 | | Steve and Annette Economides feed their family of six for $350 a month. | |
 | | The Economides save money by making a shopping list and then checking for coupons for items on the list | |
 | | Annette and Steve use walkie-talkies to communicate and make a game plan while in the store. | |
 | | Abbey Economides models a pantsuit from Savers for only $9.99. | |
 | | Steve and Annette wrote a book called "America's Cheapest Family" in which they share their tips on how to live frugally. | |
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Meet the Frugals...America's cheapest family.
Steve and Annette Economides (yes that's their real name) feed their family of six for $350 a month, pay cash for cars, and they have nearly paid off their five-bedroom home in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Incredibly, they do it on an income of just $46,000 a year! How is that possible?
"Planning ahead and trying to get the best quality for the best price," explains Annette.
That planning starts at the grocery store. Using a chart, the Economides mark off what they need. The shopping list eliminates impulse buying.
Next, it's divide and conquer. Annette and Steve stay in touch by walkie-talkie. Aided by coupons, Annette tackles the aisles and Steve works the perimeter. It's like a military operation.
Their two top rules are 1) buy in bulk and 2) never pay full price.
Among the great deals they found when INSIDE EDITION went shopping with them were a $5 box of cereal that with a coupon was only $1.50, and steak that was five days away from expiring. It was marked six dollars off.
The Economides bought six containers of milk, because buying more than one saves cash. To keep the milk fresh, they freeze it.
The family also saves thousands of dollars buying secondhand clothes at thrift stores, like Savers.
Steve tried on a sport jacket from Macy's that was only $19.99. Their daughter Abbey modeled a cute black pantsuit priced at only $9.99. The Economides are now sharing all their saving secrets in their book called America's Cheapest Family.
They say it's proof that living a frugal lifestyle really does pay.
For more of the Economides' tips and to learn more about their book, visit: http://www.homeeconomiser.com.
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