Tuesday, October 17, 2006

How often should a person frequent the grocery store?

In the last few months I have taken a different approach to my grocery shopping, instead of doing a big grocery shop every 2 weeks, I have tried to go to the grocery store more frequently.

I have read various penny-pinching laws about grocery shopping more often ... apparently according to some so-called financial experts... the more often you visit the grocery store, the less likely you are to over spend, as you only get want you need when you need it. Large grocery shops less frequently mean that you buy a lot at one time, but sometimes end up throwing out a lot of what you purchased because you did end up needing it or many fresh products went bad before you could eat them.

I will admit that I have been less likely to throw out food lately, because I only buy what I need, but at the same time, when I am at the grocery store more frequently I notice more changes and new products. I sometimes purchases things I don't really need, but products that I would like to try.

As well... if I don't end up going to grocery store every second day... then I find there is nothing on reserve in the freezer to eat. Over the last two months, PC has cleaned out the freezer, because he couldn't find anything fresh to eat in the fridge. I think this forces the issue that we order more pizza because there when we look in the fridge, and I haven't made it to the grocery store in 3 days... pizza delivery is the easiest, quickest solution.

It's quite a dilemma as you can see!

I think I roughly end up spending $30-$40 dollars every time I go to grocery store for little trips... which is about 4 or 5 times a week. But in a big grocery shop I would normally spend $200 every two weeks... so I have to wonder, is the more frequent shopping worth it, or do I spend the same amount of money anyways when I make 5 little trips.

What is your take... ??