From the South Shore to the North Shore, families say they are at a breaking point with their bills. So, we are here to help. WDSU spoke with a money-saving expert to share tips you may not know about.
In St. Tammany Parish, it’s another grocery run for Samantha Honeycutt.
“It hurts to see people do without, especially the elderly. They struggle bad,” Honeycutt said.
“It cost a lot more when I had children at home — eight children — plus my husband and me,” she added.
Between power, gas, groceries, rent, streaming services and insurance, the costs add up.
“About $6,500 a month,” Honeycutt said.
There is a twist to her story: This mom of eight is not shopping for her family. Her job is delivering food for others.
“A basic pickup is like $8,” Honeycutt said. “I try not to think about it day to day — that’s all we can do.”
WDSU also spoke with shoppers on the South Shore.
Chanel McGinnis, a mother of three, was shopping for her family and “making groceries.” She said she has to cut back and shop around to find deals. Her bills total about $3,000 a month.
She said it’s hard when you have to tell your kids that the family cannot afford something.
“I learned to say ‘Why,’ not just to say ‘No.’”
Money-saving expert Andrea Woroch says Louisiana families can trim costs in small ways that add up fast.
“First, really do a nitty-gritty deep dive into your household spending,” Woroch said. “Make a list of all your annual expenses and create a plan of action.”
Food and household savings
- Plan meals before you shop.
- Look for discount grocers like Aldi.
- Go old-school: Pull out in-store coupon booklets.
- Use grocery store apps and membership programs — many are packed with digital coupons and extra discounts.
Apps that Woroch says may help:
- Rocket Money: Create a budget, track spending and find recurring subscriptions to cancel or negotiate.
- Flipp: Compare weekly circulars and find digital coupons across stores.
- Fetch: Scan receipts to earn points you can redeem for gift cards.
- GasBuddy: Find the lowest gas prices nearby.
Prescriptions and health
- Ask your doctor about cost-saving options, including higher-dose tablets you can safely split, if appropriate.
- Warehouse-club pharmacies often serve nonmembers — call ahead to ask.
Big-ticket and holiday buys
- Facebook Marketplace can be a great source for gently used big gifts. Slap on a bow and save.
- ShopBack: Earn cash back for online purchases. Consider it for big retailers, including Amazon.
Build your safety net
- Start an emergency fund now. Aim first for $1,000.
- Cut one nonessential this week and automate a small transfer to savings.
- Long-term goal: Save up to three months of living expenses.
“This can all add to stretching your budget,” Woroch said.
Stretching the budget is what McGinnis and her family do to get by. “Keep going, breathe through it — that’s my motto. Control the controllables,” she said.
Honeycutt says some people may be just a paycheck away from homelessness. “It does get to your heart,” she said. “Help who you can. Kindness works — it really does. You always get it blessed back to you. That’s the way I believe.”
READ MORE:‘Making groceries’ on a budget: How Louisiana families get by, and apps that help you save money
