If you're doing a lot of cooking at home, from scratch, you need to use spices. But: they are shockingly expensive at the grocery store. At places like Costco, you have to buy 5lbs at a time, which will go stale long before you get to the bottom. Solution: bulk spices! The difference in cost is amazing, and you can buy as much or a little as you want so it stays fresh. I'm betting you will be amazed by how much more flavor there is in fresh spices than in that jar that's been in your cupboard for two years. But where to buy? Although many Mustachians have a justified fear of health-food stores,** they can be a hotbed of affordable bulk items, often including spices. If your local Whole Paycheck doesn't carry bulk spices, check with some of the smaller mom-and-pop operations. If you need to get a new spice or you're just starting your spicerack, you can get basic spice jars for around $1 each at the dollar store or Bed Bath and Beyond. Happy cooking!
** While processed foods at health-food stores can be extremely expensive, you may find that their prices for ingredients are actually competitive, particularly if you prefer to eat organic/local. That's particularly true of bulk items and independently owned stores.