@@amyschaefer1140 Margarine is not worth saving money. Eat the butter! Buy it on sale during the holidays and freeze it. Aldi usually has it for $2.49 on sale around Thanksgiving.
Butter is so much better for your health.....margarine is completely fake food and very bad for you. Quite the Haul!!! God bless you and your family 🙏. Miss Monique
Hey there, lady! QUIT beating yourself up for that $1.00 over. Even if you were $10 over you are still so far ahead of many/most folks where grocery spending is concerned. You have a set budget you stick to, you track what you are spending while in the store, you plan meals in advance and make a list. The fact that you even know/track your spending is HUGE. We stock up on butter, milk, hard cheeses, meat/poultry, seafood and portion/freeze for future use. It really saves us some serious cash in the long run.
Regarding hamburger batch cooking, when there are sales like that, I buy as much as I can afford and need. Then I cook all of the hamburger at once, add basic seasoning like garlic and onion powders, salt pepper, maybe chop up that leftover onion in the fridge to add? Once drained and cooled off a bit, portion out to quart freezer bags, I put in 1.5 cups which is under a pound each. Make sure there's no air in the bags when sealing, stack them in the freezer so it's saved space too. Ready made hamburger to use for tacos, casseroles, soups etc will save time in the kitchen so less tempted to go to takeout or processed junk.
@@patriciaholstein878 I also make 3 or 4 meatloaves when the ground beef is on sale. I have one that day and freeze the rest. Then all you have to do is bake them for a quick meal.
@@noreenp.9858 I've done that as well. I cook them almost done, barely pink. Cool and freeze them, they finish cooking when heated up without drying out or getting overdone.
I buy sugar pumpkins in the fall and bake them and make my own pumpkin puree. I get allot of pumpkin out of one whole pumpkin. I freeze it in small containers till I need it.
@suecook8087 - There are tons of varieties. Honestly, it doesn't matter much. The sugar or pie varieties are just smaller and easier to work with than the ones people turn into jack-o- lanterns
Watching Larry and Hope you can learn how they very healthily have been able to feed their family for $200 including 2 teenagers boys. It is worth investigating before you negate the possibility.
I agree completely! I buy probably 90% of my groceries at Aldi, and mostly just purchase on sale items and clearance items at Kroger. Two weeks ago Kroger had that same butter on sale for $2.79. I bought my limit of 5 because it was such a good deal! You have to watch the sales though!
Purchased my dehydrator a few months ago. Mixed results. Most end up being powdered. For soups, ramen. salads and for the Camp Bugout bag. Am finding the recommended blanching process for vegetables is cost effective and much easier if purchasing larger frozen bags of vegetables in season. Less expensive. The work of rinsing, chopping already done, includes the preferred blanching. Lots of food here and there I am experimenting with each month.
Hi, Dawn! I saw you bought pet food. I didn't know you have a cat! Will you show it sometime? I am a cat lover with several of my own. Have a blessed day 🌞
We all make our choices when shopping for anything. I remember times in my past when I could only buy essentials, and treats were made with what I had ingredients for at home already, aka pantry staples. Thankfully now I can buy whatever I want. But when I go grocery shopping, if I see something like butter for a ridiculous price, I won't buy it at that store, and I will buy some at another favorite store. I find Aldi always has the best price, I only use real butter. We are 3 adults in our home, and buy very few treats, except for when the holidays come around. If one of us wants a treat we buy it and share. I do try to keep something we all like that's sweet. Aldi is great for that too. I like shopping at Winco too. And Walmart market place sometimes . If you have one around you, Costco is a great place to save money on often used items. We love shopping there and save so much money ! 🥰🍃🍂🍁💗✝
I only shop at Kroger for my basics. When I do to aldi they do not have all that my families needs and likes. I will try it again though next week it has been a while since I have been. Love hearing how much people spend and what they buy. I only buy Whole Foods and a goldfish. I find the processed foods cost more. Thank you for being you!!
I do most of my shopping at Kroger but I check the loss leaders every week and stock up on the things we use. For instance, that butter was $2.79 last week and will get cheaper as the holidays near. I have 8 of those boxes in my freezer that I purchased at $2.50 each. The only cereals we eat are Raisin Bran and regular Cheerios. They were both on sale last week and I paid $1.50 a box after my coupons. I always shop on Fridays because you can get 4x the gas points. Last month I had enough for $1 off each gallon when I filled my tank. I think it's a great place to shop if you have time to look for bargains.
No one van comment on your life situation. You buy for two other people in your household. Neither contribute monetary wise so you are head of household and provide. Yeah, I agree with others about the "junk" items. Wasted money and unfortunate but its what you do to complete shopping for your house. Dont beat yourself up but rather pray strong for change. Change is hard but the days ahead will be harder and you must preserve the money for the necessary foods, and prepare.
We bought a timeshare just before we got married 30 years ago. We are using it wirh family this week. Lots of hiking. National park. Lots of time wirh family. Lots of laughter and board games. Know what Im not doing? Lots of cooking. Quick meals that rely on a lot more meat, fewer whole grains, and a much higher cost. Im spending maybe an hour, total in food prep for 8 people. We had chicken alfredo last night. Rao's from a jar. Honestly, it's not bad. I bought cookies. We have raisin bran for breakfasr. It's got more carbs than lucky charms. (How?)Tonight its french bread pizza. Quick stuff so i can get back to the rest of my vacation. Completely homemade, low processed foods often come with a heavy investment in time and/or equipment. My job is to grow our food. Can our food. Dehydrate our food. Prepare as much of our food as possible using a minimum of ingredients that need purchace. Not every family finds this workable. Im betting that every single one of us has eaten something somebody else would judge as crap within the last month.
I spend more on Harley than I do for myself. He really eats like a piggy. Weighs 20 lbs (the last time he was weighed.) Big boy for a cat. Oh well he's my baby and I try to keep him happy. He's VERY vocal. and doesn't shut up until he gets what he wants. Of course he's spoiled rotten.
I think you did a good job! I shop mostly Kroger but I do deliver so only get what is on my list and we don't buy beef or pork as we have that on the farm. We do not do a garden or any canning or freezing vegetables so I do purchase those items. I can definitely see a difference in your shopping purchases between a Kroger haul and and Aldi haul. I think you purchased items in this trip that won't be purchased again for another month or so like the flour and meats. Keep getting butter. Get it when Kroger has it on sale and freeze it. Great video as usual!
Damn, that’s a lot of money. I shop at Aldi or Walmart. No Kroger where I live. I don’t buy any cookies, chips, or pop tarts. We don’t eat pork. Just don’t like it. I buy my canned dog food monthly on Chewy. Your husband and daughter appear to like all the goodies! lol.😊
Dawn, look in your area for a salvage food place. We have a couple of them. One of them has lots of bread. It’s close to the “expiration” date. And they sell any kind for just $1.25 a loaf. 😊
@@CentsibleLivingWithMoneyMom You should plan a trip there with a couple of friends. That’s what we do. I go to our salvage food store once every 2 months and I go with a neighbor. We take turns driving. The bread store is far away also BUT my husband drives right past it on the way to work. So he’ll stop in once a week 😊
We get sales at our giant eagle grocery store , Walmart, and sams Club is good for fruits and vegetables . Do buy a key lime pie, some cookies for a treat. Really like the chesse it crackers, sun chips, peanut butter crackers some fun size candy can't take that out of what we eat. Do buy frozen dinners as a quick meal. Cutting back on lunch meats . Since we planted our tomatoes and yellow beans, we have plenty to make our own sauce and tomato soup. You did well on a budget and gave us ladies' ideas.
Tom Thumb has 5 lb onion $1.47, 5 lb russet potatoes $1.47 / 2 lb carrots $1.47. I'm going to freeze chopped onions, freeze potatoes for hash browns and also for stews. Kroger had butter last week for $2.47. I got 5 for freezer. I'm doing sales only.
I stocked up on butter at Aldi back a couple of years ago (under $2.00 per pound) and put it directly in the freezer. I am still using it. I take out one pound at a time.
I'd love to have an Aldi's & Kroger here...Grocery Outlet prices near me seem mostly higher than the regular stores. Tillamook here is $7.49 regular price. One thing I love about your channel is that it reminds me...every day is a new opportunity....for learning, for making choices, for....anything. Best...
Is making your own chocolate actually worth it? Are you making it from cocoa powder and coconut oil? I've seen those videos and to be honest I don't know that the quality of what you get is vs a bar made using traditional methods
We found a good treat at Natural Grocers. It is little chunks of date/nuts/fruit, some have chocolate. They are just little two bite size...perfect to satisfy a sweet tooth and there is no added sugar, just what is naturally in the dates and fruit. We have also tried making these ourselves with dates, dried fruit and nuts. But having them already made is a nice time saver.
Another thing we do to satisfy a sweet tooth without too much sugar......a spoonful of natural peanut butter with a few chocolate chips sprinkled on. It doesn't get much more simple than that! Put it in the freezer and it is extra good.
@penelopeprimrose90 - I made something similar this week. Coconut nibs, nuts and dried fruit in the food processor rolled in a little cocoa powder so they aren't sticky. Great snack while hiking.
Love me some Aldi! But they don't have everything like you said. So I shop there weekly and then once a month I do a Walmart stock up haul because Walmart prices are equivalent to Aldi for the most part. Otherwise I avoid grocery stores completely. And I would give up a lot of things before I would give up butter!
I can't shop Kroger because my grocery bill would be too high. I sometimes shop the sale, if I have to take my FIL there (his favorite grocery store, because he knows all the workers lol). Aldi is my favorite! That pork roast was an awesome deal! 👌🙂
I quit buying the large container of Crisco because I didn't use it that often. I bought it in sticks, like butter. It's more expensive per pound, but it fits my use better. I don't think I can go back to margarine, plus I think butter is better for you health wise. I'm going to try not to buy any convenience foods the next time I go to the grocery store. I'll have to commit to bake cookies for my sister-in-law. It'll be interesting to see the price difference. You got some great deals on meat. Thank you for sharing your haul with us. Love to all, Linda 💕
Shortening is not healthy either, it contains trans fats. It is why packaged baked goods are bad for our health. They are full of trans fats and hydrogenated vegetable oils. Margarine and shortening both are made with hydrogenated vegetable oils. Best to avoid them. Make homemade baked goods with butter, or healthier oils like olive oil or coconut oil. Avoid seed oils like canola oil, corn oil, soybean oil and sunflower oil. These oils are in most processed foods from baked goods, to mayo to salad dressing. Make your own and avoid them!
You scored on the pork. I find that pork is way more affordable than beef or chicken, You could make a lot of meals from rhat one large chunk. No judgement because my husband eats Lucky Charms as well, but I just watched a video about maybe 5 things to be banned in the US and they were on the list, and already banned in other countries. Def stick w/ butter since margarine is about 1 step from being plastic, I read that years ago and never ate it again.
It’s all the red and yellow dyes that are in things like Lucky Charms and also Doritos and Cheetos… it has been found now that they cause cancer. It’s been banned in other countries. I don’t buy that crap !!! Not taking that chance
One dollar Dawn? Really? That’s a bit much. There’s always a margin of error. First mistake is don’t take your husband (or kids) grocery shopping. I think the majority of the snacks that aren’t necessary is because your husband likes snacks. Bake cookies and mini pumpkin muffins instead and freeze them too. My husband puts things in the cart too 😂. Watch Joyfully Thriving. She has a $500 budget for a family of 6. She shops sales and stocks up on items her family uses when on sale. She shops Kroger, Aldi, Walmart, and Sam’s Club. She sometimes goes over budget if there’s a good stock up price but she’s ok with that because some months are under budget. It’s how i grocery shop too. Also I shop at drugstores for items using rebate apps with it. I can pay $1 for cereal or granola bars.
Kroger shopper here.. As you were showing your grocery haul, I knew the amount was going to be $$$. The mini muffins was a good deal. Pumpkin flavor is good. Those are my to go treat once in awhile. Plus, the box of chips. It’s good cuz it’s single servings. Portion control when you are having a craving. Hope this weeks Kroger ad has some good sales.
The price of pumpkin has gotten ridiculous. I guess it is all that pumpkin this and pumpkin that, that is being made now. I will buy my pumpkin pie at Costco for $5.99...it is the best. Shortening has gone out of sight as well...more than double. I'm glad I am not doing so much baking now. You got some good deals though Dawn...sometimes you just have to bite the bullet. Have a Blessed day.
I think you did great, so many of those things you dont have to buy regularly. Just keep your eye on those staples for sales and you will never pay full price again. I understand your sticker shock though.😂
In about a month Jroger should be having their canned goods stock up sale. Thats when I get my broths, canned vegetables, canned tomatoes, Stice Top and usually pumpkin is part of it. It used to be as low as .99 but I doubt it this year. I buy cases of most of it and it lasts me all year. It really saves me money.
I assume you are kidding about the One Dollar. If not I will send you One Dollar -:) You can thank brandon for the high prices. I thank him every time I am shopping for groceries. Curse him is probably more accurate -:) There are no Kroger's near me. Just super Walmart and membership stores.
If you cooked more from scratch, you would have more groceries for less money. The meat was a fab deal for many meals, congrats. If you feed picky cats, putting a little broth in their food can convince them to eat.
That's my preferred method of food management. Takes time and effort from the store to food preparation at home. Had a few events really take away from my kitchen prep time, yet time to start consuming and rotating out the freezer and dry pantry. Finally got a point a few weeks ago, 'Frugal Fatigue' and knew I needed a break, preferably in my wishing well world, a very long one, before I started back at it again. Had to also update my shopping list asking myself if a good sale purchase and how much time will I be putting in from store to table. Ended up with eating a lot of high vitamins added kids brand cereal and not sorry I binged on this.
I've heard about Kroger's good deals but it is around 3 mi (and more traffic) instead of 1 to Neighborhood Walmart or 2 to Food Town. If I wanted to play longer in traffic I'd prefer to go a bit farther to HEB for better meats. I don't buy the packaged stuff so don't have a comparison unless I look it up. But yeah, food prices are outrageous! Good thing I don't particularly like cooking, I'd be even more upset. Truly your family is fortunate that you cook!
HEB is the only store near me. I only shop my list, so if if its not on my list I just don't get it. I check my app before I go shopping for coupons. I have 2 items that are always on my list grapes for my husband, and beef short ribs for me. When it comes to these 2 items we are very picky, so if the don't look good we won't get them regardless if it's a "good deal".
No Kroger or Aldi near me. I'm guessing by me this haul would go for clear to 200 because our regular prices are higher. Let's say it's been an adventure trying to shop.
No Krogers here but theres’ one in northern Washington I stop at on my way home to California haha! One change I made a long while back is making my own stocks. The Moosewood Cafe book has several vegetarian ones that are great. I do chicken and beef as well. It’s an effort I’m willing to make every 4 months or so for each kind. I am wary of what’s actually in the boxed ones. (Is it just me? I better look up production and learn what they use)
A similar grocery haul bought here in New Zealand 2024 would probably cost three times that amount. Any prepared or processed groceries are unaffordable here for average shoppers. We are obliged to cook mostly from scratch to afford to feed our families.
Not familiar with Kroger's or Aldi's. Kroger's has been wanting to buy our Albertsons, including the one in our two. Albertsons tends to be higher prices. Today, I did a primarily cat food run. Both of her brands on sale. Last night, online saw one brand at Walmart $2 box of twelve, cheaper than the brand on sale today. Bought sushi from the deli $10, but this version tray much better than some of the previous ones. Starting with the sushi, went on the grocery app inside the store and entered each of the brand products in my cart I was purchasing. Most have some kind of extra discount. The sushi had $1. Most other products about 50cents to a dollar. Most of the sales items also included a bit of a discount. Sometimes extra points. Again, was able to save a few extra dollars. Then my monthly club membership $5 which I use to balance out getting my money returned on the yearly discount I paid in. And decided to take some points today, another $4 off. Same for purchasing a larger beverage at the back of the store. Going over sales, prices of cartons of iced coffee, containers of ice tea or lemonade. This is my 'to go' and the sweetened ice tea supposedly on sale, discounted for $3.50. Once I return home, I will refill a few times with water, both to save money, cut down on calories and sugar and stretch the budget. The receipt states a 23 percent savings, but difficult to tell as I was comfy with getting stocked up on cat food at the only store in town that carried her senior cat food that she can digest. Oh. The M and Ms also on sale and the app had about an extra dollar off, so I clipped that. Am going to divide up, freeze off to discourage me from any sugar cravings. Cereal in bulk packages I am slowly switching to only if a high vitamin count. And, toilet paper this trip around, unlike the last shopping trip had $1 off, but that was from a price of $8.99 for six mega rolls. The savings on both trips I worked hard on, kind of covered the higher price in toilet paper. Toilet paper, same brand went up by $2 to $3 and the so called sales price is a bad joke on my wallet.
I don't have a solution to your husband putting junk food in the cart, but I would really avoid taking him into Kroger again!! I think this all shows that sticking to one store, like Aldi is a good idea. Do you still do some meatless meals?
Dawn seems to bake a lot and make several desserts each week. I can't understand why he needs multiple treats in addition to the homemade ones. It's not my problem obviously, but the solution seems simple!
I'd be curious to see if you put all of your items in the Walmart app. What the difference in the price would be? I'm in Canada, so our prices are pretty high to begin with. But I'm just curious to know cuz. Everybody on youtube seems to think that walmart's the cheapest
Aldi is Great. Their breads are really cheap. Like 1.99 or even 2.04 or 2.99. But I would pick Aldi any day. But I understand why u picked Kroger...But as long as you learn from yr mistake you'll be fine...😊😊😊
Do NOT use margarine. I grew up eating tons of that and got cancers as a young adult. Not saying definitely the margarine caused it, but there are numerous studies proving that stuff is vile for health. Butter is insanely high in price but worth it if you want better health. I sure do wish its price of butter would come down.
@@CentsibleLivingWithMoneyMom thats not to bad where they on sale? regular price one dozen eggs aldis is $3.08 i live great lakes region . butter is $3.79 per pound
@@CentsibleLivingWithMoneyMom Eggs at my local grocery store, Hannaford $4.99 for a carton of one dozen large eggs two days ago. Needless to say, I did not buy them. A week before that they were 3.99 which killed me to buy then, but I did, and a week before that 2.99. I stopped at a farm market this week and their dozen large eggs were $6.99 !
Life's too sbort to worry about "mistakes" on buying groceries. Enjoy the treats your family likes, don't give it a second thought. Sounds like you are going to be making some great recipes. 👍 👍👍🐈🐈⬛🐈
@@KerryJames-l6z oh, my goodness! In what area do you live? I can buy farm fresh eggs here in Georgia for $3 a dozen. Less than that at the grocery store.
People harp on buying too much processed food but fail to understand that ALL food goes through some kind of processing, including produce. Life is too short to always worry about whether what you eat will harm or kill you. NONE of it is wholly healthy. We all have to leave here regardless of what we eat. As long as food is eaten in moderation, don't feel like you need to deprive yourself and family in order to eat better. I'm not giving up my Oreos for anybody😂Sometimes people just buy what they can afford. Nutrition,although very important, isn't always taken into account. As long as you keep food waste to a minimum you'll be alright.
Nobody would tell someone to give up their oreos, but when you look at that shopping haul and compare the ratio of real food to junk food, I don't think expensive butter is the real culprit. Everyone should buy as much junk food as they like, I do when I want it, but don't include it as groceries, it's not a true number. Just because you eat it doesn't make it groceries cause if it did then you would have to add your restaurant food as groceries too.
@@TeresaS-q7x I agree. Buy whatever you want, but don't complain about the cost of groceries when most of what you buy is overpriced convenience foods and snack foods. The packaged snacks will destroy your budget every time. That's fine to buy that stuff if you want to, but realize that you are not saving money. Even if they are on sale, they are still taking money away from the budget to buy real food.
Even growing your own produce and producing your own dairy and meat, all food does have to be processed to some extent, this is true. Vegetables are chopped and frozen, meat is butchered. Yes. But when a discussion comes up about "processed foods" people are really talking about "ultra processed foods". Big difference!
With a calculator, how did you not you know that you were $1 over?..lol ONE DOLLAR..not a big deal.. The biggest concern is that you are $320 OVER spending monthly per Hope @"Under the Median" She feeds family of 4 including 2 teenage boys for $200 a month. .. Maybe not for Dawn but maybe for the people who listen to your video..
I don’t believe $200 for a family of four unless she is growing and preserving own food. Teens need mucho calories and quality protein. 1 qt. milk per kid per day for starters.
I would keep buying butter and buy less junk food.
Stay with the butter! Margarine is so bad for you. Butter will go on sale around the holidays, then you can stock up. ❤️
just what I was going to say
Yeah you can freeze butter for about half a year
@@amyschaefer1140
We only use real butter 😊
@@amyschaefer1140 Margarine is not worth saving money. Eat the butter! Buy it on sale during the holidays and freeze it. Aldi usually has it for $2.49 on sale around Thanksgiving.
Butter is so much better for your health.....margarine is completely fake food and very bad for you.
Quite the Haul!!!
God bless you and your family 🙏. Miss Monique
Hey there, lady! QUIT beating yourself up for that $1.00 over. Even if you were $10 over you are still so far ahead of many/most folks where grocery spending is concerned. You have a set budget you stick to, you track what you are spending while in the store, you plan meals in advance and make a list. The fact that you even know/track your spending is HUGE.
We stock up on butter, milk, hard cheeses, meat/poultry, seafood and portion/freeze for future use. It really saves us some serious cash in the long run.
You are so sweet
100% agree
Regarding hamburger batch cooking, when there are sales like that, I buy as much as I can afford and need. Then I cook all of the hamburger at once, add basic seasoning like garlic and onion powders, salt pepper, maybe chop up that leftover onion in the fridge to add? Once drained and cooled off a bit, portion out to quart freezer bags, I put in 1.5 cups which is under a pound each. Make sure there's no air in the bags when sealing, stack them in the freezer so it's saved space too. Ready made hamburger to use for tacos, casseroles, soups etc will save time in the kitchen so less tempted to go to takeout or processed junk.
Great idea
- freeze it on a sheet tray before bagging. Makes it easier to portion.
@@patriciaholstein878 I also make 3 or 4 meatloaves when the ground beef is on sale. I have one that day and freeze the rest. Then all you have to do is bake them for a quick meal.
@@noreenp.9858 I've done that as well. I cook them almost done, barely pink. Cool and freeze them, they finish cooking when heated up without drying out or getting overdone.
Don't use Margarine. My grandma lived to 103. She always said don't eat margarine, that stuff will kill ya 😂
So will all that sugar and carbs.
I buy sugar pumpkins in the fall and bake them and make my own pumpkin puree. I get allot of pumpkin out of one whole pumpkin. I freeze it in small containers till I need it.
That is a great idea! Ty! I like to put a little pumpkin with my dog food when I feed my dogs.
Do you cook it down to pumpkin butter?
I dry a few pumpkins, sweet potato and carrots to throw in the instant pot with rice. Perfection.
How do you know what type of pumpkin it is? Thx
@suecook8087 - There are tons of varieties. Honestly, it doesn't matter much. The sugar or pie varieties are just smaller and easier to work with than the ones people turn into jack-o- lanterns
@@christines2787 thx u
Watching Larry and Hope you can learn how they very healthily have been able to feed their family for $200 including 2 teenagers boys. It is worth investigating before you negate the possibility.
I’d love to see your cat!
Next video
Aww yes ❤
Despite the cost of butter it is better for your body than margarine.
Agree, and spreadable butter is about a quarter vegetable oil
I agree completely! I buy probably 90% of my groceries at Aldi, and mostly just purchase on sale items and clearance items at Kroger. Two weeks ago Kroger had that same butter on sale for $2.79. I bought my limit of 5 because it was such a good deal! You have to watch the sales though!
My daughter and I went together on a dehydrator, so far I have done elderberry but can't wait to try it on other stuff like vegetables.
How wonderful
Purchased my dehydrator a few months ago. Mixed results. Most end up being powdered. For soups, ramen. salads and for the Camp Bugout bag. Am finding the recommended blanching process for vegetables is cost effective and much easier if purchasing larger frozen bags of vegetables in season. Less expensive. The work of rinsing, chopping already done, includes the preferred blanching. Lots of food here and there I am experimenting with each month.
My Aldi just got canned pumpkin in for $1.49. I hope you grab a few cans for future recipes. That pork was an excellent deal.
Hi, Dawn! I saw you bought pet food. I didn't know you have a cat! Will you show it sometime? I am a cat lover with several of my own. Have a blessed day 🌞
Yes, soon
Oh $1.00 is not bad. It’s ok. We have no Aldi’s in the PNW. I am going to Fred Meyer ( Kroger’s ) tonight to pick up a grocery order.
Geeat topic..generates a lot of thinking and comments
We all make our choices when shopping for anything. I remember times in my past when I could only buy essentials, and treats were made with what I had ingredients for at home already, aka pantry staples. Thankfully now I can buy whatever I want. But when I go grocery shopping, if I see something like butter for a ridiculous price, I won't buy it at that store, and I will buy some at another favorite store. I find Aldi always has the best price, I only use real butter. We are 3 adults in our home, and buy very few treats, except for when the holidays come around. If one of us wants a treat we buy it and share. I do try to keep something we all like that's sweet. Aldi is great for that too. I like shopping at Winco too. And Walmart market place sometimes . If you have one around you, Costco is a great place to save money on often used items. We love shopping there and save so much money ! 🥰🍃🍂🍁💗✝
I only shop at Kroger for my basics. When I do to aldi they do not have all that my families needs and likes. I will try it again though next week it has been a while since I have been. Love hearing how much people spend and what they buy. I only buy Whole Foods and a goldfish. I find the processed foods cost more. Thank you for being you!!
I do most of my shopping at Kroger but I check the loss leaders every week and stock up on the things we use. For instance, that butter was $2.79 last week and will get cheaper as the holidays near. I have 8 of those boxes in my freezer that I purchased at $2.50 each. The only cereals we eat are Raisin Bran and regular Cheerios. They were both on sale last week and I paid $1.50 a box after my coupons. I always shop on Fridays because you can get 4x the gas points. Last month I had enough for $1 off each gallon when I filled my tank. I think it's a great place to shop if you have time to look for bargains.
Smart
No one van comment on your life situation. You buy for two other people in your household. Neither contribute monetary wise so you are head of household and provide.
Yeah, I agree with others about the "junk" items. Wasted money and unfortunate but its what you do to complete shopping for your house.
Dont beat yourself up but rather pray strong for change. Change is hard but the days ahead will be harder and you must preserve the money for the necessary foods, and prepare.
We bought a timeshare just before we got married 30 years ago. We are using it wirh family this week.
Lots of hiking. National park. Lots of time wirh family. Lots of laughter and board games.
Know what Im not doing? Lots of cooking. Quick meals that rely on a lot more meat, fewer whole grains, and a much higher cost. Im spending maybe an hour, total in food prep for 8 people. We had chicken alfredo last night. Rao's from a jar. Honestly, it's not bad.
I bought cookies. We have raisin bran for breakfasr. It's got more carbs than lucky charms. (How?)Tonight its french bread pizza. Quick stuff so i can get back to the rest of my vacation.
Completely homemade, low processed foods often come with a heavy investment in time and/or equipment. My job is to grow our food. Can our food. Dehydrate our food. Prepare as much of our food as possible using a minimum of ingredients that need purchace.
Not every family finds this workable.
Im betting that every single one of us has eaten something somebody else would judge as crap within the last month.
I spend more on Harley than I do for myself. He really eats like a piggy. Weighs 20 lbs (the last time he was weighed.) Big boy for a cat. Oh well he's my baby and I try to keep him happy. He's VERY vocal. and doesn't shut up until he gets what he wants. Of course he's spoiled rotten.
That's 🐈 for you! They're the bosses and they know it. You can't help but love them.
Ah
I think you did a good job! I shop mostly Kroger but I do deliver so only get what is on my list and we don't buy beef or pork as we have that on the farm. We do not do a garden or any canning or freezing vegetables so I do purchase those items. I can definitely see a difference in your shopping purchases between a Kroger haul and and Aldi haul. I think you purchased items in this trip that won't be purchased again for another month or so like the flour and meats. Keep getting butter. Get it when Kroger has it on sale and freeze it. Great video as usual!
Damn, that’s a lot of money. I shop at Aldi or Walmart. No Kroger where I live. I don’t buy any cookies, chips, or pop tarts. We don’t eat pork. Just don’t like it. I buy my canned dog food monthly on Chewy. Your husband and daughter appear to like all the goodies! lol.😊
Way too many carbs!!
we have Kroger locations all over Kentucky. I like the produce they have, better price and quality
Wonderful
Dawn, look in your area for a salvage food place. We have a couple of them. One of them has lots of bread. It’s close to the “expiration” date. And they sell any kind for just $1.25 a loaf. 😊
We have one place but it is far away
@@CentsibleLivingWithMoneyMom
You should plan a trip there with a couple of friends. That’s what we do. I go to our salvage food store once every 2 months and I go with a neighbor. We take turns driving. The bread store is far away also BUT my husband drives right past it on the way to work. So he’ll stop in once a week 😊
We get sales at our giant eagle grocery store , Walmart, and sams Club is good for fruits and vegetables . Do buy a key lime pie, some cookies for a treat. Really like the chesse it crackers, sun chips, peanut butter crackers some fun size candy can't take that out of what we eat. Do buy frozen dinners as a quick meal. Cutting back on lunch meats . Since we planted our tomatoes and yellow beans, we have plenty to make our own sauce and tomato soup. You did well on a budget and gave us ladies' ideas.
Tom Thumb has 5 lb onion $1.47, 5 lb russet potatoes $1.47 / 2 lb carrots $1.47. I'm going to freeze chopped onions, freeze potatoes for hash browns and also for stews. Kroger had butter last week for $2.47. I got 5 for freezer. I'm doing sales only.
I stocked up on butter at Aldi back a couple of years ago (under $2.00 per pound) and put it directly in the freezer. I am still using it. I take out one pound at a time.
Great deal
I'd love to have an Aldi's & Kroger here...Grocery Outlet prices near me seem mostly higher than the regular stores. Tillamook here is $7.49 regular price. One thing I love about your channel is that it reminds me...every day is a new opportunity....for learning, for making choices, for....anything. Best...
You are so encouraging
You said tooany choices husband picking things up putting it in trolly impulse buy
Looks like you done a great job but don’t change your butter catch on sale.😊😊😊 no I thought you were buying for the month .
Stay with the butter! Add more fruit and veg. Make your own sweet treats with dates, peanut butter and dark chocolate! Yummy.
Is making your own chocolate actually worth it? Are you making it from cocoa powder and coconut oil? I've seen those videos and to be honest I don't know that the quality of what you get is vs a bar made using traditional methods
We found a good treat at Natural Grocers. It is little chunks of date/nuts/fruit, some have chocolate. They are just little two bite size...perfect to satisfy a sweet tooth and there is no added sugar, just what is naturally in the dates and fruit. We have also tried making these ourselves with dates, dried fruit and nuts. But having them already made is a nice time saver.
Another thing we do to satisfy a sweet tooth without too much sugar......a spoonful of natural peanut butter with a few chocolate chips sprinkled on. It doesn't get much more simple than that! Put it in the freezer and it is extra good.
@@christines2787 I think she might mean mixing dates, peanut butter and dark chocolate!
@penelopeprimrose90 - I made something similar this week. Coconut nibs, nuts and dried fruit in the food processor rolled in a little cocoa powder so they aren't sticky. Great snack while hiking.
I have never seen those Mott's Struesal bars before.
Why is there muffins when you meal prep that?
Love me some Aldi! But they don't have everything like you said. So I shop there weekly and then once a month I do a Walmart stock up haul because Walmart prices are equivalent to Aldi for the most part. Otherwise I avoid grocery stores completely. And I would give up a lot of things before I would give up butter!
I agree
We have Smith that's part of Kroger. The only thing good about spending more it can go toward the points to get gas at Smith Gas stations.
I can't shop Kroger because my grocery bill would be too high. I sometimes shop the sale, if I have to take my FIL there (his favorite grocery store, because he knows all the workers lol). Aldi is my favorite!
That pork roast was an awesome deal! 👌🙂
Good point!
I quit buying the large container of Crisco because I didn't use it that often. I bought it in sticks, like butter. It's more expensive per pound, but it fits my use better. I don't think I can go back to margarine, plus I think butter is better for you health wise. I'm going to try not to buy any convenience foods the next time I go to the grocery store. I'll have to commit to bake cookies for my sister-in-law. It'll be interesting to see the price difference. You got some great deals on meat. Thank you for sharing your haul with us. Love to all, Linda 💕
Shortening is not healthy either, it contains trans fats. It is why packaged baked goods are bad for our health. They are full of trans fats and hydrogenated vegetable oils. Margarine and shortening both are made with hydrogenated vegetable oils. Best to avoid them. Make homemade baked goods with butter, or healthier oils like olive oil or coconut oil. Avoid seed oils like canola oil, corn oil, soybean oil and sunflower oil. These oils are in most processed foods from baked goods, to mayo to salad dressing. Make your own and avoid them!
I live in northern New Jersey right outside. New York City and the cheapest food store by far is Aldi!
You scored on the pork. I find that pork is way more affordable than beef or chicken, You could make a lot of meals from rhat one large chunk. No judgement because my husband eats Lucky Charms as well, but I just watched a video about maybe 5 things to be banned in the US and they were on the list, and already banned in other countries. Def stick w/ butter since margarine is about 1 step from being plastic, I read that years ago and never ate it again.
It’s all the red and yellow dyes that are in things like Lucky Charms and also Doritos and Cheetos… it has been found now that they cause cancer. It’s been banned in other countries. I don’t buy that crap !!! Not taking that chance
Yes, Dawn , stay with the butter. Buy at Aldi or Walmart!
I wish we had an Aldi, but the closest is 3 hours away. We do have WinCo and Grocery Outlet Bargain Market though. 🛒🛍 Sacramento, California USA 🇺🇸
One dollar Dawn? Really? That’s a bit much. There’s always a margin of error. First mistake is don’t take your husband (or kids) grocery shopping. I think the majority of the snacks that aren’t necessary is because your husband likes snacks. Bake cookies and mini pumpkin muffins instead and freeze them too. My husband puts things in the cart too 😂. Watch Joyfully Thriving. She has a $500 budget for a family of 6. She shops sales and stocks up on items her family uses when on sale. She shops Kroger, Aldi, Walmart, and Sam’s Club. She sometimes goes over budget if there’s a good stock up price but she’s ok with that because some months are under budget. It’s how i grocery shop too. Also I shop at drugstores for items using rebate apps with it. I can pay $1 for cereal or granola bars.
No Kroger in my area but another store that's expensive. I stocked up on butter from Aldi at Easter time and froze several sticks.
Kroger shopper here.. As you were showing your grocery haul, I knew the amount was going to be $$$.
The mini muffins was a good deal. Pumpkin flavor is good. Those are my to go treat once in awhile. Plus, the box of chips. It’s good cuz it’s single servings. Portion control when you are having a craving.
Hope this weeks Kroger ad has some good sales.
I do not have an Aldis near me. But from the size of your hall there you looks like you did pretty good for that amount
The price of pumpkin has gotten ridiculous. I guess it is all that pumpkin this and pumpkin that, that is being made now.
I will buy my pumpkin pie at Costco for $5.99...it is the best. Shortening has gone out of sight as well...more than double. I'm glad I am not doing so much baking now. You got some good deals though Dawn...sometimes you just have to bite the bullet. Have a Blessed day.
I agree
I think you did great, so many of those things you dont have to buy regularly. Just keep your eye on those staples for sales and you will never pay full price again. I understand your sticker shock though.😂
In about a month Jroger should be having their canned goods stock up sale. Thats when I get my broths, canned vegetables, canned tomatoes, Stice Top and usually pumpkin is part of it. It used to be as low as .99 but I doubt it this year. I buy cases of most of it and it lasts me all year. It really saves me money.
Like everyone else says butter will be on sale. Stock up then and freeze it.
No Kroger in Florida I go to aldis helps me spend less not lot of choices but aisle of shame gets me some times
I assume you are kidding about the One Dollar. If not I will send you One Dollar -:) You can thank brandon for the high prices. I thank him every time I am shopping for groceries. Curse him is probably more accurate -:) There are no Kroger's near me. Just super Walmart and membership stores.
I wasn't kidding. I am actually 50 cents over budget
If you cooked more from scratch, you would have more groceries for less money. The meat was a fab deal for many meals, congrats. If you feed picky cats, putting a little broth in their food can convince them to eat.
That's my preferred method of food management. Takes time and effort from the store to food preparation at home. Had a few events really take away from my kitchen prep time, yet time to start consuming and rotating out the freezer and dry pantry. Finally got a point a few weeks ago, 'Frugal Fatigue' and knew I needed a break, preferably in my wishing well world, a very long one, before I started back at it again. Had to also update my shopping list asking myself if a good sale purchase and how much time will I be putting in from store to table. Ended up with eating a lot of high vitamins added kids brand cereal and not sorry I binged on this.
I've heard about Kroger's good deals but it is around 3 mi (and more traffic) instead of 1 to Neighborhood Walmart or 2 to Food Town. If I wanted to play longer in traffic I'd prefer to go a bit farther to HEB for better meats. I don't buy the packaged stuff so don't have a comparison unless I look it up. But yeah, food prices are outrageous! Good thing I don't particularly like cooking, I'd be even more upset. Truly your family is fortunate that you cook!
Thank you
Blessings ❤❤❤❤❤
HEB is the only store near me. I only shop my list, so if if its not on my list I just don't get it. I check my app before I go shopping for coupons. I have 2 items that are always on my list grapes for my husband, and beef short ribs for me. When it comes to these 2 items we are very picky, so if the don't look good we won't get them regardless if it's a "good deal".
I like HEB
No Kroger or Aldi near me. I'm guessing by me this haul would go for clear to 200 because our regular prices are higher. Let's say it's been an adventure trying to shop.
No Kroger near me.
No Krogers here but theres’ one in northern Washington I stop at on my way home to California haha! One change I made a long while back is making my own stocks. The Moosewood Cafe book has several vegetarian ones that are great. I do chicken and beef as well. It’s an effort I’m willing to make every 4 months or so for each kind. I am wary of what’s actually in the boxed ones. (Is it just me? I better look up production and learn what they use)
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Moneymom. Dawn I just. Went. Food. Shopping. Wow. What. Can. We. Do you. Have sweet shopping. Luv. Pa. 🦋🐞🌷🌹❤️💮🏵️🌼🌺🌸😀🌞
So was this the end of August, or have you already spent the September budget?
I video ahead. This was August
Been hearing in the news that Kroger has been caught price gouging here in Ohio...
A similar grocery haul bought here in New Zealand 2024 would probably cost three times that amount. Any prepared or processed groceries are unaffordable here for average shoppers. We are obliged to cook mostly from scratch to afford to feed our families.
Oh wow!
Not familiar with Kroger's or Aldi's. Kroger's has been wanting to buy our Albertsons, including the one in our two. Albertsons tends to be higher prices. Today, I did a primarily cat food run. Both of her brands on sale. Last night, online saw one brand at Walmart $2 box of twelve, cheaper than the brand on sale today. Bought sushi from the deli $10, but this version tray much better than some of the previous ones. Starting with the sushi, went on the grocery app inside the store and entered each of the brand products in my cart I was purchasing. Most have some kind of extra discount. The sushi had $1. Most other products about 50cents to a dollar. Most of the sales items also included a bit of a discount. Sometimes extra points. Again, was able to save a few extra dollars. Then my monthly club membership $5 which I use to balance out getting my money returned on the yearly discount I paid in. And decided to take some points today, another $4 off. Same for purchasing a larger beverage at the back of the store. Going over sales, prices of cartons of iced coffee, containers of ice tea or lemonade. This is my 'to go' and the sweetened ice tea supposedly on sale, discounted for $3.50. Once I return home, I will refill a few times with water, both to save money, cut down on calories and sugar and stretch the budget. The receipt states a 23 percent savings, but difficult to tell as I was comfy with getting stocked up on cat food at the only store in town that carried her senior cat food that she can digest. Oh. The M and Ms also on sale and the app had about an extra dollar off, so I clipped that. Am going to divide up, freeze off to discourage me from any sugar cravings. Cereal in bulk packages I am slowly switching to only if a high vitamin count. And, toilet paper this trip around, unlike the last shopping trip had $1 off, but that was from a price of $8.99 for six mega rolls. The savings on both trips I worked hard on, kind of covered the higher price in toilet paper. Toilet paper, same brand went up by $2 to $3 and the so called sales price is a bad joke on my wallet.
I don't have a solution to your husband putting junk food in the cart, but I would really avoid taking him into Kroger again!!
I think this all shows that sticking to one store, like Aldi is a good idea.
Do you still do some meatless meals?
His items were a big part of the bill. Not good🥴
Take him to the store after he eats a big meal and is full.
Dawn seems to bake a lot and make several desserts each week. I can't understand why he needs multiple treats in addition to the homemade ones. It's not my problem obviously, but the solution seems simple!
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I'd be curious to see if you put all of your items in the Walmart app. What the difference in the price would be? I'm in Canada, so our prices are pretty high to begin with. But I'm just curious to know cuz. Everybody on youtube seems to think that walmart's the cheapest
Good point
Aldi is Great. Their breads are really cheap. Like 1.99 or even 2.04 or 2.99. But I would pick Aldi any day. But I understand why u picked Kroger...But as long as you learn from yr mistake you'll be fine...😊😊😊
Thank you
Did you get anything free thru the app ? Like eggs or peanut butter ? Today’s I am getting the peanut butter free.
Occasionally
Do NOT use margarine. I grew up eating tons of that and got cancers as a young adult. Not saying definitely the margarine caused it, but there are numerous studies proving that stuff is vile for health. Butter is insanely high in price but worth it if you want better health. I sure do wish its price of butter would come down.
I never had it
Hi dawn
Hi
how much were the eggs per dozen? butter cheaper aldis ..
Eggs were two dollars and 79 cents
@@CentsibleLivingWithMoneyMom thats not to bad where they on sale? regular price one dozen eggs aldis is $3.08 i live great lakes region . butter is $3.79 per pound
@@CentsibleLivingWithMoneyMom Eggs at my local grocery store, Hannaford $4.99 for a carton of one dozen large eggs two days ago. Needless to say, I did not buy them. A week before that they were 3.99 which killed me to buy then, but I did, and a week before that 2.99. I stopped at a farm market this week and their dozen large eggs were $6.99 !
Life's too sbort to worry about "mistakes" on buying groceries. Enjoy the treats your family likes, don't give it a second thought. Sounds like you are going to be making some great recipes. 👍 👍👍🐈🐈⬛🐈
So true!
More and more people are telling me that they are going to plant-based menus.... Just use a bit of meat in a meal.
Good savings
I get cherry pop tarts at the Dollar Tree for $1.25
But i'm a split you.Maybe go on the cash apps and claim some of your groceries if it's on there and then you'll be under budget
I shop Kroger weekly. Have good sales.. you got a cat?
She has said they have outdoor cats
An outdoor one
Eggs were for sale $10 per dozen
@@KerryJames-l6z oh, my goodness! In what area do you live? I can buy farm fresh eggs here in Georgia for $3 a dozen. Less than that at the grocery store.
What in the holy cockadoodledoo!!
Joke or serious
Wow
Margarine is horrible for your heart and not worth the health ramifications.
I never had it
Seriously, if i were to purchase those items it would be a lot more than $160. It really depends where you live. I think you did good with that haul.
People harp on buying too much processed food but fail to understand that ALL food goes through some kind of processing, including produce. Life is too short to always worry about whether what you eat will harm or kill you. NONE of it is wholly healthy. We all have to leave here regardless of what we eat. As long as food is eaten in moderation, don't feel like you need to deprive yourself and family in order to eat better. I'm not giving up my Oreos for anybody😂Sometimes people just buy what they can afford. Nutrition,although very important, isn't always taken into account.
As long as you keep food waste to a minimum you'll be alright.
You are so sweet
Nobody would tell someone to give up their oreos, but when you look at that shopping haul and compare the ratio of real food to junk food, I don't think expensive butter is the real culprit.
Everyone should buy as much junk food as they like, I do when I want it, but don't include it as groceries, it's not a true number.
Just because you eat it doesn't make it groceries cause if it did then you would have to add your restaurant food as groceries too.
@@TeresaS-q7x I agree. Buy whatever you want, but don't complain about the cost of groceries when most of what you buy is overpriced convenience foods and snack foods. The packaged snacks will destroy your budget every time. That's fine to buy that stuff if you want to, but realize that you are not saving money. Even if they are on sale, they are still taking money away from the budget to buy real food.
Even growing your own produce and producing your own dairy and meat, all food does have to be processed to some extent, this is true. Vegetables are chopped and frozen, meat is butchered. Yes. But when a discussion comes up about "processed foods" people are really talking about "ultra processed foods". Big difference!
With a calculator, how did you not you know that you were $1 over?..lol ONE DOLLAR..not a big deal.. The biggest concern is that you are $320 OVER spending monthly per Hope @"Under the Median" She feeds family of 4 including 2 teenage boys for $200 a month. .. Maybe not for Dawn but maybe for the people who listen to your video..
I keep track on a spreadsheet
I don’t believe $200 for a family of four unless she is growing and preserving own food. Teens need mucho calories and quality protein. 1 qt. milk per kid per day for starters.