My goal today was to spend only $235.52, half of our regular grocery budget ($160) plus our annual rebate check from Costco. I missed it by *this* much! After buying nothing except what was on my list, and even putting several things back, I still ended up spending $259.64. Still, I got a lot of food, and will be putting $135.88 into our vacation fund!
I’m not sure why I had time today to take pictures, but it was nice not to be so hurried. Usually it’s all I can do to get the shopping done and pick up the girls on time in the afternoon. Today I was able to finish the shopping, take pictures, put everything away, eat breakfast and lunch, take care of our dogs and take care of the little dog across the street before it was time to head out for the girls.
New Seasons: $15.94 Ground beef, sausage and tortillas for breakfast burritos, and sausage for pizza.
Costco: $74.29 I also got a box of 60 Clif Organic Crunch bars, but forgot and left them in the bag.
WinCo: $84.65
- Trader Joe’s: $84.23 I didn’t notice their prices had gone up, but spent a lot more than I had projected.
You are an organized shopper. How do you decide what to get at which store?
I always shop with a list made from a menu and after going through the freezer and pantry, and then I divide it between the four stores (sometimes 5 when I go to Fubonn, the Asian supermarket). I have a price list and pretty much know the prices for stuff at each store. New Seasons is expensive, but the meat they sell is locally and sustainably grown so I like to buy from them (except for local chicken and pork, which I can buy for less at Fubonn). They also carry products without preservatives, additives, etc., like the tortillas. Same for Trader Joes. Unadulterated products, and stuff I can’t buy anywhere else or for less elsewhere. WinCo is for basic grocery-type and bulk products (I buy quite a bit from the bulk bins) – they are very inexpensive for most things, and carry more and more natural and/or local products. I also like their deli and bakery items (we especially love their bagels). Costco is great for bulk buying for fruit and produce (organic), paper products, and some snack items. I rarely buy meat there except for their fantastic roast chickens (only $4.99). Fubonn is the place to go for Asian foods, sauces, etc. and good quality, locally-raised and cheap pork, chicken and produce. I always do my shopping on the same day to save gasoline.