Grocery Shopping: Once a Month or Weekly?
There is much written in personal finance and frugality circles about once-a-month grocery shopping. Yes, this monthly approach probably does save you gas money and time, but I have a different opinion.
I shop weekly and at about 2-4 places. Why?:
- I go for the weekly specials-- monthly shopping misses some of these opportunities
- I am usually buying perishables with my weekly specials purchases-- monthly shopping doesn't account for perishables
- I fit the multiple stores visits into my schedule-- I shop where I am to avoid wasting gas
- I know certain supermarkets are better for some items than others (for example, meat and fruit)
- I get to know the prices of common items, and can more easily recognize a true sale
- I like to discover new items
- Finally, it is easier to budget weekly than to come up with $500-800 in one shot
Clearly, you need to do what works best for you, but it may mean flying against conventional wisdom . . .
For more on grocery shopping tips check out my post, My Typical Grocery List and Strategy
Posted by DDFD at 1/5/2009 10:44 PM 
Categories: Money Savers, Frugality, Personal Finance, Simple Living, Groceries
Tags: Money Savers Simple Living Personal Finance Frugal Frugality Groceries
Categories: Money Savers, Frugality, Personal Finance, Simple Living, Groceries
Tags: Money Savers Simple Living Personal Finance Frugal Frugality Groceries
You have a good perspective on this. Specials change weekly, and it isn't unreasonable at all to shop once a week. After all, most of us drive to work once a day, and it isn't given a second thought.
Knowing the marketplace well is going to take more than 12 experiences a year.
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Unfortunately, many people don't realize that the grocery store can be the biggest buster or saver in your budget-- you just need to know what you are doing . . .
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