40+ Small Ways to Save Money in Mexico

While I enjoy being a tightwad, it also carries with it an ethical responsibility.

 

As Amy Dacyczyn notes:

“It is wrong to save money at the expense of others.”

--p228 The Complete Tightwad Gazette.

 

Here is my list of small ways to save money in Mexico:

1. Save receipts, create a price book (include housewares, clothing, groceries, services, & other items).
2. Develop menus and staples list, stock up on basics.
3. Scout various markets for price comparisons.
4. Buy vegetables and fruit on sale or in season, cut up and freeze.
5. Look for holiday items on sale after the holidays for future use.
6. Check grocery receipts for mispriced items.
7. Use crock pot, freeze portions for other meals.
8. Drink water instead of soda.
9. Make juice spritzers with club soda and juice or dilute juices with water.
   
10. Refill water bottles for personal use.
11. Use drink concentrates and powdered drink mixes.
    
12. Reuse tea bags and coffee grounds.
    
13. Wash and reuse baggies safely.
14. Dilute dishwashing soap, shampoo, and hand soap.
15. Use homemade skin products as a DIY facial: olive oil mask, grape juice astringent, milk as a rinse.
16. Compare health providers, expertise, reputation and costs.
17. Buy used clothes, household items from flea markets and “garage” sales.
18. Repair clothes and other items.
19. Wear old shoes around the house, save better shoes for dress-up.
20. Develop a basic mix and match wardrobe, foundation black pants or light brown skirt.
    
21. Use plastic grocery and laundry bags for trash bags.
22. Use cloth napkins.
23. Wear solar watch.
24. Recycle envelopes and copy paper.
25. Take public transit.
26. Use fans versus A/C.
27. Unplug microwave when not in use.
28. Turn off lights and fans when leaving the house.
29. Walk and/or do yoga and exercises in home.
30. Read free or low-cost ebooks from Smashwords, Amazon, Project Gutenberg and more.
31. Use OpenCulure.org for viewing classic English movies for free.
32. Attend various free cultural events.
33. Use Skype and Magic Jack for international calls.
34. Research travel and large purchases, then wait at least 24 hours before purchase.
35. Pay off credit cards, use credit cards for purchases if concerned about a dispute, pay credit card in full.
36. Compare ATM fees, use the lowest.
37. Reduce number of ATM withdrawals per month.
38. Put regular weekly or monthly savings amount, and spare change into savings account.
39. Research CD interest rates, store money in long-term CDs.
40. Barter.
41. Reduce, reuse, recycle, regift, rethink, and re-enjoy.
42. Best of all, be creative and keep your eyes open for savings opportunities.

A List of Some Frugal Shopping Tactics in Mexico

I found Amy Dacyczyn's book, The Tightwad Gazette, in the late 1990s. She revolutionized my life for which I will be forever grateful.

Once I got the book, I tried to be a good tightwad.

In the states, I bought used clothes, used books and other items. I used her grocery price book idea and stocked up on staples like tuna, toilet paper, noodles, etc. and when items were on sale or marked down.

I had a route of a Asian grocery store for eggs and vegetables. A dollar store for some basics and a grocery store that had lower prices and good sales. Plus, I went to a discount bakery outlet once a week for baked goods.

One time, I found mayo on a special sale rack and took two. When I got to the counter, they rang up the retail price. I pointed this out and had to show the customer service representative the sale rack. I got them at the sale price. It pays to look for the same item in a store in different locations.

My goal was to make meals for under $1. I achieved that goal and much more.

Among other tactics, I saved refund checks, salary raises and more, I managed to save enough money to survive several financial crises. But, with the U.S. economy in the toilet, the loss of employment in 2011, and lack of affordable health care insurance, my only solution to survive was to sell my home and move to Mexico.

In Mexico, trying to be a tightwad has been harder, so far I use the following tactics:

• use public transit;
• for some prescriptions, I try generics;
• buy bulk groceries;
• compare price options like toilet paper - I choose the one with the most sheets. I avoid double sheets, colored or scented varieties;
• look for sales;
• look for banks with lowest ATM charges; and
• follow exchange rate, use ATM or credit card when peso value is high.

While there are no used clothing stores like Goodwill here, there are weekly flea markets in various locations. Some are too far, some I can get to by bus. At the markets, you can get a variety of items from kitchen items to clothes. I found one lovely black and white, long, lacey, dress vest which I wear over a black dress or black pants for $70MX ($7US). I get a lot of compliments when I wear it.

Also, you can find "garage" sales at private homes. One great find was titanium frames for prescription glasses for $20MX ($2US). In 2013, I got new progressive lenses for $900.00MX ($90US) and used my yard sale frames.

There are tiendas (mom and pop convenience stores) on almost every block, where sometimes you can get a better price on some items.

There are food vendors in the open markets and those that set up stands along the streets at busy locations or who ride bike-driven carts selling pastries, fruit and more. The food vendors are the best bet for lower prices. But, there is one caution, sometimes "tourists" or Expats will get charged "foreigner" prices which are higher.

You can find several WalMart stores and Mexican food store chains. I go to Chedraui for bulk shopping. I am not always getting the best price but often there are items on sale that I can use. For me, saving time and cab money, is a savings.

I am working on a price book, so I can do better price comparisons.

Many Expats buy homes here as a way to save money on housing. I rent a 1-bedroom apartment.

To buy a house here, means paying a lawyer and a realty agent, it also means paying for renovations because many homes that are affordable are also fixer-uppers. So, in the end you can spend anywhere from $40,000US to $100,000US.

I don't have that much money to invest in a home. Plus, you have to add in the utility costs like electric, cable, water, trash and pool cleaning services. Many also hire housekeepers and gardeners. Plus, from my observations, Mexican homes, which are made from Yucatan cement, need frequent maintenance.

I pay $3100.00MX ($250-300US) plus electric which runs about $150.00MX every other month ($15.00US) for a one-bedroom apartment which suits my needs. The expenses vary based on the exchange rate.

I continue to calculate future expenses to try and determine other means of reducing my expenses.

Clothing
When I first came in 2011, I investigated various clothing and grocery outlets trying to get a handle on prices. For clothing, most shops seemed to sell pants, skirts, tops, and dresses for anywhere from $100mx to $400+mx which is about $10US to $40US.

I found a shop that sold pants and tops for about $3.00US each, so I bought several pants and tops to mix and match and I have been wearing these clothes for over two years. While I do not have much variety in my "look", I have saved a lot of money on clothes.

Also, in this tropical climate, I, now, wear flip flops. After a search, I found a store that sold flip flops for about $2US, whereas in other shops they sold for $3-6+US. I have several pairs of flip flops in a variety of colors. I walk a lot and these flip flops are sturdy and hard to wear out.

Another Frugal Non-Cook Kitchen Adventure

Now, I usually have to go around the barn to get where I am going.

I went to heat a cup of water in the microwave last night and when I hit the start button, the microwave shut off or maybe blew a fuse, who knows what, but it no longer worked. Using another outlet proved it was the microwave unit and not the outlet.

I boiled water on the stovetop instead.

In the morning, I went to the apartment office to let them know about the microwave. I live in Mexico and I have not learned enough Spanish yet to say:

"I wanted to let you know the microwave stopped working."

So, I used my iPad and Google's translate to translate the sentence into Spanish.

"Hola, buenos días. Quería hacerle saber el microondas dejó de funcionar."

The office clerk understood me and used my iPad to tell me that a technician would come by today and would I be home all day? Si, gracias.

The technicians came in 30 minutes and replaced the microwave.

But, there was one special instruction they gave me in Spanish.

Push this red button (Inicio/Mas Tiempo) to use the microwave and push this red button to stop the microwave (Pausa/Cancelar).

I could not use any of the other panel functions. We spoke in SpanEnglish and sign language.

So, when I push the red ON button, I get 1 minute of power. If I want more minutes, I keep pressing the red ON button. To stop the process or clear the minutes, press the red OFF button.

As a non-cook, this is not a major inconvenience, yet. I had hoped to make a tuna casserole, so we shall see how I will use the red ON button when I try to cook the casserole.

All this happened while I was trying to plan my grocery shopping list. This is not as easy as it sounds.

If I buy lunchmeat, I have to freeze half of it and then have lots of lunchmeat sandwiches so I eat it the rest before the lunchmeat goes bad.

That is why much of what I buy is canned or packaged. The items keep longer.

If I buy fruits or vegetables, I have to plan dishes where I will use them within a week or two, before they go bad.

With some of the vegetables like onions, celery, or bell peppers, I can slice or dice and freeze some for use in crock pot recipes.

When I was in the states, I had achieved my goal of making my meals for less than $1. I have yet to achieve this in Mexico. Things are a bit different here.

Hot Plate and Microwave: Making One Version of the Tightwad Gazette Universal Casserole

These recipes are meant to encourage those who feel like an alien in the kitchen. So, don't worry too much when you make mistakes.

Also, I am currently in Mexico so things are a bit different for me.

This is Tightwad Gazette author, Amy Dacyczn’s original recipe:

1     cup main ingredient

1     cup second ingredient

1-2  cups starchy ingredient

1 1/2  cups binder

1/4  cup goodie

seasoning 

topping

Main ingredient: tuna, cubed chicken, turkey, ham, seafood

Second ingredient: sliced celery, mushrooms, peas, chopped hard-boiled eggs

Starchy ingredient: sliced potatoes, cooked noodles or rice

Binder: cream sauce, sour cream, can of soup

Goodie: pimiento, olives, almonds, water chestnuts

Topping: potato chips, cheese, bread crumbs

Choose one item from each category except topping and mix together. If mixture is dry, add 1/2 cup milk or stock. Transfer to buttered or greased casserole. Add topping.

Bake 350 degrees F for 30-45 minutes.

 ***********

This is what I have:

1 can of salmon, drained (main ingredient)

1/2 14 oz can of champiñones (mushrooms), drained (second ingredient)

1 pkg of spaghetti (about 8 oz) (starchy ingredient)

1 can of crema esparragos (creme of Asparagus soup) (binder)

3/4 can water

5 aceitunas (olives), diced (goody)

about 10 leftover wheat crackers, crushed (topping)

Plus, I have no oven just a microwave and an electric stovetop.

I started the spaghetti on the electric stovetop.

Then, I went looking for the almonds I thought I had somewhere in the house. The search turned into a re-arrangement project as I searched several locations.

Couldn’t find them. My guess is somehow I managed to throw them out accidentally. So, I choose olives instead of almonds. The spaghetti was done by then.

I have cans of tuna but in Mexico they are not chunk-like, more like a tuna soup. But, I had been wanting to use my can of salmon, so here goes.

I am assuming you drain the tuna or salmon. I did.

After struggling to open the can of salmon with two different can openers, I used the lid to hold it against the salmon to drain the liquid. Subsequently the lid got stuck down in the can. I almost got my finger stuck between lid and can trying to get it out. But, finally used a knife to get that very sharp edged lid out.

After draining the spaghetti, I put it in the casserole bowl. Then, I mixed in the other ingredients except the topping.

I used roughly one-half of the can of salmon and had to separate the salmon with a fork.

Now, I really questioned using creme of asparagus soup. Was this dish going to be green? I went ahead anyway. I also added about 3/4 cup of water.

Then, I began “dicing” the olives. Another mistake, I had gotten a jar of olives with the pits (con hueso). They were probably cheaper. So, I sliced the olive meat off around the pit and added it to the casserole.

I tossed and mixed the ingredients with a fork.

Then, with the crackers in a bag, I smashed them with a spoon and added as topping.

Now, into microwave for 15 minutes. If it takes about 1 hour to cook a dish in an oven, it will take about 15 minutes in a microwave. Also, the wattage of the microwave may affect the cooking time.

Voilà! -- It’s eatable and tasty. What started out looking like a dish for Klingons came out looking “normal.”

It was a bit dry but I liked it because I did not want it soupy.

Also, my noodles were a little chewy when I started but once cooked twice they came out nice.

Next time, I may use the salmon juice and add 1 cup of milk instead of water. Maybe the almonds will have turned up by then.

 

Frugal Grocery Shopping in Mexico

While I don't have a car here in Mexico, my sources for groceries are quite varied.

I live in Historic Centro in Merida. If I go one block east, there a tienda (mom and pop connivence store) where I can get soda, orange juice, bread, rice, noodles, snacks, eggs, yogurt, raisins, lunch meat and more. Plus, I can get some spices, fruits, vegetables like: garlic, bananas, pears, onions, potatoes, avocados, pepinos (cucumbers), tomatoes, bell peppers, and chili peppers. If I go one block west, there are two tiendas with similar selections with some variations.

I can go to Paseo de Montejo and walk north several blocks up to Chedraui's, a Mexican grocery chain.

Now, from my experience Mexican grocery stores don't have regular sales like in the states. They do have some items on sale but I haven't figured out where they advertise the sales. If I find an item I use frequently on sale, I stock up.

Once I am done, I catch a cab home at the corner near the Mexican National Monument (Monument a la Patria).

Or I could go to the Santa Ana market, an open air market and get freshly butchered chicken or pork as well as many of the spices, fruits and vegetables mentioned and more.

Pepinos from HoboTraveler

When I first came to Mexico, I tried to price various items from various sources to get an idea of where the best prices were -- I am still working on this because sometimes food vendors will give you the "foreigner" price which is higher than the Mexican price.

Stocking up on items I use frequently and limiting my visits to the grocery store saves money because I am not tempted to spend more than I intended and I save on cab money.

New Cookbook in Progress

My experience writing, researching and formatting recipes and information for Recipes from the Kitchen of a Frugal Non-Cook was positive and educational. So, I have decided to write another one during 2014.

My approach is to research recipes online and in books. Right now, I am rereading The Complete Tightwad Gazette since the author, Amy Dacyczyn, offers frugal recipes and grocery shopping ideas. I am always inspired by her.

I am also perusing my Mexican Nueva Salsa cookbook by Rafael Palomino and Arlen Gargagliano. I am hoping to increase my repertoire with Mexican and Yucatán-inspired dishes.

Plus, I will dig into my recipe collections.

What usually happens is that I adapt recipes I feel I can handle to suit my tastes, my budget and my skills.

What readers of my Cookbook do not see are my little disasters.

For example, I had wanted to try to make "Stovies", which are really boiled potatoes. Sounds simple right?

Here's the original recipe:

8 red potatoes, peeled and cut in half vertically
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup butter
Place potatoes halves in a pot with 1/2 inch water or milk
Season potatoes
Cook on medium heat for 15-40 minutes

Ok, here goes, do I use water or milk? Because I was low on milk, I used half water and half milk.

I added olive oil instead of butter, and 1/2 a cube of chicken bullion.

Also, I have two medium, white Mexican potatoes.

After washing the potatoes with soap and water, I still worried about potato bacteria as I peeled the potatoes.

Then, I had to chase the half peeled potatoes across the counter because once they were peeled, they were slippery and hard to hold in order to cut in half.

After setting the potatoes in the milk/water broth, I seasoned them with pepper and garlic salt.

At 5:58pm, I turned the electric stovetop to "medium." Who knew really, since the dial had no indicators.

At 6:14pm, I realized I had turned on the back burner instead of the front burner. They are not marked. This time, I took white nail polish and marked the burners F or R, respectively.

Soon after, I checked the potatoes and the liquid was boiling, there did not seem to be a low setting on the stovetop.

6:18pm, Checked and found the potatoes cooking on low now, not done, not even close. Tried 4 different settings. Now I wonder if they are cooking at all. Tried another setting.

6:57pm, They are cooking at a low boil. Fine. They will be cooked thoroughly.

7:07pm, They are done. They tasted pretty good. I added a little bit more salt.

In the end, I always feel like I spent an inordinate amount of time cooking even a simple dish and then I face a sink full of dishes.

In Mexico, the real landlords are the ants. They send out tracker ants looking for microscopic morsels of food and then after communication is made, streams of ants come to help bring home the booty. So, cleaning up immediately is essential.

This is why eating out can be so attractive. But, as a frugal cook, I accept the challenge to continue to create a diverse menu of frugal, tasty, "healthy" meals.

Here are the ingredients I used: 

2 medium, white Mexican potatoes, peeled and cut in half vertically
about a cup of milk and water mix
1/2 cube of chicken bullion
black pepper
garlic salt
a dab of olive oil

add milk and water to pan to fill with 1/2 inch of liquid
add chicken bullion and stir
set potatoes in broth
season with black pepper, garlic salt, and a dab of olive oil
cover
cook on low for 15-40 minutes until done
check to make sure they don’t stick

Ok, when I do this again, I will use a slow boil because the potatoes were hard and took a long time to cook on low.

UPDATE:

I had 1 potato and the leftover broth from making the stovies. I poured the broth into a glass casserole dish; cleaned and peeled the potato and placed the two halves in the broth and seasoned. I cooked the potatoes in the microwave for 15 minutes and it came out --- drum roll -- Perfect!!!

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