Frugal Battles
I’ve been reading many “frugal-living” websites, some with coupons, some with strategies, and some with musings. But what’s most entertaining is the underlying competition between these sites for the title of Frugal Queen/King. There are veiled references to “that other frugal mom,” and criticisms of her way of spending, and how those who live frugally are somehow smarter and better than the rest of us mere mortals. Everyone is competing with Money Saving Mom’s unrealistic gold standard of feeding a family of 4 for $35 a week. I’m finding it really hilarious.
But I’ve gotten some good tips from some of these sites. I’m learning about how the super markets structure sales and bonuses. I now read the weekly deals of my grocery store online before going shopping. That helps me to plan meals and keep to a list. But some weeks have deeper discounts than other, and now I’m more attuned to how low the prices can go. How low can you go?! how low can you go?!
So far this month, I’ve only bought food, some household supplies, and gasoline (plus $3 for the carousel at the mall). I was brave enough to go to the mall and totally proud of myself for not buying a thing. I’m also keeping a spending spreadsheet so I can keep track of my progress. I’m tempted to buy the downloadable budget spreadsheet from You On a Budget, but it seems counter productive to spend money on something to help you save money.
(JANUARY RECEIPT)
I’ve also learned something about myself. Yesterday, I was all disappointed because CVS didn’t have any of the products in stock that were on special, and I spent much more than I had planned at the grocery store. I flirted with feeling like a failure. Absurd, I know, but the feelings were interesting to note. I learned that I have to go to CVS on the weekends because they receive their new stock on Fridays, and that I should be proud of myself for spending less than usual at the market instead of trying to live up to too-ambitious standards for myself right out of the gate. But I’m still a little disappointed for overspending.
(YESTERDAY’S RECEIPT)
I just dug out a receipt from last month to compare to my grocery trip yesterday, and I’m pleased with the before and after savings results. As I learn more, I’m sure it will only get easier to save at the market.
Posted on February 22nd, 2008 by Stephanie
Filed under: Saving Money, Uncategorized
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