I've always considered myself to be a fairly thrifty individual. I rent videos from the library instead of going to the movie theater. I use public transportation whenever possible (or I walk). I'll even wear clothes long past their expiration date. My goal is always simple: save as much as possible.
The only thing that really cuts into my budget is grocery shopping. I guess you could say it's my Achilles' heel. Here in my neighborhood there is only one supermarket -- Whole Foods (or Whole Paycheck as some of its patrons call it).
It's totally normal for my grocery bill to add up to $50 (for 1 person!) and it'll only last me 5 or 6 days.
Here's what I tend to buy:
1) A carton of Orange Juice ($2.59)
2) A carton of Milk ($1.99)
3) Brown Cow Yogurt ($.69/each) 6 containers
4) Sweet Vermont Bread ($2.99)
5) ZBars (1 box 8.99 - 18 bars)
6) Puffins (2.59)
7) Chicken Breast (about 5.99 for a 1lb+)
8) Soy Boy Tofu (1.99)
9) Ice Cream - Cherry Garcia (2.50)
10) Pre-packaged sliced chicken ($5)
11) Pre-packaged sliced cheddar ($5)
12) Frozen Pizza ($4)
13) Amy's Vegetarian Pot Pie ($2.50)
I know I'm doing something very wrong, as I can see that many people on this blog can sustain an entire family of three on the same amount.
Does anyone have any tips or advice? The only thing that really prevents me from buying in bulk is that I don't have a car and the subway only goes to one other grocery store (it's about a 20 minute ride out, and everything has to go in a huge backpack).
I'd really like to continue spending the same amount - I just want more to show for it. Any advice (recipes, coupons, links, etc. would be truly appreciated).
Thanks in advance!
My Achilles’ heel - grocery shopping
August 30th, 2006 at 11:16 pm
August 30th, 2006 at 11:31 pm 1156980702
August 31st, 2006 at 01:23 am 1156987433
If you can bake at all try a homemade pizza instead of the frozen? Even on a very tight grocery budget the cheese always takes a big bite for us.
August 31st, 2006 at 02:10 am 1156990209
Could you buy larger containers of yogurt and divide it. I don't know the prices in your area so don't even know if it comes in larger sizes
August 31st, 2006 at 02:27 am 1156991275
Unfortunately, my main grocery store doesn't have a circular with coupons. But I will call them about internet coupons - that could be a huge money saver. The prices are steep b/c almost everything is organic.
Also, I like the idea of making pizza. I just sort of got lazy and started buying the frozen ones, but now that I think about it, it is far less expensive to just buy the ingredients and make it from scratch. Plus, homemade pizza always tastes better and it's way bigger.
I really appreciate everyone's advice! I'm planning on shopping tomorrow, so I'll post again soon with the results!
August 31st, 2006 at 04:24 am 1156998256