5 Ways I Save Money and Time at the Grocery Store

I HATE grocery shopping.  As a general rule, I don't even like any sort of shopping except maybe online shopping.  An additional general rule about me, is that I don't like online shopping that much either.

I'm not a couponer.  I don't really want to take the time and we don't get the Sunday paper so I guess I'm lazy in this respect.  We have 2 grocery stores that I shop at, in town.  Ingles and Walmart.  Ingles has a great selection but they seem to be a bit pricier than Walmart.  Walmart's produce is iffy so sometimes we have to hit Ingles up on the way home to get wanted produce items that were not fresh or not in stock at Walmart.  Also, if I'm wanting to buy stew beef,(or any meat other than chicken) I will get that at Ingles so we can actually chew the meat.  Just sayin'.

Anyway.. Here are 5 things that I do to help me save time and money at the grocery store.

1.  I keep a white board on the fridge: When I use the last of something or notice I am getting low, I write it on the list side of the board. (I divide the board in half. One side is my list, the other side is my menu)

2.  I create a menu for the week.  I try to be thoughtful to keep healthy meals in mind, what my work week looks like, and meals I can make that would work well for leftovers.  (I put my menu on my white board)

3.  I check the fridge, freezer, and pantry for items needed for my menu

4.  I create my grocery list as a rough draft.  I put the items needed for the menu, add our staples, and then double check misc. items like garbage bags, baggies, tp, etc.

5.  I organize my list by dairy, produce, meat, freezer, grocery, etc.  (basically how the store is laid out to save time at the store)

Bonus time saver and money saver... Put the list in your purse as soon as you finish it so you don't forget it!


So hopefully when we drive 15 miles to Walmart, I have not forgotten the list.  Additional bonus: Keep honey from the non-grocery side of the store and we'll save $150 instantly!  I must add though, that I am super spoiled because honey also hates grocery shopping, but always goes with me and unloads the car!


Happy shopping!

How do you save time and money?

side note:  This is what helps ME out at the grocery so I don't get so overwhelmed and stressed or overspend.  I tend to walk in and get suddenly overwhelmed by too much to choose from, too many people, and too much noise, so my steps save my sanity too!

Don't Be A But(t)

I'm sure you have heard this before... but I thought I'd write it down for my reference. I need reminding (often) to not be a but(t)

But... I'm too old
But... I'm too out of shape
But... I'm not smart enough
But... I'm not pretty enough
But... No one cares about me
But... No one will read my blog
But... What if I fail?
But... What if I get laid off?
But... What if something bad happens?
But...

Can you tell I have been fear driven? I listened to Michael Hyatt's podcast on the way to work. He presented a list of ways to overcome a "scarcity" mentality or a "limiting mindset". Here is a link to the podcast I listened to Michael Hyatt Podcast 

That's what the above list represents. And I could make the list a lot longer, but, you get the idea...

I need to quit being a but(t)!  I need to quit limiting my life to how I think so that I  can stop letting fear hold me back.

How about you?  

What is your perspective that may be holding you back?

My Top Ten Stocking Stuffers List

I'm such a mom... but I want to be kind of a cool mom too... 

Here's my top ten stocking stuffers list... for grown up kids. And I like saving money (We don't have an extravagant budget for Christmas)

Note:  My daughter is a 21 year old college student and dancer.  My step son is 26 years old, lives in Chicago, and produces musical theatre projects.  My hubby is...well, he qualifies for a special discount.  

additional note:  The Dollar Tree is my favorite place to start!
1. various toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, hand lotion, bobby pins, black liquid eyeliner, tissues, ibuprofen, epsom salts, chapped lip treatment, travel size shampoo, hair spray, deodorant, soaps)
2.  earbuds
3.  electronics chargers
4.  Little Debbie Christmas Trees (a favorite around here since I don't buy or make sweets)
5.  a piece of fruit or two (it's the old fashioned in me and the wanting to be healthy in me) 
6.  Emergen C's (let's be ready for flu season)
7.  a small gift card
8.  a Christmas gag gift, like a light up tie and reindeer ears headband
9.  reading glasses (for hubby) sunglasses for the kids
10.  $1 liquor samplers from the liquor store (this is really the favorite)... remember we're all over 21!  

There's my list... What are some of your favorite stocking stuffers for your hubby and grown up children?  I'm sure my family would love some fresh ideas.  

Photo by Tracy Hilbun

our humble tree last year in our apartment and our dearly missed Moose