No Superstore Challenge

[tortoise]

I went to superstores to get the "lowest prices", but when my household category of spending hit $500 per month in February, I needed to make some BIG changes! Household category = clothing, cleaning, toiletries, paper goods, any random stuff

One of my weaknesses was non-list items at Walmart, so I STOPPED going to Walmart completely for a month. I was nervous at first. I wasn't sure my spending would go down by shopping at local shops with notoriously high prices.

But, results are in. My household category spending was down to $300! I need to shave off at least another $100 from this category, consistently. This past month, I did not try to be frugal - only to stay out of superstores. Now I'm encouraged to continue - and maybe try being a bit frugal in this category.

 

[Mini Horses]

It will. I have 3 cans of swt condensed milk now, huge amount (for me) of Canadian Mist and I NEVER drink & drive. There goes the store.

 

[MoonShadows]

We have always found that if you skip the big warehouse stores (Costco, BJ's, Sam's, etc.) and Walmart and WATCH and LEARN the sale rhythms of the grocery store chains (we have Giant, Weiss and Shoprite within short driving distances), you save the most money. We NEVER buy coffee for more than buy one/get one, Hellman's Mayo for $2.99 for the large jar, Bumble Bee Solid White Tune for $1.00 a can, etc...just to name a few. We know how long it will be between sales and stock up! Shoprite has great can sales, and if you buy 12, they discount even further. We shopped at Shoprite (we live a few miles from the largest Shoprite in the world) last weekend. Our "normal" price was $147. We paid $97. Saved $50. Don't be fooled by the price clubs and even Walmart which usually don't have the best prices or the best selections. We've been shopping this way for years.

 

[Mini Horses]

I spend a lot more money on grain and hay than I do at the grocery store!

Me, too !!! Sad when your most cherished stores are the feed stores and Lowe's.

 

[MoonShadows]

Another money-burner are club stores like Sam's, Costco and BJ's. We found that if you watch the sales and learn their timing in the local supermarkets, you save much more than club stores. An example is coffee. We drink 8 O'clock Coffee. At 1 store it goes on a buy1, get 1 free every 3 months. We buy about 20 bags 4 times a year. We save much more than if we buy the gigantic bags in one of the club stores. The same goes for paper goods, cleaning supplies (the ones we don't make ourselves)...any packaged goods almost.

 

[wooddustmaker]

All of the things that "go on sale" run in a cycle at most stores. It isn't hard to figure it out after a little time. The wife used to work retail grocery, and knows the game. Get your pantry built, and well stocked. It takes time, and some money upfront, but in the long run, it will save you a bundle.

We primarily shop the local grocery store, mainly buying what is on sale. The savings on gas, not to mention the time of driving to one of the bigger cities is more than worth it.

One other thing is to know your prices. Then you know when something is a good buy, or not.

Cleaning supplies, use baking soda, and vinegar when you can. Cheap, work well, and are food stamp approved items, saving your much needed cash for other necessities. Most dollar store items work well also.

Clothes, two words there..... Thrift store. Other than under clothes, we almost never buy new. One does have to be a bit diligent, and check as often as they can, but why buy new, cheap stuff, when you can get gently used, high quality items at a usually lower price?

 

[lcertuche]

I like that this thread is getting attention. Another idea for getting away from the big stores chains. Now days we all have to watch our pennies or at least if we're smart we do.

Local church's have been a God send to many people. I know ours has a food pantry open to the public and if they get a large donation they well call the members to see if you need whatever they have. This summer once they ago 2400 pounds of red potatoes and another time the same amount of tomatoes. So I put many quarts of tomatoes in my freezer and had 125 pounds of potatoes. We shared around that much more with family and friends. The church still donated a huge amount to the community. A few weeks ago it was package salad and greens, a case of bananas, and a big box of assorted types of bread, and 6 roaster chickens.

We also run a clothes closet out of the church and open it once a month to the community to come shop for free. All the clothes are donated, washed and ready to wear. Mens, womens, childrens, and infants clothing and it's nice, no rags here. We offer our time to sort, clean and organize it. Its good to know that everything is going to help someone. My husband, grandson, and sons have found good jeans, shirts, jackets and even a pair of boots. I found several door latches that will be put to good use one day soon. I took my grandsons NB size diapers (almost 2 packages) there because he outgrew them.

I do shop at thrift stores and consignment shops. I just bought a muffin tin for $2 and when I went to the Dollar General I noticed they were priced at $4.50. I go through my closets at least twice a year and get rid of anything we don't wear or use. I gave my daughters cookwear that I don't use. I have my favorite pots and pans (iron skillets) and that's pretty much it. I do keep my big roasting pan, several cookie sheets and a couple of 9 x 12 pans. I do have several different types of crockpots that I use. I did give my daughter one the last time she was here. Better for someone to have something they will use than taking of space and collecting dust.

 

[NH Homesteader]

I just bought my groceries for the week. $46 and that included coffee and some medication for my aching back! Lol. I finally stopped bringing my debit card with me, I write a very specific list and only bring enough cash for what I need!


I spend a lot more money on grain and hay than I do at the grocery store!

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Party pooper! LOL

 

[baymule]

State owned liquor stores?? Wow. So the state sells you the liquor, then fries your a$$ with a DWI. What a racket.