All the gals (and guys) in our hemisphere are getting ready for summer and for many regional holidays.  I am sure many locales have their special summer holidays.  
Do you gals in the southern hemisphere have holidays in your fall?

We will soon be celebrating Memorial Day and Independence Day here in America.  Summer is picnics and fun foods and treats.
My reminder is all about taking advantage of SALES and stocking your pantry for cheap!  

I keep hearing stories about rising prices and inflation.  Yep, it sucks - it happens - but you can still build your pantry for a little (or less) money.  Shop those sales!!!!!
(Grow something if you have that option!)

I have seen so many people post about how expensive watermelons are at the grocery ($8).  Corn prices so expensive.  Chicken and ground meat expensive.  Well, yes - they are expensive and there may be varied reasons for that.
A big part of that is THINGS ARE NOT IN SEASON!!!!! 
Now is NOT the time to buy fresh watermelon or corn (unless a holiday sale).  They aren't in season yet - so they will be more expensive.   Strawberries have been a decent price in the past couple weeks - they are now in season.

DON'T buy foods that aren't in season.
There are many things that are cheaper depending on the time of the year.  Watermelon, peaches, strawberries, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, oranges, turkey, ham, potatoes, apples, asparagus.......and on and on.

Also holidays offer up many a savings as well.  Grilling meats are much cheaper this time of the year - both hotdogs and ground beef.  Buns, chips and snacks are priced well.  Condiments are very reasonably priced.  Water and pop - I know many still buy these things.  I purchase pop once in a great while, and use my faucet for water and I make my own ice.

I DO NOT pay full price for hardly anything.  I shop sales, clearance, mark downs and seasonally shop.  This is one reason I have not delved into the delivery/shop options that stores offer.  There is no way they will shop the clearance for me (nor know what I might need) and they substitute - so I may not be getting the best prices.
I buy very few name brand items as well.

It is not always about what you don't buy - but what you DO buy!  Brands and seasonal make a difference and CLEARANCE - it is essential to keep a budget down.
STOP shopping every week.  For most that is a HABIT - and not necessary.  Make a plan for every couple weeks or once a month.  If you run out of something - the world isn't going to end!!!!!  Do without for a while.  SUBSTITUTE something else.
THINK!!!!!!!  

So don't cancel your picnics and cookouts - just plan ahead.  We can all enjoy all the goodies that come with special days and summer - just do it cheaply.  Stock up and you can continue to enjoy the spoils of the holiday sales for months to come.

PLAN, PLAN, PLAN.  Shop the deals and stock up while the getting is good!!!!
Don't pay retail - purchase with sales.  You can keep your budget low this way - not only for the week or month - but for the future.
Be SALE & SEASONAL SAVY.  It is truly more important now than ever with inflation the way it is. 
BUT - remember - prices go up and prices come down!!!!!!!!!!  DON"T panic or make bad decisions!

Happy stocking!