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ecently, I came up with a solution.
Two paychecks back, I started shopping on the day before payday. Let me tell you, it has made a huge difference. You see, once you start cutting it so close to the next check, many families simply don't have the funds to go out and make huge grocery purchases, so the stores are empty. This is especially true in certain months where because of weekends/holidays and the deposit schedule that some banks have, there can much more than just two weeks between each check.
The first time I tried shopping before payday, the store was dead silent (except for V whining) and the aisles were more or less people free. When it came time to check out, there was not a single person in front of me. That's never happened to me in Hawaii! Never! The second time shopping this way wasn't quite as quiet, but it was nothing like the usual mess that the commissary is.
Although it's been slightly difficult to come up with a shopping list and avoid the commissary between pay periods, somehow, I've managed to make it work. The last meal plan I made was for 17 days. I went really in depth and made sure that there were enough breakfast, lunch, and snack items on the list as well, so that I wouldn't have to pop into the commissary for anything. I went as far as making sure that I stocked up on enough diapers, because they're cheaper at the commi than the PX.
Overall, I'm extremely happy with how my new shopping technique is working out. The total amount spent on each of the two trips has been just over $200, which for me is great, considering before this, I was spending close to $150 per week.
Does anyone else shop this way? Or do you just avoid shopping on base completely?
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I haven't shopped at the commissary in probably a year...for some reason it seems like their prices have gone up drastically. I stick to super target.
ReplyDeleteI never shop at the commissary. We live off base and even though we live like 5 min from base I just hate going there. Husband and I have gone there once just to pick something up since we were on base for other reasons and the line was wrapped around the whole store like you said! It might have been pay day but I don't remember. I was shocked. I like to avoid that place as much as possible after seeing that. We don't live paycheck to paycheck at all so I shop pretty much whenever.
ReplyDeleteI usually shop off-post but if I do go to the Commissary, which I like to do for my beef, I do what you do. Usually 1-3 days before payday. I can not stand the crowds.
ReplyDeleteI don't shop at the commissary here because we live to far from base. In Okinawa, I did plan my trips. I avoided paydays and weekends. I found the best time to go was weekday mornings. Once I figured this out, I could get in and out without a big problem.
ReplyDeleteIt's really a sad situation that people who willingly fight for our country have to live paycheck to paycheck. I have found that shopping at odd hours (obviously, I don't have to bring kids along) tends to be easier. Like I've gone grocery shopping at 9 pm. It was delightful.
ReplyDeleteI used to shop like you used to -- every single wednesday, regardless of pay day or not, was our day. But we decided to cut back on our driving into town, so now I'm only going in and running ALL of our errands every other week. Because of when we get paid, two days before the 1st, I can shop then and beat the rush, and it's great! This morning was pretty empty and silent, especially since a lot of people are still hibernating from the snow we just got!
ReplyDeleteThis is how we do it, and have done it since living in Alaska. Shopping off base could bankrupt someone up here. The commissary is much cheaper except for milk, which is way cheaper off base. To be honest I have probably stepped foot in the commissary 5 times since being here. My husband does the shopping. haha! But we shop before payday every time. It is just easier, no lines, no people, and the shelves are stocked full.
ReplyDeleteI love the Commissary and couponing there! I always (try to at least) shop on Mondays and I meal plan from Monday - Sunday. Shopping with Jonah it just makes things easier to shop a week at a time.
ReplyDeleteI used to have the privilege to do just this, I loved it! But living in beaufort has made my life difficult when it comes to grocery shopping. Food spoils fast here, for reasons I don't know for sure but probably due to humidity and the fact that most foods (produce) are stamped or have stickers from California :/ on that note I have to make sure to go every week to insure fresh food (for the most part it's produce that spoils quickly--from any store, Walmart, publix, food lion, any store) for our family. Which sucks but worth the price!!! Especially w coupons!!!!
ReplyDeleteCostco!!! That's where I did most of my shopping in Hawaii :)
ReplyDeleteFor certain things we shop at the commissary for. The produce prices are nice. it is just kind of when we need to go we go or early in the morning when everyone else is at work like 8:30am-9:30am. glad you found a plan that works for you!
ReplyDeleteI find going during early bird hours is easier here.
ReplyDeleteThe crowd is also a problem to me. I may try this method of yours. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeletemilitary spouse jobs
We shop on Friday and Saturday nights to avoid the crowds. It is dead because all the single soldiers have plans and families usually do too or don't want to take their kids to the grocery store after 5pm. AND this is the time that they start stocking back up for the next week, so we never have any issues finding anything.
ReplyDelete