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It is official. I have become a frugal grocery shopper.
Years ago when I was young and carefree I shopped at Woolworths or Coles, not worrying about comparing prices, simply buying whatever brand I wanted at the time.
I should also tell you that I am a marketers dream. Whack a gorgeous smile and pretty packaging on something and no doubt I will buy it.
When my first bubs was born I started online grocery shopping and swore by it. It was easy and convenient. I didn't have to struggle through the aisles with a disgruntled child while trying to get everything on the shopping list. Still I shopped at Woolworths or Coles. I didn't even mind forking out for the delivery fee if it meant I didn't have to play bumper cars with the other shoppers.
When bubs number two arrived and we moved into Castle Stone with its hefty mortage, it was time to get frugal.
I spoke to a friend about grocery spending habits and she said she was going to try Aldi. Later that day she sent me a message to tell me her grocery bill had been $83 cheaper!
I got my skates on, bundled both kids into the car and sped to my nearest Aldi store. The savings were amazing.
Aldi is a little harder than sitting at my computer and clicking with the mouse - I have my little mr in a pouch (and sometimes a disgruntled five year old) as I attempt unsuccessfully to manoeuvre the trolley, which always seems to have a dodgy wheel or four, and you have to pack your own groceries into bags.
One day a lady even said to me, "Oh, look at you." I am not sure why she wanted to look at me, I can only assume it is because I looked like such an uncoordinated mum.
But all that outweighs the savings that we are making.
Are you a frugal shopper?
Yes - with four kids (and a hefty mortgage also!) I pretty much have to be. We don't have Aldi where I live, unfortunately - but I have my routine when the supermarket advertising brochures arrive at the house, I sit down with my grocery list and go through and see what's on special at each store, then work out my plan of attack for the week.
ReplyDeleteI will have to start doing that with the brochures too :)
DeleteWe still shop with Coles and Woolworths, simply for convenience. But we're very strict with sticking to the budget, and not impulse buying. Have fun planning things to do with your savings! Cheers, Alison
ReplyDeleteTHanks. At the moment I am actually really enjoying it.
DeleteI combine it all, Aldi, and picking the best buys out of the catalogues as I have all the supermarkets close by. It's like a game to me, love the hunt for a bargain! :)
ReplyDeleteI am going to be the master bargain hunter soon :)
DeleteI can't wait for Aldi to open a store near to us. But by the time they do my chicks may have already flown the coop
ReplyDeleteMy mum loves aldi and has raved about it for ages. She drags Dad down there for the sales - it is so funny.
DeleteSam I am now the same :) I never used to be but now I can sometimes do all major three shops to get the best price, luckily they're all in the same shopping centre :)
ReplyDeleteIt definitely helps when they are all together!
DeleteI am now. I never used to be and I ever even looked at prices, but these days I am all about saving the money. Thank God for Aldi. I save a fortune shopping there. x
ReplyDeleteI love Aldi. When my mum gets back from holidays I bet she says "I told you so!"
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