(Jenn) Since we moved here 8 months ago, I kind of "forgot" to find out how to get to the nearest Wal-Mart, deciding that it was probably too far away anyway. I was happy to do all of that kind of shopping at Target (in my opinion, a much happier place). Well, when my parents were here in March, my mom lost her contact, and I was forced to find the Wal-Mart in Secaucus so she could get it replaced. As I walked around the store with my dad, I started noticing that EVERYTHING is cheaper there. Needless to say, I felt guilty about shopping at Target, just knowing how much money I could be saving. Well, last week I finally took the fateful trip to Wal-Mart to get the oil changed and "pick up a few things." I kept thinking, "I won't be back here for a while, and everything is cheaper here, so I might as well get . . . " I really only had about half of a shopping cart full of stuff (those deceiving extra-wide carts . . . ), and still it rang up to $115! Maybe that doesn't seem like a lot of money to you, but when it's coming out of the $300 grocery budget for the month (and I didn't even get any groceries, because it wasn't a Super Center), it's a lot!
So here were are halfway through April with $30. Ben and I decided that rather than go over our budget by a long shot this month, we're going to try living VERY cheaply for the rest of April. We were inspired by Tyler and Alison's attempt at "Spend-free April" (good job, you guys -- I'm amazed!), and while I'm not sure we could go a whole month without spending money, we're going to try two weeks with only $30! It will be a real challenge for me because I seem to have a money-spending addiction, and I also like to cook and eat. We really have plenty of food storage and left-overs, plus two meals in the freezer. We'll use the $30 for milk and a few other essentials. Wish us luck, and no donations please!
If you have had any similarly frustrating experiences with Wal-Mart, I'm usually up for having that conversation with just about anyone. Or you can read my Wal-Mart poem here.
5 comments:
No donations please? You're going about this exactly opposite of how we are. We are out 'fishing' for donations... OK, that's not entirely true (or true at all I guess) but we can certainly relate. Best of luck - there's only ~15 days left!
I'm proud of you for entering WalMart, Jenn, because I know how distasteful the store is to you. I dislike most of the Big Box stores and enter all stores only when necessary but don't find our WalMart near us so terrible and after a detailed "price test," in everyone of 10 varied items that I compared between WalMart, Target and ShopKo, WalMart was ALWAYS the cheapest. I'm trying hard to support grocery stores who honor the Sabbath, but on the very rare occasion when I'm at WalMart and need just one food item, I'm always frustrated that it is significantly lower priced than what I pay at Bowmans! And I hate the idea that the Big Box companies are running the hometown guys out of business. What do we do? Mom Iverson
Jenn - I know exactly how you feel especially after watching "The High Price of Low Costs". If you haven't seen that documentary yet, you definitely have to check it out! It's a must see.
I have to post in defense of Walmart! As a mom of three busy kids, I love nothing more than a trip to tbe big store to know that I can get EVERYTHING on my list--groceries, birthday presents, travel size shaving cream for Mike, windshield wiper blades, and supplies for Brooke's school project--all in ONE shopping trip, knowing that I've gotten it all at the lowest price.
Years ago I did a price comparision of 25 items I regularly purchase between Walmart groceries and my local grocery store, and found Walmart 10% cheaper. Given how much I spend a year on groceries, this is a significant savings!
Sure, I feel bad for the little guys who are getting squeezed out, but we live in a capitalist society and we have to compete to win. Sam Walton started as a little guy with lots of great ideas for saving the "little guy" some money, and it worked.
I do admit that most Targets I go into are a little nicer and usually a little cleaner, and I like to shop in Target. But it just kills me to know I'm paying more money for silly little things like tape, diapers, etc. Right now my Target is significantly closer than my Walmart, but when the Walmart up the road gets built, you can bet I'll be grocery shopping there and take my Target business to the Walmart!
P.S. Jenn--we want an update on how your $30 are doing!! :)
So, I know this is an old post, but I'm catching up on your blog & I have to say that your Wal Mart poem could have come from my very mouth - love (and hate) that store all at the same time. You are definitely inspiring me to do better on the grocery spending though!
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