Part 2
Okay, so you have successfully made your list and written down prices from all the stores you frequent. You have probably cursed me several times by now, and that’s okay. I can take it. Trust me; now that you have this information at your fingertips, budgeting will be so much easier. The good news is that you don’t have to set foot in those stores again…until grocery shopping day. The next part of your money saving journey will be right in your own ...
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When I began writing this post I realized that saving money on my grocery bill is a process that has taken me years to learn…and I am still gaining new knowledge all the time. Even I was overwhelmed by the long, rambling post explaining it all, so here’s what we are gonna do. I will break this down into sections so that we can all take things one step at a time. Alright, so if you are ready to start counting all that extra cash that you WON’T be spending at the grocery store….here we go!
The first thing I suggest you do is to make a list of every single thing you buy on a regular basis for your family. This list is not a shopping list, so put items that are currently in your cabinet and fridge. This will be a long list even if you have a small family, but never fear, this project really only needs to be done once. Don’t forget condiments, paper products, cleaning supplies, pet supplies and toiletries. Make sure that there is space beside each item, grab a pencil and your walking shoes…we are going on a field trip ladies!
In our small town, I usually only frequent two places for my groceries. Wal-Mart and the Commissary are my stores, but you may have 3 or 4. Leave space beside every item for a price at every store. (If you are really organized and put-together, you can make a spread sheet…I am not, so just use a notepad.) Now, with your trusty list in hand, visit each of your stores, look for every item and write down the price. Some of you are about to close this page right now as you imagine taking your children to 4 stores for this project, but hang on with me here. This step is daunting at first, but will save you a ton of time later on, I promise. If anyone asks what you are doing, be honest. Tell them you are working on your family food budget and you need to make sure you know who has the best price.
Now that you have the first step completed (the hardest one by far, hence the short post), go take a long shower, put your feet up and start dreaming about what you will do with all your extra dough! I suggest we all take a cruise…no husbands or children allowed. What do y’all think? Come see me tomorrow for Part 2…there are only a few days until payday!!
Many Kind Regards,
Erin
No, I’m not talking about that typical “military spouse emotional roller coaster” that is so much a part of my life on a daily basis. That coaster has actually grown on me over the years and I am learning not to shriek in terror at the prospect of that one anymore. No, I am referring to the roller coaster known as Vertigo. Yes, that is how committed I am to this website. I am writing while hopped up on Dramamine, and after 10-12 hours of ...
<< MORE >>Well it happened again. It was starting to rain when I drove into the Wal-Mart parking lot to pick up a few things this evening. My daughter and I were on our way to a Spouse’s Social for my husband’s unit and to be completely honest, it was all I could do to drag my behind out of the house. It’s not that I don’t enjoy being social. Ok, well maybe today it was. It’s just been one of ...
<< MORE >>The other day I had a food craving for pancakes and green olives. Before you get out the Tums...I wasn't craving them together. I wanted warm buttery pancakes with maple syrup. Then, I wanted to sit in my pjs with a jar of green olives and watch The Biggest Loser. Before we go any further, I will give the following warning (just as I did when I posted this as my facebook status): If any person ...
<< MORE >>As many of you know, I have been nominated for an award presented by Military Spouse Magazine. The Military Spouse of the Year Award is in its 3rd year, and I am incredibly honored to be nominated for 2010. As a nominee I am representing my wonderful husband, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, The United States Marine Corps, and military spouses who are serving their country all over the world. Today the newspaper aboard Cherry Point, The Windsock, ...
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