Frugal Living with Generics (Part 1)

Welcome to the first post in a series of eleven over the next eleven weeks of how to honor God through your pocketbook. Whether you just enjoy living frugally like our family does or the tough economic times have made penny pinching your new hobby, hopefully you will learn something that can help you in this series.

When my oldest child was born, I quit my good paying job to stay at home. At the time, I was actually earning more than my husband so our income was more than cut in half. Since I had been raised in a home that money was always tight, I knew we could make it. But where did I start?

Generics. To me, this was the most obvious place to start. While I had always used a few for various reasons, I had never bought nearly everything in generic. After Tyler's arrival, I didn't have a choice. Super Wal-Mart was the only way we made ends meet back then. Their prices were low and their generics were (and still are!) great.

I will admit over the last few years, I have tried a few things I didn't like. But when I say "a few," I mean literally two or three. In fact, when I am over at someone else's house and actually eat the name brand, I often find that I prefer the generic.

I have run across items many, many times that are close to half the price of the name brand. HALF THE PRICE!! For me, not buying generic seems like I am not being a wise steward of my money.

When my husband got a new job a year and a half ago and money wasn't as tight, I wondered if I should switch back to some things we had used in the days before babies. I was struck with just how wrong I felt this was for my family. We weren't complaining about what we were using so why in the world should change?

Wal-Mart, of course, is not the only store that has generics. Most grocery stores and other discount stores do. If you are not a generic junkie like I am, I challenge you on your next shopping trip to buy one or two generics. Try them. See if you can tell a difference.

I have to warn you, you might actually like them more than the name brand! If not, just send me a bill for your little experiment (OK, I'm kidding on that one...) If you do like it, keep branching out. You might be shocked to discover in a few months time, you cabinets will be full of generics just like mine.

The best thing is that your pocketbook will be thicker. In todays times, how can there be anything wrong with that?


That's what works for me! Visit Rocks in My Dryer for more great tips.

Photo credit: flickr