Aldi has become a staple in Americansgrocery storelaps.
Have you been yet?
Can You Survive 10 Days of Budgeting?
People shop at a new Aldi store in St. Petersburg, Fla., on Aug. 18, 2017. Sharon Steinmann/The Penny Hoarder
If you gotta wrangle your budget, it may be time to consider a savings challenge.
Head in Early
Aldi is rapidly expanding in the U.S. and even purchased Winn-Dixie.
So, its not uncommon to find the place packed.
Typical opening time is at 9 a.m., and hours may vary by location on the weekends.
Bring a Quarter
To use a cart, youll have to have a quarter.
Each cart has a slot where you insert a quarter deposit to unlock it from the corral.
Youll get it back after you return the cart.
The quarter system helps keep labor costs low.
Better Bring Your Own Bags Too
Aldi has low prices because its a no-frills kind of store.
And it takes the no-frills concept quite seriously.
To keep costs and prices down, it doesnt provide free bags.
So double-check to bring your own.
Is Your Paycheck Not Going As Far As It Used To?
We get it.Everythingis more expensive than it used to be, but your paycheck hasnt kept up.
When money is tight,these resourceswill help nearly everyone.
Well, not at Aldi.
This might be the main thing that shocks Aldi first-timers: The responsibility of bagging groceries falls on you.
This may seem a little weird at first, but its another way the grocery chain keeps costs low.
Make a List
Aldis low prices are pretty astounding.
While youre shopping, you may want to grab literally everything you see.
Its all cheaper than usual, so you should stock up, right?!
A big grocery shopping mistake is heading to a store without a list.
Instead, youll find Aldis own brands, like Millville.
Around 90% of brands Aldi stores carry are its own.
That doesnt mean you should only purchase items with those familiar brand names, though.
You should seriously consider trying Aldis in-house products!
Additionally,Aldi claimsthat all Millville products meet or exceed the quality of national brands.
With a satisfaction program like that, theres no harm in trying something new!
Scope Out That Cheese Bin
Do you love cheese?
(We do!)
The cheese at Aldi is both delicious and reasonably priced.
Penny Hoarders also love creatinglow-cost cheese boardsand plates from Aldis selection.
Pair it with the stores cheap gluten-free crackers or olives, and youve got yourself quite the appetizer.
Dont Bother Bringing Coupons
Aldi doesnt accept coupons.
Sometimes fake ones circulate Facebook but dont fall for them.
Aldi cuts a lot of costs, but notthatmany costs.
Need Some Quick Cash?
If youre looking to boost your income this month, weve got just the thing for you.
Kelly Smith is a junior writer and engagement specialist at The Penny Hoarder.
Catch her on Twitter at @keywordkelly.
