Helpful hints for the frugal shopper

* Stock up on basics. Items such as butter, egg whites and meats as well as fresh berries and other fruits can be frozen for later use.

* Be creative: Refrigerated crescent roll dough can become a pizza crust. Canned meatballs can be crumbled and used in place of ground beef. If you need a few almonds, but they only have mixed nuts, buy the mix and pick out the almonds, saving the rest for snacking.

* Think simply: Bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with almonds are a fancy appetizer and require just three ingredients. Strawberries dipped in melted chocolate can be an elegant but cheap dessert.

* Look for your favorite brands but, once in a while, take a chance on one you've never heard of. You might like it just fine, or better.

* Check the expiration date. Usually, it hasn't passed -- but it might be coming up soon. Rachel Jacobs, vice president of purchasing for 99 Cents Only Stores, says if you do see an expired item for sale, tell a manager: "That should be pulled from the shelves. We don't want the customer to be turned off."

* Don't expect to find the exact same items on the shelves every time. Part of the fun of shopping these stores is the constantly changing variety of products on offer.

* Remember, if something isn't up to snuff, you can return it for a refund.