Money management tip from a millionaire

[seleff]

60. Grocery shop at local independent International markets

My wife has always chided me for this, but everywhere we've lived I've sought out independent grocery markets, often specializing in international foods, to save a lot on food. In Atlanta, it was the DeKalb International Farmers market. Meat, seafood, produce and bulk staples were easily only 2/3 of Supermarket prices: in Seattle, it was the local Asian markets and filling in at supermarkets, where what's for dinner was what's on sale that week. Now retired in SoCal, I've found an international market, Valley Marketplace, that has produce often 1/4 to 1/2 the price of chain supermarkets. Same for meats/seafood and Deli. Most of the shoppers are from Hispanic, Middle Eastern, Eastern European, and South and SE Asian heritage as there are sections for each of these communities. Problem is there are only 3 stores, closest is a trek of 25-30 minutes' drive. So I generally shop for a whole week when I go, but filling a large cart usually costs no more than $150-175. Trips to local supermarkets or Trader Joe's heavily favors what's on sale that week.I haven't really felt the inflation on groceries since the pandemic much. It's amazing to me to see those that flock to the ultra expensive boutique food stores here in Calabasas that feature the Justin Bieber smoothie for $20-25 and prepped food entrees for $20-30/lb. They can't all be from celebrity multi-millionaire families, and I'm pretty sure many/most have service jobs making $20-25/hr🤷🏻‍♂️