers and antidepressants.

Stimey’s last blog post..It’s Finally Happened

Generic is OK for OTC drugs but when it comes to antidepressants or SB’s meds, I’m with Stimey. The generic is NOT always the same.

tulipmom’s last blog post..Pregnancy/Baby Stuff

Oh, my, with you on the makeup. As long as the mascara is waterproof and cheap, I don’t care who made it.

Diapers: kroger makes one that doesn’t leak at night. Nuf said. Wipies are the same…I stopped buying the fancy stuff after Kaitlyn had a few months under her diaper. As long as it’s not making her break out in a rash, it’s good.

I cannot, absolutely cannot wear generic maxi pads. It has to Always. HAS to be. Same with toilet paper. Generic stuff falls apart. Rapidly dissolving Ew. Chips and candy and soda pop, also must be name brand. Especially my diet coke.

Oh, and as a former Michiganer, YAY MEIJERS!

I too love me some Meijer.

Heather’s last blog post..Tasty Tuesday - B.R.E. Meatloaf

I’m in! I too will not skimp on diapers, though. I found the generic ones horrible. And with Elliot, the Huggies leaked, so we used Pampers. With Arlo, we’ve been using Huggies (they don’t leak with him and I can get them at Costco - I do loves me some Costco).

andi’s last blog post..I must have made it to the big time, Interwebs!

It’s not just Meijer brand, it’s a better brand. It’s the god’s honest truth. Meijer Organics is WONDERFUL. Meijer Mac & Cheese tastes BETTER than Kraft.

I won’t buy store-brand diapers (though we cloth diaper now) or wipes. Sometimes wipes, but not usually. And I’m with you on the Ice Cream. Tomato SAUCE needs to be name-brand, but tomatoes don’t bother me. Pretty much anything else, I’m happy with store brand.

Oh, you people don’t know what cheap is!
I’m so cheap I always used cloth diapers

Ok, ok, so I did use disposables for travelling and such, and when i did, I went top of the line with huggies. but it depended on the child - have you noticed how different brands work differently for different bottoms? I’ve always wondered if they actually change the shape of the nappy between children (an obvious conspiracy!) or if little bottoms are that different…

No cheap shampoo, I’ve tried the Panteen version of the Equate, it’s just not the same. No cheap yogurt, just doesn’t taste the same.

Generic meds all the way, milk, butter, cereal all cheapy.

Rose Daughter’s last blog post..Domestication

When DH and i first moved in together this caused so many fights, see he grew up with way to much money and refused to get cheaper anything. When your living on about £20 ($40) a week which inlucded stuff like petrol we had to try and comparmise but he would refuse.
Although certain stuff like baby wipes, washing powder, dishwasher tablets i would not even do

Laura McIntyre’s last blog post..Its Really True?

Has to be Carnation hot chocolate powder. Generic tastes like cocoa with sugar granules. Bleck. Also on my brand name list is Miracle Whip (no “Whipped Salad Dressing” for me).
As for baby stuff, I only buy Pampers (had bad luck with generic) but I generally buy only generic quilted wipes. They’re so much thicker and luscious than Pampers wipes.

Mrs. Mustard’s last blog post..It’s Business Time

I will not do geverics on diapers, it has to be huggies. toilettee paper has to be charmin, soda has to be coca cola and detergent has to be Tide. Because I follow the sales at the near grocery store I am able to buy diapers at a much better price, plus I clip coupons, so the package of huggies that would cost me 12$ ends up costing me only 6$ because it goes on sale for 7.99 and i have $2 coupon that I used towards it. You can not buy store brand for 6$, so it is worth waiting for the sale, and I buy lots of it, last time I bought 7 packages.
And I refuse to buy formula for my baby, i rather breastfeed and pump than spend money on something that is less than optimal for my baby, that is being cheap.

[...] covet a Dyson, yet as you recall I’m cheap and I want to be absolutely sure that I won’t be wasting my money. Reading through page [...]

[...] Being thrifty, I often buy whole chickens or chicken thighs at the grocery store. (Which, by the way, I miss Meijer so much, it’s physically painful to even think about.) I don’t know why I keep torturing myself, though, because COME ON! I should just spend the extra money to buy the pot roast or pork tenderloin instead of causing myself immense amounts of stress related trauma due to utter inability to cook chicken. [...]

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