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.
Many seniors who receive SNAP benefits are missing out on a valuable deduction that could increase their monthly food assistance. If you are aged 60 or older, you can claim a deduction for your out-of-pocket medical expenses. This rule is designed to help households where health costs make it difficult to afford enough food. You…
Choosing store-brand items over expensive name brands is a smart way to lower your grocery bill. Not all private labels are created equal, and some offer much better quality than others. We looked at top grocery chains to see which ones stand out for their flavor and value. Families can save a lot of money…
Eating healthy, fresh produce can be expensive, but the Double Up Food Bucks program makes it much more affordable. This program matches the money you spend on fruits and vegetables when you use your SNAP benefits. For every dollar you spend on fresh produce, the store gives you a free dollar to spend on more…
If you have noticed that ground beef and steaks are getting more expensive, you are not alone. The price of beef is currently at record highs due to a combination of smaller cattle herds and high demand. Ranchers have been dealing with years of drought and high operating costs, which have forced many to reduce…
Barbecue season is finally here, and you do not have to spend a fortune to host a great party. Dollar stores are currently stocked with plenty of grilling essentials that can save your budget this week. You can find everything from name-brand condiments to useful kitchen tools at a fraction of the cost. These stores…
New federal work requirements for SNAP benefits took effect this month, leaving many households confused. The rules now impact a wider range of adults who must meet specific work or training hours to stay eligible. If you are aged 18 to 64 and do not have dependents, you likely need to document your activity to…
The Summer EBT program is a vital initiative that provides extra food money to families while school is out. If your children qualify for free or reduced-price school meals, you may be eligible to receive $120. This one-time benefit is meant to help you keep your children fed during the summer months when school breakfast…
The Thrifty Food Plan is the government calculation used to determine how much a family needs for basic groceries. Many families are finding that the actual cost of food has risen far faster than the benefit amounts. This creates a painful gap where your monthly support cannot cover the cost of a healthy, balanced diet.…
Finding that your EBT balance is lower than expected at the checkout line is an incredibly stressful experience. There are several common reasons why this might happen, and knowing them can help you prevent it in the future. Whether it is an unexpected expiration or a change in your household income, you have options to…
The excitement of the holiday weekend has ended, and stores are now looking to reset their inventory. Retailers are actively trying to clear out leftover stock to make room for new summer merchandise. This creates a perfect opportunity for you to find deep discounts on items that were featured during the holiday rush. You can…
Drivers in Ohio and Michigan are dealing with a tough reality as gas prices have climbed significantly higher this week. Global unrest, especially in the Middle East, is causing major uncertainty in the international energy markets. These supply chain disruptions are putting upward pressure on fuel costs everywhere, but these states are feeling it more…
Finding cheap gas is a top priority for most families today, and warehouse clubs are a great place to start. Costco and Sam’s Club consistently offer fuel prices that are lower than those at traditional neighborhood gas stations. They operate on a different business model that does not rely on making a huge profit on…
Georgia drivers have enjoyed a welcome break at the gas pump thanks to a suspension of the state motor fuel tax. This relief was originally scheduled to end, but the state has officially granted an extension through June 3rd. Many people are wondering how much their next trip to the gas station will cost after…
There is a common belief that filling up your gas tank in the cool morning air will get you more fuel. The theory is that gasoline is denser when it is cold, so you get more liquid per dollar before the heat of the day arrives. While it is true that gasoline expands when it…
The week after a major holiday is often the absolute best time to find deep discounts on grocery items. Stores need to clear out their remaining inventory to make room for new summer stock and fresh merchandise. You can find fantastic buy one, get one deals on everything from snacks to household goods if you…
Have you ever noticed that some gas stations list two different prices on their signs? The lower price is almost always for customers who pay with cash, while credit card users pay a higher rate. This price gap exists because gas stations have to pay transaction fees every time a customer swipes a card. These…