Hi there! You’re doing a great job.
Yes, you. You’re really something special when it comes to grocery shopping. Did you know? Did you realize how skilled, how versatile you are?
Let me tell you, I am impressed with you. I’ve never been so impressed with anyone, actually. To think, a month ago you used to shop in a completely different way. And now you’ve adapted, adjusted, and your grocery shopping is first class, top notch, blue ribbon. You’ve set a new standard.
Let’s think about all the hurdles you’ve had to jump in order to make it this far, shall we?
First, there were the early days of staples shortages and toilet paper panic and three dollar organic pasta. Those were scary times. You had never lived through a food shortage before, so the concept was unsettling. It was hard to process, especially in stores with other unsettled people also trying to process. But you did it and you bought home food your family could eat. Was some of it random frozen salmon and ritz crackers? Sure. But you were figuring things out. There were bound to be a few panic buys.
Then came the days of substitutions. These days are still happening and they can take a lot of mental energy! The stores are better stocked now, but not always with the items or the sizes you’re used to buying. If you normally buy X of Product B that is measured as #, but now all that is available is Product Z which is measured as &, then how much Product Z should you buy to have the same amount as the regular Product B? And if Product B is approaching New York by train and Product Z is flying in via helicopter, what velocity do your steps need to be in order to solve for papaya? I was staring so long at yogurt that an employee actually asked me if I was okay. I was. Mostly.
Speaking of substitutions, you’re doing a great job at finding items and brands that work, even if they’re things you haven’t tried before. I know trying new things is a challenge for you. Trying new things under challenging circumstances makes it extra challenging. All the challenges! But you’re meeting those challenges head on and making it work. I know that Kroger block of cheddar isn’t as good as Costco’s block of cheddar, but needs must and you are taking it in stride.
Speaking of things you’re doing great at, you know what you’re really excelling at? Keeping your meals healthy and nutritious. It would be super easy, and understandable, to throw out your meal plans and just serve your kids popcorn for every meal. But you’ve only served your kids popcorn as a meal twice since this whole thing began and that is something to celebrate! So keep it up with the salads, with the balanced meals, with the homemade items. Your family appreciates it and so do I!
Oh, you know what else I appreciate? That even in this coupon and sale desert, you are keeping one eye on the prices and not overspending. Comparatively not overspending. Sure, you’re over budget on groceries, but you’re not being careless. And you’re moving things around from other budgets to help make sure your family stays financially healthy.
Oh…hey there. Just giving myself the pep talk I give myself every week in the car before I go grocery shopping. What’s up with you?
- Activia Yogurt, 4 pack-$2.69.
- Bananas, 2.83 lb-$1.67.
- Bell Peppers (3)-$2.57. *Digital Coupon* for $.40 off Orange Bell Peppers. Just orange. So I bought just orange.
- Boar’s Head Pepperoni, 1 lb-$9.77.
- Cadbury Eggs (4)-$1.08. Easter Clearance in Quarantine. Just four little eggs.
- Chobani Yogurt (3)-$.87. Manager’s Special!
- Clementines, 3 lbs-$3.99.
- Creamette Pasta (3)-$2.75. *Digital Coupon* for $1 off three.
- Gala Apples, 2.59 lb-$3.34.
- Heritage Farm Chicken Breasts, 9.95 lb -$19.82.
- Johnsonville Sausage, 1lb-$2.99. *Digital Coupon* for $1 off.
- Kroger Cheese, 4 lb-$11.96. Oh, Costco. I miss you so much.
- Kroger Ground Turkey, 3 lb-$8.97. Manager’s Special! These were originally $4.99 a piece!
- Kroger Milk, gal-$2.19.
- Kroger Sausage, 1 lb-$0. *Digital Coupon* for one FREE Sausage. Thanks, Krogey!
- Mission Tortillas-$1.88.
- Pepper Jack Cheese-$3.56.
- Private Selection Ice Cream, .5 gal-$2.74. *Digital coupon* for $1.25 off.
- Private Selection Marinara Sauce-$2.99.
- Private Selection Bread (2)-$2.58. Marked down to $1.79, stacked with a *Digital Coupon* for $.50 off.
- Private Selection Wildflower Turkey, 1 lb-$7.04.
- Red Leaf Lettuce, 1.06 lb-$1.79.
- Ribeye Steak, 2.5 lb-$18.07. Date night, y’all.
- Roma Tomatoes, 1.08 lb-$1.39.
- Silk Almond Milk, .5 gal-$1.99. *Digital Coupon* for $1 off.
- Simple Truth Baby Food Packets (4)-$4.01. *Digital Coupon* for $.75 off four packets.
- Strawberries, 4 lbs-$5.98
- Vidal Onions, 2.64 lb-$3.14.
- Apps I’ll submit to: Fetch Rewards, CoinOut
Total Budget: $32.47
Total Spent: $136.69
Deducted from Next Trip: $104.22
Remember, we’re not freaking out about budgets until the end of the month. There will undoubtedly be some home/entertainment/stimulus money to cover us, so for right now we’re just going what we can do. And we’re slaying all day! Yay us!
Do you give yourself a pep talk before you go shopping? What nice things do you say to you to psych yourself up? Share them down below!
Kristen B. is wife to the best Prince around, mama to the spunkiest little princesses, and lover of all things Disney. She started her savings journey five years ago and is now dedicated to making her family’s wishes come true one coupon at a time. She is so excited to take her love of saving to the next level and share her journey with you! Click here to catch up on Kristen’s Savings and join in on your own savings adventure!