I think I have a problem. Hello, my name is Angel and I'm a food stocker-upper. Oh, and a personal care stocker-upper too.
It is only 8 days into the month and I have spent more than 1/2 of my grocery budget for the month already. I somehow think I can always justify spending money on food because "it is a good deal" or "but I need it for this one recipe" or "ooo, look at this new thingamajig that I can try and it will keep me on track with weight watchers". In addition, food is something you need, it isn't a pair of shoes that you can put off 'til next month.
Yeah. My freezer is stuffed full and my cupboard is stocked up too. I need to do some serious pantry-shopping instead of grocery shopping. I went to Save A Lot to do the rest of the grocery shopping and spent $31. Not bad. Many of my trips are not bad. I don't spend a lot at once, but I go multiple times. Then, as I was checking out, the cashier handed me a coupon for $2 off a $20 order the next time I come in--as long as I come in within a week. Oh! The pressure of using up that coupon! It's like a free bag of flour! How can I resist?
The sad thing is that I still have stuff on my list that Save A Lot didn't have (like poultry seasoning). Most of the things on my list are not really needed for the menu I created for the week, I just happened to run out of them and put them on the list. I have to prioritize and stop buying stuff unnecessarily. At least, that is, if I want this budget thing to work!
Food--urg
February 8th, 2013 at 02:57 pm
February 8th, 2013 at 03:00 pm 1360335634
It's called "detox", my friend. "Detox". I share a similar mindset of feeling like if I don't take advantage of this sale, there will never ever be another one. I've had to do away with the Sunday paper sale ads (my mother saved her coupon inserts for me for future shopping). I was able to get everything in check by shopping at Aldi's and having a basic plan not around the sales. It was healthier in the long run, and I've made great strides in the spending arena. Also, I had to curtail my trips to Sam's Club where I can spend MAJOR money.
February 8th, 2013 at 03:07 pm 1360336031
Try shifting your focus to fresh foods only. Sure, it is more expensive, but there is a hidden cost to eating unhealthy.
February 8th, 2013 at 03:21 pm 1360336894
February 8th, 2013 at 03:30 pm 1360337439
February 8th, 2013 at 04:21 pm 1360340475
February 8th, 2013 at 04:52 pm 1360342355
I've had to balance grocery overspending and stocking up. For a while, I was 'getting the deals' but was still spending a lot. I switched to shopping at aldi, and that has helped immensely. You have to pay with cash or debit, and the store is small. It's actually easier and faster to shop there because I don't waste time wandering back through aisle looking for things. I serve more fresh fruits and vegetables, and more homemade foods because the produce and baking/ingredient prices are generally better. They also have a line of organic items that is decent. I don't usually buy meat there, fresh or frozen, because I'm not impressed with the quality. (Occasionally they have natural or cage free chicken, though).
February 8th, 2013 at 07:10 pm 1360350603
Look at your stockpile and make your Menu for the next few months from what in there,then only buy things that are missing. Plus fresh fruit & vegetables plus dairy.
February 8th, 2013 at 11:30 pm 1360366242
I know not everyone can do this, but since I started buying my meat from a farm and my produce in season and from the food co-op, I don't worry about sales. I keep to my budget and stay out of the stores as much as possible.