Coupon Queen: Save by buying the generic version

Saving money doesn't always mean making big sacrifices. Sometimes it's the small, everyday choices that add up the fastest. Over the years, I've learned that being frugal isn't about deprivation; it's about being smart, flexible and willing to rethink what's really worth paying extra for. That's why I'm always looking for products that let me spend less without sacrificing quality. One way I do this is by buying generic or store-brand items. Generic products from my 1980s childhood have changed a lot. Back then, many store-brand products came in plain black-and-white boxes, which made me cringe when my mom put them in the cart. I'm sure they tasted fine, but something about that lack of color or imagination seemed to scream, "We are poor and can't afford anything else." These days, I see those same store brands very differently. As the one doing the shopping and balancing the budget, I've learned that many generic products deliver the same quality for a lower price, and that simple shift in mindset has made a noticeable difference in our grocery bill. The two categories where we lean most on generics are medications and staple foods. Since the Food and Drug Administration regulates prescription and over-the-counter medications and lists their active ingredients on the box, I feel confident comparing options and choosing the best value. Occasionally, a sale or coupon makes the brand name cheaper, but more often, the generic version gives us the same results for less. Staple foods such as flour, sugar and pepper can often be swapped out without noticeable differences in taste. I find that coupons for these products are harder to find, so saving money on the store brand is a safe bet. In many cases, the same manufacturer produces both generic and brand-name products, meaning you are only paying for the advertisement with the brand-same product. While buying generic works out for our family most of the time, it did not one particular time. My middle son is a big Doritos lover. While I am concerned that he can polish off a bag in one sitting, I am more troubled by how much a little bag can cost when it's not on sale. The idea that a small bag can cost over $6 makes me get jittery. Because of this, I experimented one time when he was younger. Thinking he really couldn't tell the difference, I bought a store-brand and put them in the iconic red chip bag. Unfortunately for me, he noticed right away. "Mom, I think these chips are bad or something. They taste a little weird", he said. Thinking he was just being dramatic, I mixed a little of both the brand-name and the generic and poured them into the Doritos bag. Right away, he knew something was off. "It's so strange," he said. "Some of these taste really good, while some of the others are gross." I only responded with a smile, "That is strange!" In the end, I guess some swaps are easier than others. I'll keep buying generics where I can, but apparently, Doritos are where my son draws the line. This week's deal Here's a deal that you can grab at Dollar General. Doritos — assorted varieties — 2/$7** If you wait to buy until Saturday and use the $5/$25 coupon found in the app, the price will be about $2.88 per bag! Rachel Krych is passionate about helping others spend less and save more. In addition to her weekly column, she has a blog, Couponing With Rachel, which earns her compensation from Google for ads it places there, and from entertainment marketers whose promotional codes she touts. She doesn't write about entertainment in her column. Email her at rachelkrych@gmail.com.