Make the Most of Your Grocery Budget

Many of the questions I get are how to stretch your budget and/or benefits to get the most out of what you have. My answer: coupons and planning. As soon as I mention coupons I see the shifty eyes, and "you lost me" expression, but hear me out! Coupons get a bad rep! We probably remember coupons as those pieces of paper our parents cut out of newspapers when we were younger. They usually had a wallet stuffed with coupons with varying expiration dates. Or maybe we think of the "coupon lady" who has parties with her friends where they sit at a table cutting and bartering coupons. She's the one always fighting the cashier to get the most out of her expired coupon. This is not what I'm talking about at all!

Coupons have evolved with the times just like everything else. There are still paper coupons, and coupon parties, but now we have this great thing called "digital coupons". These usually require that you sign up with an app at whatever store you're shopping at, or signing up with an app like Coupons.com. These are all great options to get the most out of your dollar. It may be inconvenient to download an app and create an account, but if it saves you an average $20+ each shopping trip isn't the inconvenience worth it? Plus apps are so easy to organize! Just toss them in a folder to declutter your screen, and still have everything within easy range.

My second tip is plan. We usually say, "Oh I need to go get groceries," then head to the store. Once we are there we start filling the shopping cart with whatever catches our eye (usually the endcaps), not really focusing on the cost, or what we are choosing. When we get to the counter we quickly realize we are over budget, and don't really have what we needed in the first place (ahem...looking at you Target). I suggest after you've eaten a decent meal (aka not hungry) get the flyers for your local grocery stores, and start planning.

Some find that using traditional paper and pencil works for them. I have found I tend to forget my list when I do that. What works best for me is using an app to make a list. There are several free apps for making shopping lists. My favorite has been List Ease. I like it because your list can be shared across Android and Apple devices. You also have the option to make a pantry list. This keeps you from buying things you don't need, but you can also update what is in your pantry, how low it is, and easily shift the item to your shopping list when it gets too low. Plus, you can easily add items while you shop so you don't go over budget. You can create lists for the specific store you're going to, and update the price of items as you shop. The app then adds up the cost of your cart, saving you from sticker shock at checkout.

The grocery stores in my immediate area are Walmart Neighborhood Market, Sam's Club, Publix, Winn-Dixie, Aldi, and Sprouts. Typically my go to stores are the last four. Publix, Winn-Dixie, and Sprouts all have shopping apps that allow you to create an account, and save digital coupons under your phone number. (Target also has an app with 'Cartwheel' for digital coupons/sales, but they are not close enough to us. Check them out too because they often have free gift card options!) When you check out you enter your phone number, and receive your savings. You can usually create a shopping list in these apps, but I haven't found that to be as beneficial as having all the items I need on one list.

Finally, before you go shopping make sure you're not hungry (this goes for the kids too - pack them snacks). Seriously pro tip here folks! If you grocery shop while hungry you will buy foods that you don't necessarily need. So eat!

NEVER plan or shop for groceries when you are hungry!

NEVER plan or shop for groceries when you are hungry!

Now grab your list and head to your destination! When you start shopping you have to go down every food aisle. I know, I know, it's time consuming, but there is a method to my madness. While you're walking check the labels for any BOGO or additional coupon offers. When you get to the item you want to purchase do not just immediately grab the first item you see! Check the prices of the surrounding products. This includes the top and bottom shelves. Check expiration dates. Check the volume and item price. Sometimes it's cheaper to buy two smaller items vs one larger item to get the amount you want/need. Sometimes the name brand product is actually cheaper than the store brand item so watch out for that too, especially if there is a sale on the name brand item.

Example: One 5 ounce can costs $1.00 with a unit price of $0.20/ounce. The smaller size can is 2.5 ounces and costs $0.50 with a unit price of $0.20/ounce. These prices are comparable. If you were planning on buying the 5 ounce can that would be a good buy. Now let's say there is a larger can of 8.5 ounces that costs $1.50 with a unit price of $0.18/ounce. The bigger can is the better buy for your money. Yes, it costs more, but the unit price is cheaper and depending on the item you can save the rest for another meal/recipe. This is where a kitchen scale becomes invaluable!

Buying the bigger size also works well when you are meal planning. If your recipe calls for 5 ounces, but you're doubling the recipe you could buy two of the bigger cans, portion out what you need, and save the remaining 6 ounces for making the recipe a third time, or for any other meal you wanted to make. Buying two of the bigger cans is the same cost as buying 3 of the 5 ounce cans, but you get more product for your money.

In this example, if you bought A you’d pay less, but in the long run spend more money. 6 ounces of the yogurt costs 72 cents with a unit price of 12 cents, but if you needed 32 ounces you would have to buy 6 of the smaller containers and pay $4.32 t…

In this example, if you bought A you’d pay less, but in the long run spend more money. 6 ounces of the yogurt costs 72 cents with a unit price of 12 cents, but if you needed 32 ounces you would have to buy 6 of the smaller containers and pay $4.32 total vs buying the 32 ounce container for $1.62! Unit price is key!

Don't worry if math is not your strong point. The unit price is located right on the shelf tag! If you cannot find it for whatever reason just start with the price of the item, divide it by the ounces of the product, and that is the unit price for what you are buying. So in the image above take $1.62 and divide it by 32 (the number of ounces). Your answer will be $0.05/ounce.

We usually shop for main staples once a month, regular groceries every two weeks, and vegetables/fresh fruits once a week. Check Farmer’s Markets for fresh fruits and veggies. Many of them accept EBT with a much lower sticker tag than traditional grocery stores. It's also helpful to invest in a deep freezer. They range in price starting around $180 if you buy brand new. There is nothing wrong with used. I suggest checking Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or your local thrift shop. Yard/garage sales, and estate sales are also a good place to check. Finally, you need a kitchen scale. It does not have to cost a lot, but it will help you not waste the products you spent so much time saving money on!

Now that you know my process let me walk you through a typical shopping trip. I like to start by opening the fridge, and checking any item that looks low, but also paying attention to expiration dates. Usually you can get away with being a week past, but I wouldn't push it more than that. Next, I check the pantry and deep freezer. Stocking the deep freezer is a completely different shopping adventure, Stay tuned for that post!

Once I've gotten a general idea of what is missing, or needs replacing I pull up the flyers for Publix, Walmart, Aldi, and Sprouts. We do get some of these flyers in the mail, but they don't always arrive on time. Check the date on the flyer as it will tell you how long the prices are good for, and gives you an idea of when the stores usually change their sale prices. Once I have my flyers up I go through and write down everything in the flyer that we either eat, or I know we will be needing soon. If it's a good BOGO, or a product we eat frequently I will buy it even if we don't "need" it right away. If it's nonperishable it's better to stock up when it's on sale so that if you need it you already have it, but don't miss out on such a great price. Don't waste your money on "Buy 2, Get 1 Free" deals unless you were already planning on buying two of that item. They are a waste of your time and money.

When I go through the flyers I like to create a paper list, but you can write it directly on your app. The reason I like the paper list is I can visually see the competing prices for products I'm buying. I will also write if the product is BOGO, and put a star next to any item that has a digital coupon. When reading the flyer for Winn-Dixie check for "bonus points" items. These points can be used to reduce your grocery bill on your next shopping trip, or to take a few cents off per gallon of gas. When reading the Publix flyer look for "buy x amount and get a gift card" options. Target also has similar offers on their Target app. Don't worry if it's not something you want. That just means you don't get the gift card. We are here to save money, not waste it!

Once I have gone through the four stores and created my list, I go into the individual apps for those stores, and add any digital coupons I starred on paper. I also check out coupons.com, and print out any coupons for products I plan to buy on that trip. Publix.com has printable coupons. You cannot always stack coupons, but it never hurts to be prepared. I also go down the digital coupon list, and add any products I might buy. For instance, if they have a coupon on a brand name sauce I've never bought before I will add the coupon. When I get to the store if the product with the coupon is cheaper than what I was going to purchase I will buy the product with the coupon. If the product costs more I leave it. You are not penalized for not using the digital coupons you claim.

Now that I have my list and coupons ready I open my shopping app. I then enter the items I want to buy, what quantity I want to buy, what store has the better deal, and what that price is. When I get to the store I immediately open my app, and start shopping my list going aisle by aisle. Check the aisles and product for IRCs which are stickers or neck tag coupons directly on the product, or on the shelf to tear and go that you can use the same shopping trip. As I place an item in my cart I make sure to update my list with the price of the product, and quantity I added to the cart. I do not write the sale price on the app. I know that always confuses people, but my rationale is that the store employees are human and make mistakes. Sometimes products don't scan correctly. I would rather the inconvenience of going to customer service to get the right price, than not have enough money at the checkout counter.

Once I've placed my last item in the cart I head to checkout. Some stores give you a discount for bringing your own bags. Don't be ashamed to get your discounts! This is your money. Make it work for you! Before you swipe your card make sure all your coupons have been handed over, or have been accepted digitally. If there is an error you can always take your receipt to customer service, and they will help correct the issue.

And that's it! Grocery shopping usually takes me 1-2 hours, and requires trips to multiple stores, but my grocery budget for a family of 4 is about $500-600/month depending on if I need to restock the deep freezer or not. The grocery budget also includes cat litter, cat/dog food, and things like paper towels, toilet paper, and toiletries.

Questions, comments? Send a message or comment below.

History Has It's Eyes On You...

When I first heard this statement, I didn’t put much thought into it. The statement is a line in a song from the award-winning musical Hamilton. As I’ve been enjoying the soundtrack from this musical I’ve been mulling over this statement as it pertains to my life. I’ve always lived my life with integrity and honesty. This was not to impress anyone or get asspats. It is a personal code of ethics. My reputation is important to me. Knowing that I told the truth and spoke up, even when no one wanted to hear it, is what helps me sleep at night.

Before George Floyd, before all the countless Black Americans who have been legally murdered before ever getting their day in court, before the rest of America finally started paying attention, we had Trayvon Martin. Many familial lines were drawn in the sand during and after the trial. The outrage and hurt over his murder and all the subsequent events that happened thereafter are still a glaring issue in this country. And then Tamir Rice happened. Our children are not safe! They are not safe to be children and grow up in a society that alleges we all have “equal opportunities”. Our children are innocent! You are innocent until proven guilty. I cannot tell you the countless stories I’ve read of white people literally attacking police, and making it out alive. Whenever a Black person is murdered by police the next question is always, “But what did they do? What’s the whole story?” There doesn’t need to be a whole story! You cannot execute someone before they are tried! Period. Police are meant to serve and protect. They are NOT judge, jury, and executioner.

I was active online in a couple babywearing and breastfeeding groups. Online discussions tend to give people who would normally stay quiet, a platform to express their ideals and beliefs. Any mention of Black Lives Matter (BLM) was usually met with huge opposition. Any discussion that required someone to think about some else as an actual person was met with violent conversation that often trickled into real life. This even in local groups were people knew me and others like me face to face. I remember a discussion that was calm on my end, but appeared to be heated on the other end of the discussion (note: you cannot read tone). This woman was so angry she came back with, “You’re just talking big because you’re on the internet, but you would never say this to my face.” I invited her to meet me for coffee, on my dime, to further our discussion. I stressed that the way I carry myself online is the same way I carry myself in real life. I don’t have the mental capacity to remember a fake persona. She never took me up on my offer. This discussion stuck with me for a long time.

“History has its eyes on you. Who lives? Who dies? Who tells your story?”

I tell my story! I don’t want to be remembered as the “Black mother of 2 who was murdered by police while pulled over for not stopping an imaginary amount of time at a stop sign on a deserted road” (true story I was pulled over for this last month). I don’t want to be remembered as “Black mother of 2 who was murdered by police because another driver cut across three lanes of traffic requiring the mother to slam on the brakes to avoid a collision” (also a true story). I don’t want to be remembered as “just a mom” or “just a black person” or “just a wife” or “just xyz”.

I want to be remembered as the person who helped out struggling parents with being parents. The person who let you vent and cry with no judgment. The person who helped out NICU parents struggling with navigating the hospital system. The person who if they had it, they would give it, as long as it didn’t leave their children without. I want to be remembered for the person unafraid to say what needed to be said even when you didn’t want to hear it. The person who empowered other Black people to know their rights. ALL THEIR RIGHTS! The rights that we are born with and still constantly have to fight for. The right to be seen as a person.

At the end of my discussion I replied “I fight with you not because I care about you. I fight with you because you are raising the next generation of people. I don’t want my children, or the children of people who look like me, to have to continue this fight that my parents, grandparents, and countless others have had to endure.”

I want my kids to be able to be friends with someone, and not have to worry if their parents will comment “It smells like nigger in here” after they leave. I want my kids to be able to invite friends over to their house, and not later have that friend’s parents say they are not allowed back over because they “didn’t know it was a black house”. I want my kid to play Mary in the Nativity play if she wants to, and not be told she “can be a star because Mary wasn’t Black”. I want my children to be believed (the first time) if they should ever have a medical emergency. I want my children to be believed if they ever really do need police intervention. I don’t want them growing up afraid of the people who are supposed to “serve and protect” them. I don’t know if they missed the memo, but “serve and protect” ends with an unwritten “all people” not “only white people”.

If you’re reading this, now more than any other time, is the time to protect your Black friends. I’ve never held being white against anyone, but if you’re not using your white voice to speak up what are you doing? How else are you supporting your Black friends and family? The election is coming up. How are you supporting your friends of color to make sure their vote is counted?

“History has its eyes on you. Who lives? Who dies? Who tells YOUR story?”

Medical Marijuana Makes Me A Better Parent

I know, I know. That's a loaded statement. The argument against medical marijuana (MMJ) is far reaching. There are people who are staunchly against it. They feel it's "just an excuse to get high". Currently, in Florida, legislators are trying to pass a law limiting the amount of THC in MMJ products. This would be devastating to just about everyone who uses medical marijuana. They would propose a cap of 10% THC in flower products and 60% in all other products. It has been found that MMJ has been the most beneficial in treating PTSD. Florida is home to many veterans who suffer from PTSD. This proposal could be potentially very dangerous for these veterans, and other Floridians who they might interact with.

In February, I wrote an e-mail to House Speaker José Oliva in regards to this "proposal". Shockingly, it went unanswered (insert sarcasm font here). I broke down the cost of MMJ for patients in Florida. It went like this:

“Hello Jose,

First, I want to say that even though I am not a registered Republican, I did vote for you because you have a track record of being "for the patient". I had a couple questions for you in regards to why you feel this cap on THC in medical marijuana is needed. My first question is what research are you using to support your claims/beliefs? Second, have you used medical marijuana at all? Finally, are you aware of the current costs of medical marijuana for a typical patient in Florida?

Allow me to break down the typical cost point for a patient. You should be aware of this since you're voting on laws that directly effect the population, but if you're not allow me to enlighten you. The current cost just to get a recommendation starts at $189. I have shopped around. This is the cheapest. You are required to follow up every 7 months which makes the cost at least $378 for the year. This is not covered under insurance. You cannot use insurance for any mmj anything. You are required to pay $75 yearly to the state for your medical card. Without having stepped a single toe into a dispensary you are already paying at least $453 for the year.

Once you go to a dispensary the lowest cost option available is $12. This is for one pre-rolled joint of 1 gram of mmj. I do not like using these because I have small children. It's also hard to put out a lit joint/properly dose yourself. I prefer the vape cartridges. For medical marijuana inhalation I am prescribed 14,000 mg with a recommendation to consume 200 mg daily. If I 100% follow the recommendation that the doctor gave to me I would need to buy 70 cartridges of mmj for the entire month, and consume one entire cartridge every 2 days. The cartridges start at $48. If I buy the full 70 that was recommended I would need to pay $3,360 per month.

I am not a typical consumer of MMJ. One cartridge lasts me about a week. I went this route instead of opting for surgery that might leave me worse, or getting hooked on opioid pills. As I stated above, I have small children, and want to be a functioning parent. Many veterans require MMJ to treat their PTSD. They have different/stronger needs than I would for MMJ. What right do you have to decide how effective the medicine is for them, while in the same breath doing NOTHING about the overdosing of opioids to people who are clearly dependent?

Putting a 10% cap on THC in MMJ is NOT a priority. The Florida MMJ laws are already hard for patients. This medication is expensive! Putting a cap will force patients to have to buy more and more product to get their correct dosage. You are no longer helping patients at that point. I urge you to rethink your stance. Check out cost point for patients. Talk to some patients. Hear us out. You said you wanted healthcare professionals to be able to do their jobs so why are you trying to impede the process now? Do better.”

As you can see, the cost is astronomical with the THC at the current levels. If the amounts were lowered that would require a typical patient to buy larger and larger amounts of MMJ just to reach the same therapeutic levels they currently are at. Why fix what isn't broken? Lawmakers should be helping, NOT hindering the very citizens they serve.

So how does MMJ make me a more effective parent? In 2017, at 5 weeks pregnant, I was in a horrible car accident that left me with bulging and herniated discs in my C1 to C7 vertebrae. I was no longer able to lift my 3 year old. I had excruciating pain my entire pregnancy. I did seek chiropractic care to help alleviate some of those pains, but when you're pregnant your pain relief options are very limited.

Shortly before the birth of my second child, I obtained a MMJ card. I did not use while pregnant. I waited until a few months after the birth to step my foot in a dispensary for the first time.

I went to Trulieve, and was immediately impressed by how nice and professional it all looked. I met with a customer service representative who brought me and my kids into a nice and quiet room to discuss the options available to me. She explained the different routes available. She listened to my concerns about not wanting to be “too high to function”. She alleviated my concerns, and explained safe ways to learn what dosage I needed to get effective pain relief.

I left after that day, and opened my world to the many ways to dose yourself. I quickly learned that I liked the ease of vaping. Eventually, I felt confident enough to use drops. When I first obtained my card the only legal methods available were tincture drops or vapes. A few months later, after a long fight with lawmakers, MMJ flower was approved. The past year edibles were FINALLY approved. Before that time I had gotten pretty savvy with my MMJ and had figured out how to make my own edibles. I still have vapes for break through pain like migraines, or period cramps, but daily dosing with drops and tinctures has proven the most beneficial for me. I'm not in constant, debilitating pain. I've been able to walk and work out more. I've lost almost 84 lbs. since the birth of my last child. I can play with them. I can handle the little aggravations of life that set most people off and ruin their days. I have far fewer migraines than I used to. It's been more effective at treating my migraines than pharmaceuticals have ever been.

Floridians! Reach out to your lawmakers and demand they listen to the people!