Comments on: Kroger Shopping Trip

By: Julie Fox

Julie Fox — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:31:32 +0000

I have been really bad about spending money lately too. We have had extra money, and I guess I have had the “it’s extra SPENDING money” attitude.
I have been doing better with coupons and wal-mart, but in our small town we only have 2 grocery stores and wal-mart to chose from.

By: Cindy

Cindy — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 01:33:13 +0000

Great job! For the past two years I have been spending less than $40 a week for my family of 4 plus a dog this includes cleaning items and H&B. I am determined to keep my budget low. If I don’t than I would have to go back to work. Staying home with my boy’s is my main goal.

You have to think that saving money is the same as making money. Most people just don’t look at it that way. Being brand loyal went out the window when I started doing this. I just tell myself that I am thankful I have toothpaste to brush my teeth and food to eat when so many are without. Who cares if it is my favorite brand or not. My teeth are clean and my belly is full.

You have so much good healthy food in that photo. Way to go!

By: Heather

Heather — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 21:17:23 +0000

Thank you so much for this post. My husband and I just went throught this about a month ago. My dad sent me “secert” grocery money (I tell my husband every penny that comes in for the sake of the budget.) and we went and bought things that we consider splurge items. When we had our budget meeting at the end of the month to see how we did I was horrifed to find all the needless spending we did. So back to the old ways and remembering the lessons we have learned from you and others. I don’t feel so bad that we messed up now. We are only human.

By: Nikki

Nikki — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 03:48:12 +0000

Thank you so much for sharing about budgeting and developing a healthy view of money.This reminded me so much of Dave Ramsey’s message that I forwarded your entry to our Financial Peace University coordinator at church. Spending with cash can truly help us gain more control over spending.

As for grocery shopping with coupons and sales, it is the way to go. I live in Chattanooga TN, and we have Publix, Bi-Lo, and Food Lion around me as grocery options to Walmart, most of which have double couponing policies and great sales on brand products. I used to shop for things at Walmart, but am actually saving more $$ (at least 50%) at the other stores. Also, for any of your readers who live in GA, TN, FL, NC or SC, a website that is extremely helpful in matching area store weekly sales prices to coupons is called southernsavers.com

Love the photos on your blog. It makes me want to jump in the screen and take a bite!

By: Marianne @ The New Frugal Mom

Marianne @ The New Frugal Mom — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 01:30:53 +0000

Agree and agree with you about the plastic – it certainly has it’s lure and it does affect your mindset elsewhere in your finances.

Glad you’re back to Krogering! There will be some great sales as back to school times come closer!

By: Erin

Erin — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:00:40 +0000

Way to go! I got that same free rice! It’s great that Hubs is on board!!! Keep up the good work!

By: Erin

Erin — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:59:04 +0000

At the moment I have most of those items “stockpiled”…meaning I have bought them when on sale with coupons in previous weeks. I plan to grab a few cleaning supplies this week, as they’re all on sale! And coupons came out for most of them this week too! Also, whenever my mom comes in town it’s her “tradition” to buy us a thing of laundry detergent. I buy it every now and again…but it helps that she gets that for us too! I do have those in the budget now…I just don’t buy them every week. Also, we don’t use too many paper towels…I prefer using dishrags for cleanups. Every little bit helps!!!

By: Monica F.

Monica F. — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:41:32 +0000

Hi Erin, I’m new to your site and I have a question about things like tp, laundry soap and things like that. Are you including those items as part of your grocery shopping or is it separate? If separate how do you budget for those items? Thanks for all the tips and access to other money saving web sites.

By: Andrea Castor

Andrea Castor — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:51:44 +0000

Wow Erin….great savings at Kroger this week! I only use coupons from the Sunday inserts right, but I thought I did well with a 43% savings! Although I did still spend $103 for everything though! The $18 case of beer for the holiday weekend didn’t help though, nor did the three packs of overnight diapers, haha! Loved the salmon deal this week too. We’re trying to get into eating more fish so this was perfect. We grilled ours in foil packets topped with snow peas, carrots, and Kroger brand terryaki ginger marinade and then served it over brown rice. It was really good but didn’t get to finish since our son decided to throw his plate of rice and salmon across the room when he was finished eating. =)

Can’t wait to see your shopping trip for this week!

By: Mandy

Mandy — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:36:34 +0000

Since my hubby got laid off last week we redid our whole “food” budget. This allowed us to make 3 good meals a day for Monday-Saturday and on Sunday for lunch we will get to go out. {And by out we mean something cheap, McD’s, Taco Bell} On Sunday I walked out to the living room too see my hubby pulling out grocery ads and coupons. He was comparing prices and taking it upon himself to cut coupons! This man has NEVER EVER EVER had anything to do with coupons, since I did 99% of the shopping. {We both knew this would be safer. He is an impulse buyer} So Monday was his first real shopping day, he went while I was at work. He got only the items on the list and handed them his little stack of coupons. Then he loaded the car and noticed one coupon had fallen out of his pocket. {Which he said freaked him out because he then knew he had paid full price and I would be unhappy. Haha} Turns out it was the free Uncle Ben’s rice! So he walked back in, picked up the bag and walked up and handed them the coupon and out the door. He was so proud of himself for saving money, and his free bag of rice!

I wish we could find more people to do a coupon exchange in our area, im sure not everyone uses all the coupons they receive and it would be a good idea to trade out.