Heirloom seed question

[Connie aka RainbowRose]

Can anyone tell me if there is a way to tell if seeds bought at the local stores etc, are heirloom or hybrid? I know sometimes the package will say if they are a hybrid or not. I want to start saving my seeds, but can't really afford to pay for heirloom seed ordered special. I would love to, but our finances just won't allow it. I have a lot of seeds I have saved over from previous years (keep cool and dry in original packaged purchased in).
Thank you for ALL and any suggestions.

[Susu]

like you said, sometimes hybrids say as much but the best way I've found is buying from "better" seed companies like Seeds of Change or Johnny's who always label hybrids. the cheap seeds you find at places like Walmart are just that, cheap & of questionable quality. try ordering from Pintree as they not only indicate what's what but they have smaller/less expensive seed packs. you can get Seeds of Change & Seed Savers in stores but I'm thinking also Gurneys is widely available & indicates hybrids.

unfortunately I'm seeing most seed source have raised their prices so there's not much if any difference in prices between hybrid & not :/