Uber Frugal Month Challenge: Day 10

We just keep on keeping on! Today was a day of preparation and excitement around here, as we get ready to leave on a research trip to the area we are hoping to move to next year. Although the trip does come with some (planned) expenses, we are working to keep them as low as possible. Plus, the research is necessary and the memories of this visit will hopefully keep us inspired as we continue to pursue our goals!

Today's UFM challenge is another grocery one. I'm finding these a little tiresome, if I am honest. I know most people spend too much on groceries and eating out. I know it's an easy place to shave costs. I think I have just spent so many years focused on grocery costs and best value that it seems boring now. My failing, not a failing of the challenge!

Today’s mantra: Food is a necessity, but expensive food is not!

Today’s action: Go through your typical grocery routine and identify opportunities for frugalization.

My grocery routine got out of hand early last year. We joined a local food co-op for a few specific items, and we enjoyed the "fancy" shopping experience too much and started doing all of our shopping there. In the last couple months we've scaled that way back! The routine now is:

Make a list: I have a master list in Google sheets. I pull a copy into a new monthly file, delete items we don't need, enter amounts of items we need, and then add anything we need that's not on the list. It's divided by stores we visit so we get the items at the cheapest store. Accessible from my phone or computer, so easy to update.

Buy in bulk: For most bulk items, we shop at Winco. I hate Winco. It's crowded, the lighting is a weird yellow-ish hue, aisles are always blocked by stockers. Still, the staff IS friendly and the bulk section is amazing and cheap. Other bulk items are purchased either at a restaurant supply store or the local co-op. Some items are only available at the co-op, are actually cheaper at the co-op, or the quality far surpasses that of Winco for only a minimal bump in cost. (Far superior herbs and spices for only a few cents more per pound.)

Buy raw ingredients: This is primarily how we shop, with one noted exception -- frozen pizza/taquitos and veggie burgers. I'm spending $20 a month on those items for our Friday night family movie and treat night. This is to avoid the allure of take out while fostering a fun family activity.

Economize where you can: There are two food categories we decided were worth buying from the co-op: most produce and milk. The milk is from a local ethical dairy and hormone free. We only have one dairy milk drinker in the house, DS2, so the extra $8/month is worth it for us. We have also created a list of about 5 produce items we still buy from the co-op.

Don't shop at expensive grocery stores:  I touched on this above. We still go to the expensive store, but we are very particular about what we buy. There is actually another fancy schmancy store we also go to sometimes. It's a local grocery store, similar in theme to a Whole Foods. We only purchase beer there (you can buy local brews by the bottle for $1 to $1.5o each), or we have a cheap date at their deli. The deli food is delicious and cheap, and the ambiance is more like a cafe. For $8 we can get two wraps and coffee (including refills!) Plus, live music for free on Saturday nights, which is lovely for a date night.

Our grocery bill really crept up last year -- at one point it was $800. For UFM, I'm working at getting it under $400. We'll stick to that for a couple of months and then assess to see if we are comfortable there or want to try to go lower.