Saving Money With Generics

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of PBM Products. All opinions are 100% mine.

As the economy continues to decline and American families have to tighten their belts even more than we ever have before, it's more vital than ever that we find ways to save money. A key area where families can make money-saving changes is at the grocery store. One really good way to save on the grocery bill is to use generic products wherever possible. There's a terrific articles on this today over at Wallet Pop. 10 Products to Always Buy Generic suggests ditching name brand cereals, over-the-counter medications and pantry staples like flour and sugar. If you shop at stores like Aldi, you already do this and the savings are obvious. Most generic products are either identical or very similar to pricey name brands. Here we use generic brands of just about everything.

One of the products many families may be hesitant to try is generic baby formula. Many parents worry that they may be compromising nutrition by feeding their babies store brand formula. Some major formula manufacturers have encouraged this belief with scary ad campaigns recently. However, this is simply not true. According to the Food and Drug Administration, all formula marketed in the U.S. must meet the same nutrient specifications, which are set at levels to fulfill the needs of infants. Although infant-formula manufaurers may have their own proprietary formulations, brand-name and store name formulas must contain at least the minimum levels of all nutrients specified by FDA regulations, and may not exceed any maximum levels which may be set. Generic and store brand formulas typically cost 25-50% less than name brands. That can make a huge difference for a family already struggling to make ends meet.

If you're unsure, do some further research. Compare the ingredients of your favorite name brand formula against the store brand next to it on the shelf. You should see few, if any, differences. Talk with your doctor also. In the end, breastfeeding is best for your baby, and extended breastfeeding is beneficial to your baby's health and your wallet. If you choose not to nurse, or to supplement with formula, do your research and decide what you think is best for you and your baby.

In the meantime, try out some other generic items and see how much you save!