Thinking Outloud
After reading several WWFMW and Nel's blog about what stores she buys what from for grocery shopping. It got me thinking about how I am always looking for ways to save money. I would like to ask several questions answer if you would like or ignore it if it seems silly.
What laundry deterget do you use?
What dishwashing deterget do you use?
What frugal cleaning supplies have you found that work?
Do you shop at resale shops?
How many nights a week do you cook?
Do you meal plan?
Where do you buy grocerey's from?
Do you use coupons?
Do you shop at SAM's?
What other things do you do to save money?
I would love to hear from other MOM's like me trying to save money raising a family!
Posts
Gain or the Costco brand depending on when I run out.
I splurge here and get the cascade capsules because they work so well! Actually, I feel like most name brand cleaning supplies work better than generic. I find that I use way more of the generics, so I don't think they're that much cheaper in the long run. Plus, I buy them in bulk to save.
I really think clearance shopping gets better deals a lot of the time. I shop for winter clothes in February and summer clothes in September/October. At the Lake, the summer clothes are always more picked over because of the tourists, but there are still some great clearances!
I cook 5-6 nights a week... some times it's sandwiches or pasta though!
I try to. I used e-mealz.com for a while and LOVED it!
Aldi, Walmart, or Costco
Yes- especially with clothing stores!
I have a Sam's membership and my mom has a Costco. I find better deals on household items at Sams and a way better produce section as Costco!
I use All - from Sam's... last me 3 months - $10.95 (I think)
Cascade - liquid...from Sam's :o)
Well... I love the toilet cleaning thingys... I had a post about them - Mr. Clean maybe??? I use most name brand on my cleaning supplies that I get at Sam's... in bulk.
Sometimes... but not very often. I used to go to Once Upon a Child allllll the time - but now my mother in law buys way to many clothes and I don't get to shop for the girls. And I hardly ever shop for myself...
I cook 5 nights a week. One night we eat out and the other we eat with Corey's family...
I do plan my meals and stick to my shopping list! I write everything down I will be getting and know how much I will be spending each shopping trip... otherwise I have days like I did Satuday and spent way more than I wanted too!
Aldi's, WalMart and Sam's
Of course I use coupons!!! I love them :o)
Love Sam's!
I take drinks for me and the girls anywhere we go so I am not tempted to stop and get something. I always have snacks with me. I don't carry cash. I try and just do my shopping all in 1 day and not have to go back for odds and ends through out the week... b/c then I pick up way too many extras!
I use Rockin Green for most things - its cloth diaper compatible. I found a sale on Tide Sport Febreeze and have been using it for Dan's clothes. I also really like method. I stopped using Free and Clear because it still had additives that aren't compatible for cloth diapers.
I use generic dish detergent usually, or Cascade in bulk from Sams. I change from powder to capsule to liquid and I don't find that any of them are perfect. I sometimes remember to use jet dry, and that is nice. REmembering to run hot water for a while before starting the dishwasher helps us the most, as does cleaning out the little spickets on the sprayer arm.
I don't think windex lime or windex vinegar is very expensive. I really like that.
I cook at least 4, but also two meals on Sat, Sun, Monday. I usually try to make leftovers or two meals if I am grilling out to save energy and time. Then we reheat. I also pack lunches for Dan and he prefers leftovers, so we always cook a lot.
I don't meal plan exactly anymore. I plan the meat and the fresh veggies, mostly, so they don't spoil and they get used efficiently.
I buy from HyVee and love it. I rarely buy groceries at Sams save for salad since its not really that well priced on anything. I avoid buying groceries at our walmart because they aren't very fresh at all. I do not shop at Aldi because its in a rough part of town and because there isn't fresh produce. I also shop farmers market.
I used coupons a lot this winter, but not really this summer. I maybe use only one or two per time, and they are for items at target usually, like Baby Cereal or toothpaste.
Yes, I shop at Sams. I like to get boy clothes there because they are inexpensive. I also buy dryer sheets (if I remember to), watermelon, sometimes milk, Christmas gifts, some clothing like socks or random thngs, etc. I don't think its a very good bargain. For instance, its way cheaper to use a coupon and catch a Target sale for Tide at 6.99 - vs. Sams for $20 or so.
I add something to my online shopping cart and then think on it overnight. Sometimes I delete. Usually I see if there is a better deal. I also buy gifts when they are on sale or when I think of it so I do not have to do last minute anything. I also try to pay cash for things that are frivolous... like a sweet tea from McDs instead of debit card because otherwise it is a habit.
I don't do resale shops, but my MIL found a really good one in Washington, MO downtown. Its better than your local ones as far as price and quantity. I shopped yard sales for Daniel's clothing and just guessed on sizes. I will graciously accept presents for him for Christmas like a coat, boots, etc.