Are grocery prices a controversial topic? Based on the feedback I’ve gotten about this post, it would seem so. 

Quite frankly, I have been surprised to see so much negativity about Living on a Dime—the website, the YouTube channel, and its creators. Multiple readers have commented that they can’t stand them, they’re annoying, they manipulate prices, etc. It’s fine to have a strong opinion, but it can go too far.

A Facebook message was really over the top, accusing them of disability fraud, child custody battles, bankruptcy and even claimed the husband is into Wicca. When I informed this individual that I do not personally know the Living on a Dime team, he replied that I shouldn’t be “engaging in promotion of lies.”

Here’s the thing: I never promoted them. I don’t sell their products as an affiliate; I have never spoken to them, I have not even read their book. All I did was post a link, asking if it was possible to buy groceries for $26 per week. That’s it. Do I enjoy some of their articles on frugality and some of the recipes? Yes, but that’s not vouching for their business or for them as people.

Often times on Twitter, you’ll see a disclaimer that states: “Re-tweets are not an endorsement.” Similarly, when I post a link, it’s not something that has my 100% seal of approval. (In fact, many of the things I link to are subjects I don’t like.)

A link should not be misconstrued as an endorsement. When I work with companies in a sponsored capacity, either sharing a product, hosting a giveaway, or displaying an ad, that is something different. The context needs to be considered. 

If you don’t like a particular website or YouTube personality, that’s fine, but don’t try to turn me against someone and ask me to flag their channel for a petty reason. That’s childish and dumb. I don’t want to play that game. 

As the youngsters say, “You do you,” and I’ll do me.