Ever since we moved, I've struggled to get a handle on our grocery bill. I know I can do a better job, but I don't have the time to drive twenty minutes one-way for a cheaper store. Her tip made the bells go off in my head. I decided to give it a try.
I've had a Sam's Club membership for a few years, but it expired two months ago, so I knew I was going to have to pony up for the renewal fee. Also, the staples I buy from Sam's (garbage bags, laundry detergent, toothpaste, etc...) had all depleted. I was going to have to spend over one hundred dollars just on cleaning/beauty items.
I did not let this deter me. A one-time stock-up trip would help us in the long run.
My plan:
- Stock up on all my cleaning/paper product essentials. It makes my life easier and it saves money!
- Inventory my current meat supply. I had plenty of beef, raw chicken tenders, cod, a ham, and a turkey, so I decided to fill in with bacon, chicken thighs, and hot dogs.
- Check the prices of baking supplies. I found the 10 pound bags of sugar and flour were bargains at Sam's, and the canola oil was priced well too.
- Since I had enough pasta and dry goods for the month, I decided to wait until next month to restock.
- Purchase block cheese, the big container of hummus, dairy products, and crackers.
The trip went great. I made notes to myself on the items I knew I could get cheaper elsewhere, and I filled the cart with the rest. By the time I hauled my cart to the check-out line, I was more than ready to get my stuff home.
A nice young man (that sounds like something my grandma would say, "nice young man") rang out my large order. I wrote the check and handed it to him. Then he accidentally pressed "cash" instead of "check." A manager was called.
The manager informed him he needed to retype the entire order.
I cringed, but I felt bad for him and told him it wasn't a big deal and not to worry about it.
As he re-did the order, the manager looked on. He finished up and what do you know? My bill now rang up at over $4000.00!!
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| Yes, this is my actual bill!! |
Trust me--I did not fit that much stuff in my cart!!
The manager found the culprit. Chicken thighs. It's always the chicken thighs. They had come up as $4128.63!
A few minutes later, the bill was correct, and I had the pleasure of unloading my haul. I felt good. I'd avoided a four thousand dollar bill and stocked my pantry!
How do you keep grocery costs down? Have you ever had a surprise in the checkout lane?
Have a terrific day!!
