Articles by Shay Huntley
Shatel (Shay) Huntley is a trusted grocery couponing expert with over 5 years of professional writing experience. She holds a BA in Criminal Justice from Georgia State University and has authored hundreds of practical articles on maximizing savings and inflation-beating hacks that help budget-conscious families slash grocery bills.
A Direct Support Professional honored with a 2025 Special Olympics award for empowering adults with special needs, Shay combines analytical rigor, real-world discipline, and empathy in every actionable tip she delivers.
You’ve probably walked past a perfectly good-looking loaf of bread in the clearance bin and wondered—what happens when no one buys it? The truth is, grocery stores waste food at a much higher rate than most people realize. From produce that’s slightly bruised to overstocked bakery items, thousands of pounds of food are discarded daily.…
Ever come home hungry with nothing planned and no energy to cook? That’s when your pantry can become your best friend—if it’s stocked right. Having a few reliable grocery staples on hand means you can throw together a meal without needing to order takeout or run to the store. These shelf-stable items don’t just save…
SNAP benefits (also known as food stamps) are meant to help low-income individuals and families buy groceries, but what exactly should count as a “grocery” item? While these benefits cover essentials like fruits, vegetables, meats, and grains, they also allow for soda, chips, candy, and other snack foods. That’s where the debate begins. Critics argue…
If you’ve ever felt like you have to choose between eating healthy and saving money, you’re definitely not alone. But according to registered dietitians, smart grocery shopping can give you the best of both worlds. With the right nutritious grocery items in your cart, you can nourish your body without emptying your wallet. These budget-friendly…
Gone are the days of long checkout lines, paper coupons, and wandering the aisles looking for pasta sauce. The digital-only grocery store has arrived—and people can’t stop talking about it. With app-based ordering, cashierless checkouts, and automated restocking, these stores are changing how we think about groceries. It’s sleek, fast, and incredibly efficient—but is it…
Grocery stores often face criticism regarding food waste. Images of dumpsters filled with edible, yet discarded, food raise ethical questions. This happens while many community members struggle with food insecurity. Is this level of waste truly an unavoidable cost of doing business? Or could supermarkets implement better strategies? These strategies could reduce waste and simultaneously…
Living with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity requires strict adherence to gluten-free foods. Thankfully, the availability and quality of gluten-free products have improved dramatically in recent years. Many brands now specialize in creating delicious and reliable options free from wheat, barley, and rye. Navigating the grocery aisles can still be challenging, though. Finding brands…
From last-minute hotel deals to flight alerts and itinerary planning, travel savings apps offer convenience and real-time savings. For budget-conscious travelers, these apps can seem like game-changers, making it easy to plan trips without breaking the bank. But behind the user-friendly features lies a growing concern: how much personal information are these apps collecting, and…
TJ Maxx is known for its unbeatable deals on name-brand clothing, home goods, and beauty products. But for savvy shoppers and part-time resellers, it’s also a goldmine of high-resell-value items. From trending handbags to niche beauty finds, some products are worth more on resale platforms like eBay, Poshmark, or Mercari than what you paid in-store.…
The rising cost of groceries has hit shoppers hard in recent years, with prices for everything from eggs to cereal climbing faster than most paychecks. While global supply chain issues and inflation are part of the story, some economists and consumer advocates believe there’s more going on. They argue that certain grocery chains may be…
Amazon has become the go-to marketplace for everything from toilet paper to tech gadgets. With fast shipping, easy returns, and competitive pricing, it’s hard to resist the convenience. But not all products on Amazon are created equal. Some items are consistently overpriced, low quality, or riddled with knockoffs and third-party seller scams. Here are eight…
A bright, sunny day might feel like the perfect time to head out and tackle your grocery list. But sunshine and shopping don’t always mix. From impulse buys to food spoilage, there are several reasons why hitting the supermarket when the weather’s great can backfire. While it’s tempting to pair errands with a scenic drive,…
Ever noticed how the price of an item online changes depending on where you shop, what device you’re using, or whether you’re logged into an account? You’re not imagining things. Retailers today are using advanced data tracking tools to tailor prices to individual shoppers—a strategy known as surveillance pricing. On the surface, it looks like…
If you’ve ever found yourself standing in the parking lot trying to decide whether to shop at Whole Foods or Sprouts, you’re not alone. Both stores offer organic, healthy, and specialty items, but they cater to different types of shoppers in unique ways. Whether you’re a dedicated health nut or just trying to eat a…
When you swipe your card at your favorite store, you’re likely thinking about savings, convenience, or snagging that perfect item—not where your money goes afterward. But what if your favorite retailer is quietly funding political groups, organizations, or initiatives you strongly disagree with? Increasingly, companies are being held accountable not just for the products they…
The cola wars have raged on for decades, and fans are as passionate as ever. Whether you’re loyal to the bold taste of Pepsi or the classic smoothness of Coca-Cola, there’s no denying both brands have left their fizzy mark on the world. From TV commercials and Super Bowl sponsorships to secret formulas and family…