Quote:
Originally Posted by Orchidflower
The BEST cost cutting advice I can give is: NEVER go to the grocery store without going thru the sale ads
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I sure agree with that. I've always done the grocery shopping at our house. I worked night shift for the first six years of our marriage and it made sense for me to go on weekday mornings while DW was slaving away as a school teacher. She graciously has allowed me to continue the duty for these next 34 yrs! What a gal!
While grocery shopping isn't exactly the highlight of my life (understatement), I have become quite the expert. We live within a short distance of 7 major grocery stores, both chain and independent, 2 warehouse stores and dozens of specialty shops. By combing the ads for sales, specials, loss-leaders, etc. and by knowing through experience what things historically cost, it's easy to save big bux on a shopping trip by being willing to go to several stores (not fun.......) and buy what they're pushing. If you're skilled at meal planning, stocking up is safe and won't result in waste.
Not mentioning details to DW helps. No need for her to hear that we're having grilled shrimp tonight because the local fish market had them 50% off. Just let her enjoy and pile on the praise!
In our area, marketing schemes used by groceries have become focused on drawing folks into their store with loss-leaders. By judiciously stocking up when things are on sale, it's easy to save 50% or more vs. retail price you pay when you dash out to pick up something you need at the last minute.
You have to know prices, you have to research and you have to spend the time. At least that's how it works here in an urban area where store density is high, competition is fierce and many busy folks do subcumb to the loss-leader marketing strategy because they're busy working, etc., and are lucky to have time to make a quick stop at one store.