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Our Aldi's experience

7:53 AM, 2006-Nov-20 .. Posted by Lynne

Amy, first, I am so glad your family members are experiencing healing. What a relief this must be to everyone.
You wanted to know about our trip to Aldi's. It was really different than anything I have ever seen. I didn't know about the cart rental, but I did have grocery bags with me because that is something I always do (one of my little attempts to be green).
In general, the prices were half of our regular grocery stores. I bought lots of basics (brown sugar, soups, fresh and canned/frozen fruits, veggies). We even tried steaks as we celebrated a birthday this weekend. We also tried hamburger, speghetti sauce, and packaged salad. I was especially thrilled to find olive oil for such a low price.
All the food we have eaten has been just the same as our regular grocery store. The only disappointment was that the breads/crackers are made with hydrogenated oils, so I did not buy them. This Aldi did not have any ground turkey or any chicken or any kind in the refrigerated section. I did see a whole chicken in the freezer case.
The dairy and cheese prices were much lower than our regular grocery store. The only thing we bought that I would not buy again was the fresh pork chops. They were in the refrigerator case, and there must have been a brine they had been dipped in before packaging because they were too salty for me.
The fresh fruits/veggies section was really tiny, but what they did have was of excellent quality. The cashier told me this Aldi opened 18 months ago, and they just started carrying fresh fruits/veggies 2 months ago.
I am so glad I found out about Aldi's from your blog. I think it will save us I am guessing about $40 a week.
Each year I have been increasing our giving to our church, and each year I have found new ways to spend less to offset this giving. This year I quit using my dryer (except my daughters each dry one load per week during the school year), and now I will save money at Aldi's! I know I will also save money from planning my menu 2 weeks out like you do. I am not there yet...
We also had an unexpected expense this year. First, let me say we have always put aside a little money each month to build up an emergency fund. Our unexpected expense was that our just turning 9 year old dog (mix breed from a rescue shelter) needed expensive knee surgery. She is otherwise healthy. I thought my husband would flip out at the cost, but he quickly agreed to dip into our savings as our dog was in a lot of pain. It was either do the surgery or put her down. I have always told my daughters that if you take in a pet you are to provide for their care and well being for their lifetime, and that is why we can't afford to have more than one dog. It was a good lesson for my kids to see. Now, with this surprise savings of $40 per week, I will be able to put part back into our emergency fund to replace the surgery money AND increase my church giving.
Thank you Amy!

Yippee For Lynne

8:53 AM, 2006-Nov-20 .. Posted by YPAmy5

Oh, Lynne- I am just so thrilled for you. I was so excited to see that you'd left a comment about Aldi's that I couldn't wait to read it. Sorry about forgetting to mention the cart rental & lack of bags (my kids love the cart rental- I let them take turns keeping the quarter we get back when we go and they must be the ones to unhook and rehook the cart!)
I am so glad you had such a wonderful experience. I hope your Aldi's will carry the ground turkey soon- we love it. I have always been pleased with their produce even if it is small.
God bless you as you continue to take such wonderful stewardship steps!
You Go Girl!
Amy W