31 Ways to Kick Debt in the Teeth: Shop at ALDI

Here’s my little Happy New Year gift to you. Each day in January, I’ll bring you a simple, concrete and easy to put in place tip to fuel your efforts to Save Money, Pay Off Debt, and Be Awesome this year. Looking for a quick plan? Well this might not to be the right place for you. Most things down well take time. But that doesn’t mean you can’t begin to implement systems in your life that will help you achieve your goals. I’ve said it many, many times before. Paying off debt isn’t complex. It’s just not easy. You have to punch the clock daily and do the hard work. Here’s another way to make that happen.

Day 23: Shop at ALDI

Can I admit an embarrassing truth? Before we began our debt slaying journey, I thought that ALDI was just where the dented cans and rotten produce went after the “real” grocery store was finished with them. Now an avid ALDI shopper, I know this idea couldn’t be further from the truth. Shopping at ALDI was yet another way we were able to leverage a few extra dollars toward kicking debt in the teeth.

If you’ve never shopped at ALDI before, let me walk you through a few essential strategies.

• Bring a quarter with you. One of the many ways ALDI reduces their prices is by not hiring additional staff to collect carts in the lot. So you need to bring a quarter to “rent” your cart. You get it back when you return the cart. I leave one in the cup holder in my car at all times. Everyone knows it’s the “ALDI Quarter” and off limits.

• No Coupons Allowed. ALDI does not accept coupons. On the surface, this might seem like a disadvantage. However, I find that I could not even match the prices ALDI offers even with my coupon ninja skills.

• Cash or Debit Only. ALDI does not accept credit cards or checks. You need cash only or to know your debit pin number.

• Bring Your Bags. Another cost saving measure is the fact that ALDI does not offer bags. You will need to bring your own bags (I keep mine in my trunk) or purchase bags to use. You can also pick up boxes throughout the store to use to carry your items home in.

• Don’t Look for Brands. ALDI isn’t your typical grocery store. They don’t carry every brand under the planet. However, I find that their brands are consistently high quality and tasty.

• Now with Organics! ALDI has an organic and natural line of processed foods but also has begun to carrying organic produce and even dairy items. If you haven’t been in awhile because of organic concerns, it’s time to make a return trip.

• Double Guarantee. Unsatisfied with an ALDI purchase? Not only will they replace the item, but they’ll also give your money back too. You need to have your receipt so be sure to hold on to it for a week or so after you make your purchases.

I’m often asked if I run all over town weekly looking for the best deals and places to use my coupons. Can I be upfront and honest with you? I really don’t enjoy grocery shopping (even though I’m pretty good at it). I love ALDI because it’s small and I can get in and out quickly. I know I want be tempted to wander into the fitness/clothing/shoe/accessory/toy section and blow our grocery money on things that aren’t food. I typically shop at ALDI every week and then every other week visit another grocery store for a couple of items I prefer to purchase there. However, 85% of what I purchase comes from ALDI. I have always been highly satisfied with their products and customer service. From fresh mozzarella to quality seafood at a fraction of the price, I purchase items I’d never be able to afford in other grocery stores. Shopping at ALDI gave us both physical fuel in our tanks as well as financial fuel to Kick Debt in the Teeth. Have you shopped at ALDI lately?

I feel compelled to mention that no matter how many times I pitch them, I’ve never worked with ALDI as a brand. I guess they just know I’ll continue to give them great press for free but if it helps you, I don’t care. 🙂

Have you missed other 31 Ways Posts? Check out:

• 31 Ways to Kick Debt in the Teeth: No More Excuses
• 31 Ways to Kick Debt in the Teeth: Knock Off the Pity Party
• 31 Ways to Kick Debt in the Teeth: Stop Freaking Out!
• 31 Ways to Kick Debt in the Teeth: You Can’t Buy From Every Fundraiser
• 31 Ways to Kick Debt in the Teeth: It’s an Emergency!
• 31 Ways to Kick Debt in the Teeth: Clean Your Room!
• 31 Ways to Kick Debt in the Teeth: Be Careful the Company You Keep
• 31 Ways to Kick Debt in the Teeth: Visualize Victory
• 31 Ways to Kick Debt in the Teeth: Get Your Coupon On
• 31 Ways to Kick Debt in the Teeth: Work It
• 31 Ways to Kick Debt in The Teeth: Move It
• 31 Ways to Kick Debt in the Teeth: Communicate with Your Spouse
• 31 Ways to Kick Debt in the Teeth: Set Limits
• 31 Ways to Kick Debt in the Teeth: Dream On
• 31 Ways to Kick Debt in the Teeth: Quit Eating at Restaurants
• 31 Ways to Kick Debt in the Teeth: Read a Book, Why Don’t Ya?
• 31 Ways to Kick Debt in the Teeth: Change Your Mind About Budgeting
• 31 Ways to Kick Debt in the Teeth in 2014: Plan Yo’ Meals
• 31 Ways to Kick Debt in the Teeth in 2014: Use CA$H
• 31 Ways to Kick Debt in the Teeth in 2014: Sell, Baby, Sell
• 31 Ways to Kick Debt in the Teeth in 2014: Stop It
• 31 Ways to Kick Debt in the Teeth in 2014: Introduction

Want to be sure you don’t miss a single one of the 31 Ways to Kick Debt in the Teeth? Be sure to subscribe to my daily newsletter! Look for the bar that looks like this in the upper righthand corner.

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I’m so looking forward to sharing this month of challenge and inspiration with you. Together, we can show debt who’s boss and give it a swift kick in the teeth this January and throughout the year in 2014. Away we go!

Gain inspiration to pay off debt! Check out Inspiration to Pay Off Debt: 30 Days of Encouragement from the Queen of Free on Kindle.

This post contains affiliate links. That means when you get a great deal or maybe even something for free, you also help our family pay off our mortgage early. And for that, we royally thank you!

Related posts:

31 Ways to Kick Debt in the Teeth in 2014: Use CA$H 31 Ways to Kick Debt in the Teeth: Quit Eating at Restaurants 31 Ways to Kick Debt in the Teeth: Set Limits 31 Ways to Kick Debt in the Teeth: Work It