Comments on: Photo Diary #1: A Trip To The Grocery Store http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/20/photo-diary-1-a-trip-to-the-grocery-store/ Simple, applicable personal finance advice for the modern world Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:17:51 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: princess_peas http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/20/photo-diary-1-a-trip-to-the-grocery-store/comment-page-1/#comment-850259 princess_peas Mon, 25 Jan 2010 14:29:21 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/20/photo-diary-1-a-trip-to-the-grocery-store/#comment-850259 I think you're only feeling guilty about the crackers because your son wanted to grab them first, and by "nearly diving out the trolley", brought your attention to them as a want. If you had seen them first, looked in the bag, seen you were out and just picked them up, you would, I think, not feel guilty. And if this happens again, you could always walk past them, go around another isle and then return - possibly with your son not noticing them a second time. Yes it's a slight waste of time, but if it's the lessons to your son you're more bothered about, it could be worth it. I think you’re only feeling guilty about the crackers because your son wanted to grab them first, and by “nearly diving out the trolley”, brought your attention to them as a want. If you had seen them first, looked in the bag, seen you were out and just picked them up, you would, I think, not feel guilty. And if this happens again, you could always walk past them, go around another isle and then return – possibly with your son not noticing them a second time. Yes it’s a slight waste of time, but if it’s the lessons to your son you’re more bothered about, it could be worth it.

]]> By: Amber http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/20/photo-diary-1-a-trip-to-the-grocery-store/comment-page-1/#comment-174922 Amber Wed, 06 Feb 2008 07:26:11 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/20/photo-diary-1-a-trip-to-the-grocery-store/#comment-174922 I do all my grocery shopping at the Super Wal-Mart when I can't get to the Air Force Commissary. Super Wal-Marts have the best prices out of any grocery store around, they take coupons, and you can literally get everything you need there. Also, sometimes it's good to get things that you or the kids or the spouse wants even if you don't have a coupon for it or it isn't a great bargain. You only live once. I do all my grocery shopping at the Super Wal-Mart when I can’t get to the Air Force Commissary. Super Wal-Marts have the best prices out of any grocery store around, they take coupons, and you can literally get everything you need there. Also, sometimes it’s good to get things that you or the kids or the spouse wants even if you don’t have a coupon for it or it isn’t a great bargain. You only live once.

]]> By: Lauren http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/20/photo-diary-1-a-trip-to-the-grocery-store/comment-page-1/#comment-174545 Lauren Tue, 05 Feb 2008 21:39:46 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/20/photo-diary-1-a-trip-to-the-grocery-store/#comment-174545 Your son is so so so so cute!!! And maybe he would like this easy healthy goldfish recipe :) http://shmooedfood.blogspot.com/2007/01/vegan-goldfish-crackers.html Your son is so so so so cute!!!

And maybe he would like this easy healthy goldfish recipe :)

http://shmooedfood.blogspot.com/2007/01/vegan-goldfish-crackers.html

]]> By: Barb http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/20/photo-diary-1-a-trip-to-the-grocery-store/comment-page-1/#comment-70499 Barb Thu, 13 Sep 2007 03:55:16 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/20/photo-diary-1-a-trip-to-the-grocery-store/#comment-70499 I am soooo glad you bought the Goldfish! Your little boy is deserving for being so cute and hopefully, well-behaved. I am soooo glad you bought the Goldfish! Your little boy is deserving for being so cute and hopefully, well-behaved.

]]> By: Andrea http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/20/photo-diary-1-a-trip-to-the-grocery-store/comment-page-1/#comment-51181 Andrea Sat, 28 Jul 2007 15:53:44 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/20/photo-diary-1-a-trip-to-the-grocery-store/#comment-51181 You left out one important thing which requires a bit of an investment in time (which is money) and for some people, an attitude adjustment about loathing grocery shopping. If there are at least two competitive supermarkets within five miles of you, it is a BIG mistake to buy everything at once store just because you're there. Perhaps you alternate weekly, perhaps you hit both of them. But there are certain basic (and potentially expensive if you don't pre plan) things that someone will always have on sale at least once a month. Boneless chicken breasts routinely vary where we live from $4.99/lb if you impulse buy to less than $2/lb on sale. Major brand canned soda from $4-5/12 pack to $2. Add to your advice to simply stay conscious and be prepared to detour for a quality bargain, especially if you have a freezer (for meat especially)or a small storage area. You left out one important thing which requires a bit of an investment in time (which is money) and for some people, an attitude adjustment about loathing grocery shopping. If there are at least two competitive supermarkets within five miles of you, it is a BIG mistake to buy everything at once store just because you’re there. Perhaps you alternate weekly, perhaps you hit both of them. But there are certain basic (and potentially expensive if you don’t pre plan) things that someone will always have on sale at least once a month. Boneless chicken breasts routinely vary where we live from $4.99/lb if you impulse buy to less than $2/lb on sale. Major brand canned soda from $4-5/12 pack to $2. Add to your advice to simply stay conscious and be prepared to detour for a quality bargain, especially if you have a freezer (for meat especially)or a small storage area.

]]> By: Chris http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/20/photo-diary-1-a-trip-to-the-grocery-store/comment-page-1/#comment-50400 Chris Thu, 26 Jul 2007 14:15:50 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/20/photo-diary-1-a-trip-to-the-grocery-store/#comment-50400 The scary thing is that manufacturers and resellers have figured out that most people automatically assume that the bulk packaging is the best deal. I noticed this when buying Cool Whip. It was $0.99 for 8oz. and $1.99 for 12oz. Thanks for bringing attention to this...it is scary to think how many people are overpaying for bulk items and then throwing away some if it spoils (which often happens when buying in bulk). The scary thing is that manufacturers and resellers have figured out that most people automatically assume that the bulk packaging is the best deal. I noticed this when buying Cool Whip. It was $0.99 for 8oz. and $1.99 for 12oz.

Thanks for bringing attention to this…it is scary to think how many people are overpaying for bulk items and then throwing away some if it spoils (which often happens when buying in bulk).

]]> By: Molly http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/20/photo-diary-1-a-trip-to-the-grocery-store/comment-page-1/#comment-50396 Molly Thu, 26 Jul 2007 13:56:39 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/20/photo-diary-1-a-trip-to-the-grocery-store/#comment-50396 I loved seeing this Hy-Vee pictures... I use to live in Iowa (Northwest area) and I really miss Hy-Vee stores. Generally, they are very clean, friendly, good customer service and easy to locate. I don't miss the snow (in the picture). I loved seeing this Hy-Vee pictures… I use to live in Iowa (Northwest area) and I really miss
Hy-Vee stores. Generally, they are very clean, friendly, good customer service and easy to locate.

I don’t miss the snow (in the picture).

]]> By: lizard http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/20/photo-diary-1-a-trip-to-the-grocery-store/comment-page-1/#comment-50126 lizard Wed, 25 Jul 2007 20:25:57 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/20/photo-diary-1-a-trip-to-the-grocery-store/#comment-50126 Price per unit labels sure are a convenience -- when they're right. The other day I looked at switching brands of paper towels, and found that several of the store's labels were completely wrong. So if you're serious about getting the best deal, you should probably do the math yourself. Price per unit labels sure are a convenience — when they’re right. The other day I looked at switching brands of paper towels, and found that several of the store’s labels were completely wrong. So if you’re serious about getting the best deal, you should probably do the math yourself.

]]> By: emma http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/20/photo-diary-1-a-trip-to-the-grocery-store/comment-page-1/#comment-33062 emma Fri, 08 Jun 2007 18:58:32 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/20/photo-diary-1-a-trip-to-the-grocery-store/#comment-33062 Watertip: Better than lemon (=acidic) you could flavour water with something like cucumber slices or frozen berries, fruit pieces... around here the free water you can have with your coffee at cafeteria is often flavored like this. Make a big canister and keep in the fridge, you can use the same condiments for a couple of days. Look's pretty too at the dinner table :) In Finland, where I live, there is always price/kg on the price tag as well. I think it is a regulation. Definitely makes price comparisons easier. Watertip:
Better than lemon (=acidic) you could flavour water with something like cucumber slices or frozen berries, fruit pieces… around here the free water you can have with your coffee at cafeteria is often flavored like this. Make a big canister and keep in the fridge, you can use the same condiments for a couple of days. Look’s pretty too at the dinner table :)

In Finland, where I live, there is always price/kg on the price tag as well. I think it is a regulation. Definitely makes price comparisons easier.

]]> By: Rob in Madrid http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/20/photo-diary-1-a-trip-to-the-grocery-store/comment-page-1/#comment-31513 Rob in Madrid Sun, 03 Jun 2007 19:20:09 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/20/photo-diary-1-a-trip-to-the-grocery-store/#comment-31513 trent I agree the largest size isn't always the best deal. For instance in Madrid the cheapest and the best toilet paper is the Carrefour double roll convenience size 4 rolls, the most expensive the 24 roll bulk package. Also loved the visual tour. trent I agree the largest size isn’t always the best deal. For instance in Madrid the cheapest and the best toilet paper is the Carrefour double roll convenience size 4 rolls, the most expensive the 24 roll bulk package.

Also loved the visual tour.

]]> By: Carnival Of Money Stories #4 » Personal Finance - Save Money at Binary Dollar http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/20/photo-diary-1-a-trip-to-the-grocery-store/comment-page-1/#comment-5201 Carnival Of Money Stories #4 » Personal Finance - Save Money at Binary Dollar Mon, 05 Feb 2007 12:58:48 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/20/photo-diary-1-a-trip-to-the-grocery-store/#comment-5201 [...] Trent presents Photo Diary #1: A Trip To The Grocery Store. [...] [...] Trent presents Photo Diary #1: A Trip To The Grocery Store. [...]

]]> By: Nathania Johnson http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/20/photo-diary-1-a-trip-to-the-grocery-store/comment-page-1/#comment-3673 Nathania Johnson Mon, 22 Jan 2007 16:36:22 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/20/photo-diary-1-a-trip-to-the-grocery-store/#comment-3673 Great photo diary. I love it. Offering visuals I think really helps people understand the concepts you're talking about. I have a tip about shopping lists. My husband and I have started using Google spreadsheets to create a menu each week. Then I use another spreadsheet to create the shopping list based on the menu. We can both share the spreadsheet and edit it. Last week, it helped me see that one dinner was going to likely put us over budget for that particular week, so I will probably cut it out. It also helps plan weekend meals, which I tend to forget without a list at the grocery store. Great photo diary. I love it. Offering visuals I think really helps people understand the concepts you’re talking about.

I have a tip about shopping lists. My husband and I have started using Google spreadsheets to create a menu each week. Then I use another spreadsheet to create the shopping list based on the menu. We can both share the spreadsheet and edit it. Last week, it helped me see that one dinner was going to likely put us over budget for that particular week, so I will probably cut it out.

It also helps plan weekend meals, which I tend to forget without a list at the grocery store.

]]> By: Judy from Australia http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/20/photo-diary-1-a-trip-to-the-grocery-store/comment-page-1/#comment-3645 Judy from Australia Mon, 22 Jan 2007 10:53:28 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/20/photo-diary-1-a-trip-to-the-grocery-store/#comment-3645 Love your work you inspire me immensly had to leave a comment to say that you son is so cute and I cant wait till tomorrow to see how to save money on food cause those things youre buying are not on my list. In Australia we drink more water than soft drink cheaper and better for you. Boxed cereal has to be one of the most unhealthy ways to start the day and is not the cheapest either. I will photograph my local supermarket for you when next I shop. Once again I love your work Love your work you inspire me immensly had to leave a comment to say that you son is so cute and I cant wait till tomorrow to see how to save money on food
cause those things youre buying are not on my list.
In Australia we drink more water than soft drink cheaper and better for you.
Boxed cereal has to be one of the most unhealthy ways to start the day and is not the cheapest either.
I will photograph my local supermarket for you when next I shop.
Once again I love your work

]]> By: Dave http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/20/photo-diary-1-a-trip-to-the-grocery-store/comment-page-1/#comment-3634 Dave Mon, 22 Jan 2007 04:34:51 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/20/photo-diary-1-a-trip-to-the-grocery-store/#comment-3634 One thing that astounds me is the machines that will count your coins. The problem is that they'll take nine percent of what you have for the privilege. I can take my coins to my bank and run them through a machine, and so long as I can show I'm a customer it costs me nothing. Even if you're not a customer it costs less that those supermarket machines. One thing that astounds me is the machines that will count your coins. The problem is that they’ll take nine percent of what you have for the privilege.

I can take my coins to my bank and run them through a machine, and so long as I can show I’m a customer it costs me nothing. Even if you’re not a customer it costs less that those supermarket machines.

]]> By: Amy http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/20/photo-diary-1-a-trip-to-the-grocery-store/comment-page-1/#comment-3626 Amy Mon, 22 Jan 2007 01:24:42 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/20/photo-diary-1-a-trip-to-the-grocery-store/#comment-3626 When we buy bulk snack foods I divy them up into ziplocks when I get home. That way they don't get stale fast and all I have to do is reach into the box and pull out a small already filled bag to put in the diaper bag. Also, works great for my toddler when he spills the WHOLE THING it's not very much ;-) Love your site! Thanks Oodles, Amy When we buy bulk snack foods I divy them up into ziplocks when I get home. That way they don’t get stale fast and all I have to do is reach into the box and pull out a small already filled bag to put in the diaper bag. Also, works great for my toddler when he spills the WHOLE THING it’s not very much ;-)

Love your site!

Thanks Oodles,
Amy

]]> By: Ellen http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/20/photo-diary-1-a-trip-to-the-grocery-store/comment-page-1/#comment-3619 Ellen Sun, 21 Jan 2007 22:11:35 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/20/photo-diary-1-a-trip-to-the-grocery-store/#comment-3619 Okay, how adorable is your kid? Completely, that's how. I'm impressed with your fortitude in shopping with a toddler. I have one more thing that I do when grocery shopping, though, and that's a price journal. I jot down the lowest price I've seen on stuff I buy a lot (meat in particular), and try to get alternatives if things are high that day. Some people probably can carry that sort of thing in their heads, but not me! Is that something that you've found helpful to do? Okay, how adorable is your kid? Completely, that’s how. I’m impressed with your fortitude in shopping with a toddler.

I have one more thing that I do when grocery shopping, though, and that’s a price journal. I jot down the lowest price I’ve seen on stuff I buy a lot (meat in particular), and try to get alternatives if things are high that day. Some people probably can carry that sort of thing in their heads, but not me! Is that something that you’ve found helpful to do?

]]> By: moneysmartlife http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/20/photo-diary-1-a-trip-to-the-grocery-store/comment-page-1/#comment-3616 moneysmartlife Sun, 21 Jan 2007 21:01:45 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/20/photo-diary-1-a-trip-to-the-grocery-store/#comment-3616 Ah Hy-Vee, a helpful smile in every aisle. I scored grocery shopping today. I ran across the best deal I'd ever seen on my favorite cereal so I bought every box they had. I got some weird looks in the checkout lane but I didn't mind, I was too busy figuring out how much money I'd saved, almost $17 bucks! Ah Hy-Vee, a helpful smile in every aisle. I scored grocery shopping today. I ran across the best deal I’d ever seen on my favorite cereal so I bought every box they had.

I got some weird looks in the checkout lane but I didn’t mind, I was too busy figuring out how much money I’d saved, almost $17 bucks!

]]> By: Abbie http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/20/photo-diary-1-a-trip-to-the-grocery-store/comment-page-1/#comment-3613 Abbie Sun, 21 Jan 2007 20:06:13 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/20/photo-diary-1-a-trip-to-the-grocery-store/#comment-3613 I too am surprised that That the price-per-unit was not displayed on the price tags. Both of the grocery stores I shop at most frequently (Wegmans and Wal*Mart) provide that convenience. I don't think I would have the patience that you do to calculate the price-per-unit while I am shopping. I've been reading your blog for about a month now - keep up the great work! I too am surprised that That the price-per-unit was not displayed on the price tags. Both of the grocery stores I shop at most frequently (Wegmans and Wal*Mart) provide that convenience. I don’t think I would have the patience that you do to calculate the price-per-unit while I am shopping.

I’ve been reading your blog for about a month now – keep up the great work!

]]> By: Drew http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/20/photo-diary-1-a-trip-to-the-grocery-store/comment-page-1/#comment-3605 Drew Sun, 21 Jan 2007 15:14:16 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/20/photo-diary-1-a-trip-to-the-grocery-store/#comment-3605 Although it looks like a nice store, I see one major problem with it: No price-per-unit tags. I absolutely refuse to shop at any grocery store that does not have the price-per-unit readily displayed next to full price. It saves so much time, energy, and MONEY to be able to look and see that "The name brand is on sale, but is it still more expensive than the store brand?" Although it looks like a nice store, I see one major problem with it: No price-per-unit tags. I absolutely refuse to shop at any grocery store that does not have the price-per-unit readily displayed next to full price. It saves so much time, energy, and MONEY to be able to look and see that “The name brand is on sale, but is it still more expensive than the store brand?”

]]> By: ryuu http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/20/photo-diary-1-a-trip-to-the-grocery-store/comment-page-1/#comment-3592 ryuu Sun, 21 Jan 2007 05:07:41 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/20/photo-diary-1-a-trip-to-the-grocery-store/#comment-3592 trent, i'm a non-US reader of the simple dollar, and during my short stint in the states, i was staying at urbandale, iowa, and hyvee was the shopping mall i frequented before i found out about target nearby :P trent, i’m a non-US reader of the simple dollar, and during my short stint in the states, i was staying at urbandale, iowa, and hyvee was the shopping mall i frequented before i found out about target nearby :P

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