For the past several months, I fell off the grocery shopping wagon. I even justified it on this very blog and said that I was going to spend more to ensure that I was eating quality food. Translation: I'm going to stop proper budgeting and waste everything I possibly can if it says organic or healthy or looks like a vegetable.
When I became a Money Minion, I specifically told my super rad Money Coach, Dr. Dean, that I wanted to trim the grocery costs because they were escalating and had crept back up to $600 or so a month.
In January, I've now gone back to careful planning with very specific grocery lists and weekly meal planning. Not doing a particularly bad job either. Last week, I spent $89.99. Didn't have to run out and make any mid-week trips. I did go out to lunch way too much at work, but that's simply because it's been a busy week and I've needed that mid-day break from the office to chat with my co-workers and friends.
This weekend, I went to my beloved Sunflower and I was worried. I have never gotten out of that store for less than $125. There are too many magnificent things to purchase and they are labeled organic and healthy and the labels are so pretty and they make me feel like I am being so Dark Sage and on my way to being Roasted Artichoke. I went there Saturday and almost did a cartwheel when the total was $74.
Then I got home and wanted to make homemade yogurt. I looked at the recipe and I needed dry milk. I didn't know that existed, so Brian explained it to me and I went to Smith's and got it. I used the self check-out, which I hate, because it always screws up because of my reusable bags. It apparently deleted the use of my Smith's card this time. So I went to the cashier helper and she handed me cash money of $3.20. So my total there on debit card was around $10, but I got $3.20 back in cash.
So, that's two weeks under $90. That's way better than I was doing. Next weekend will likely be a run to Trader Joe's to stock up on some frozen fish.
Have I mentioned that we are obsessed with jewel yams? We are.
Maybe you should be my grocery coach?
I can’t seem to spend less than $350 per month and that’s for just me! As you know, if you eat well (fresh, semi-organic, free-range meats), it’s impossible to do so cheaply.
Good job, looks like the stars are aligning, or at least you’re taking it all more seriously lately!!!