Living Well, Spending Less Round-up

As part of the Living Well, Spending Less No Spend challenge, I committed to posting computer screen sticky notes for every item purchased, from where it was purchased and how much was paid for it. Having to keep track like that is enough to make one not want to spend, to be sure, but I did it.

Here is what I learned from this experience.

1. I don't like running to multiple stores to get good deals. This month I shopped at Costco, Target, Walmart, Dollar Tree and Econo Foods. 
2. Not every store has the brands my family enjoys.
3. Shopping once a month is NOT realistic for my life.
4. Many items I need can be purchased at the dollar stores.
5. I frequently buy too much of some items and not enough of others.

How I plan to deal with these issues.

1. Since Walmart does price matching and we need the pharmacy, if I wish to only shop at one or two stores, Walmart and Dollar Tree are them.
2. I will come up with alternatives to the items or make my own from scratch.
3. Once I do a huge stock-up to replenish, I will shop bi-weekly, keeping a running list of things needed.
4. This was a HUGE epiphany! I knew I could buy many things at the dollar stores, but when I realized I was paying 2, 3, 4 and even more times the amount on things at Walmart, like spray disinfectant (Lysol) it was time for a change. I can keep a can of the spray in the rooms I use it most rather than having one bottle. I call that awesome!
5. Seeing the repeat purchases of things like salsa (this stuff is like water to my family) allows me to buy sufficient amounts, rather than running for it more often.

Now, all I have to do is keep two lists; one for Walmart and one for Dollar Tree.

That's not to say I won't ever step into another store, but for the majority of food and household needs, I will be able to manage at just the two stores.