Cozy Cottage

Results of My Once a Month Shopping Test

Hi everyone. I've been asked about how my monthly shopping tests have turned out. After shopping for a month at a time for 3 months, I have arrived at a mixed conclusion.  I think overall shopping monthly is a good thing.  Buying meat in bulk and breaking it down into smaller categories saves money. I have also been able to buy other things in bulk, like a huge container of salsa and a big tub of sour cream.  That all helps. 

Where I have not been pleased is when we have birthdays or holidays and I am finding myself in the store for those special occasions.  I failed to plan for those at the beginning of the month so I wasn't prepared. I ended up spending way more than I should have.  My daughter had a birthday in January and then I spent more in February for Valentines day to make a fancy dinner and dessert. Had I planned properly, none of those days would have been an issue to my budget.

So far in March, I've been okay, but it's only the 8th!  Also, I am finding that when I go to Albertson's to get my weekly produce I am attracted to the "loss leader" specials so I end up spending more then too! 

So with all that said and done, I think the monthly shopping could work better than it is. I am tempted to do something different in April to see what works best. I am thinking that if I switch to a completely cash system for groceries, then I won't be able to overspend. I also think that if I go back to shopping weekly and taking advantage of the loss leaders, then I might save money and then the occasional holiday and celebration days won't be an issue either.

What experiences have you all had with your grocery shopping excursions? If you shop monthly, how do you handle your weekly produce and milk stops?

I'd love to hear your ideas and experiences. I love your comments!

I'll keep at it because I am determined to get this under control!

Tammy

Once a Month Shopping

1:36, Thursday, March 8, 2007 .. Posted by jennickless

Hi there!
I try to only shop once a month. Sometimes I find myself having to purchase extra milk, bananas and eggs but I think I do fairly well. I have to make numerous stops to find the best deal and quality. Today was my errand day. What I did this morning prior to leaving is make a tentative menu, made a list of the items that I needed and added them to my list. My list is broken down by store.
In regards to milk, I store milk in an extra refrigerator in my garage. Actually, all my overflow goes out there. I also have two small chest freezers in my basement. Like you I purchase meat and freeze it. Do you have a local butcher that you could purchase discounted packages from? We do that sometimes. I also try to keep a little extra money for sale finds. Our local market in town will mark down meat that will expire 24-48 hours. I have never had problems with this meat. I will purchase those items, sometimes spending about $25, then I will re-wrap when I get home and go as far as writing on the paper what meal I intended it for. This is when I will look for a nice roast for those special occasions.
I purchase the bulk of my dairy products from Sam's Club. They provide products that are from local farms and they are the cheapest. You can freeze your cheese. I have done this for a long time and have never had any issues regarding taste.
In regards to produce. I only purchase the bulk of it once a month. I will supplement with canned or frozen. (I do can and freeze from my garden, so I purchase very little.)
I store potatoes in my garage in coolers. This prevents them from freezing. We purchase enough from a local farmer for the winter.
I do make our soaps and homemade cleaners so this cuts down on supplies.
With all that said, most importantly it does take time. It did for me. It is a work in progress! Especially with the rising cost of food. Are you in the position where you could start a small garden? I could offer some tips on a simple one. Every year I learn and or master a new canning recipe. Oh, I also use a food sealer. I am not crazy over frozen food but I have been successful with a few dishes that I will make extra and freeze enough for another night. The bags are pricey here, but you can reuse them after sanitizing them.
I hope this helps a little. (:

Jenn

Untitled Comment

4:40, Friday, March 23, 2007 .. Posted by HillmanAcres

Hi Tammy :) Thanks for linking to your blog on the family homestead- this is just what I am wondering about. I am great at streeeeetching my dollars and was thinking I could stretch them even further by once a month shopping, but I see what you are saying. Maybe doing a 2 week shopping trip would be the place to start for me. That way I'm not too far away from the next grocery date. And a lot of produce will last for 2 weeks if stored properly. Milk is something I can pick up at the corner for the same price as the grocery store, so that's not a problem. I also love the "loss leader" items and would have to force myself not to read the weekly ads if I did once a month :) Anyway, thanks for the good advice. It sounds like our budgets are about the same- I spend $75 a week on groceries and about $80 a month at Wal Mart.

Leah